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v. aimed, aim·ing, aims v.tr. 1. a. To direct (a weapon or camera) toward a point. b. To direct or propel (an object, such as a ball) toward a point: aimed the pass at a wide receiver; aimed the shot at the lower right corner of the goal. 2. To direct toward or intend for a particular goal or group: The publicity campaign was aimed at improving the eating habits of children. v.intr. 1. a. To direct a weapon or camera: The sniper aimed carefully. b. To direct or propel an object toward a point: aimed for the far goalpost. 2. To determine a course or direct an effort: aim for a better education. 3. To propose to do something; intend: The historical society is aiming to restore the town hall. n. Idiom: 1. a. The act of aiming: Take careful aim. b. The ability to hit a target or intended point: a marksman with extraordinary aim. c. The degree of accuracy of a weapon or of a person aiming a weapon or propelled object: Your aim was way off on that throw. 2. A purpose or intention toward which one's efforts are directed: My aim was to try to make him laugh. See Synonyms at intention. take aim 1. To aim a weapon or object to be propelled. 2. To direct criticism or one's attention at something. [Middle English aimen, from Old French esmer, to estimate (from Latin aestimāre) and from Old French aesmer (from Vulgar Latin *ad estimāre : Latin ad-, ad- + Latin aestimāre, to estimate).] Synonyms: aim, direct, level, point, train These verbs mean to turn something toward an intended goal or target: aimed the camera at the guests; directed our attention toward the screen; leveled criticism at the administration; pointing a finger at the suspect; trained the gun on the intruder. See Also Synonyms at intention. |
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