behave

[bih-heyv]

verb (used without object)

behaved, behaving 

1. to act in a particular way; conduct or comport oneself or itself.

   The ship behaves well.

   Synonyms: perform

2. to act properly.

   Did the child behave?

3. to act or react under given circumstances.

   This plastic behaves strangely under extreme heat or cold.

verb (used with object)

behaved, behaving 

1. to conduct or comport (oneself ) in a proper manner.

   Sit quietly and behave yourself.

behave

/ bɪˈheɪv /

verb

1. (intr) to act or function in a specified or usual way

2. to conduct (oneself) in a specified way

   he behaved badly towards her

3. to conduct (oneself) properly or as desired

   the child behaved himself all day

Other Word Forms

• unbehaving adjective
• well-behaved adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of behave¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English behaven “to behave oneself”; equivalent to be- + have

Word History and Origins

Origin of behave¹

C15: see _be- , _have

Example Sentences

Most AI companies won’t reveal the source of their training data, making it harder to understand how and why they behave the way they do.

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Or that many Generation Z members behave like zombies?

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Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects how people communicate and behave.

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The show responded to recent government pressure on late-night television with its mock version of the president, who warned “SNL” to behave: “Remember, daddy’s watching!”

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Ask yourself: “Am I behaving in a way that is consistent with the views I am espousing?”

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Related Words

• act 
• operate 
• perform 
• react