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

The phenomenon in which an initial antibody response to a virus dominates and delimits the response to later strains of the same virus is called "immunological imprinting," or "original antigenic sin."

From Science Daily

He rebutted Maduro’s description of oil concessions granted by Guyana as being “in a maritime area yet to be delimited.”

From Seattle Times

One can see this playing out today in the rules for citizenship, voting and other mechanisms that serve to define and delimit participation in democratic politics.

From Salon

One task will be delimiting the ocean, which some researchers think could exist in multiple layers, separated by high-pressure species of ice.

From Science Magazine

It’s a funny line, but it’s also as if he has delimited the four-year age window within which his situation will cease to be amusing.

From New York Times

Related Words

• demarcate