delimit

[ dih-lim-it ]

verb (used with object)

1. to fix or mark the limits or boundaries of; demarcate:

   A ravine delimited the property on the north.

delimit

/ diːˈlɪmɪt /

verb

1. tr to mark or prescribe the limits or boundaries of; demarcate

Derived Forms

• deˈlimitative, adjective
• deˌlimiˈtation, noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of delimit¹

1850–55; < French délimiter < Latin dēlīmitāre, equivalent to dē- de- + līmitāre to limit

Example Sentences

Enslaver interests worked to sharply delimit the boundaries of federal authority over slavery and to secure assurances that slavery would remain under local rather than national regulation.

From Washington Post

To date, only 11 percent of people to have ever reached the Kármán boundary delimiting the earthly from the ethereal have been women.

From Washington Post

Accordingly commissioners were appointed on both sides to determine and delimit the boundary as drawn by the treaty of 1846.

From Project Gutenberg

Up to some point, difficult certainly to delimit, a man must be captain of his soul.

From Project Gutenberg

He does not try to define and delimit something remaining constant in change.

From Project Gutenberg

What goes by that name is no doubt somewhat elusive; one can not easily delimit and characterize it with scientific accuracy.

From Project Gutenberg

You are under a misapprehension in supposing that Mr. Chamberlain has undertaken to delimit the Afghan frontier.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• demarcate