Category:Behave

Be*have", v. t. [imp. & p. p. Behaved; p. pr. & vb. n. Behaving.] Etym: [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.] He did behave his anger ere 't was spent. Shak.

2. To carry; to conduct; to comport; to manage; to bear; -- used reflexively. Those that behaved themselves manfully. 2 Macc. ii. 21.

Be*have", v. i.

Defn: To act; to conduct; to bear or carry one's self; as, to behave well or ill.

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.