aimn.
/eɪm/, U.S. /eɪm/ 1.
a. An object aimed at; a mark, a target.In early use frequently in figurative context, with allusion to archery.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > will > intention > [noun] > intention or purpose > end, purpose, or object > goal or target
markc1275
lodestarc1374
aimc1400
mete1402
pricka1450
butta1522
level1525
white marka1533
goal1540
Jack-a-Lent1553
blankc1557
scope1562
period1590
upshot1591
bird1592
golden goal1597
nick1602
quarry1615
North Star1639
huba1657
fair game1690
endgame1938
target1942
cockshot1995
society > leisure > sport > types of sport or game > competitive shooting > [noun] > mark or target
markc1275
aimc1400
whitea1475
prop1496
level1525
scope1562
shot-mark1610
target1756
c1400 (?c1380) Patience l. 128 (MED) Schomely to schort he schote of his ame.
1576 A. Fleming tr. Erasmus in Panoplie Epist. 345 I..make his [sc. God's] honour and praise the ayme whereat I leuell.
1591 G. Fletcher Of Russe Common Wealth xxvi. f. 109v If at the first pushe hee misse his aime, so that the Beare come within him, hee is in great daunger.
1598 J. Florio Worlde of Wordes Segno..a white or ayme or blanke to shoote at.
1622 R. Sanderson Two Serm. Boston ii. 58 It would be time not ill spent, to discouer the grounds of this obseruation, and to presse the vses of it something fully. But because my ayme lyeth another way; I can but point at them, and passe.
1694 R. Blome tr. A. Le Grand Entire Body Philos. iii. ii. 250 Darts or Arrows which are directed by a skilful Marksman, to the Aim or Mark.
1736 Gentleman's Mag. June 344/2 He another [arrow] tries..; which he meant Deep in his spleen t' infix, short of its aim It glanc'd athwart his foot.
1775 J. Adair Hist. Amer. Indians 310 If the hunter chance to miss his aim, he speedily makes off to a sappling, which the bear..cannot climb.
1832 M. Barney Biogr. Mem. Joshua Barney x. 116 Seeing himself thus the aim of the small arms, he called to Mr Scull..and ordered him to direct his fire into the top.
1848 E. F. Ellet Women of Amer. Revol. xx. 271 Just as he passed their ranks, one of his well-known neighbours fired at him, but missed the aim.
1910 Aeronautics Apr. 140/1 Such a gun must comply with the following requirements: Unlimited moving ability sideways,..highest speed of the projectile or smallest time for flying, best possibility to hit the aim.
2000 F. Moshiri At Wall of Almighty iii. 141 She aims at Bashi's penis... But the arrow misses the aim and instead pierces a royal guest and a pauper.
b. figurative. A desired outcome; an end aimed at; an objective, a goal; a purpose, an intention.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > will > intention > [noun] > intention or purpose > end, purpose, or object
willeOE
errand?c1225
purposec1300
endc1305
emprisec1330
intentc1340
use1340
conclusionc1374
studya1382
pointc1385
causec1386
gamea1393
term?c1400
businessc1405
finec1405
intentionc1410
object?a1425
obtent?a1475
drift1526
intend1526
respect1528
flight1530
finality?1541
stop1551
scope1559
butt?1571
bent1579
aiming point1587
pursuitc1592
aim1595
devotion1597
meaning1605
maina1610
attempt1610
design1615
purport1616
terminusa1617
intendment1635
pretence1649
ettle1790
big (also great) idea1846
objective1878
objective1882
the name of the game1910
the object of the exercise1958
thrust1968
1595 H. Roberts Trumpet of Fame 5 Take courage then, let honor be your aime, And drag not back, you that will honor gaine.
1625 C. Burges New Discouery Personal Tithes 3 My chiefe ayme in this discourse is..to pull sundry honest Christians out of a damnable sinne.
1651 T. Hobbes Leviathan ii. xxviii. 162 The aym of Punishment is not a revenge, but terrour.
1734 A. Pope Ess. Man: Epist. IV 1 O Happiness! our Being's End and Aim!
1796 Times 9 Jan. 3/2 It is the aim of the revolution..to precognize the Constitution of 1793.
1808 Ann. Reg. 1806 (Otridge ed.) Hist. Europe 134/1 Is it true..that this expedition was undertaken with the aim of producing a diversion in favour of the Austrians in Lombardy?
1860 J. Tyndall Glaciers of Alps i. §2. 9 Our first aim was to cross the Wengern Alp.
1875 Congregationalist May 318/1 We fear his praiseworthy aim in publishing it will not be attained.
1922 N. Coward Down with Whole Darn Lot in Compl. Lyrics (1998) 38/2 Democracy's our aim. We're going to Bolshevize the earth, Protected by that name.
1961 K. Tynan Curtains I. 117 Its aim is to start you thinking.
1988 Update 15 Oct. 704/1 A campaign was launched..with the aim of eliminating indigenous measles.
2009 J. Struthers Red Sky at Night 137 The aim is to tap your own egg against your opponent's in such a way that yours remains intact while your opponent's egg is smashed.
2.
a. The action of aiming or directing a weapon, missile, blow, etc., at its intended target. Also: the fact of having been aimed; the direction in which a gun, etc., is or should be pointed. Also figurative.Recorded earliest in to make aim at Phrases 1.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > direction > [noun] > giving direction towards a mark > aim or aiming
aima1450
aiming1574
levelling1580
vizy1720
collineation1755
a1450 Generides (Pierpont Morgan) (1865) l. 5959 (MED) To cleue his heid the king made ame.
1578 J. Lyly Euphues f. 24 In deede Lucilla you leuell shrewdly at my thought, by the ayme of your owne imagination.
1600 N. Breton Pasquils Fooles-cap (rev. ed.) sig. B4v In the aime of Wisdomes eye, Wide handed Wits will euer shoote awry.
1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost ii. 712 Each at the Head Level'd his deadly aime . View more context for this quotation
1782 Mr. Lemon Diss. Errors Marksmen & Gunmakers 6 The principal causes of the flying marksman missing the object of his aim.
1789 tr. G. F. Magné De Marolles Ess. Shooting xiv. 199 The latter [sc. a straight stock], in coming up to the aim, is subject to the inconvenience of causing the sportsman to shoot too high.
1818 W. Scott Heart of Mid-Lothian iii, in Tales of my Landlord 2nd Ser. I. 82 The rear-most soldiers turned, and again fired with fatal aim and execution.
1852 Exerc. Small-arms & Field Artillery 65 Firing either to the front or rear, the aim may be oblique to the right or left if desired and so expressed.
