to long, aim, or seek ambitiously; be eagerly desirous, esp. for something great or of high value (usually fol. by to, after, or an infinitive)

to aspire after literary immortality; to aspire to be a doctor.

Archaic . to rise up; soar; mount; tower.

verb

be ambitious , be eager , crave , desire , dream , hanker , long , pursue , seek , strive , struggle , try , want , wish , yearn , ascend , mount , rise , soar , thirst , tower