Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Achieve \A*chieve"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Achieved}; p. pr. &
   vb. n. {Achieving}.] [OE. acheven, OF. achever, achiever, F.
   achever, to finish; [`a] (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.

            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.

   2. To obtain, or gain, as the result of exertion; to succeed
      in gaining; to win.

            Some are born great, some achieve greatness. --Shak.

            Thou hast achieved our liberty.       --Milton.

   Note: [[Obs]., with a material thing as the aim.]

               Show all the spoils by valiant kings achieved.
                                                  --Prior.

               He hath achieved a maid That paragons
               description.                       --Shak.

   3. To finish; to kill. [Obs.] --Shak.

   Syn: To accomplish; effect; fulfill; complete; execute;
        perform; realize; obtain. See {Accomplish}.

Source : WordNet®

achieve
     v : to gain with effort; "she achieved her goal despite
         setbacks" [syn: {accomplish}, {attain}, {reach}]