1906 Jrnl. U.S. Infantry Assoc. July 32 He is required to maintain the aim after the shot is fired.
1962 Which? Car Suppl. Oct. 138/1 Adjuster for left head-lamp was completely detached and the aim of the beam was wrong.
2009 E. Hovers Lithic Assemblages Qafzeh Cave v. 92/2 Possibly, faceting enables better aim of the blow at a small part of the core's striking platform.
b. With preceding adjective: the ability to aim (well or badly); (also) a (good, etc.) opportunity to aim at something. Frequently as count noun.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > direction > [noun] > giving direction towards a mark > aim or aiming > excellence of aim or skill in aiming
scope1594
aim1719
aimworthiness1869
1719 Free-thinker No. 127. 2 As I question not, but you have a good Aim in throwing the Stocking, I shall be proud of a lucky Cast from you.
1801 Edinb. Weekly Jrnl. 13 May 149/2 The troops shall be taught..not to fire but when they have a good aim.
1822 B. E. O'Meara Napoleon in Exile II. 391 Besides being master of the small sword, he had a sure and deadly aim with fire-arms.
1862 Hartford (Connecticut) Daily Courant 2 Jan. 2/4 When..I..had just got a good aim on him, he raised his head.
1914 M. J. Kaleel When I was Boy in Palestine ii. 23 A man who has a good aim with his gun, and who can hurl a stone a great distance with accuracy.
1948 R. Faris Social Disorganization ii. 20 If he fears that..an awkward pass from center may delay the timing, or that the passer may have a poor aim.
2003 Pittsburgh Post-Gaz. (Nexis) 24 Aug. d9 Casey Wittenberg..possesses remarkable aim, prodigious shots and unshakable calm when the game is golf.
2009 A. Campbell God of Clocks (2010) iv. 71 The musket ball grazed your skull... Either he has a lousy aim, or you managed to focus fast enough to save yourself.
c. A person considered in respect of his or her ability to aim well. Cf. shot n.1 22a.
ΚΠ
1855 W. B. MacCabe Florine xiv. 264 I am a certain and deadly aim; and if the weapon be of sufficient strength I am positive I shall hit them.
1863 C. Bennett Bk. Blockheads 36 As he was a good aim it is a wonder that the Quaker's skull was not split open.
1964 J. Merrill Push xiv. 96 It was better..that the police had caught him than Harry the Hot Dog, who was a better aim.
1992 Augusta (Georgia) Chron. (Nexis) 23 Aug. c1 Shooting was his catharsis. He was always a good aim—even before his accident.
2009 R. Liparulo Deadlock xxxiii. 220 He was a terrible aim and it had almost got him killed.
3. †Estimation, guessing, conjecture (obsolete); (as count noun) a guess. In later use only in like aim: a shrewd guess, a good idea. Now rare (English regional (north-western) in later use).
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > belief > conjecture, guessing > [noun] > a conjecture, guess
guessc1330
aimc1450
conjecturea1527
guessing1535
foreguessing1548
fact1566
conjectural1579
surmise1593
speculation1796
shot1840
guesstimate1936
c1450 (c1420) J. Page Siege of Rouen (Bodl.) 62 Hyt was tolde how they ware withinne twenty mile..And also in that Cete was sayde the same, And theroff had owre kynge an awme.
a1525 (?1474) Coventry Leet Bk. (1908) II. 400 (MED) That his weyghtes be sised & sealed and true beme, and þat he sell by no hernes, nor by ayme of hande.
c1540 (?a1400) Gest Historiale Destr. Troy (2002) f. 109v Ector be ame of his speche Knew hym for his cousyn.
1565 J. Jewel Replie Hardinges Answeare i. xxxii. 79 Wee leade not the people by aymes and gheasses.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Julius Caesar (1623) i. ii. 164 What you would worke me too, I haue some ayme . View more context for this quotation
1625 F. Bacon Ess. (new ed.) xvii. 98 The taking an Aime at diuine Matters by Human.
a1626 F. Bacon Valerius Terminus in Lett. & Remains (1734) 447 To draw a streight line, or to make a circle perfect round by aim of hand only.
1685 J. Lamport Direct Method Ordering & Curing 14 Those who only prescribe a Medicine by Aim, and sendeth their Bills to an Apothecary.
1731 Fog's Weekly Jrnl. 2 Jan. 1/1 I think, I have some Aim at what the Doctor would here foretell us.
1861 E. Waugh Rambles Lake Country 220 Thou may have a like aim fro that, what a rare thing a wise mon is i' this world.
1884 R. Holland Gloss. Words County of Chester (1886) 5 ‘Do you know who did it?’ ‘Now, bur aw've getten a loike aim.’
1898 H. Manley in Eng. Dial. Dict. I. 31/2 [Lancashire] I don't know, but I have a like aim.
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > aspects of travel > travel in specific course or direction > [noun] > to a place
purpose1401
aim1549
1549 J. Olde tr. Erasmus Paraphr. 1 Tim. i. 19 Lest he shuld chaunce to goe quyte out of his ame altogether.
1679 E. Coles Dict. Eng.-Lat. (ed. 2) I am quite out of my aim, Non ubi terrarum sim scio.
ΘΚΠ
society > authority > control > [noun] > guidance
wissingc1000
rightingOE
guidance?1548
guide1568
guidementa1578
aim1597
chalking1613
sterning1638
light or leading1644
pilotry1842
1597 Bp. J. King Lect. Ionas xxxix. 526 To giue some ayme and coniecture vnto vs what he is, hee appeareth as it were transfigured.
a1625 J. Fletcher Humorous Lieut. ii. iii, in F. Beaumont & J. Fletcher Comedies & Trag. (1647) sig. Qqq4/1 We know..Without your aime good woman.
1627 J. Speed Eng. Abridged xxxiv. §8 [Houses of religion broken up] vnder the ayme of King Henry the eight.
1643 J. Milton Soveraigne Salve 39 Posts of direction for Travellers..to give you ayme.
1710 Ld. Shaftesbury Soliloquy 173 If he has not at least the Idea of Perfection to give him Aim, he will be found very defective and mean in his performance.
6. The action or fact of directing one's efforts towards a particular object; the fact of having an aim (sense 1b); design, purpose, intent.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > will > intention > [noun] > intention or purpose
willeOE
highOE
thoughtOE
intent?c1225
achesounc1230
attenta1250
couragec1320
devicec1320
minda1325
studya1382
understanding1382
suggestionc1390
meaninga1393
i-minda1400
minta1400
tent1399
castc1400
ettlingc1400
affecta1425
advicec1425
intention1430
purposec1430
proposea1450
intendment1450
supposing?c1450
pretensionc1456
intellectionc1460
zeal1492
hest?a1513
minting?a1513
institute?1520
intendingc1525
mindfulness1530
cogitationa1538
fordrift1549
forecast1549
designing1566
tention1587
levela1591
intendiment1595
design1597
suppose1597
aim1598
regarda1616
idea1617
contemplationa1631
speculation1631
view1634
way of thinking1650
designation1658
tend1663
would1753
predetermination1764
will to art1920
1598 J. Florio Worlde of Wordes at Mira An aime, a levelling, an intent or purpose.
1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost i. 41 With ambitious aim Against the Throne and Monarchy of God. View more context for this quotation
1738 J. Wesley Coll. Psalms & Hymns (new ed.) xxxii. 2 Free from Design, or selfish Aim.
1761 New & Gen. Biogr. Dict. III. 194 That prince..had..some aim at the recovery of mr. Chillingworth from the danger he was then in by the change of his religion.
