I. ˈshāp verb
( shaped ; shap·ing )
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English sceapen, gescapen, past participle of scieppan; akin to Old High German skepfen to shape
Date: before 12th century
transitive verb
1. : form , create ; especially : to give a particular form or shape to
2. obsolete : ordain , decree
3. : to adapt in shape so as to fit neatly and closely
a dress shaped to her figure
4.
a. : devise , plan
shape a policy
b. : to embody in definite form
shaping a folktale into an epic
5.
a. : to make fit for (as a particular use or purpose) : adapt
shape the questions to fit the answers
b. : to determine or direct the course or character of
events that shaped history
c. : to modify (behavior) by rewarding changes that tend toward a desired response
intransitive verb
1. : to come to pass : happen
it's shaping up that I am known now for my husbands — Leslie Marmon Silko
2. : to take on or approach a mature or definite form — often used with up
the summer is shaping up to be one of the hottest on record
• shap·er noun
II. noun
Date: before 12th century
1.
a. : the visible makeup characteristic of a particular item or kind of item
a cake in the shape of a Christmas tree
b.
(1) : spatial form or contour
the clouds kept changing shape
(2) : a standard or universally recognized spatial form
a stain in the shape of a perfect circle
2. : the appearance of the body as distinguished from that of the face : figure
3.
a. : phantom , apparition
eerie shape s floating in the mist
b. : assumed appearance : guise
a trick-or-treater in the shape of a pumpkin
4. : form of embodiment
our plans are taking shape
5. : a mode of existence or form of being having identifying features
6. : a molded dessert ; especially : blancmange
7. : the condition in which someone or something exists at a particular time
the car was in fine shape
• shaped ˌshāpt adjective
•
- in shape