circumscribe

verb

cir·​cum·​scribe ˈsər-kəm-ˌskrīb 

circumscribed; circumscribing; circumscribes

transitive verb

1

a

: to constrict (see constrict sense 1) 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

circumscribed the misspelled words

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

a circle circumscribing a square

Did you know?

To circumscribe something is to limit its size, activity, or range, but the range of influence of the Latin ancestors of circumscribe knows no bounds. Circumscribe comes via Middle English from the Latin verb circumscribere (which roughly translates as “to draw a circle around”), which in turn comes from circum-, meaning “circle,” and scribere, meaning “to write or draw.” Among the many descendants of circum- are circuit, circumference, circumnavigate, circumspect, circumstance, and circumvent. Scribere gave us such words as scribe and scribble, as well as ascribe, describe, and transcribe, among others.

Synonyms

• cap
• confine
• hold down
• limit
• restrict

Choose the Right Synonym for circumscribe

limit, restrict, circumscribe, confine mean to set bounds for.

limit implies setting a point or line (as in time, space, speed, or degree) beyond which something cannot or is not permitted to go.

visits are limited to 30 minutes

restrict suggests a narrowing or tightening or restraining within or as if within an encircling boundary.

laws intended to restrict the freedom of the press

circumscribe stresses a restriction on all sides and by clearly defined boundaries.

the work of the investigating committee was carefully circumscribed

confine suggests severe restraint and a resulting cramping, fettering, or hampering.

our choices were confined by finances

Examples of circumscribe in a Sentence

The circle is circumscribed by a square.

circumscribed his enthusiasm so as not to make the losing side feel worse

Recent Examples on the Web

Imagine circumscribing topics of conservation with yellow police tape around them – topics that almost instantly trigger conflict. —Lisa Pavia-Higel, The Conversation, 30 Apr. 2025

The junta has pledged to stage elections within a year, even though its capacity to hold a vote—even a sham one—seems hugely circumscribed, both by war and by the March earthquake. —Ye Myo Hein, Foreign Affairs, 17 Apr. 2025

My mother-in-law had gallbladder problems that greatly circumscribed her choice of meals. —Hazlitt, 2 Apr. 2025

Similarly, the tradition of the filibuster—which increases the leverage of individual senators and circumscribes the majority—has grown tenuous. —David D. Kirkpatrick, New Yorker, 31 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English circumscriven, from Latin circumscribere, from circum- + scribere to write, draw — more at scribe

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for circumscribe

• diatribe
• ascribe
• describe
• imbibe
• inscribe
• prescribe
• proscribe
• subscribe
• transcribe
• bribe
• gibe
• jibe

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Kids Definition

circumscribe

verb

cir·​cum·​scribe ˈsər-kəm-ˌskrīb 

circumscribed; circumscribing

1

a

: to limit the range or activity of definitely and clearly

b

: to define or set limits for carefully

2

a

: to draw a line around

b

: to put a boundary around

Etymology

from Latin circumscribere "to draw a line around, set limits to," from circum "around" and scribere "to write, draw" — related to scribe