1803 J. McCreery Press 12 Soon swell'd with nobler aim the generous heart.
1870 W. C. Bryant tr. Homer Iliad I. i. 4 'Twere well, Since now our aim is baffled, to return.
1957 R. Hoggart Uses of Literacy ii. viii. 204 They have no aim, no ambition.
2009 S. China Morning Post (Nexis) 28 Aug. (Youngpost section) 6 Many teenagers seem to lack aim and do not think about the consequences of their actions.
Phrases
P1. to take aim: to aim or direct a weapon, missile, blow, etc., at a target; also (now less commonly) to make aim and in extended use. [Perhaps compare Anglo-Norman and Old French, Middle French faire esme de to have or show the intention of (doing something) (12th cent.; also mid 13th cent. in Old French in an apparently isolated attestation as faire asme de).]
ΘΚΠ
society > armed hostility > military equipment > operation and use of weapons > action of propelling missile > discharge missile [verb (intransitive)] > aim
to take aima1450
aim1566
to bring to bear1619
the world > space > direction > point or lie in a direction [verb (intransitive)] > aim
cast1340
aimc1380
set14..
to lay, bend, take level1548
butt1553
vizyc1600
to level one's aim1667
to make aim1796
sight1842
a1450Made ame [see sense 2a].
1545 R. Ascham Toxophilus ii. f. 39 At an other mans shote you can not wel take Ame.
1600 W. Shakespeare Midsummer Night's Dream ii. i. 157 A certaine aime he tooke At a faire Vestall. View more context for this quotation
1658 W. Gurnall Christian in Armour: 2nd Pt. 337 Though God takes his aim at man, and levels his arrows primarily at his very heart; yet as they go, they slent upon the creature.
1726 J. Swift Cadenus & Vanessa 23 The Urchin..Took Aim, and shot with all his Strength A Dart.
1764 O. Goldsmith Traveller 21 Where beasts with man divided empire claim, And the brown Indian takes a deadly aim.
1796 F. Burney Camilla II. iii. iv. 70 Gone in hopes of a rencounter, I doubt not..; he made palpable aim at one of the divinities of Cleves at the ball.
1826 Scotsman 8 Mar. 145/1 It is their practice to take aim at an opponent's feelings instead of his arguments.
1868 Queen Victoria Jrnl. 72 Macdonald whispered that he saw stags, and that Albert should wait and take a steady aim.
1908 G. K. Chesterton Man who was Thursday iii. 46 He caught up the Colt's revolver and took aim at Syme.
1934 M. Herskovits & F. Herskovits Rebel Destiny iii. 56 The macaw now did not trouble to fly away, and when Angita made aim once more, Sedefo stopped him.
1960 Pop. Sci. July 108/2 I cocked my Nikon and took aim.
2005 Sydney Morning Herald 6 Aug. 37/1 (heading) The doyen of zombie land takes aim at corporate corruption in his latest flesh-eating extravaganza.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > sport > types of sport or game > competitive shooting > archery > practise archery [verb (intransitive)] > guide archer
to give aim1545
1545 R. Ascham Toxophilus ii. f. 39 Gyuyng Ame..hindreth Ye knowlege of shotyng, & maketh men more negligente.
1578 B. Rich Allarme to Eng. sig. D.iij There be suche a many that doe stande and giue aime.
a1595 R. Southwell Humble Supplication (1600) 85 Helples creatures..dayly are drawen neerely to the brinke of a generall distruction, which some that giue ayme to your Maiesty seeme willing that you shuld discharge vpon vs.
a1627 T. Middleton & W. Rowley Spanish Gipsie (1653) ii. sig. C3 I my selfe gave ayme, thus; wide, foure Bowes; short, three and a halfe.
1642 D. Rogers Matrimoniall Honovr viii. 182 What is this, save to give ayme to a chaste woman, to be lewd?
a1680 S. Butler Char. (1908) 253 His bus'ness is to stand by and give aim, to fill glasses and tobacco-pipes, [etc.].
1699 J. Collier Def. Short View Eng. Stage 112 This is an Admirable Lady to..give Aim to the Audience!
1721 B. Grosvenor Prepar. for Death 37 Those heavenly Views, that yield Support to the dying Patient, and give aim to the Soul in its Flight from this lower World.
1845 N. Amer. Rev. Apr. 416/2 The preacher must know men as they are, to give aim to his endeavors to make them what they should be.
1856 G. Dodd Pict. Hist. Russ. War xi. 406/2 Sheets of fire were vomited forth by the ranks of infantry, each flash giving aim to the volley next succeeding.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > easiness > aid, help, or assistance > support > support or encouragement > support or encourage [verb (intransitive)]
hieldc1325
inclinea1393
favour1393
to cry aim1567
shout1875
root1889
pull1890
1567 G. Fenton tr. M. Bandello Certaine Tragicall Disc. f. 165v One of the townesmen, standyng rather in his windowe to crye ayme, then helping any waye to part the fraye.
1590 R. Harvey Plaine Percevall sig. D3 Shake hands & be friendes, meet halfe way, and I standing iump in the middle will crie aime to you both.
a1616 W. Shakespeare King John (1623) ii. i. 196 It ill beseemes this presence to cry ayme To these ill-tuned repetitions. View more context for this quotation
1624 P. Massinger Bond-man i. iii. sig. C4 Can you coldly suffer such rewards To be propos'd, to Labourers and Slaues? While you that are borne Noble..cry ayme, Like idle lookers on.
1642 in J. A. Atkinson Tracts rel. to Civil War in Cheshire (1909) 24 A man upon his Tower with a flag in his hand cryde them ayme while they discharged their Canon.
1712 in J. Harland Collectanea rel. Manchester & Neighbourhood (1866) 173 I cried ym aim..and only heard how ye matter was.
1805 W. Gifford in P. Massinger Plays II. 27 To cry aim!..was to encourage... Those who cried aim! stood by the archers; he who gave it, was stationed near the butts.
1822 R. Nares Gloss. 8/1 To cry aim, in archery, to encourage the archers by crying out aim, when they were about to shoot. Hence it came to be used for to applaud or encourage in a general sense.]
