aim

aim1 [ eım ] verb ***

1. ) intransitive or transitive to point a gun or an object you are throwing at something you want to hit:

When given the order, the squad aimed their weapons.

aim at/for: He was aiming at the tree but he missed.

aim something at someone/something: I looked up to see Betty aiming a gun at me.

aim a kick/blow at someone/something: He leapt into the crowd, aiming a kick at a fan.

2. ) intransitive to intend or hope to achieve something:

aim to do something: The project aims to provide an outlet for children's creativity.

aim for: Most of the students were aiming for jobs in television.

be aimed at (doing) something

1. ) if a plan or idea is aimed at a particular thing, it has the goal of achieving that thing:

an energy program aimed at reducing our dependence on fossil fuels

The regulations are aimed at the prevention of accidents at work.

2. ) aim something at someone if you aim something you say, write, or create at a group, you want that group to listen to or use what you have said or created:

The book is aimed at people with no specialized knowledge.

Dole aimed his criticism at corporations promoting and distributing offensive materials.

aim

aim 2 [ eım ] noun ***

1. ) count the thing that you hope to achieve by doing something:

aim of: The aim of this project is to help patients to be more independent.

with the aim of doing something: We visit schools with the aim of getting young people interested in the theater.

someone's aim is to do something: My main aim in therapy is to gain confidence.

achieve/fulfill/pursue your aims: The group was committed to achieving its aims through peaceful means.

aims and objectives (=things that you intend to achieve): We need to clarify the aims and objectives of the project.

2. ) singular your ability to hit something when you throw, kick, or shoot something at it:

My aim wasn't very good and the ball went over the fence.

take aim

1. ) to point a gun at something before you shoot:

He quickly regained his balance, took aim, and fired.

2. ) to look at something and decide how to throw, swing, or kick in order to hit it