/ pəʊz; NAmE poʊz/ verb , noun
■ verb
1.
[ vn ] to create a threat, problem, etc. that has to be dealt with :
to pose a threat / challenge / danger / risk
The task poses no special problems .
2.
[ vn ] pose a question ( formal ) to ask a question, especially one that needs serious thought
3.
[ v ] pose (for sb/sth) to sit or stand in a particular position in order to be painted, drawn or photographed :
The delegates posed for a group photograph.
4.
[ v ] pose as sb to pretend to be sb in order to trick other people :
The gang entered the building posing as workmen.
5.
[ v ] (usually used in the progressive tenses) ( disapproving ) to dress or behave in a way that is intended to impress other people :
I saw him out posing in his new sports car.
■ noun
1.
a particular position in which sb stands, sits, etc., especially in order to be painted, drawn or photographed :
He adopted a relaxed pose for the camera.
2.
( disapproving ) a way of behaving that is not sincere and is only intended to impress other people
SYN affectation
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IDIOMS
see strike verb
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WORD ORIGIN
Middle English : from Old French poser (verb), from late Latin pausare to pause, which replaced Latin ponere to place. The noun dates from the early 19th cent.