object

object [äb′jikt, äbjekt; ] for v. [ əb jekt′, äbjekt′]

n.

[ME < ML objectum, something thrown in the way < L objectus, a casting before, that which appears, orig. pp. of objicere < ob- (see OB-) + jacere, to throw: see JET¹]

1. a thing that can be seen or touched; material thing that occupies space

2. a person or thing to which action, thought, or feeling is directed

3. what is aimed at; purpose; end; goal

4. a cause for concern: used in negative constructions [money is no object]

5. Gram. a noun or other substantive that directly or indirectly receives the action of a verb, or one that is governed by a preposition [in “Give me the book,” “book” is the direct object and “me” is the indirect object]

6. Philos. anything that can be known or perceived by the mind

vt.

1. Archaic

a) to oppose

b) to thrust in; interpose

c) to expose

d) to bring forward as a reason, instance, etc.; adduce

2. to put forward in opposition; state by way of objection [it was objected that the new tax law was unfair]

vi.

1. to put forward an objection or objections; enter a protest; be opposed

2. to feel or express disapproval or dislike

SYN.- INTENTION

objectless

adj.

objector

n.

SYN.- OBJECT implies opposition to something because of strong dislike or disapproval [I object to her meddling ]; PROTEST implies the making of strong, formal, often written objection to something [they protested the new tax increases ]; REMONSTRATE implies protest and argument in demonstrating to another that he or she is wrong or blameworthy [he remonstrated against her hostile attitude ]; EXPOSTULATE suggests strong, earnest pleading or argument to change another's views or actions [I expostulated with him about his self-sacrifice ]; DEMUR implies the raising of objections or the taking of exception so as to delay action [I demurred at her proposal to dine out ] -ANT. AGREE, CONSENT, ACQUIESCE