aim´less|ness

aim «aym», verb, noun.

–v.t.

1. to point or direct (a weapon or blow) in order to hit a target: »

to aim a gun.

SYNONYM(S): level.

2. to direct (words or acts) so as to influence a certain person or action: »

The coach aimed his talk at the boys who had not played fair.

3. Obsolete. to guess.

4. Obsolete. to devise.

–v.i.

1. to point or direct something, such as a gun or blow, in order to hit: »

He aimed at the lion but missed.

2. to direct one's efforts; try: »

She aims for perfection. We aim to please our customers.

SYNONYM(S): aspire.

3. U.S. Informal, Figurative. to have in mind as a purpose; intend: »

I aim to go.

4. Obsolete. to guess.

–n.

1. the act of pointing or directing at something.

2. the ability to point or direct a weapon or blow: »

His aim was so poor that he missed the door and hit the window with a snowball.

3. the direction aimed in; line of sighting: »

Your aim must allow for the wind.

4. Figurative. the object of efforts; purpose; intention; goal: »

Her aim was to do two years' work in one. O Happiness! our being's end and aim! (Alexander Pope).

SYNONYM(S): intent, design, object.

5. Obsolete. a guess; conjecture.

╂[< Old French esmer < Latin aestimāre appraise, and Old French aesmer < Vulgar Latin adaestimāre. See etym. of doublet esteem. (Cf. ↑esteem)]

–aim´a|ble, adjective.

–aim´er, noun.

–aim´less, adjective.

–aim´less|ly, adverb.

–aim´less|ness, noun.

AIM (no periods),

American Indian Movement.