The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

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[imac]fask; probably originally,
   to grasp for one's self, from [thorn]r[imac]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.
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            Diligence and humility is the way to thrive in the
            riches of the understanding, as well as in gold.
                                                  --I. Watts.
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   2. To prosper in any business; to have increase or success.
      "They by vices thrive." --Sandys.
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            O son, why sit we here, each other viewing
            Idly, while Satan, our great author, thrives?
                                                  --Milton.
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            And so she throve and prospered.      --Tennyson.
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   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.
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