obtain

American  

[uhb-teyn] / əbˈteɪn /

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.

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verb (used without object)

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

   the morals that obtained in Rome.

2. Archaic. to succeed.

obtain British  

/ 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

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Related Words

See get.

Other Word Forms

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

Etymology

Origin of obtain

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”

Example Sentences

He said his friend had become interested in guns in recent years and was excited that he’d recently gotten the necessary paperwork under state law by obtaining a firearm safety certificate.

From Los Angeles Times

“We know the central premise behind mental health diversion is that if we obtain mental health treatment for those that are mentally ill that are committing crimes, the public will be safer,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times

The company expects approval in Saudi Arabia and Taiwan “very soon,” and is hopeful about obtaining approvals in the U.K.,

From The Wall Street Journal

Registration is required to obtain visas for non-Israeli staff and carry out basic functions like transporting goods.

From The Wall Street Journal

The federal agency also tightened its rules, making it harder for some immigrant drivers to obtain the licenses.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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