I. ˈäbjikt, -jēkt sometimes -ˌjekt noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English, from Latin objectus, from objectus, past participle of objicere, obicere to throw in the way, hinder, object, from ob- to, toward, against + -jicere, -icere (from jacere to throw) — more at ob- , jet
1. : something that is put or may be regarded as put in the way of some of the senses : a discrete visible or tangible thing
saw an object in the distance
2. : something that arouses feelings (as of pity, amusement, disgust) in an observer : sight , spectacle
3.
a. : something (as an end, aim, or motive) by which the mind or any of its activities is directed : something on which the purposes are fixed as the end of action or effort : something that is sought for : final cause
let our object be, our country, our whole country, and nothing but our country — Daniel Webster
the attainment of wealth was the object of his every effort
b.
(1) : something that is set or may be regarded as set before the mind so as to be apprehended or known
an object of fear
such objects of study
(2) : something of which the mind by any of its activities takes cognizance, whether a thing external in space and time or a conception formed by the mind itself
the opinion that the four main kinds of objects are cultural objects, other minds, physical objects, and data of our minds — Jørgen Jørgensen
— sometimes distinguished from ego, self-consciousness, and subject
(3) : the totality of external phenomena constituting the not-self — compare intention
4. obsolete : representation , appearance , show
5.
a. : a noun or noun equivalent denoting in verb constructions that on or toward which the action of a verb is directed either actually or as conceived (as ball in I struck the ball and what had happened in I saw what had happened ) and either immediately (as thanks in I give thanks ) or less immediately (as you in I give you thanks )
b. : a noun or noun equivalent having with an adjective or adverb a relation analogous to that of object with verb (as trouble in worth the trouble and brother in like his brother )
c. : a noun or noun equivalent in a prepositional phrase (as table in on the table and city in from the city )
Synonyms: see intention
II. əbˈjekt verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: Middle English objecten, from Latin objectus, past participle of objicere, obicere to object
transitive verb
1. archaic
a. : to set before or against : bring into opposition : oppose , interpose
b. : to bring or place in view : expose
c. : to offer as supportive evidence : bring forward as an argument or reason
2. : to offer in opposition (as by way of accusation or reproach) : adduce as an objection or adverse reason
objected that the statement was misleading
3. obsolete
a. : to expose to danger or other hazard
b. : impute
intransitive verb
1. : to oppose something with words or argument — usually followed by to
objected vigorously to their statements
2. : to feel aversion or distaste for something
any honest man will object to such a policy
Synonyms:
protest , remonstrate , expostulate , kick : object focuses attention on the fact of voiced dislike, aversion, or dissent without implication about its manner or content
objecting as a matter of principle
objecting because the evidence was unclear
protest may suggest uttered objection delivered either with orderly formality or with emotion
the bill was passed despite the arguments of the protesting senators
he went here and there swearing and protesting against every delay in the work — Sherwood Anderson
remonstrate may apply to utterance blending objection and desire to persuade, influence, or convince
now and then a well-meaning friend of Sir Austin's ventured to remonstrate on a dangerous trial he was making in modeling any new plan of Education for a youth — George Meredith
expostulate may suggest earnest explanation of something objected to coupled with urgent insistence on change
I resolved, for Johnny's sake, to protest, and that very evening drew Gibbings aside and expostulated with him — A.T.Quiller-Couch
kick , often considered colloquial, suggests strenuous or recalcitrant objecting
employees kicking about the new regulations
the crew kicking about their food
newspaper editorials kicking about the delay
III. noun
1. : a set of data, variables, and functions that is created, stored, and manipulated as a discrete basic unit in computer programming
2. : an entity (as an icon or window) especially as shown on a computer screen that can be manipulated independently of other such entities
IV. ˈäbjikt, -jekt adjective
Etymology: object , noun
: of, relating to, or being object code
run an object file