SINCE 1828

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circumscription

noun cir·cum·scrip·tion \ ˌsər-kᵊm-ˈskrip-shən \

Definition of circumscription

1 :the act of circumscribing :the state of being circumscribed: such as

a :definition, delimitation

the circumscription of her duties

b :limitation

2 :something that circumscribes: such as

a :limit, boundary

b :restriction

a circumscription of his power to act

3 :a circumscribed area or district

Examples of circumscription in a Sentence

such circumscriptions on the freedom of speech are antithetical to a free and open society
electronic monitoring bracelets are sometimes used to impose a circumscription of movement on people awaiting trial

Recent Examples of circumscription from the Web

REM candidates made the second round in 453 circumscriptions and its MoDem allies qualified in another 62.

— gregory viscusi, Bloomberg.com, "France's Election Marathon Ends With Macron Set to Win Majority," 18 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'circumscription.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of circumscription

Latin circumscription-, circumscriptio, from circumscribere

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1531

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circumscription Synonyms

Synonyms

check, restriction, condition, constraint, curb, fetter, limitation, restraint, stricture

Related Words

exception, proviso, qualification, reservation, stipulation, strings; ban, prohibition, proscription

Near Antonyms

freedom, latitude

Learn More about circumscription

See words that rhyme with circumscription Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for circumscription

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Examples: circumscription in a Sentence