Circumscribe
To draw a line around; to enclose or surround; or to confine within defined bounds.
verbCircumscribe
To draw a line around; to enclose or surround; or to confine within defined bounds.
verbImagine This
The teacher punished the naughty student by drawing a circle in the playground, and instructed him to confine (stay) inside the circle for one hour after school.
Sounds Like
SUR-kum-SKRAHYB
Looks Like
circum-scribe (circum + scribe); resembles the compound of circum- meaning around and scribe meaning to write
Remember This
Circ- relates to circle; circumscribe shares roots with circumference and circumnavigate, all meaning around or enclosing.
Other Forms
Connect With
enclose, surround, bound, restrict
Note
Be careful not to confuse circumscribe with circumcise (unrelated) or circumnavigate (to go around). Circumscribe means to draw a boundary around or to confine within limits.
Study Deeper
- The surveyor circumscribed a circle around the property to mark its boundaries.
- Constitutional law circumscribes the powers of the executive branch.
From Latin circum- meaning around + scribere meaning to write
Circle around it: think of circumscribe as circ- (circle) + scribe (write around); you draw around to create a boundary.
Next Word
Continue in alphabetical order.
Try a Random Word
Pick any word below to jump in.
Similar Words
Related words and words with the same part of speech.
Abandon
verbTo give up completely, to desert or leave behind, or to relinquish a claim, plan, or responsibility.
Abate
verbTo decrease in amount or intensity; to reduce or end something.
Abolish
verbTo formally end or repeal a system, practice, or institution; to officially put an end to something established.
Abridge
verbTo shorten (a text, speech, or other work) by omitting parts; to condense.
Abscond
verbTo depart secretly or flee, especially to avoid detection or arrest.
Absolve
verbTo free someone from blame or responsibility; to pardon or exonerate.