1843 G. Soane Last Ball I. iv. 135 I must..crush the false hope, which, I can read in that reply..it is my shame that, in mere waywardness of mood, I ever cried aim to it.
1857 ‘Thomas of Swarraton’ Noble Traytour II. xxii. 278 [They] would point him to that mark of glory and greatness his ambition would fain reach; crying aim to his untutored efforts.
Compounds
ΚΠ
1878 in G. P. Lathrop Masque of Poets 11 Plunge aim-certain in the living stream.
aim point n. a point aimed at (literal or figurative); a target.
ΚΠ
1905 Rep. Commissioners Agric., Commerc., Industr., & Techn. Educ. (Legislative Assembly, N.S.W.) 23 The ideals need to be created so as to give us an aim-point for progress.
1979 Nature 15 Mar. 204/2 Siting individual missiles..in a number of ‘aimpoints’ substantially larger than the number of RVs which the Soviet Union might bring to bear in an attack.
2004 D. Klinger Into Kill Zone ii. 35 In being trained to shoot to stop officers are taught that the primary aim point for their weapons is..the center of a suspect's torso.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, September 2012; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
aimv.
/eɪm/, U.S. /eɪm/ I. Senses relating to estimation or calculation.† 1. transitive. To estimate, calculate, reckon (a number or value); to count. Also in passive with complement: to amount to (a given number). Obsolete.† 2. transitive. With as, or simple complement. To consider to be, regard as. Also without construction: to take account of, to esteem, regard. Obsolete.† 4. transitive. To devise, arrange; to plan, plot. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > number > enumeration, reckoning, or calculation > number, calculate, or reckon [verb (transitive)]
rimeeOE
arimec885
atellc885
talec897
i-telle971
tellOE
readc1225
reckon?c1225
aima1375
numbera1382
denumber1382
accounta1393
casta1400
countc1400
umberc1400
ascribe1432
annumerate?a1475
to sum upa1475
annumbera1500
ennumber1535
reckon?1537
tally1542
compute1579
recount1581
rate1599
catalogize1602
to add up1611
suma1616
enumeratea1649
numerate1657
to run up1830
to figure out1834
figure1854
to count up1872
enumer1936
a1375 (c1350) William of Palerne (1867) l. 1596 (MED) No mon vpon mold miȝt ayme þe noumber.
a1382 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Bodl. 959) (1961) Lev. xxvii. 16 After þe mesure of þe seed shal be eymyd þe prise.
?a1400 (a1338) R. Mannyng Chron. (Petyt) ii. 240 An arme of þe se men kennes, þe depnes may non ame.
c1440 (?a1400) Morte Arthure l. 4068 (MED) All Arthurs oste was amede..Bot awghtene hundrethe.
c1475 St. Patrick's Purgatory (Yale Beinecke 365) in L. T. Smith Common-place Bk. 15th Cent. (1886) 95 (MED) The lenkyt þer of he cowd note ame.
a1500 (?c1450) Merlin xv. 257 Whan thei were alle assembled thei were aymed..xxxvMl.
c1540 (?a1400) Gest Historiale Destr. Troy (2002) f. 37v There are not in Asia, to ame all the pepull, So fele fightyng folke..As the Grekes may gedur.
1557 R. Copland tr. P. Garcie Rutter of See (new ed.) sig. Aiv Who so hathe not the veray scyence of Arsmetrycke and geometrye to ayme & measure the plat.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > attention > take notice of, heed [verb (transitive)] > take into account, consider
thinka1225
reckona1375
aima1382
allowa1382
considerc1385
accounta1393
regard1512
impute1532
respect1548
to consider of1569
compute1604
to consult with1639
to take into (the) account1660
consult1682
consult for1814
to factor in1964
the mind > attention and judgement > judgement or decision > evaluation, estimation, appraisal > appraise, estimate [verb (transitive)] > consider to be, account as
telleOE
talec897
seeOE
letc1000
holdc1200
reckon1340
aima1382
accounta1387
counta1387
judgec1390
takea1400
countc1400
receivec1400
existimatec1430
to look on ——?c1430
makec1440
reputea1449
suppose1474
treatc1485
determinea1513
recount?c1525
esteem1526
believe1533
estimate?1533
ascribe1535
consider1539
regard1547
count1553
to look upon ——1553
take1561
reck1567
eye?1593
censure1597
subscribe1600
perhibit1613
behold1642
resent1642
attributea1657
fancy1662
vogue1675
decount1762
to put down1788
to set down1798
rate1854
have1867
mean1878
a1382 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Douce 369(1)) (1850) Psalms xliii. 22 Wee ben eymed [a1425 L.V. demed; L. æstimati] as shep of slaȝtir.
a1382 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Bodl. 959) (1963) 1 Kings i. 13 Hely þerfore eymede hyr drunkyn.
a1382 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Douce 369(1)) (1850) Psalms cxliii. 3 Or the sone of man, for thou eymest hym [a1425 L.V. Thou arettist him of sum valu].
c1540 (?a1400) Gest Historiale Destr. Troy (2002) f. 14 Iff ye any thing haue amyt abill me to Þat ye me faithfully informe.
3. transitive. Originally: †to conjecture, guess; to guess at (obsolete). Later: to suppose, to think likely. Frequently (now only) with clause as object. Now rare (English regional (northern) in later use).
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > belief > conjecture, guessing > conjecture, guess [verb (transitive)]
readOE
ettlec1275
divine1362
areadc1374
conjectc1374
aima1382
imaginec1405
supposec1405
imagine1477
conjecture1530
guessa1535
harpa1616
foreguess1640
a1382 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Douce 369(1)) (1850) Prov. xxiii. 7 For in licnesse of a deuynour..he eymeth [a1425 L.V. gessith] that he knowith not.
?a1425 (?a1350) T. Castleford Chron. (1940) l. 19911 (MED) He amed, ful mikel it wald þam waile To wirk in þar bather consaile.
a1500 ( J. Yonge tr. Secreta Secret. (Rawl.) (1898) 150 (MED) By Purveyaunce a man aymeth, aftyr reyson, thynges that byth to com.
a1593 H. Smith Wks. (1866) I. 268 No marvel if he did aim that his death was near at hand.
1596 W. Warner Albions Eng. (rev. ed.) x. lix. 260 Supposing, by her Blushings, all would ayme her altred Plight.
1600 E. Fairfax tr. T. Tasso Godfrey of Bulloigne vii. xxv. 121 Yet went he on, which way he could not ame.
1855 F. K. Robinson Gloss. Yorks. Words 2 I aim that is the place.
1877 Good Words 18 110/2 Ah aims if you war to leeak fer't ye'd find a lass had twice seea many roots tiv 'er tongue as 'at a lad hev.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > will > intention > planning > plan [verb (transitive)]
forethinkc897
bethinka1225
compass1297
contrivec1330
ordain1340
conjectc1380
imaginec1380
cast1382
ordaina1387
advisec1400
forecast1413
imagec1450
ordainc1450
project1477
foreminda1535
invent1539
aimc1540
practise1550
plat1556
trive1573
meditate1582
patterna1586
plot1589
platform1592
design1594
chew1600
forelay1605
to map out1618
to cut out1619
agitate1629
laya1631
plod1631
cut1645
calculate1654
concert1702
to scheme out1716
plan1718
model1725
to rough out1738
to lay out1741
plan1755
prethink1760
shape1823
programme1834
pre-plan1847
encompass1882
target1948
c1540 (?a1400) Gest Historiale Destr. Troy (2002) f. 26v Ymagry ouer all amyt þer was Of bestes and babery.
c1540 (?a1400) Gest Historiale Destr. Troy (2002) f. 28v Opon þe auter was amyt to stond An ymage full noble.
a1592 R. Greene Hist. Orlando Furioso (1594) sig. Ciii He knowes the Countie (like to Cassius) Sits sadly dumping, ayming Cæsars death.
II. Senses relating to direction or intention. (Several intransitive senses constructed with prepositions are also found in the passive with the prepositional object of the active verb as subject. Cf. also aimed adj. 2b.)
5.
a. To calculate or estimate the required direction of anything which is to be launched at an object (as a blow with a weapon or a part of the body, a missile, etc.), or (in later use) propelled towards a mark or target (e.g. in various sports); to direct a blow, or discharge a missile at anything with the intention of striking it.
(a) intransitive. With preposition (chiefly at, for). In early use also with infinitive: to prepare to strike a blow, etc., by making such an estimation. Also figurative.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > direction > point or lie in a direction [verb (intransitive)] > aim
cast1340
aimc1380
set14..
to lay, bend, take level1548
butt1553
vizyc1600
to level one's aim1667
to make aim1796
sight1842
society > armed hostility > military equipment > operation and use of weapons > stroke with weapon > strike (of weapon) [verb (intransitive)] > aim weapon or blow
aimc1380
mintc1400
c1380 Sir Ferumbras (1879) l. 735 & eymede ful euene to ȝyue þe strok.
c1425 J. Lydgate Troyyes Bk. (Augustus A.iv) iii. l. 784 (MED) [Hector] with a swerd rood to Patroclus..And furiously gan hamen at his hed.
a1450 (?c1421) J. Lydgate Siege Thebes (Arun.) (1911) l. 4326 Thorgh the vyser hamyng [v.rr. amyng, aymeng, awmynge] at the berdys.
1573 T. Twyne tr. Virgil in T. Phaer & T. Twyne tr. Virgil Whole .xii. Bks. Æneidos xi. sig. Kkijv This goddesse faier, with passinge speadie course doth light. And from this hillock farre sir Aruns aimes within her sight.
1582 A. Munday Eng. Romayne Lyfe i. 8 In euerie mans mouth, her Maiesty styl was aimed at, in such manner as I tremble and shake to thinke on their woordes.
1596 A. Munday tr. 1st Pt. Palmerin of Eng. lvii. sig. R5 He began to charge him with very mightie strokes, and still aymed to hit him on the bare head.
a1617 S. Hieron Penance for Sinne in Wks. (1620) II. 400 A shooter, who afarre off aymeth at a marke in the midst of a white.
1656 T. Blount Glossographia Collimate, to wink with one eye, to level or aim at a mark.
1715 A. Pope tr. Homer Iliad I. iv. 130 Aim at his Breast, and may that Aim succeed!
1779 H. Cowley Albina i. 6 The arm Which, aiming at his heart, had instant pierc'd it.
1835 Blackbeard I. xvi. 201 ‘Your rifle did the deed,’ returned the chevalier; ‘I aimed for the eye.’
1868 Boy's Own Mag. 9 491 The enemy opened their broadsides, chiefly aiming at her rigging in the hope of disabling her before she could close with them.
1901 C. M. K. Applebee Eng. Field Hockey 55 Shoot hard as soon as the ball is in the circle and don't aim at the goal keeper.
1944 Sun (Baltimore) 15 June 2/5 I..aimed for his groin and walked my tommy gun right up his middle and blew him 90 feet away.
1962 S. Ennis tr. P. Sayers Old Woman's Refl. xiii. 99 Nance aimed at her with a rough stone that knocked the side out of the potato-pot beside her.
1995 C. J. M. Goulter Forgotten Offensive ii. 58 Five [torpedoes] hit the target aimed at.
2003 S. M. Martin UP Saga iv. 125 Bek aimed at its head and rattled off a round of ammunition.
(b) intransitive. Without construction: to take aim. Also figurative (with adverbs, as to aim high, etc.).
ΘΚΠ
society > armed hostility > military equipment > operation and use of weapons > action of propelling missile > discharge missile [verb (intransitive)] > aim
to take aima1450
aim1566
to bring to bear1619
society > armed hostility > military equipment > operation and use of weapons > action of propelling missile > discharge of firearms > discharge firearms [verb (intransitive)] > take aim
aim1566
vizyc1600
hold1881
to aim off1904
to draw down1907
1566 J. Studley tr. Seneca Agamemnon i. sig. Ciiiv Paris shaft, whose connyng hand with shot so sure did ayme.
1609 W. Shakespeare Pericles ix. 42 That neuer aymed so hie, to loue your Daughter.
1623 J. Bingham tr. Lipsius Compar. Rom. Manner Warre in tr. Xenophon Hist. 3 It fainteth or straieth from the marke, if you aime further off.
1651 T. Hobbes Leviathan ii. xxv. 136 They look about with two eyes, yet they never ayme but with one.
1706 N. W. Hist. George a Green 30 Knowing it was a commendable Ambition, rather to aim high than look low.
1779 W. Cowper in J. Newton & W. Cowper Olney Hymns i. xvii. 23 Who gave him strength to sling, And skill to aim aright.
1840 W. Hazlitt tr. C. P. de Kock Andrew the Savoyard in Romancist & Novelist's Libr. III. 225/1 Pierre..showed himself but rarely, taking pains at the same time to aim skilfully, and then immediately concealing himself.
1861 All Year Round 24 Aug. 523/1 I take a good middle sight, and aim low. Crack!
1906 A. Eyre Girl in Waiting xvi. 211 Your object..is not marriage—I flattered you when I thought you aimed so high.
1966 ‘J. Rhys’ Wide Sargasso Sea (1975) 74 As we were walking home I asked her who had taught her to aim so well.
2006 W. Marvel Mr. Lincoln goes to War ii. v. 147 Aiming carefully, Kemper fired about a dozen rounds.
(c) intransitive. English regional. To throw an object. Now rare.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > impelling or driving > projecting through space or throwing > throw [verb (intransitive)]
throwc1330
pickc1487
hurl1530
fling1684
aim1884
biff1964
1884 N.E.D. at Aim Mod. dial. [To a boy throwing stones] ‘Now then, Charlie, you mustn't aim.’
1896 G. F. Northall Warwickshire Word-bk. 6 Aim,..to throw. ‘Don't you aim at me.’
b. transitive. To direct (a weapon), prepare (a blow), etc., with the intention of making it strike the desired mark or target. Frequently with at. Also in extended use.In quot. 1702 in figurative context.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > direction > direct [verb (transitive)] > aim at > aim (a blow, weapon, etc.)
reachOE
seta1300
shapec1400
ettlec1450
charge1509
bend1530
level1530
aimc1565
butt1594
levy1618
to give level to1669
wise1721
intenda1734
train1795
sight1901
to zero in1944
society > armed hostility > military equipment > operation and use of weapons > stroke with weapon > strike with a weapon [verb (transitive)] > aim a weapon or blow at
mintc1330
teisec1330
markc1390
aimc1565
society > armed hostility > military equipment > operation and use of weapons > action of propelling missile > assail with missiles [verb (transitive)] > aim or direct (missile)
aimc1565
bear1740
c1565 ‘T. C.’ tr. G. Boccaccio Galesus Cymon & Iphigenia sig. D.i With peised stroke, well aymed at his head: He feld hym.
1573 T. Twyne tr. Virgil in T. Phaer & T. Twyne tr. Virgil Whole .xii. Bks. Æneidos x. sig. Ee iv Then Turnus, aiminge longe in hand a dart of sturdy oke..at Pallas forth it flunge.
1592 B. Rich Aduentures Brusanus iii. i. 96 Brusanus..very rashly aiming the speare where he saw the bushes to sture, vnfortunatly hit Moderna cleane through the body a little belowe her ribes.
1602 A. Munday tr. 3rd Pt. Palmerin of Eng. lxv. f. 212v He drew forth his sword, & aiming a maine stroke at the Hounds, they flew off from him.
1612 J. Speed Theatre of Empire of Great Brit. i. xxxvii. 71/1 Had not Sir Hubert Syncler receiued the arrow aimed at him, in stepping betwixt that Shaft and his Soueraigne.
1697 J. Dryden tr. Virgil Æneis xii, in tr. Virgil Wks. 609 Rais'd on the Stretch, young Turnus aims a blow, Full on the Helm of his unguarded Foe.
1702 J. Logan in Mem. Hist. Soc. Pennsylvania (1870) IX. 99 Hee aimed a blow home at the charter.
1712 J. Arbuthnot Law is Bottomless-pit viii. 15 Mrs. Bull aim'd a Knife at John.
1776 M. Angelo Juvenile Sports (ed. 2) ix. 81 If you stand too far from it [sc. the wicket], you may be knocked out by the bowler, before you can recover your bat after aiming a stroke.
1814 R. Southey Roderick xxv. 400 Many a foin and thrust Aimed, and rebated.
1867 E. Bacon Among Cotton Thieves iii. 82 The Indians..might at any moment be aiming a rifle at the bowels of the best of us.
1889 E. B. Michell Boxing in W. H. Pollock et al. Fencing (Badminton Libr. of Sports & Pastimes) 166 Instead of thus countering on the head the blow may be aimed at the ribs.
1915 V. Woolf Voy. Out x. 151 She..had lain among grim men, flat on the turf, aiming her gun.
1927 Punch 4 May 480/2 The maid appeared again, aimed me at the consulting-room and loosed me off.
1956 J. Baldwin Giovanni's Room ii. i. 110 Two grown men jostling each other on the wide sidewalk and aiming the cherry pits..into each other's faces.
2002 Bliss June 78/2 I..aimed a hefty kick back at them—but missed and socked a complete stranger.
c. transitive. figurative. Chiefly with at. To direct (any action, measure, accusation, etc.) against something or someone.
ΚΠ
1566 J. Barthlet Pedegrewe Heretiques f. 5 Euyll affection, that hath ledde those men besides all iudgement, to ayme their force at speciall persons.
1657 J. Davies tr. H. D'Urfé Astrea II. 182 Let all your anger which you aimed at him, be imployed, good Sir, against me.
1685 Bp. S. Parker Relig. & Loyalty: 2nd Pt. v. 65 This was the Rescript, that brought so much trouble to St. Ambrose..and indeed it was particularly aimed at him.
1752 Westm. Mag. 14 Mar. 139/1 The Storm was raised on his Account, and..every Thing was aimed at him, for the Evils he had been guilty of.
1776 Parl. Reg. 1775–80 V. 73 Such imputations, he affirmed, were aimed at the freedom of debate.
1822 Times 14 June 3/2 He saw the deceased making that deadly preparation which the accused had a right to consider as aimed at his own life.
1849 T. B. Macaulay Hist. Eng. II. 210 The laws enacted..against the Roman Catholics had really been aimed at himself.
1907 J. London Iron Heel iv. 65 This tacit conspiracy grew large. Not alone was it aimed against Jackson. It was aimed against every workingman who was maimed in the mills.
1993 Sci. & Public Affairs. Winter 21/1 The first of these is a toxin-antibody conjugate, D0490, aimed at colorectal cancer.
2009 New Yorker 22 June 39/3 The High Point Strategy..was aimed at public drug dealing, not gang violence.
d. transitive. To point or direct (a telescope, a camera, a beam of light, etc.) in a particular direction. Also intransitive.
ΚΠ
1742 J. Martyn & E. Chambers tr. Philos. Hist. & Mem. Royal Acad. Sci. Paris II. 208 We need only aim the telescope at the same point in the two situations of the level.
1784 H. Cowley More Ways than One Epil. 97 Each scarlet Mars above..May leer around—there's Venus's in plenty; Or aim his glass beneath, upon the pit.
1843 New World 29 Apr. 515/1 The astronomers..are nightly aiming their telescopes at the large and mysterious traveller [sc. a comet].
1894 Frank Leslie's Pop. Monthly June 738/1 I have rushed breathless after a splendid subject, snapped the trigger while aiming at the vital spot, and opened the camera only to find [etc.].
1917 Soc. Automotive Engineers Trans. 12 i. 419 If the public knew how properly to focus and aim the lamp..it would reduce the effect of glare by over 50 per cent.
1972 Daily Tel. 3 Mar. (Colour Suppl.) 17 For several months an 85 foot radio telescope..was aimed at the stars Tau Ceti and Epsilon Eridani.
2011 New Yorker 10 Jan. 48/3 The tank's crew mistakenly thought that a camera aimed at them from a balcony was a spotting device for Iraqi forces.
e. intransitive. to aim off: to point a rifle, etc., away from the direction pointing directly towards the target, in order to allow for the wind, the effect of gravity, etc. Also in extended use.
ΘΚΠ
society > armed hostility > military equipment > operation and use of weapons > action of propelling missile > discharge of firearms > discharge firearms [verb (intransitive)] > take aim
aim1566
vizyc1600
hold1881
to aim off1904
to draw down1907
1864 A. Walker Rifle Theory & Practice vi. 158 It would..be impossible to lay down any fixed rules as to the abatement to be made for wind in shooting, or the distance to ‘aim off’ the target in order to hit it.]
1904 W. Winans Hints on Revolver Shooting ix. 79 The aim should be at the actual elevation you want the bullet to go, so as to enable you to aim off at ‘III o'clock’ and ‘IX o'clock’ for right and left runs respectively.
1932 J. A. Barlow Elem. Rifle Shooting iv. 44 We have to learn to aim at some spot other than the one which we want to hit... We will..concentrate on the problem of how to aim off.
1951 Wonder Bk. R.A.F. (new ed.) 126 The navigator shall..estimate, by calculation, the extent to and direction in which he must ‘aim off’ in order to arrive at his intended destination.
2001 G. Strachan tr. A. Makine Requiem for Lost Empire iv. 126 He still recalled the sergeant wetting his forefinger with saliva, raising it in the air to check the direction of the wind and explaining to them how much they needed to aim off.
6. To direct one's course towards a particular point or destination, or to make this one's object. Frequently with for, at.
a. intransitive.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > move in a certain direction [verb (intransitive)]
goeOE
wendOE
makeOE
aim?a1400
to make one's waya1425
reflect1547
work1566
to make up1596
path1597
sway1600
tend1648
vergea1661
steer1693
society > travel > aspects of travel > travel in specific course or direction > direct one's course [verb (intransitive)]
thinkeOE
bowa1000
seta1000
scritheOE
minlOE
turnc1175
to wend one's wayc1225
ettlec1275
hieldc1275
standc1300
to take (the) gatec1330
bear?c1335
applyc1384
aim?a1400
bend1399
hita1400
straighta1400
bounc1400
intendc1425
purposec1425
appliquec1440
stevenc1440
shape1480
make1488
steera1500
course1555
to make out1558
to make in1575
to make for ——a1593
to make forth1594
plyc1595
trend1618
tour1768
to lie up1779
head1817
loop1898
?a1400 (a1338) R. Mannyng Chron. (Petyt) ii. 98 (MED) Whan Henry was ryued þer, þer he wild ame.
c1540 (?a1400) Gest Historiale Destr. Troy (2002) f. 33v Antenor amyt after anone To the palis.
1637 T. Heywood Pleasant Dialogues & Dramma's 250 The bright hayr'd Comets are of all the best, Boading most good, when ayming towards the West.
1715 Hist. Wars Charles XII. King of Sweden 171 [He] saw..that it was impossible for him to reach the Place he aimed at.
1751 R. Paltock Life Peter Wilkins I. vi. 39 We aimed at some Port in Africa, having neither Sail, Compass, or any other Instrument to direct us.
1756 Gentleman's Mag. Mar. 123/2 It had been much debated, whether they should aim for the north or the west.
1837 Rural Repository 24 June 6/3 The little vessel..was aiming towards a little harbor just below the spot on which he stood.
1865 N. Missouri Courier 9 Feb. in Glasgow Herald 8 Mar. 4/1 Three weeks they wandered and travelled, aiming northward for the Federal lines.
1872 H. I. Jenkinson Guide Eng. Lake District (1879) 293 Aim for the Steeple.
1916 Guide to Nature (Agassiz Assoc.) June 36/1 The bee aims at the showy blotch of red and yellow velvet on the erect column of the next flower.
1968 Chicago Tribune 4 Jan. 5/1 I was aiming south when the Jen appeared on the horizon, more or less parallel to my course.
2003 K. Watkins Adventure Walks & Scrambles Cape Penins. 16 You need to aim for the clump of Rooi Els trees in the ravine.
b. transitive (reflexive).In later use probably simply an extended use of sense 5b.
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > aspects of travel > travel in specific course or direction > direct one's course [verb (reflexive)]
turnc1175
stretcha1225
bowc1275
steer1399
straighta1400
ready?a1425
purposec1425
address1436
applya1450
shape1480
make1488
aima1500
bound1821
a1500 (?a1400) Wars Alexander (Trin. Dublin) l. 1047 He..amez hym toward aufrike.
c1540 (?a1400) Gest Historiale Destr. Troy (2002) f. 111v Ector to Achilles amyt hym sone.
1889 Belgravia July 124 The sight of a man aiming himself at the door, only to find that he is making tracks for the chimney, would be an extremely novel one.
1907 Outing Aug. 357/2 He aimed himself at a chair and sat down heavily.
1977 T. Hughes Gaudete 71 He aims himself at his car, parked solitary out on the desert of blue asphalt.
2007 A. Frasier Garden of Darkness xxv. 190 I aimed myself in the direction of the restroom and stumbled through the dark.
7. To have (something) as an object, intention, or desired outcome; to be determined upon; to seek to achieve or obtain.† c. transitive. With simple object. Obsolete. rare.
a. intransitive. With infinitive as complement. Also simply: to intend, to mean (formerly chiefly English regional and U.S., now colloquial).
ΘΚΠ
the mind > will > intention > intend [verb (intransitive)]
minOE
howOE
intenta1300
meana1375
intend1390
purposea1400
aimc1450
collime1677
design1749
the mind > will > intention > intend [verb] > intend to do something
weenOE
willOE
thinkOE
tightc1300
to be (later also to have it) in purpose1340
tend1340
cast138.
reckona1450
aimc1450
willc1450
esteema1533
suspect1629
predeterminea1641
the mind > will > intention > intend [verb (intransitive)] > have as an object
aimc1450
swagec1540
c1450 (?a1400) Wars Alexander (Ashm.) l. 2821 Þe dere dame..heris, Þat hire awen child with Alexander amed eft to feȝt.
1590 R. Greene Mourning Garment 19 Thinking women aymed to be supremes, that they prise gold before beatuy, and wealth before loue.
1602 J. Marston Antonios Reuenge v. i. sig. I2 (stage direct.) Alberto drawes out his dagger, Maria her knife, ayming to menace the Duke.
1651 N. Bacon Contin. Hist. Disc. Govt. xxvi. 198 That ease and rest that the King aimed to enjoy.
1665 in Rec. Colony Rhode Island (1857) II. 120 And this the Court hath done, aimeing alsoe therein to save the towne.
1745 E. Haywood Female Spectator II. 313 But to return to that Subject, which..both the above-cited Letters, in my Judgment, aim to prove.
