aim

I. verb Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French aesmer & esmer; Anglo-French aesmer, from a- (from Latin ad-) + esmer to estimate, from Latin aestimare Date: 14th century intransitive verb 1. to direct a course; specifically to point a weapon at an object 2. aspire, intend <

aims to reform the government

> transitive verb 1. obsolete guess, conjecture 2. a. point <

aim a gun

> b. to direct to or toward a specified object or goal <

a program aimed at reducing pollution

> II. noun Date: 14th century 1. obsolete mark, target 2. a. the pointing of a weapon at a mark <

take careful aim

> b. the ability to hit a target <

a shooter with good aim

> c. a weapon's accuracy or effectiveness <

the gun's aim is off

> 3. obsolete a. conjecture, guess b. the directing of effort toward a goal 4. a clearly directed intent or purpose <

our aim is to win

> Synonyms: see intention • aimless adjective • aimlessly adverb • aimlessness noun