- aim
- [[t]e͟ɪm[/t]]
♦♦aims, aiming, aimed1) VERB If you aim for something or aim to do something, you plan or hope to achieve it.
[V for/at n/-ing] He said he would aim for the 100 metres world record at the world championships in August...
[V for/at n/-ing] Businesses will have to aim at long-term growth.
[V to-inf] ...an appeal which aims to raise funds for children with special needs.
2) N-COUNT: oft with poss The aim of something that you do is the purpose for which you do it or the result that it is intended to achieve.The aim of the festival is to increase awareness of Hindu culture and traditions.
...a research programme that has largely failed to achieve its principal aims.
Syn:3) V-PASSIVE If an action or plan is aimed at achieving something, it is intended or planned to achieve it.[be V-ed at n/-ing] The new measures are aimed at tightening existing sanctions.
[V-ed] ...talks aimed at ending the nine year old war in Mozambique.
4) VERB If you aim to do something, you decide or want to do it. [AM, INFORMAL][V to-inf] Are you aiming to visit the gardens?...
[V to-inf] I didn't aim to get caught.
5) VERB: usu passive If your actions or remarks are aimed at a particular person or group, you intend that the person or group should notice them and be influenced by them.[be V-ed at n] His message was aimed at the undecided middle ground of Israeli politics...
[V-ed] Advertising aimed at children should be curbed.
6) VERB If you aim a weapon or object at something or someone, you point it towards them before firing or throwing it.[V n at n] When he appeared again, he was aiming the rifle at Wade.
[V-ed] ...a missile aimed at the arms factory...
[V at n] I didn't know I was supposed to aim at the same spot all the time. [Also V]
7) N-SING: oft poss N Your aim is your skill or action in pointing a weapon or other object at its target.He stood with the gun gripped in his right hand and his left hand steadying his aim.
8) VERB If you aim a kick or punch at someone, you try to kick or punch them.[V n prep/adv] They set on him, punching him in the face and aiming kicks at his shins. [Also V n]
9) PHRASE: V inflects When you take aim, you point a weapon or object at someone or something, before firing or throwing it.She had spotted a man with a shotgun taking aim.
10) PHRASE: V inflects, PHR n If you take aim at someone or something, you criticize them strongly. [AM]Republican strategists are taking particular aim at Democratic senators in the Carolinas.
English dictionary. 2008.
