- the quality of a distinct object or body in having an external surface or outline of specific form or figure.
- this quality as found in some individual object or body form: This lake has a peculiar shape.
- something seen in outline, as in silhouette: A vague shape appeared through the mist.
- an imaginary form; phantom.
- an assumed appearance; guise: an angel in the shape of a woman.
- a particular or definite organized form or expression: He could give no shape to his ideas.
- proper form; orderly arrangement.
- condition or state of repair: The old house was in bad shape. He was sick last year, but is in good shape now.
- the collective conditions forming a way of life or mode of existence: What will the shape of the future be?
- the figure, physique, or body of a person, especially of a woman: A dancer can keep her shape longer than those of us who have sedentary jobs.
- something used to give form, as a mold or a pattern.
- a flanged metal beam or bar of uniform section, as a channel iron, I-beam, etc.
- a ball, cone, drum, etc., used as a day signal, singly or in combinations, to designate a vessel at anchor or engaged in some particular operation.
- to give definite form, shape, organization, or character to; fashion or form.
- to couch or express in words: to shape a statement.
- to adjust; adapt: He shaped everything to suit his taste.
- to direct (one's course, future, etc.).
- to file the teeth of (a saw) to uniform width after jointing.
- to teach (a desired behavior) to a human or other animal by successively rewarding the actions that more and more closely approximate that behavior.
- to appoint; decree.
- to come to a desired conclusion or take place in a specified way: If discussions shape properly, the companies will merge.
- shape up,
- to assume a specific form: The plan is beginning to shape up.
- to evolve or develop, especially favorably.
- to improve one's behavior or performance to meet a required standard.
- to get oneself into good physical condition.
- (of longshoremen) to get into a line or formation in order to be assigned the day's work.
- to assume a fixed form; become definite: The house is beginning to take shape.
- Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers, Europe.
- the outward form of an object defined by outline
- the figure or outline of the body of a person
- a phantom
- organized or definite form
- the form that anything assumes; guise
- something used to provide or define form; pattern; mould
- condition or state of efficiency
- out of shape
- in bad physical condition
- bent, twisted, or deformed
- to assume a definite form
- to receive or cause to receive shape or form
- to mould into a particular pattern or form; modify
- to plan, devise, or prepare
- an obsolete word for appoint
- Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe
