designate

²des·ig·nate

verb \-ˌnāt\

des·ig·nat·eddes·ig·nat·ing

Definition of DESIGNATE

transitive verb

1

: to indicate and set apart for a specific purpose, office, or duty <designate a group to prepare a plan>

2

a : to point out the location of <a marker designating the battle> b : to distinguish as to class <the area we designate as that of spiritual values — J. B. Conant> c : specify, stipulate <to be sent by a designated shipper>

3

: denote <associate names with the people they designate>

4

: to call by a distinctive title, term, or expression <a particle designated the neutron>

— des·ig·na·tive \-ˌnā-tiv\ adjective

— des·ig·na·tor \-ˌnā-tər\ noun

— des·ig·na·to·ry \-nə-ˌtȯr-ē\ adjective

Examples of DESIGNATE

1. The wooden stakes designate the edge of the building site.
2. <the designated time for the meeting>

First Known Use of DESIGNATE

1639

Related to DESIGNATE

Synonyms: appoint, fix, name, set

Antonyms: discharge, dismiss, expel, fire

Related Words: adopt, assign, choose, determine, establish, opt (for), pick, pin (down), prefer, select, settle, single (out), specify; arrange, coordinate, orchestrate; advertise, announce, declare, publish

Near Antonyms: blackball, depose, dethrone, displace, eject, evict, oust, overthrow, remove, throw out, uncrown, unmake, unseat

see all synonyms and antonyms

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