define

1 to draw or make apparent the outline of the glass skyscraper's sleek silhouette was strikingly defined by the setting sun to its west Synonyms outline, delineate, silhouette, sketch, traceRelated Words line; bound, fringe, margin, skirt; edge, hem, rim, trim; frame; circle, compass, encircle, girdle, girth, loop, ring, round, surround; chart, diagram, draw, map (out)

2 to mark the limits of the river defines the town on the south Synonyms bound, circumscribe, limit, delimit, demarcate, demark, mark (off), terminateRelated Words control, determine, govern; delineate, describe

3 to point out the chief quality or qualities of an individual or group a woman who is defined by her unswerving loyalty to her friends Synonyms character, characterize, depict, describe, portray, representRelated Words categorize, classify, pigeonhole, type; color, identify, indicate, name, specify; distinguish, individualize, mark, particularize, stamp

4 to give the rules about (something) clearly and exactly let me define the task so that there is no doubt in your minds about what needs to be done Synonyms prescribe, lay down, specifyRelated Words decree, dictate, ordain; assign, direct, fix, set, settle; arrange, order; choose, select; adjure, bid, charge, command, enjoin, instruct, tell; conduct, control, govern, lead, manage; coerce, compel, constrain, force; obligate, oblige, require