Object

Pronunciation

• UK enPR: ŏb'jÄ•kt, IPA: /ˈɒb.dÊ’É›kt/
• US enPR: ŏb'jÄ•kt, IPA: /ˈɑb.dÊ’É›kt/

• UK enPR: É™b-jÄ•kt', IPA: /É™bˈdÊ’É›kt/
• Rhymes: -É›kt

Origin

From Latin obiectum ("object") literally "thrown against", from obiectus, perfect passive participle of obiciō ("throw against"), from ob ("against") + iaciō ("throw").

Full definition of object

Noun

1. A thing that has physical existence.
2. The goal, end or purpose of something.
• 2000, Phyllis Barkas Goldman & John Grigni, Monkeyshines on Ancient CulturesThe object of tlachtli was to keep the rubber ball from touching the ground while trying to push it to the opponent's endline.
3. (grammar) The noun phrase which is an internal complement of a verb phrase or a prepositional phrase. In a verb phrase with a transitive action verb, it is typically the receiver of the action.
4. A person or thing toward which an emotion is directed.Mary Jane had been the object of Peter's affection for years.The convertible, once object of his desire, was now the object of his hatred.
5. (computing) In object-oriented programming, an instantiation of a class or structure.
6. (obsolete) Sight; show; appearance; aspect.
• ChapmanHe, advancing close
  Up to the lake, past all the rest, arose
  In glorious object.

Synonyms

• (thing) article, item, thing
• (person or thing toward which an emotion is directed) target

Derived terms

Related terms

• object graph
• objet d’art

Verb

1. (intransitive) To disagree with something or someone; especially in a Court of Law, to raise an objection.I object to the proposal to build a new airport terminal.
2. (transitive, obsolete) To offer in opposition as a criminal charge or by way of accusation or reproach; to adduce as an objection or adverse reason.
• SpenserHe gave to him to object his heinous crime.
• AddisonOthers object the poverty of the nation.
• WhitgiftThe book ... giveth liberty to object any crime against such as are to be ordered.
3. (transitive, obsolete) To set before or against; to bring into opposition; to oppose.
• FairfaxOf less account some knight thereto object,
  Whose loss so great and harmful can not prove.
• Hookersome strong impediment or other objecting itself
• Alexander PopePallas to their eyes
  The mist objected, and condensed the skies.

Derived terms

• objection