1 a : to point (a weapon) at a target [+ obj] ▪ He aimed the gun carefully before shooting. ▪ Don't aim that pistol at me! [no obj] ▪ He aimed carefully before shooting. ▪ Ready, aim, fire!
b : to point (a device) at something [+ obj] ▪ aim a camera ▪ Try to aim the antenna in the right direction. ▪ She aimed the telescope at a point in the eastern sky. [no obj] ▪ She aimed at a point in the eastern sky.
c [+ obj] : to direct (something, such as a missile, a ball, a punch, or a kick) at a target
▪ He aimed the stone at the dog but missed. ▪ The throw from the shortstop was poorly/badly aimed. ▪ well-aimed and badly aimed kicks/punches 2 : to have a specified goal or purpose [no obj] ▪ If you want to be successful, you have to aim high. [=you have to be ambitious] — often + at ▪ The movie aims at comedy [=the movie is intended to be a comedy], but it really isn't very funny. ▪ a political movement that aims at promoting world peace — often + for ▪ The movie aims for comedy. ▪ aim for a goal ▪ If you're trying to lose weight, you should give yourself a goal/target to aim for. [+ obj] — followed by to + verb ▪ a political movement that aims to promote world peace ▪ They aim [=intend] to reform the government. ▪ We aim [=plan] to arrive there at around noon. ▪ We aim to please. 3 [+ obj] : to direct (something) at a particular goal, group of people, etc.
▪ He aimed his criticism primarily at parents. — usually used as (be) aimed ▪ His criticism was aimed primarily at parents. ▪ The television program is aimed directly/primarily at children. [=is intended mainly for children] ▪ The new system is aimed at reducing costs. [=the purpose of the new system is to reduce costs] ▪ a political movement that is aimed at promoting world peace