obtain

[uhb-teyn]

verb (used with object)

1. to come into possession of; get, acquire, or procure, as through an effort or by a request.

   to obtain permission;

   to obtain a better income.

   Synonyms: attain, win, earn, achieve, gain
   Antonyms: forgo, lose

2. Obsolete.,  to attain or reach.

verb (used without object)

1. to be prevalent, customary, or in vogue; prevail.

   the morals that obtained in Rome.

2. Archaic.,  to succeed.

obtain

/ əbˈteɪn /

verb

1. (tr) to gain possession of; acquire; get

2. (intr) to be customary, valid, or accepted

   a new law obtains in this case

3. archaic,  (tr) to arrive at

4. archaic,  (intr) to win a victory; succeed

Other Word Forms

• obtainable adjective
• obtainability noun
• obtainer noun
• obtainment noun
• preobtain verb (used with object)
• preobtainable adjective
• reobtain verb (used with object)
• reobtainable adjective
• unobtainable adjective
• unobtained adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of obtain¹

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English obteinen, from Middle French obtenir, from Latin obtinēre “to take hold of,” equivalent to ob- ob- ( def. ) + -tinēre, combining form of tenēre “to hold”

Word History and Origins

Origin of obtain¹

C15: via Old French from Latin obtinēre to take hold of, from ob- (intensive) + tenēre to hold

Synonym Study

See get.

Example Sentences

At least 11 of these landfills requested and received permission from either federal or local environmental regulators to continue operating with higher temperatures than currently allowed, according to public records obtained by the environmental organization.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

After obtaining encouraging early results, the scientists are now looking to collaborate with pharmaceutical companies to move toward clinical trials.

Read more on Science Daily

The actor died of “acute on chronic hypoxic respiratory failure,” according to her death certificate obtained by People.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

She intended to obtain passage to England without having to pay a single kopek, all by impersonating a lady of great wealth and royal relations.

Read more on Literature

Most of the items would be easy enough to obtain.

Read more on Literature

Related Words

• access 
• achieve 
• attain 
• collect 
• earn 
• gain 
• gather 
• glean 
• have 
• pick up 
• procure 
• purchase 
• reach 
• realize 
• reap 
• receive 
• recover 
• retrieve 
• secure 
• seize