(aims, aiming, aimed)
Frequency: The word is one of the 1500 most common words in English.
1.
If you aim for something or aim to do something, you plan or hope to achieve it.
He is aiming for the 100 metres world record...
...an appeal which aims to raise funds for children with special needs.
VERB: V for/at n/-ing, V to-inf
2.
The aim of something that you do is the purpose for which you do it or the result that it is intended to achieve.
The aim of the festival is to increase awareness of Hindu culture and traditions.
= objective
N-COUNT: oft with poss
3.
If an action or plan is aimed at achieving something, it is intended or planned to achieve it.
The new measures are aimed at tightening existing sanctions.
...talks aimed at ending the war.
V-PASSIVE: be V-ed at n/-ing, V-ed
4.
If you aim to do something, you decide or want to do it. (AM INFORMAL)
Are you aiming to visit the gardens?...
VERB: V to-inf
5.
If your actions or remarks are aimed at a particular person or group, you intend that the person or group should notice them and be influenced by them.
His message was aimed at the undecided middle ground of Israeli politics...
Advertising aimed at children should be curbed.
VERB: usu passive, be V-ed at n, V-ed
6.
If you aim a weapon or object at something or someone, you point it towards them before firing or throwing it.
He was aiming the rifle at Wade.
...a missile aimed at the arms factory...
I didn't know I was supposed to aim at the same spot all the time.
VERB: V n at n, V-ed, V at n, also V
7.
Your aim is your skill or action in pointing a weapon or other object at its target.
He stood with the gun in his right hand and his left hand steadying his aim.
N-SING: oft poss N
8.
If you aim a kick or punch at someone, you try to kick or punch them.
They aimed kicks at his shins.
VERB: V n prep/adv
9.
When you take aim, you point a weapon or object at someone or something, before firing or throwing it.
She had spotted a man with a shotgun taking aim.
PHRASE: V inflects
10.
If you take aim at someone or something, you criticize them strongly. (AM)
Republican strategists are taking particular aim at Democratic senators.
PHRASE: V inflects, PHR n