circumscribe

verb

cir·​cum·​scribe ˈsər-kəm-ˌskrīb How to pronounce circumscribe (audio)
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.

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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
But even then, the building’s age circumscribed what NBT could do with it—and, by extension, its possibilities as a company. Marley Marius, Vogue, 18 Oct. 2024 For some offices, such as those at the Department of Homeland Security, the president’s latitude to designate acting officials under the Vacancies Act has been circumscribed by additional statutes and regulations. Theo Milonopoulos, Foreign Affairs, 12 Oct. 2023 At the same time, my role had become more clearly defined and circumscribed. Matthew Klam, The New Yorker, 6 Oct. 2024 That cramped quality may effectively circumscribe Blitz’s prospects as an awards contender and diminish its event-movie potential in international markets. Leslie Felperin, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Sep. 2019 See all Example Sentences for circumscribe 

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of circumscribe was in the 15th century

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Dictionary Entries Near circumscribe

Cite this Entry

“Circumscribe.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/circumscribe. Accessed 10 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

circumscribe

verb
cir·​cum·​scribe ˈsər-kəm-ˌskrīb How to pronounce circumscribe (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on circumscribe

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