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.
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.
2. To obtain, or gain, as the result of exertion; to succeed in gaining; to win.
Some are born great, some achieve greatness.
Shak.
Thou hast achieved our liberty.
Milton.
[[Obs]., with a material thing as the aim.]
Show all the spoils by valiant kings achieved.
Prior.
He hath achieved a maid
That paragons description.
Shak.
3. To finish; to kill. [Obs.]
Shak.
Syn. -- To accomplish; effect; fulfill; complete; execute; perform; realize; obtain. See Accomplish.
© Webster 1913. | 
