fulfill

play

verb ful·fill \fu̇(l)-ˈfil also fə(l)-\

Simple Definition of fulfill

: to do what is required by (something, such as a promise or a contract)
: to succeed in doing or providing (something)
: to succeed in achieving (something) : to make (something, such as a dream) true or real

Source: Merriam-Webster's Learner's Dictionary

Full Definition of fulfill

fulfilled

fulfilling

transitive verb
1 archaic : to make full : fill <her subtle, warm, and golden breath…fulfills him with beatitude — Alfred Tennyson>
2 a : to put into effect : execute b : to meet the requirements of (a business order) c : to bring to an end d : to measure up to : satisfy
3 a : to convert into reality b : to develop the full potentialities of

fulfiller

noun

See fulfill defined for English-language learners

See fulfill defined for kids

Examples of fulfill in a sentence

He fulfilled his pledge to cut taxes.
She failed to fulfill her obligations.
The program is intended to fulfill the basic needs of children in the community.
If we could have that house, our dreams would be fulfilled.
He fulfilled his childhood wish to become a professional baseball player.
She fulfilled her life's ambition when she started her own business.
He's trying to fulfill himself as an artist.

Variants of fulfill

fulfil

Origin and Etymology of fulfill

Middle English fulfillen, from Old English fullfyllan, from full + fyllan to fill

First Known Use: before 12th century

Synonym Discussion of fulfill

perform, execute, discharge, accomplish, achieve, effect, fulfill mean to carry out or into effect. perform implies action that follows established patterns or procedures or fulfills agreed-upon requirements and often connotes special skill <performed gymnastics>. execute stresses the carrying out of what exists in plan or in intent <executed the hit-and-run>. discharge implies execution and completion of appointed duties or tasks <discharged his duties>. accomplish stresses the successful completion of a process rather than the means of carrying it out <accomplished everything they set out to do>. achieve adds to accomplish the implication of conquered difficulties <achieve greatness>. effect adds to achieve an emphasis on the inherent force in the agent capable of surmounting obstacles <effected sweeping reforms>. fulfill implies a complete realization of ends or possibilities <fulfilled their ambitions>.