Circumscribe Definition & Meaning
/ˈsɜː.kəm.skraɪb/
Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense circumscribes, present participle circumscribing, past tense, past participle circumscribed
• to limit someone/something’s freedom, power, rights, etc.
The power of the monarchy was circumscribed by the new law.
Their movements have been severely circumscribed since the laws came into effect.
There are laws circumscribing the right of individual citizens to cause bodily harm to others.
Synonyms & Similar Words
limit
restrict
confine
tighten
hold down
impede
obstruct
suppress
hamper
repress
lessen
constrict
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
exceed
expand
broaden
widen
overextend
• If you circumscribe a square, triangle, etc., you draw a circle that surrounds it and touches each of its corners.
The circle is circumscribed by a square.