v.
1. intr. a act or react (in a specified way) (behaved well). b (esp. to or of a child) conduct oneself properly. c (of a machine etc.) work well (or in a specified way) (the computer is not behaving today).
2 refl. (esp. of or to a child) show good manners (behaved herself).
Phrases and idioms:
behave towards treat (in a specified way). ill-behaved having bad manners or conduct. well-behaved having good manners or conduct.
Etymology: BE- + HAVE