circumscribe — to restrict something within limits; to draw a line around
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: to restrict something within limits; to draw a line around
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈsɜːrkəmskraɪb/
Example Sentences
- My strict parents circumscribed my social life so much that I felt like a prisoner in my own home.
- The teacher circumscribed the students' creativity by giving them too many rules for the art project.
- Budget constraints circumscribed our vacation plans, so we ended up camping instead of going to Hawaii.
circumscribe
VERB[/ˈsɜːrkəmskraɪb/]
to restrict something within limits; to draw a line around

The new policy circumscribes how much screen time kids can have.

Circus scribe draws lines to restrict the wild acts within limits

The doctor must circumscribe what he can prescribe, then describe the options.
Got the picture? Now let's practice.
🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Latin circumscribere, composed of circum (around) and scribere (to write or draw). The word originally meant to draw a line around something, and evolved to mean restricting or limiting something within boundaries.
Breakdown
circum- (around) + scribe (write/draw) = circumscribe (to draw around or restrict within limits)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My strict parents circumscribed my social life so much that I felt like a prisoner in my own home.”
“The teacher circumscribed the students' creativity by giving them too many rules for the art project.”
“Budget constraints circumscribed our vacation plans, so we ended up camping instead of going to Hawaii.”
“The constitution circumscribes the president's power to declare war.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related
Want to master 19,000+ words?
Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.