First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1object
noun ob·ject \ˈäb-jikt, -(ˌ)jekt\
: a thing that you can see and touch and that is not alive
: someone or something that makes you feel a specified emotion
: someone or something that your attention or interest is directed toward
Full Definition of OBJECT
1
a : something material that may be perceived by the senses <I see an object in the distance> b : something that when viewed stirs a particular emotion (as pity) <look to the tragic loading of this bed … the object poisons sight; let it be hid — Shakespeare>
2
a : something mental or physical toward which thought, feeling, or action is directed <an object for study> <the object of my affection> <delicately carved art objects> b : something physical that is perceived by an individual and becomes an agent for psychological identification <the mother is the primary object of the child>
3
4
: a thing that forms an element of or constitutes the subject matter of an investigation or science
5
a : a noun or noun equivalent (as a pronoun, gerund, or clause) denoting the goal or result of the action of a verb b : a noun or noun equivalent in a prepositional phrase
6
a : a data structure in object-oriented programming that can contain functions as well as data, variables, and other data structures b : a discrete entity (as a window or icon) in computer graphics that can be manipulated independently of other such entities
— ob·ject·less \-ləs\ adjective
— ob·ject·less·ness noun
See object defined for English-language learners
See object defined for kids
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Origin of OBJECT
Related to OBJECT
- Synonyms
- thing
Synonym Discussion of OBJECT
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>.
Rhymes with OBJECT
abject, advect, affect, aspect, bisect, cathect, collect, confect, connect, convect, correct, cowl-necked, defect, deflect, deject, detect, direct, Dordrecht, effect, eject, elect, erect, ewe-necked, expect, goosenecked, infect, inflect, inject, insect, inspect, neglect, pandect, porrect, prefect, prelect, project, prospect, protect, refect, reflect, reject, resect, respect, ring-necked, roll-necked, select, stiff-necked, subject, suspect, traject, transect, trisect, Utrecht, V-necked
2object
verb ob·ject \əb-ˈjekt\
: to disagree with something or oppose something
: to say (something that explains why you oppose something or disagree)
Full Definition of OBJECT
transitive verb
: to put forth in opposition or as an objection <objected that the statement was misleading>
intransitive verb
1
: to oppose something firmly and usually with words or arguments
2
: to feel distaste for something
— ob·jec·tor \-ˈjek-tər\ noun
See object defined for English-language learners
Origin of OBJECT
Middle English, from Latin objectus, past participle of obicere to throw in the way, object
First Known Use: 15th century
Related to OBJECT
- Synonyms
- demur, except, expostulate, kick, protest, remonstrate, take exception, take issue
3object
adjective \same as 1\
Definition of OBJECT
: of, relating to, or being object code <an object file>
First Known Use of OBJECT
1959
OBJECT Defined for Kids
1object
noun ob·ject \ˈäb-jikt\
Definition of OBJECT for Kids
1
: something that may be seen or felt <Tables and chairs are objects.>
3
: something that arouses feelings in an observer <That diamond is the object of their envy.>
4
: a noun or a term behaving like a noun that receives the action of a verb or completes the meaning of a preposition
2object
verb ob·ject \əb-ˈjekt\
ob·ject·edob·ject·ing
Definition of OBJECT for Kids
1
: to offer or mention as a reason for a feeling of disapproval <She objected that the price was too high.>
2
: to oppose something firmly and usually with words <Surely her mother would not object to a nutritious hard-boiled egg. — Beverly Cleary, Ramona Quimby>
Synonym Discussion of OBJECT
object and protest mean to oppose something by arguing against it. object is used of a person's great dislike or hatred. <I object to being called a liar.> protest is used for the act of presenting objections in speech, writing, or in an organized, public demonstration. <There were several groups protesting the building of the airport.>
Medical Dictionary
object
noun ob·ject \ˈäb-(ˌ)jekt, -jikt\
Medical Definition of OBJECT
1
: something material that may be perceived by the senses
2
: something mental or physical toward which thought, feeling, or action is directed
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