English vocabulary · C1
Circumscribe
/ˈsɜr.kəm.skraɪb/ · v.
It means to draw a line around something and limit what it can do.
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Example sentences
- The law circumscribes what the police can do.
- Her role was circumscribed by the new rules.
Word origin and roots
from Latin
- circum — around (from Latin)
- scribe — write (from Latin)
Synonyms and nuances
- RESTRICT — keep within set limits (Rules & Systems)
- CONFINE — keep inside a boundary (Space & Movement)
- LIMIT — set a maximum point (General & Broad)
Words with the same root
scribe — write
- describe — tell what something is like
- script — written words for speaking
- manuscript — original written document
Lesson notes
Circumscribe. It means to draw a line around something and limit what it can do.
Similar words are restrict, confine, and limit. Use circumscribe when official rules draw a strict boundary around power.
The law circumscribes what the police can do. Her role was circumscribed by the new rules.
From Latin. Circum- means around. Scribe- means write. Drawing a line around something in writing — that is to circumscribe.