behave

Verb
Synonyms: actdoacquitbeardeportconductcomportcarry

WordNet 3.0

Verb (3)

  1. behave in a certain manner; show a certain behavior; conduct or comport oneself“You should act like an adult”“Don't behave like a fool”“What makes her do this way?”“The dog acts ferocious, but he is really afraid of people”Synonyms: actdo
  2. behave in a certain manner“She carried herself well”“he bore himself with dignity”“They conducted themselves well during these difficult times”Synonyms: acquitbeardeportconductcomportcarry
  3. behave well or properly“The children must learn to behave”Synonyms: comport
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Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)

Behave \Be*have"\, v. i. To act; to conduct; to bear or carry one's self; as, to behave well or ill. [1913 Webster]

Note: This verb is often used colloquially without an adverb of manner; as, if he does not behave, he will be punished. It is also often applied to inanimate objects; as, the ship behaved splendidly. [1913 Webster]

Behave \Be*have"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Behaved; p. pr. & vb. n. Behaving.] [AS. behabban to surround, restrain, detain (akin to G. gehaben (obs.) to have, sich gehaben to behave or carry one's self); pref. be- + habban to have. See Have, v. t. ]

1.To manage or govern in point of behavior; to discipline; to handle; to restrain. [Obs.] [1913 Webster]

He did behave his anger ere 't was spent.— Shak.[1913 Webster]

2.To carry; to conduct; to comport; to manage; to bear; -- used reflexively. [1913 Webster]

Those that behaved themselves manfully.— 2 Macc. ii. 21.[1913 Webster]
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