achieve

v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Achieved p. pr. & vb. n. Achieving ] [ OE. acheven, OF. achever, achiever, F. achever, to finish; à (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 ]

[ [ 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 ]

n. [ Cf. F. achèvement, E. Hatchment. ] 1. The act of achieving or performing; an obtaining by exertion; successful performance; accomplishment; as, the achievement of his object. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. A great or heroic deed; something accomplished by valor, boldness, or praiseworthy exertion; a feat. [ 1913 Webster ]

[ The exploits ] of the ancient saints . . . do far surpass the most famous achievements of pagan heroes. Barrow. [ 1913 Webster ]

The highest achievements of the human intellect. Macaulay. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. (Her.) An escutcheon or ensign armorial; now generally applied to the funeral shield commonly called hatchment. Cussans. [ 1913 Webster ]