First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
behave
verb be·have \bi-ˈhāv, bē-\
: to act in an acceptable way : to act properly
: to act in a particular way
of a thing : to function, react, or move in a particular way
be·havedbe·hav·ing
Full Definition of BEHAVE
transitive verb
1
: to manage the actions of (oneself) in a particular way
2
: to conduct (oneself) in a proper manner
intransitive verb
1
: to act, function, or react in a particular way
2
: to conduct oneself properly
— be·hav·er noun
See behave defined for English-language learners
See behave defined for kids
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Origin of BEHAVE
Middle English behaven, from be- + haven to have, hold
Synonym Discussion of BEHAVE
behave, conduct, deport, comport, acquit mean to act or to cause oneself to do something in a certain way. behave may apply to the meeting of a standard of what is proper or decorous <the children behaved in church>. conduct implies action or behavior that shows the extent of one's power to control or direct oneself <conducted herself with unfailing good humor>. deport implies behaving so as to show how far one conforms to conventional rules of discipline or propriety <the hero deported himself in accord with the code of chivalry>. comport suggests conduct measured by what is expected or required of one in a certain class or position <comported themselves as gentlemen>. acquit applies to action under stress that deserves praise or meets expectations <acquitted herself well in her first assignment>.
Rhymes with BEHAVE
airwave, brain wave, cold wave, concave, conclave, deprave, dissave, drawshave, enclave, engrave, enslave, exclave, ground wave, heat wave, margrave, new wave, octave, outbrave, Palgrave, palsgrave, shock wave, shortwave, sine wave, sky wave, sound wave, spokeshave, S wave, wage slave, white slave, Wind Cave
BEHAVES Defined for Kids
behave
verb be·have \bi-ˈhāv\
be·havedbe·hav·ing
Definition of BEHAVE for Kids
1
: to act in a particular manner <The children behaved well at the party.>
2
: to act in a proper or acceptable way <Tell them to behave.>
3
: to act or function in a particular way <We're studying how metals behave under pressure.>
Medical Dictionary
behave
verb be·have \bi-ˈhāv\
be·havedbe·hav·ing
Medical Definition of BEHAVE
transitive verb
: to bear or conduct (oneself) in a particular way
intransitive verb
: to act, function, or react in a particular way
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