əbˈtān., äb- verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: Middle English obteinen, from Middle French & Latin; Middle French obtenir, from Latin obtinēre to take hold of, from ob- to, completely + -tinēre (from tenēre to hold) — more at ob- , thin
transitive verb
1.
a. : to gain or attain possession or disposal of usually by some planned action or method
ability to doubt until evidence is obtained — John Dewey
obtaining the information easily
b. : to bring about or call into being : effect
obtain quiet for their annual meetings — American Guide Series: New York City
2. obsolete : hold , keep , possess , occupy
he who obtains the monarchy of heaven — John Milton
3. obsolete : to arrive at : attain , reach
intransitive verb
1. archaic : succeed
2. obsolete : attain , arrive — used with to or unto
3. : to have a firm footing : become recognized or established : be prevalent or general
the custom obtains of going to the seashore in summer
a greater degree of free expression than usually obtains in film production — Roger Manvell
Synonyms: see get