noun
- that quality of a thing which depends on the relative position of all points composing its outline or external surface; physical or spatial form
- the form characteristic of a particular person or thing, or class of things
- the contour of the body, exclusive of the face; figure
- assumed or feigned appearance; guise: a foe in the shape of a friend
- an imaginary or spectral form; phantom
- something having a particular shape, used as a mold or basis for shaping or fashioning
- any of the forms, structures, etc. in which a thing may exist: dangers of every shape
- definite, regular, or suitable form; orderly arrangement: to begin to take shape
- ☆
- condition; state, esp. of health: a patient in poor shape
- good physical condition: exercises that keep one in shape
Origin:
ME schap < OE (ge)sceap, form, created thing, akin to scieppan, to create, form < IE *skeb-, var. of base *(s)kep-, to cut with a sharp tool > shaft, shave
transitive verb shaped, shaping
- to give definite shape to; make, as by cutting or molding material
- to arrange, fashion, express, or devise (a plan, answer, etc.) in definite form
- to adapt or adjust: to shape one's plans to one's abilities
- to direct or conduct (one's life, the course of events, etc.)
- Obsolete to appoint or decree