behave

Definition

To conduct (oneself) well, or in a given way; to conform.

Etymology

From Middle English behaven, bihabben (“to restrain, behave”), from Old English behabban (“to surround, embrace, hold, contain, hold back, withhold, restrain”), from Proto-West Germanic *bihabbjan, equivalent to be- + have. Cognate with Middle Low German behebben, behāven (“to receive, acquire, reach, keep”), Low German behebben (“to act, behave”), German behaben (“to behave”).

Example Sentences

• "You need to behave yourself, young lady."
• "And the manifest signs that came from heaven unto those that behaved themselves manfully to their honour for Judaism[…]"
• "He behaves like a child whenever she's around."

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