circumscribe
verb 1
to set bounds or an upper limit for <circumscribed his enthusiasm so as not to make the losing side feel worse> Related Words bar,
block,
hamper,
hinder,
impede,
obstruct;
constrict,
contract,
lessen,
narrow,
pinch,
squeeze,
tighten;
quell,
repress,
suppress;
number;
modify,
qualify 2
to mark the limits of <Lake Michigan circumscribes the city of Chicago on the east> 
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