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| Language: | Old English |
| Origin: | ræcan |
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reach1 S1 W1
1 if someone or something reaches a particular point in their development, they get to that point
development
[transitive] reach the point/level/stage etc 
I had reached the point where I was earning a good salary.The kids have reached the age when they can care for themselves.
I had reached the point where I was earning a good salary.The kids have reached the age when they can care for themselves.2 if something reaches a particular rate, amount etc, it increases until it is at that rate or amount : By 2008, that figure is expected to reach 7 million. wind speeds reaching up to 180 mph
rate/amount
[transitive]By 2008, that figure is expected to reach 7 million.wind speeds reaching up to 180 mph3 to successfully agree on something with other people
succeed
[transitive]4
touch
a) [intransitive,transitive always + adverb/preposition] to move your arm in order to touch or lift something with your hand : She reached into her bag and produced a business card. He reached down to help her to her feet.
She reached into her bag and produced a business card.He reached down to help her to her feet.b) [intransitive,transitive not in progressive] to touch something by stretching out your arm : It's no good - I can't reach. She's too small to reach the table.
It's no good - I can't reach.She's too small to reach the table.c) [transitive] to get something from a high place by stretching up your arm
5 to be big enough, long enough etc to get to a particular point : The phone lead isn't long enough to reach the bedroom. a skirt that reaches halfway down her legs
length/height
[intransitive always + adverb/preposition, transitive not in progressive]The phone lead isn't long enough to reach the bedroom.a skirt that reaches halfway down her legs6 to arrive at a place : We reached London late at night. The pyramids can be reached by public transport.
arrive
[transitive]We reached London late at night.The pyramids can be reached by public transport.7 if you reach someone, you succeed in speaking to them on the telephone [= contact]: I can probably reach him on his mobile.
speak to somebody
[transitive]I can probably reach him on his mobile.8 if a message, television programme etc reaches a lot of people, they hear it or see it :
be seen/heard
[transitive]9 if information reaches you, you hear about it : The news reached us in Lahore.
information
[transitive]The news reached us in Lahore.10 to succeed in making someone understand or accept what you tell them [= get through to]: I just can't seem to reach Ed anymore.
communicate
[transitive]I just can't seem to reach Ed anymore.reach out to somebody
phrasal verbSo far, his administration has failed to reach out to hardline Republicans.