EnglishMain Dictionary
behave
Universal Words
verb
1 [V+adv./prep.] to do things in a particular way
SYNACT:
The doctor behaved very unprofessionally. * They behaved very badly towards their guests. * He behaved like a true gentleman. * She behaved with great dignity. * He behaved as if / though nothing had happened. * They behave differently when you're not around.
HELPNOTE In spoken English people often use like instead of as if or as though, especially in AmE: He behaved like nothing had happened. This is considered incorrect in written BrE.
2 ~ (yourself) to do things in a way that people think is correct or polite:
[V] Will you kids just behave! * She doesn't know how to behave in public. * The children always behave for their father. * [VN] I want you to behave yourselves while I'm away.
OPPMISBEHAVE
3 (-behaved) (in adjectives) behaving in the way mentioned:
well- / badly-behaved children
4 [V+adv./prep.] (technical) to naturally react, move, etc. in a particular way:
a study of how metals behave under pressure
IDIOMS see OWNv.