limit

Universal Words noun, verb noun 1 ~ (to sth) a point at which sth stops being possible or existing: There is a limit to the amount of pain we can bear. * The team performed to the limit of its capabilities. * She knew the limits of her power. * to push / stretch / test sb/sth to the limit * His arrogance knew (= had) no limits. 2 ~ (on sth) the greatest or smallest amount of sth that is allowed: a time / speed / age limit * The EU has set strict limits on levels of pollution. * They were travelling at a speed that was double the legal limit. * You can't drive-you're over the limit (= you have drunk more alcohol than is legal when driving). * to keep government spending within acceptable limits 3 the furthest edge of an area or a place: We were reaching the limits of civilization. * the city limits (= the official boundary of the city) IDIOMS be the limit (old-fashioned, spoken) to be extremely annoying off limits (especially AmE) = OUTOFBOUNDS within limits to some extent; with some restrictions: I'm willing to help, within limits. moreatSKY verb [VN] 1 ~ sth (to sth) to stop sth from increasing beyond a particular amount or level: measures to limit carbon dioxide emissions from cars * The amount of money you have to spend will limit your choice. 2 ~ yourself / sb (to sth) to restrict or reduce the amount of sth that you or sb can have or use: Families are limited to four free tickets each. * I've limited myself to 1000 calories a day to try and lose weight. PHRASALVERBS limit sth to sb/sth [usuallypassive] to make sth exist or happen only in a particular place or within a particular group: Violent crime is not limited to big cities. * The teaching of history should not be limited to dates and figures.