aim

[[t]eɪm[/t]]

v. t.

1) to position or direct (a firearm, ball, rocket, etc.) so that the thing discharged or thrown will hit a target

2) to intend or direct for a particular effect or purpose:

to aim a satire at snobbery[/ex]

3) to point or direct a gun, punch, etc

4) to strive; try (usu. fol. by to or at):

We aim at pleasing everyone[/ex]

5) to intend:

She aims to go tomorrow[/ex]

6) to direct efforts, as toward an object:

I aim at perfection[/ex]

7) the act of directing anything at or toward a particular point or target

8) the direction in which a weapon or missile is pointed; line of sighting

9) the point intended to be hit:

to miss one's aim[/ex]

10) something intended to be attained by one's efforts; purpose

11) Obs. conjecture; guess

•

- take aim

Etymology: 1275–1325; < OF aesmer, amer < VL *adaestimāre= L ad- ad-+aestimāre (see estimate) aim′er, n.