fulfill

especially British, ful·fil

[fool-fil]

verb (used with object)

fulfilled, fulfilling 

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 Word Forms

• fulfiller noun
• overfulfill verb (used with object)
• prefulfill verb (used with object)
• superfulfill 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

"The fans might view his appointment as a kind of union finally fulfilled," adds Pombo.

From BBC

Ready to quit the sport when left mentally exhausted after Rio 2016, she fulfilled her world-beating potential by winning her first world gold in Doha three years later.

From BBC

He complained that Kennedy’s agency had failed to fulfill the committee’s demand for “any documents or communications that would bring transparency to this situation,” meaning the Monarez firing.

From Los Angeles Times

Playing a bad guy fulfills one of his key ambitions.

From Los Angeles Times

While the Cheech grew in nationwide prominence, its artistic director, María Esther Fernández, explained that the museum’s team also worked to fulfill Marin’s goal by taking advantage of its rapid success.

From Los Angeles Times