Etymology : Middle English, from Middle French aesmer and esmer; Middle French aesmer, from Old French, from a- + esmer to estimate, from Latin aestimare
Pronunciation : 'Am
Function : verb
Date : 14th century
1. missile used to intercept incoming enemy aircraft. organization established to protect the rights and interests of Native Americans in the USA. software produced by America Online that enables the user to send instant messages to other users. purpose, intent; ambition, aspiration; objective, goal. direct; intend; plan; aspire. aim\aim\, n. [cf. of. esme estimation, fr. esmer. see:
aim, v. i.].
2. the pointing of a weapon, as a gun, a dart, or an arrow, in the line of direction with the object intended to be struck; the line of fire; the direction of anything, as a spear, a blow, a discourse, a remark, towards a particular point or object, with a view to strike or affect it. each at the head leveled his deadly aim.
3. the point intended to be hit, or object intended to be attained or affected. to be the aim of every dangerous shot.
4. intention; purpose; design; scheme. how oft ambitious aims are crossed!.
5. conjecture; guess. [obs.] what you would work me to, i have some aim.
6. To point or direct a missile weapon, or a weapon which propels as missile, towards an object or spot with the intent of hitting it; as, to aim at a fox, or at a target.
7. To direct the indention or purpose; to attempt the accomplishment of a purpose; to try to gain; to endeavor; followed by at, or by an infinitive; as, to aim at distinction; to aim to do well.
8. To guess or conjecture.
9. To direct or point, as a weapon, at a particular object; to direct, as a missile, an act, or a proceeding, at, to, or against an object; as, to aim a musket or an arrow, the fist or a blow ; to aim a satire or a reflection.
10. The pointing of a weapon, as a gun, a dart, or an arrow, in the line of direction with the object intended to be struck; the line of fire; the direction of anything, as a spear, a blow, a discourse, a remark, towards a particular point or object, with a view to strike or affect it.
11. The point intended to be hit, or object intended to be attained or affected.
12. Intention; purpose; design; scheme.
13. Conjecture; guess. the action of directing something at an object; "he took aim and fired" the goal intended to be attained ; "the sole object of her trip was to see:
her children" propose or intend; "I aim to arrive at noon" direct toward an intended goal; "She wanted to aim a pun" aim or direct at; as of blows, weapons, or objects such as photographic equipment; "Please don't aim at your little brother!"; "He trained his gun on the burglar"; "Don't train your camera on the women"; "Take a swipe at one's opponent".
14. 1. If you aim for something or aim to do something, you plan or hope to achieve it. He is aiming for the 100 metres world record an appeal which aims to raise funds for children with special needs.
15. 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. = objective.
16. If an action or plan is aimed at achieving something, it is intended or planned to achieve it. The new measures are aimed at tightening existing sanctions. talks aimed at ending the war.
17. If you aim to do something, you decide or want to do it. Are you aiming to visit the gardens?.
18. 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. His message was aimed at the undecided middle ground of Israeli politics Advertising aimed at children should be curbed.
19. If you aim a weapon or object at something or someone, you point it towards them before firing or throwing it. He was aiming the rifle at Wade. a missile aimed at the arms factory I didn't know I was supposed to aim at the same spot all the time.
20. Your aim is your skill or action in pointing a weapon or other object at its target. He stood with the gun in his right hand and his left hand steadying his aim.
21. If you aim a kick or punch at someone, you try to kick or punch them. They aimed kicks at his shins.
22. 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.
23. If you take aim at someone or something, you criticize them strongly. Republican strategists are taking particular aim at Democratic senators.