form

²form

verb

Definition of FORM

transitive verb

1

a : to give a particular shape to : shape or mold into a certain state or after a particular model <form the dough into a ball> <a state formed along republican lines> b : to arrange themselves in <the dancers formed a line> c : to model by instruction and discipline <a mind formed by classical education>

2

: to give form or shape to : fashion, construct

3

: to serve to make up or constitute : be an essential or basic element of

4

: develop, acquire <form a habit>

5

: to arrange in order : draw up

6

a : to assume an inflection so as to produce (as a tense) <forms the past in -ed> b : to combine to make (a compound word)

intransitive verb

1

: to become formed or shaped

2

: to take form : come into existence : arise

3

: to take on a definite form, shape, or arrangement

— form·abil·i·ty \ˌfȯr-mə-ˈbi-lə-tē\ noun

— form·able \ˈfȯr-mə-bəl\ adjective

— form on

: to take up a formation next to

Examples of FORM

1. The friendship that they formed in school lasted a lifetime.
2. Her early experiences played an important role in forming her personality.
3. His ideas were not yet fully formed.
4. The drug can help prevent blood clots from forming.
5. Beads of sweat formed on his forehead.
6. A plan was gradually forming in my mind.
7. A plan was gradually forming itself in my mind.
8. An angry crowd was forming in the streets.

First Known Use of FORM

13th century

Related to FORM

Synonyms: crystallize (also crystalize), jell, shape (up), solidify

Antonyms: cease, end, stop

Related Words: associate, coalesce, cohere, fuse; combine, conjoin, conjugate, connect, couple, join, link (up), unify, unite

Near Antonyms: break down, decay, decompose, disintegrate

see all synonyms and antonyms

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