[be.have] vb be.haved ; be.hav.ing [ME behaven, fr. be- + haven to have, hold] vt (15c) 1: to manage the actions of (oneself) in a particular way
2: to conduct (oneself) in a proper manner ~ vi 1: to act, function, or react in a particular way
2: to conduct oneself properly -- be.hav.er n syn behave, conduct, deport, comport, acquit mean to act or to cause oneself to do something in a certain way. behave may apply to the meeting of a standard of what is proper or decorous "the children behaved in church". conduct implies action or behavior that shows the extent of one's power to control or direct oneself "conducted herself with unfailing good humor". deport implies behaving so as to show how far one conforms to conventional rules of discipline or propriety "the hero deported himself in accord with the code of chivalry". comport suggests conduct measured by what is expected or required of one in a certain class or position "comported themselves as gentlemen". acquit applies to action under stress that deserves praise or meets expectations "acquitted herself well in her first assignment".