fulfill

especially British, ful·fil

[fool-fil]

verb (used with object)

fulfilled, fulfilling 

1. to carry out, or bring to realization, as a prophecy or promise.

   Synonyms: realize, complete, achieve, accomplish

2. to perform or do, as duty; obey or follow, as commands.

   Synonyms: observe, discharge, execute

3. to satisfy (requirements, obligations, etc.).

   a book that fulfills a long-felt need.

   Synonyms: fill, answer, meet

4. to bring to an end; finish or complete, as a period of time.

   He felt that life was over when one had fulfilled his threescore years and ten.

   Synonyms: conclude, terminate, end

5. to develop the full potential of (usually used reflexively).

   She realized that she could never fulfill herself in such work.

Other Word Forms

• fulfiller noun
• overfulfill verb (used with object)
• prefulfill verb (used with object)
• superfulfill verb (used with object)

Word History and Origins

Origin of fulfill¹

First recorded before 1000; Middle English fulfillen, Old English fulfyllan. See full ¹, fill

Example Sentences

In interviews, pro-Palestinian students who participated in last year’s encampments and protests this year said the ceasefire was welcome news, but only fulfilled part of what led them to take to campus greens.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

SpaceX's massive Starship rocket soared into its 11th test flight Monday, as the US company vies to ready its aerospace technology to deliver NASA's lunar projects and fulfill Elon Musk's Mars ambitions.

Read more on Barron's

“Having this store has been one of the most fulfilling things that I’ve done, and it’s not like we’re not making a ton of money off it.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

“This is as much about fulfilling Congress’ duty as a constitutional check on this administration as it is about demanding justice for survivors.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Campbell told the conference: "The uncomfortable truth is this, because of the Welsh government's failure to get even the basics right in literacy and numeracy, our pupils are not fulfilling their potential."

Read more on BBC