shape
 shape (shāp)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, shapesv. 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. [Middle English, from Old English gesceap, a creation.] shapʹa·ble or shapeʹa·ble adj.shaped adj.shapʹer n.
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