circumscribe
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About Our Definitions: All forms of a word (noun, verb, etc.) are now displayed on one page.cir·cum·scribe
transitive verb \ˈsər-kəm-ˌskrīb\Definition of CIRCUMSCRIBE
1
a : to constrict the range or activity of definitely and clearly <his role was carefully circumscribed> b : to define or mark off carefully <a study of plant species in a circumscribed area>
2
a : to draw a line around b : to surround by or as if by a boundary <fields circumscribed by tall trees>
3
: to construct or be constructed around (a geometrical figure) so as to touch as many points as possible
Examples of CIRCUMSCRIBE
- The circle is circumscribed by a square.
- <circumscribed his enthusiasm so as not to make the losing side feel worse>
Origin of CIRCUMSCRIBE
Middle English circumscriven, from Latin circumscribere, from circum- + scribere to write, draw — more at scribe
First Known Use: 14th century
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