from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Achieve \A*chieve"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Achieved}; p. pr. &
vb. n. {Achieving}.] [OE. acheven, OF. achever, achiever, F.
achever, to finish; [`a] (L. ad) + OF. chief, F. chef, end,
head, fr. L. caput head. See {Chief}.]
1. To carry on to a final close; to bring out into a
perfected state; to accomplish; to perform; -- as, to
achieve a feat, an exploit, an enterprise.
[1913 Webster]
Supposing faculties and powers to be the same, far
more may be achieved in any line by the aid of a
capital, invigorating motive than without it. --I.
Taylor.
[1913 Webster]
2. To obtain, or gain, as the result of exertion; to succeed
in gaining; to win.
[1913 Webster]
Some are born great, some achieve greatness. --Shak.
[1913 Webster]
Thou hast achieved our liberty. --Milton.
[1913 Webster]
Note: [[Obs]., with a material thing as the aim.]
[1913 Webster]
Show all the spoils by valiant kings achieved.
--Prior.
[1913 Webster]
He hath achieved a maid
That paragons description. --Shak.
[1913 Webster]
3. To finish; to kill. [Obs.] --Shak.
[1913 Webster]
Syn: To accomplish; effect; fulfill; complete; execute;
perform; realize; obtain. See {Accomplish}.
[1913 Webster]