Behave Definition

bĭ-hāv

behaved, behaves, behaving

verb

behaved, behaves, behaving

To conduct oneself in a specified way, especially in relation to others; exhibit behavior.

The child behaved badly at the party.

American Heritage

To conduct (oneself or itself) in a specified way; act or react.

Webster's New World

To conduct oneself in a proper way.

I told the child to behave.

American Heritage

To conduct (oneself) in a correct or proper way.

Webster's New World

To act, react, function, or perform in a particular way.

This fabric behaves well even in hot weather.

American Heritage

Synonyms:

Antonyms:

Origin of Behave

From Middle English behaven, bihabben (“to restrain, behave”), equivalent to be- +‎ have. Compare Old English behabban (“to include, hold, surround, comprehend, contain, detain, withhold, restrain”), Middle High German behaben (“to hold, take possession of”).

From Wiktionary
Middle English behaven be- be- haven to have have

From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition