circumscribe
Translation
to restrict, to limit, to draw a line around
Examples
The king's power was circumscribed by the new laws.
The king's power was circumscribed by the new laws.
He circumscribed a circle on the map.
He circumscribed a circle on the map.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) to restrict or limit (sth.) The king's power was circumscribed by the new laws.
Similar Words
Synonyms: restrict, limit, confine; Antonyms: expand, liberate
Etymology
From Latin 'circum' (around) + 'scribere' (to write). Literally 'to write around'.
Memory Tips
Think of drawing a 'circle' and using a 'scribe' to write its limits, thus restricting it.