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

Google notified the California Employment Development Department on Monday that it will lay off 50 workers in Sunnyvale, according to a notice obtained by The Times.

From Los Angeles Times

Three of the four California counties empowered to inspect federal immigration detention facilities have not done so, and the fourth has conducted only basic reviews of food this year, records obtained by CalMatters show.

From Los Angeles Times

Three years ago, Supreme Court ruled that law-abiding gun owners had a 2nd Amendment right to obtain a permit to carry a concealed weapon when they leave home.

From Los Angeles Times

They have also obtained some photos of them apparently together, according to the sources, who were not authorized to discuss the details of the case publicly.

From Los Angeles Times

Every time, she had to watch their faces drop as they realized she was obtaining an abortion.

From Salon

Related Words

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