constitution

[ kon-sti-too-shuhn, -tyoo- ]

noun

1. the system of fundamental principles according to which a nation, state, corporation, or the like, is governed.
2. the document embodying these principles.
3. (initial capital letter) Constitution of the United States.
4. the way in which a thing is composed or made up; makeup; composition:

   the chemical constitution of the cleanser.

5. the physical character of the body as to strength, health, etc.:

   He has a strong constitution.

6. Medicine/Medical, Psychology. the aggregate of a person's physical and psychological characteristics.
7. the act or process of constituting; establishment.
8. the state of being constituted; formation.
9. any established arrangement or custom.
10. Archaic. character or condition of mind; disposition; temperament.

constitution

/ ˌkɒnstɪˈtjuːʃən /

noun

1. the act of constituting or state of being constituted
2. the way in which a thing is composed; physical make-up; structure
3. the fundamental political principles on which a state is governed, esp when considered as embodying the rights of the subjects of that state
4. often capital (in certain countries, esp Australia and the US) a statute embodying such principles
5. a person's state of health
6. a person's disposition of mind; temperament

constitution

¹

1. A nation or state's fundamental set of laws. Most nations with constitutions have them in written form, such as the United States Constitution . The constitution of Britain , by contrast, is an informal set of traditions, based on several different laws.

Constitution

²

1. The fundamental law of the United States, drafted in Philadelphia in 1787 ( see Constitutional Convention ), ratified in 1788, and put into effect in 1789. It established a strong central government in place of the Articles of Confederation . ( See Preamble to the Constitution .)

Other Words From

• anti·consti·tution adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of constitution¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English constitucion “edict, ordinance,” from Anglo-French, from Latin constitūtiōn-, stem of constitūtiō “an appointing, establishing”; constitute, -ion

Example Sentences

Jess Sargeant, who had worked for think tank Labour Together, became the deputy director in the Cabinet Office's Propriety and Constitution Group.

From BBC

There should be no place in the California Constitution for anything as morally offensive as forced labor.

From Los Angeles Times

Detention is stripping Mr Combs of "any real opportunity" to be ready for trial, violating his rights under the US Constitution, Shapiro said.

From BBC

In 2018, he expressed an expansive view of his powers under the Constitution: “I have an Article II, where I have the right to do whatever I want.”

From Los Angeles Times

On Nov. 5, voters approved a ballot measure to protect reproductive rights in the Maryland Constitution, by an overwhelming margin, preliminary results show.

From Salon

Related Words

• charter
• code
• custom
• legislation