aim (?m)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.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.Idiom: take aim1. 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 aestim?re) and from Old French aesmer (from Vulgar Latin *ad estim?re : Latin ad-, ad- + Latin aestim?re, 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.American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.aim (e?m) vb1. to point (a weapon, missile, etc) or direct (a blow) at a particular person or object; level2. (tr) to direct (satire, criticism, etc) at a person, object, etc3. (intr; foll by at or an infinitive) to propose or intend: we aim to leave early. 4. (intr; often foll by at or for) to direct one’s efforts or strive (towards): to aim at better communications; to aim high. n5. the action of directing something at an object6. the direction in which something is pointed; line of sighting (esp in the phrase to take aim)7. the object at which something is aimed; target8. intention; purpose[C14: via Old French aesmer from Latin aestim?re to estimate]AIM abbreviation for (Stock Exchange) (in Britain) Alternative Investment Market Collins English Dictionary ? Complete and Unabridged, 12th Edition 2014 © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1994, 1998, 2000, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2014aim (e?m) v.t. 1. to position or direct (a firearm, ball, rocket, etc.) so that the thing discharged or thrown will hit a target. 2. to intend or direct for a particular effect or purpose: to aim a satire at snobbery. v.i. 3. to point or direct a gun, punch, etc. 4. to strive; try (usu. fol. by to or at): We aim at pleasing everyone. 5. to intend: She aims to go tomorrow. 6. to direct efforts, as toward an object: I aim at perfection. n. 7. the act of directing anything at or toward a particular point or target. 8. the direction in which a weapon or missile is pointed; line of sighting. 9. the point intended to be hit: to miss one’s aim. 10. something intended to be attained by one’s efforts; purpose. 11. Obs. conjecture; guess. Idioms: take aim, to sight a target. [1275?1325; Someone’s aim is what they intend to achieve.You can say that someone does something with the aim of achieving a particular result. You do not say that someone does something ‘with the aim to achieve’ a result.