SHAPE (sh p)abbr. Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers, Europe |
| shape (shp) n. 1. a. The characteristic surface configuration of a thing; an outline or contour. See Synonyms at form. b. Something distinguished from its surroundings by its outline. 2. The contour of a person's body; the figure. 3. a. A definite distinctive form: "The bomb gave the shape of life, outer and inner, an irreversible charge; a sense of fatefulness would now lie on all things" (Alfred Kazin). b. A desirable form: a fabric that holds its shape. 4. A form or condition in which something may exist or appear; embodiment: a god in the shape of a swan. 5. Assumed or false appearance; guise. 6. A ghostly form; a phantom. 7. Something, such as a mold or pattern, used to give or determine form. 8. The proper condition of something necessary for action, effectiveness, or use: an athlete in excellent shape. v. shaped, shap·ing, shapes v.tr. 1. To give a particular form to; create. 2. To cause to conform to a particular form or pattern; adapt to fit. 3. a. To plan to bring about the realization or accomplishment of; devise. b. To embody in a definite form: shaped a folk legend into a full-scale opera. 4. a. To adapt to a particular use or purpose; adjust. b. To direct the course of: "He shaped history as well as being shaped by it" (Robert J. Samuelson). v.intr. Phrasal Verb: 1. To come to pass; happen. 2. To take on a definite shape or form. Often used with up or into. shape up 1. Informal To turn out; develop. 2. To improve so as to meet a standard: Either shape up or ship out. [Middle English, from Old English gesceap, a creation.] shap  a·ble, shapea·ble adj.shaped adj. shap er n. |
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