Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary · 1913

Thrive

Thrive (thrīv) , intransitive verb

[Old English þriven, Icelandic þrīfask; probably originally, to grasp for one's self, from þrīfa to grasp; akin to Danish trives to thrive, Swedish trifvas. Compare Thrift.]

1.
To prosper by industry, economy, and good management of property; to increase in goods and estate; as, a farmer thrives by good husbandry.
Diligence and humility is the way to thrive in the riches of the understanding, as well as in gold. — I. Watts
2.
To prosper in any business; to have increase or success.
They by vices thrive. — Sandys
O son, why sit we here, each other viewing Idly, while Satan, our great author, thrives? — Milton
And so she throve and prospered. — Tennyson
3.
To increase in bulk or stature; to grow vigorously or luxuriantly, as a plant; to flourish; as, young cattle thrive in rich pastures; trees thrive in a good soil.