aim

 
Pronunciation: /eɪm/

verb

  • 1 [with object] point or direct (a weapon or camera) at a target: aim the camcorder at some suitable object [no object]: aim for the middle of the target
  • direct (a missile or blow) at someone or something: she had aimed the bottle at Gary’s head
  • (aim something at) direct information, a product, or an action towards (a particular group): the TV campaign is aimed at the 16-24 age group
  • 2 [no object] have the intention of achieving: the programme will aim at deepening understanding [with infinitive]: we aim to give you the best possible service

noun

  • 1a purpose or intention; a desired outcome: our primary aim is to achieve financial discipline
  • 2 [in singular] the directing of a weapon or missile at a target: his aim was perfect

Phrases

aim high

be ambitious: must women who aim high be more hard-working than the men?

take aim

point a weapon or camera at a target: Kearny took aim with his pistol take aim, fire!

Origin:

Middle English: from Old French amer, variant of esmer (from Latin aestimare 'assess, estimate'), reinforced by aemer, aesmer (from late Latin adaestimare, intensified form of aestimare)