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lim·it (l m t)n.1. The point, edge, or line beyond which something cannot or may not proceed. 2. limits The boundary surrounding a specific area; bounds: within the city limits. 3. A confining or restricting object, agent, or influence. 4. The greatest or least amount, number, or extent allowed or possible: a withdrawal limit of $200; no minimum age limit. 5. Games The largest amount which may be bet at one time in games of chance. 6. Abbr. lim Mathematics A number or point L that is approached by a function f(x) as x approaches a if, for every positive number  , there exists a number  such that f(x)-L <  if 0 < x-a <  . Also called limit point, point of accumulation. 7. Informal One that approaches or exceeds certain limits, as of credibility, forbearance, or acceptability: He is the limit of irresponsibility. tr.v. lim·it·ed, lim·it·ing, lim·its 1. To confine or restrict within a boundary or bounds. 2. To fix definitely; to specify.
[Middle English limite, from Old French, border, from Latin l mes, l mit-, border, limit.]
lim it·a·ble adj. Synonyms: limit, restrict, confine, circumscribe These verbs mean to establish or keep within specified bounds. Limit refers principally to the establishment of a maximum beyond which a person or thing cannot or may not go: The Constitution limits the President's term of office to four years. To restrict is to keep within prescribed limits, as of choice or action: The sale of alcoholic beverages is restricted to those over 21. Confine suggests imprisonment, restraint, or impediment: The children were confined to the nursery. Circumscribe connotes an encircling or surrounding line that confines, especially narrowly: "A man . . . should not circumscribe his activity by any inflexible fence of rigid rules" (John Stuart Blackie). |
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