shape up

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.

1. To come to pass; happen.

2. To take on a definite shape or form. Often used with up or into.

Phrasal Verb:

shape up

1. Informal To turn out; develop.

2. To improve so as to meet a standard: Either shape up or ship out.

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[Middle English, from Old English gesceap, a creation.]

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shapa·ble, shapea·ble adj.

shaped adj.

shaper n.

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shape up

Verb

Informal

1. to progress or develop satisfactorily

2. to develop a definite or proper form

3. to start working efficiently or behaving properly: shape up or face the sack

Thesaurus

Verb

1.

shape up - develop in a positive way; "He progressed well in school"; "My plants are coming along"; "Plans are shaping up" progress, come along, come on, get along, get on, advance climb - improve one's social status; "This young man knows how to climb the social ladder" leapfrog - progress by large jumps instead of small increments develop - grow, progress, unfold, or evolve through a process of evolution, natural growth, differentiation, or a conducive environment; "A flower developed on the branch"; "The country developed into a mighty superpower"; "The embryo develops into a fetus"; "This situation has developed over a long time"