define

[ dih-fahyn ]

verb (used with object)

, de·fined, de·fin·ing.

1. to state or set forth the meaning of (a word, phrase, etc.):

   They disagreed on how to define “liberal.”

2. to explain or identify the nature or essential qualities of; describe:

   to define judicial functions.

3. to fix or lay down clearly and definitely; specify distinctly:

   to define one's responsibilities.

   Synonyms: enumerate, detail, describe, name, state

4. to determine or fix the boundaries or extent of:

   to define property with stakes.

5. to make clear the outline or form of:

   The roof was boldly defined against the sky.

verb (used without object)

, de·fined, de·fin·ing.

1. to set forth the meaning of a word, phrase, etc.; construct a definition.

define

/ dɪˈfaɪn /

verb

1. to state precisely the meaning of (words, terms, etc)
2. to describe the nature, properties, or essential qualities of
3. to determine the boundary or extent of
4. often passive to delineate the form or outline of

   the shape of the tree was clearly defined by the light behind it

5. to fix with precision; specify

Derived Forms

• deˈfinably, adverb
• deˈfinable, adjective
• deˈfiner, noun
• deˌfinaˈbility, noun

Other Words From

• de·fina·ble adjective
• de·fina·bili·ty noun
• de·fina·bly adverb
• de·finement noun
• de·finer noun
• misde·fine verb (used with object) misdefined misdefining
• nonde·fina·bili·ty noun
• nonde·fina·ble adjective
• nonde·fina·bly adverb
• nonde·fined adjective
• nonde·finer noun
• prede·fine verb (used with object) predefined predefining
• rede·fine verb (used with object) redefined redefining
• self-de·fined adjective
• semi·de·fined adjective
• unde·fina·ble adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of define¹

First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English def(f)inen, from Anglo-French, Old French definer “to put an end to,” from Latin dēfīnīre ”to limit, define,“ equivalent to dē- “from, away from, out of” + fīnīre “to end”; de-, finish

Word History and Origins

Origin of define¹

C14: from Old French definer to determine, from Latin dēfīnīre to set bounds to, from fīnīre to finish

Example Sentences

While related and often paired together, war crimes and crimes against humanity are separately defined.

From Salon

He was, as well, the glue binding Tony Blair and Gordon Brown, whose pivotal but at times dysfunctional relationship defined the first decade of Labour’s stint in power between 1997 and 2010.

From BBC

Her works are filled with whimsy and joy, including a collection of platters and plates featuring inlaid porcelain flowers, vaguely defined creatures that hold birthday candles, penguin pitchers and buddhas.

From Los Angeles Times

He is obsessed with expanding the realm of his own self-interest and getting and exercising more corrupt power; “politics,” however defined and understood, is just a means to an end for Trump.

From Salon

Ms Riley's name became a rallying cry for conservatives as border security emerged as a defining issue in the White House race.

From BBC

Related Words

• characterize
• construe
• decide
• delineate
• describe
• designate
• detail
• determine
• exemplify
• explain
• illustrate
• interpret
• prescribe
• represent
• specify
• spell out