First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1aim
verb \ˈām\
: to point (a weapon) at a target
: to point (a device) at something
: to direct (something, such as a missile, a ball, a punch, or a kick) at a target
Full Definition of AIM
intransitive verb
1
: to direct a course; specifically : to point a weapon at an object
transitive verb
1
obsolete : guess, conjecture
2
a : point <aim a gun> b : to direct toward a specified object or goal <a story aimed at children>
See aim defined for English-language learners
See aim defined for kids
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Origin of AIM
Middle English, from Anglo-French aesmer & esmer; Anglo-French aesmer, from a- (from Latin ad-) + esmer to estimate, from Latin aestimare
2aim
noun
: a goal or purpose
: the ability to hit a target
Full Definition of AIM
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
4
: a clearly directed intent or purpose <our aim is to win>
— aim·less \-ləs\ adjective
— aim·less·ly adverb
— aim·less·ness noun
See aim defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of AIM
14th century
Related to AIM
Synonym Discussion of AIM
intention, intent, purpose, design, aim, end, object, objective, goal mean what one intends to accomplish or attain. intention implies little more than what one has in mind to do or bring about <announced his intention to marry>. intent suggests clearer formulation or greater deliberateness <the clear intent of the statute>. purpose suggests a more settled determination <being successful was her purpose in life>. design implies a more carefully calculated plan <the order of events came by accident, not design>. aim adds to these implications of effort directed toward attaining or accomplishing <her aim was to raise film to an art form>. end stresses the intended effect of action often in distinction or contrast to the action or means as such <willing to use any means to achieve his end>. object may equal end but more often applies to a more individually determined wish or need <his constant object was the achievement of pleasure>. objective implies something tangible and immediately attainable <their objective is to seize the oil fields>. goal suggests something attained only by prolonged effort and hardship <worked years to reach her goals>.
AIM
abbreviation
Definition of AIM
American Indian Movement
AIM Defined for Kids
1aim
verb \ˈām\
aimedaim·ing
Definition of AIM for Kids
1
: to point a weapon toward an object
2
: intend <We aim to please.>
3
: to direct toward an object or goal <He aimed the stone at the tree.> <The exercise is aimed at improving balance.>
Word History of AIM
Both aim and estimate come from a Latin verb aestimare, meaning “to value” or “to estimate.” Through sound changes over the centuries aestimare became in Old French esmer, which meant “to aim, direct, or adjust,” as well as “to appreciate” and “to estimate.” English borrowed the word aim from the Old French word, and then took the word estimate directly from Latin.
2aim
noun
Definition of AIM for Kids
1
: the ability to hit a target <His aim was excellent.>
2
: the pointing of a weapon at a target <She took careful aim.>
3
: a goal or purpose <Our aim is to win.>
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