The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

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.
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            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.
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   2. To obtain, or gain, as the result of exertion; to succeed
      in gaining; to win.
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            Some are born great, some achieve greatness. --Shak.
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            Thou hast achieved our liberty.       --Milton.
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   Note: [[Obs]., with a material thing as the aim.]
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               Show all the spoils by valiant kings achieved.
                                                  --Prior.
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               He hath achieved a maid
               That paragons description.         --Shak.
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   3. To finish; to kill. [Obs.] --Shak.
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   Syn: To accomplish; effect; fulfill; complete; execute;
        perform; realize; obtain. See Accomplish.
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