reach

Syllabification: (reach)

Pronunciation: /rēCH/

Definition of reach

1 [no object] stretch out an arm in a specified direction in order to touch or grasp something:he reached over and turned off his bedside light
(reach for) make a movement with one’s hand or arm in an attempt to touch or grasp (something):Carl reached for the phone
[with object] (reach something out) stretch out one’s hand or arm:he reached out a hand and touched her forehead
[with two objects] hand (something) to (someone):reach me those glasses
be able to touch something with an outstretched arm or leg:I had to stand on tiptoe and even then I could hardly reach
(reach out) extend help, understanding, or influence:we are still reaching out—if a person needs treatment we take them to treatment
(reach out to) seek to establish communication or contact with:anyone in need of assistance should reach out to the authorities as soon as possible.

2 [with object] arrive at; get as far as:“Goodbye,” she said as they reached the door the show is due to reach our screens early next year
attain or extend to (a specified point, level, or condition):unemployment reached a peak in 1933 [no object]:in its native habitat it will reach to about 6 m in height
succeed in achieving:the intergovernmental conference reached agreement on the draft treaty
make contact or communicate with (someone) by telephone or other means:I’ve been trying to reach you all morning
(of a broadcast or other communication) be received by:television reached those parts of the electorate that other news sources could not
succeed in influencing or having an effect on:their fresh sound and message reach people who may never set foot in a church

3 [no object] Sailing sail with the wind blowing from the side, or from slightly behind the side, of the ship.

1an act of reaching out with one’s arm:she made a reach for him
[in singular] the distance to which someone can stretch out their hand (used especially of a boxer):a giant, over six feet seven with a reach of over 81 inches
the extent or range of application, effect, or influence:the diameter and the reach of the spark plug varies from engine to engine

2 (often reaches) a continuous extent of land or water, especially a stretch of river between two bends, or the part of a canal between locks:the upper reaches of the Nile

Phrases

out of (or beyond) reach: outside the distance to which someone can stretch out their hand.; beyond the capacity of someone to attain or achieve something:she thought college was out of her reach
within (or in) reach: inside the distance to which someone can stretch out their hand.; inside a distance that can be traveled:Rocky Mountain National Park is within easy reach of the city of Denver; within the capacity of someone to attain or achieve something.

Old English rǣcan; related to Dutch reiken and German reichen

Definition of reach in the British & World English dictionary