aim
(ām)
[Middle English aimen, from Old French esmer, to estimate (from Latin aestimāre), and from Old French aesmer (from Vulgar Latin* ad estimāre) (Latin ad-, ad-) (Latin aestimāre, to estimate).]
verb: aimed, aim·ing, aims.
transitive verb
- To direct (a weapon) toward an intended target.
- To direct toward or intend for a particular goal or group: The publicity campaign was aimed at improving the eating habits of children.
intransitive verb
- To direct a weapon: a gunner aiming carefully.
- To determine a course or direct an effort: aim for a better education.
- To propose to do something; intend: The historical society is aiming to restore the town hall.
noun
- The act of aiming.
- Skill at hitting a target: The shooter's aim was perfect.
- The line of fire of an aimed weapon.
- The degree of accuracy of a weapon.
- A purpose or intention toward which one's efforts are directed.
- Obsolete A target; a mark.
- Obsolete A conjecture; a guess.
synonyms:
aim, direct, level, point, train These verbs mean to turn something toward an intended goal or target: aimed the camera at the guests; directing my eyes on the book; leveled criticism at the administration; pointing a finger at the suspect; trained the gun on the intruder.- See also: intention
