circumscribe

1 to set bounds or an upper limit for <circumscribed his enthusiasm so as not to make the losing side feel worse> Synonyms cap, limit, confine, hold down, restrictRelated Words bar, block, hamper, hinder, impede, obstruct; constrict, contract, lessen, narrow, pinch, squeeze, tighten; quell, repress, suppress; number; modify, qualifyNear Antonyms broaden, expand, widen; overextend, overreachAntonyms exceed

2 to mark the limits of <Lake Michigan circumscribes the city of Chicago on the east> Synonyms bound, limit, define, delimit, demarcate, demark, mark (off), terminateRelated Words control, determine, govern; delineate, describe