shape

(shāp)

1. a. The characteristic surface configuration of a thing; an outline or contour. See Synonyms at form.
   b. Something distinguished from its surroundings by its outline.
2. The contour of a person's body; the figure.
3. a. A definite distinctive form: “The bomb gave the shape of life, outer and inner, an irreversible charge; a sense of fatefulness would now lie on all things” (Alfred Kazin).
   b. A desirable form: a fabric that holds its shape.
4. A form or condition in which something may exist or appear; embodiment: a god in the shape of a swan.
5. Assumed or false appearance; guise.
6. A ghostly form; a phantom.
7. Something, such as a mold or pattern, used to give or determine form.
8. The proper condition of something necessary for action, effectiveness, or use: an athlete in excellent shape.

1. To give a particular form to; create.
2. To cause to conform to a particular form or pattern; adapt to fit.
3. a. To plan to bring about the realization or accomplishment of; devise.
   b. To embody in a definite form: shaped a folk legend into a full-scale opera.
4. a. To adapt to a particular use or purpose; adjust.
   b. To direct the course of: “He shaped history as well as being shaped by it” (Robert J. Samuelson).

1. To come to pass; happen.
2. To take on a definite shape or form. Often used with up or into.

Related Forms:

• shapˈa·ble, shapeˈa·ble adjective

• shaped shaped adjective

• shapˈer noun

(shāp)