Definition of circumscribe

The word "circumscribe" has its roots in Latin. It comes from the verb "circumscriptus," which means "drawn around" or "encompassed." This Latin verb is a combination of "circum," meaning "around," and "scriptus," meaning "written" or "drawn." In English, the word "circumscribe" has been used since the 15th century to mean "to enclose or limit within boundaries" or "to define or delimit." It can also mean "to express or convey ý thoughts or ideas" in writing or speech. Over time, the word has taken on a range of meanings, including "to constrain or restrict" and "to mark or designate boundaries." In a broader sense, the concept of circumscribing involves confining or defining the scope or limits of something, whether it's a physical space, an idea, or an action.