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