/ ʃeɪp; NAmE / noun , verb
■ noun
1.
[ C , U ] the form of the outer edges or surfaces of sth; an example of sth that has a particular form :
a rectangular shape
The pool was in the shape of a heart.
The island was originally circular in shape .
Squares, circles and triangles are types of shape.
Candles come in all shapes and sizes .
You can recognize the fish by the shape of their fins.
This old T-shirt has completely lost its shape.
( figurative )
The government provides money in the shape of (= consisting of) grants and student loans.
2.
[ C ] a person or thing that is difficult to see clearly
SYN figure :
Ghostly shapes moved around in the dark.
3.
[ U ] the physical condition of sb/sth :
What sort of shape was the car in after the accident?
He's in good shape for a man of his age.
I like to keep in shape (= keep fit) .
4.
[ U ] the particular qualities or characteristics of sth :
Will new technology change the shape of broadcasting?
•
IDIOMS
- get (yourself) into shape
- get / knock / lick sb into shape
- get / knock / lick sth into shape
- give shape to sth
- in any (way,) shape or form
- out of shape
- the shape of things to come
- take shape
■ verb
1.
[ vn ] shape A (into B) to make sth into a particular shape :
Shape the dough into a ball.
This tool is used for shaping wood.
2.
[ vn ] to have an important influence on the way that sb/sth develops :
His ideas had been shaped by his experiences during the war.
She had a leading role in shaping party policy.
3.
[ v to inf ] to prepare to do sth, especially hit or kick sth :
She was shaping to hit her second shot.
•
IDIOMS
- shape up or ship out
•
PHRASAL VERBS
- shape up
••
WORD ORIGIN
Old English gesceap external form , also creation , sceppan create , of Germanic origin.