verb

train

To point or focus something at a target.

The photographer trains her camera on the nesting birds.

Etymology

The older verb concerns drawing or directing. Training a gun or attention turns and holds it toward a chosen target.

More examples

  • He trained his binoculars on the distant boat.
  • A spotlight was trained on the doorway.
  • She is training the telescope on a bright planet.

Forms

train · trains · trained · training

Similar words

aim
The common term for directing something toward a target.
direct
Broader; need not involve holding an object steadily on target.