Main Entry:

be·have

Pronunciation:

\bi-ˈhāv, bē-\

Function:

verb

Inflected Form(s):

be·haved; be·hav·ing

Etymology:

Middle English behaven, from be- + haven to have, hold

Date:

15th century

transitive verb 1 : to manage the actions of (oneself) in a particular way 2 : to conduct (oneself) in a proper manner intransitive verb 1 : to act, function, or react in a particular way 2 : to conduct oneself properly

— be·hav·er noun

synonyms behave, conduct, deport, comport, acquit mean to act or to cause oneself to do something in a certain way. behave may apply to the meeting of a standard of what is proper or decorous <the children behaved in church>. conduct implies action or behavior that shows the extent of one's power to control or direct oneself <conducted herself with unfailing good humor>. deport implies behaving so as to show how far one conforms to conventional rules of discipline or propriety <the hero deported himself in accord with the code of chivalry>. comport suggests conduct measured by what is expected or required of one in a certain class or position <comported themselves as gentlemen>. acquit applies to action under stress that deserves praise or meets expectations <acquitted herself well in her first assignment>.