1785 W. Hutton Bran New Wark 6 Aaiming to hev a good conscience.
1841 Ladies' Repository Jan. 7/2 The Repository will aim to entertain as well as instruct.
1858 W. Greener Gunnery in 1858 Pref. 7 I make no pretension to literary style, but have aimed to produce a practical work for practical men.
1903 McClure's Mag. July 318/1 Each factory aimed to add barrel works as soon as able.
1952 F. O'Connor Let. in Habit of Being (1980) 40 This guy is one of these learned gents & I don't aim to stick my neck out too far arguing with him.
1992 MotorHome Feb. 7/1 We don't aim to give tickets to our own people. So, we give a ticket to every out-of-state car we see.
2006 B. T. Bradford Just Rewards xxxv. 409 What she was aiming to do was bring the great emporium Emma had founded into the twenty-first century.
b. intransitive. With at (also occasionally for).
ΚΠ
1583 Answeare Def. Censure Charkes Bk. Pref. f. 13v Your cancred malice..shal not prouoke that mischiefe you ayme at.
1593 R. Bancroft Suruay Holy Discipline xxxv. 456 This is aimed at, vz. that the turpitude of all blasphemies, being couered with this cloake, may lie hid.
1603 P. Holland tr. Plutarch Morals 47 A man is to aime at excellencie and preferrence before others in good and honest things.
1632 H. Wotton Let. 13 Feb. in Reliquiæ Wottonianæ (1672) 453 I aim at the convoying of you up to your Eton.
1686 W. Penn Let. 21 Sept. in Pennsylvania Mag. Hist. & Biogr. (1956) 80 240 I aime at Americanizeing my famely, and come prepared accordingly.
1720 R. Welton tr. T. Alvares de Andrade Sufferings Son of God II. xiv. 373 He alone is the True spiritualized Soul, who only aims at God's Glory.
1761 Ann. Reg. 1760 206 He who aims at universal knowledge, may know about many things, but he will properly know nothing.
1821 W. Russel Mod. Europe i. xxxvii Edward..aimed at the absolute sovereignty and dominion of that kingdom.
1875 W. D. Whitney Life & Growth of Lang. i. 6 Simplicity..will be everywhere aimed at.
1902 Encycl. Brit. XXVIII. 497/1 The Symbolist school..aimed at greater freedom, a less strict prosody, and a more musical poetry.
1917 R. Moldenke Princ. Iron Founding vi. 115 The situation aimed for is to keep low not only the combined carbon, but also the graphite.
1981 R. Barnard Sheer Torture x. 109 Cultivating your ego, aiming at total self-fulfilment, doing your own thing.
2009 Big Issue 28 Sept. 36/2 (advt.) The Socialist Party aims at building a moneyless world community.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > will > intention > intend [verb (transitive)] > have as purpose or object
followeOE
studylOE
turna1200
pursuea1382
purposec1384
to shoot atc1407
ensue1483
proponea1500
studyc1503
prick1545
tread1551
suit1560
to go for ——1568
to set (up) one's rest1572
expect1578
propose1584
propound1596
aima1616
scope1668
to set up1691
aim1821
to go in for1835
to be out for1887
to be flat out for1930
target1966
shoot1967
a1616 W. Shakespeare Othello (1623) iii. iii. 228 My speech should fall into such vilde successe, Which my Thoughts aym'd not [1622 As my thoughts aime not at].
d. transitive (in passive). With at (also occasionally for): = sense 7b.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > will > intention > intend [verb (transitive)] > have as purpose or object
followeOE
studylOE
turna1200
pursuea1382
purposec1384
to shoot atc1407
ensue1483
proponea1500
studyc1503
prick1545
tread1551
suit1560
to go for ——1568
to set (up) one's rest1572
expect1578
propose1584
propound1596
aima1616
scope1668
to set up1691
aim1821
to go in for1835
to be out for1887
to be flat out for1930
target1966
shoot1967
1821 C. R. Prinsep tr. J.-B. Say Treat. Polit. Econ. I. xvii. 188 Strictly speaking, there is no act of government but what has some influence upon production. I shall confine myself..to such as are avowedly aimed at the exertion of such influence.
1867 Blackwood's Mag. Mar. 323/2 The greater difficulty there invariably is in recognising the wisdom of a policy aimed at the independence of one's own country than of any indifferent community.
1921 Ungraded Dec. 70 [The texts] are aimed for the measurements of scope and accuracy of vocabulary, the ability to understand connected discourse, and knowledge of grammar.
1978 Nature 2 Mar. 56/2 In 1971, we initiated investigations aimed at identifying synthetic peptide mimetics related to d-Ala- d-Ala that might have antibacterial properties.
2011 R. G. Teitel Humanity's Law iv. 79 The atrocities in the Balkans could be punished as war crimes, such that the bringing of individuals to justice was aimed at the ‘restoration and maintenance of the peace’.
8. transitive. English regional. To attempt, to try. Chiefly with infinitive as object. Now rare.
ΚΠ
1865 J. Sleigh Attempt at Derbyshire Gloss. in Reliquary Jan. 156/1 Aim,..to attempt.
a1895 S. Hewett MS Coll. Devonshire Words in Eng. Dial. Dict. (1898) I. 32/1 He aimed to kill his missus, and then he cut his own droat.
1899 J. A. Morgan Study Warwickshire Dial. (ed. 3) 74 'Er aimed to pick it up, but t' wuz oer 'eavy fur er to lift.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, September 2012; most recently modified version published online December 2021).
> as lemmas
AIM
AIM n. (also Aim) British Stock Market Alternative Investment Market.
ΚΠ
1994 Herald (Glasgow) 7 Sept. 15/4 The idea behind AIM is to make entry as easy and cheap as possible while preserving some basic safeguards for investors.
1995 Daily Tel. 2 May 22/1 Aim, the new small companies market.
2007 Independent 29 Nov. (Extra section) 10/5 We absolutely are a commercial, for profit organisation and we wouldn't be able to go into the AIM if we weren't.
AIM
AIM n.
Brit. /eɪm/
, /eɪm/U.S. /eɪm/
U.S. American Indian Movement./eɪm/ΘΚΠ
society > society and the community > social attitudes > patriotism > nationalism > [noun] > other spec. > movement or ideal
cultural nationalism1914
American dream1916
pan-Indianism1945
AIM1971
1971 Minneapolis Tribune 16 Aug. 12/2 The occupation began..when 25 Indians, most of them members of the American Indian Movement (AIM) broke a window.
2009 Sunday Oregonian (Portland, Oregon) (Nexis) 19 Apr. Eyre was a beneficiary of the movement: ‘I got a lot of my education through programs that came out of AIM activism,’ he said.
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n.c1400v.a1375as lemmas