/bi hayv"/ , v. , behaved, behaving .
v.i.
1. to act in a particular way; conduct or comport oneself or itself: The ship behaves well.
2. to act properly: Did the child behave?
3. to act or react under given circumstances: This plastic behaves strangely under extreme heat or cold.
v.t.
4. to conduct or comport (oneself) in a proper manner: Sit quietly and behave yourself.
[ 1400-50; late ME behaven (reflexive). See BE-, HAVE ]
Syn. 1. perform, acquit oneself, deport oneself.