Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Thrive \Thrive\ (thr[imac]v), v. i. [imp. {Throve} (thr[=o]v) or
   {Thrived} (thr[imac]vd); p. p. {Thrived} or {Thriven}
   (thr[i^]v"'n); p. pr. & vb. n. {Thriving}.] [OE.
   [thorn]riven, Icel. [thorn]r[=i]fask; probably originally, to
   grasp for one's self, from [thorn]r[=i]fa to grasp; akin to
   Dan. trives to thrive, Sw. trifvas. Cf. {Thrift}.]
   1. To prosper by industry, economy, and good management of
      property; to increase in goods and estate; as, a farmer
      thrives by good husbandry.

            Diligence and humility is the way to thrive in the
            riches of the understanding, as well as in gold.
                                                  --I. Watts.

   2. To prosper in any business; to have increase or success.
      ``They by vices thrive.'' --Sandys.

            O son, why sit we here, each other viewing Idly,
            while Satan, our great author, thrives? --Milton.

            And so she throve and prospered.      --Tennyson.

   3. To increase in bulk or stature; to grow vigorously or
      luxuriantly, as a plant; to flourish; as, young cattle
      thrive in rich pastures; trees thrive in a good soil.

Source : WordNet®

thrive
     v 1: grow stronger; "The economy was booming" [syn: {boom}, {prosper},
           {get ahead}, {flourish}, {expand}]
     2: gain in wealth [syn: {prosper}, {fly high}, {flourish}]
     [also: {throve}, {thriven}]