circumscribe

verb

cir·​cum·​scribe ˈsər-kəm-ˌskrīb 

circumscribed; circumscribing; circumscribes

transitive verb

1

a

: to constrict (see constrict sense 1) the range or activity of definitely and clearly

his role was carefully circumscribed

b

: to define or mark off carefully

a study of plant species in a circumscribed area

2

a

: to draw a line around

circumscribed the misspelled words

b

: to surround by or as if by a boundary

fields circumscribed by tall trees

3

: to construct or be constructed around (a geometrical figure) so as to touch as many points as possible

a circle circumscribing a square

Did you know?

To circumscribe something is to limit its size, activity, or range, but the range of influence of the Latin ancestors of circumscribe knows no bounds. Circumscribe comes via Middle English from the Latin verb circumscribere (which roughly translates as “to draw a circle around”), which in turn comes from circum-, meaning “circle,” and scribere, meaning “to write or draw.” Among the many descendants of circum- are circuit, circumference, circumnavigate, circumspect, circumstance, and circumvent. Scribere gave us such words as scribe and scribble, as well as ascribe, describe, and transcribe, among others.

Synonyms

• cap
• confine
• hold down
• limit
• restrict

Choose the Right Synonym for circumscribe

limit, restrict, circumscribe, confine mean to set bounds for.

limit implies setting a point or line (as in time, space, speed, or degree) beyond which something cannot or is not permitted to go.

visits are limited to 30 minutes

restrict suggests a narrowing or tightening or restraining within or as if within an encircling boundary.

laws intended to restrict the freedom of the press

circumscribe stresses a restriction on all sides and by clearly defined boundaries.

the work of the investigating committee was carefully circumscribed

confine suggests severe restraint and a resulting cramping, fettering, or hampering.

our choices were confined by finances

Examples of circumscribe in a Sentence

The circle is circumscribed by a square.

circumscribed his enthusiasm so as not to make the losing side feel worse

Recent Examples on the Web

Challenges abound in the bilateral relationship, and China’s ambitions continue to circumscribe India’s ability to act at the regional and global levels. —Harsh V. Pant, Foreign Affairs, 14 Nov. 2024

In March 2011, Syria’s uprising was still largely nonviolent, and the Assad government’s response, although criminally disproportionate, was relatively circumscribed, claiming the lives of fewer than 100 Syrians per week. —Alan J. Kuperman, Foreign Affairs, 18 Feb. 2019

In so many ways, these women’s worlds are circumscribed by the men in their lives—even when the men are no longer there. —Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 15 Nov. 2024

But even then, the building’s age circumscribed what NBT could do with it—and, by extension, its possibilities as a company. —Marley Marius, Vogue, 18 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English circumscriven, from Latin circumscribere, from circum- + scribere to write, draw — more at scribe

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

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Kids Definition

circumscribe

verb

cir·​cum·​scribe ˈsər-kəm-ˌskrīb 

circumscribed; circumscribing

1

a

: to limit the range or activity of definitely and clearly

b

: to define or set limits for carefully

2

a

: to draw a line around

b

: to put a boundary around

Etymology

from Latin circumscribere "to draw a line around, set limits to," from circum "around" and scribere "to write, draw" — related to scribe