/ kənˈsiːv; NAmE / verb
1.
conceive (of) sth (as sth) ( formal ) to form an idea, a plan, etc. in your mind; to imagine sth :
[ vn ]
He conceived the idea of transforming the old power station into an arts centre.
God is often conceived of as male.
[ v ( that )]
I cannot conceive (= I do not believe) (that) he would wish to harm us.
[ v wh- ]
I cannot conceive what it must be like.
2.
when a woman conceives or conceives a child , she becomes pregnant :
[ v ]
She is unable to conceive.
[ vn ]
Their first child was conceived on their wedding night.
—see also conception
••
WORD FAMILY
conceive verb
concept noun
conception noun
conceivable adjective (≠ inconceivable )
conceptual adjective
••
WORD ORIGIN
Middle English : from Old French concevoir , from Latin concipere , from com- together + capere take.