fulfill

[ fool-fil ]

verb (used with object)

, ful·filled, ful·fil·ling.

1. to carry out, or bring to realization, as a prophecy or promise.

   Synonyms: realize, complete, achieve, accomplish

2. to perform or do, as duty; obey or follow, as commands.

   Synonyms: observe, discharge, execute

3. to satisfy (requirements, obligations, etc.):

   a book that fulfills a long-felt need.

   Synonyms: fill, answer, meet

4. to bring to an end; finish or complete, as a period of time:

   He felt that life was over when one had fulfilled his threescore years and ten.

   Synonyms: conclude, terminate, end

5. to develop the full potential of (usually used reflexively):

   She realized that she could never fulfill herself in such work.

Other Words From

• ful·fill·er noun
• o·ver·ful·fill verb (used with object)
• pre·ful·fill verb (used with object)
• su·per·ful·fill verb (used with object)

Word History and Origins

Origin of fulfill¹

First recorded before 1000; Middle English fulfillen, Old English fulfyllan. See full ¹, fill

Example Sentences

He considers himself a laissez-faire guy who believes in the butterfly effect, and with the career path he’s helmed, he’s been able to star in his most fulfilling role — dad.

From Los Angeles Times

Burke says there’s a limit to how small ORD can get and still fulfill the tasks required by the Clean Air Act and other laws.

From Science Magazine

When rumours first emerged in October that North Korean troops were about to start supporting Russia’s war in Ukraine, it wasn't immediately clear what role they would be fulfilling.

From BBC

It was both sides betting on each other, and Lenoir showed through high school, then in college at Oregon, and now with the 49ers, that he’s a player focused on fulfilling his dreams.

From Los Angeles Times

Mr Wright, the founder and CEO of fracking company Liberty Energy, is expected to work toward fulfilling Trump's campaign promise to increase fossil fuel production - an aim summed by the campaign slogan “drill, baby, drill”.

From BBC