defining

[ dih-fahy-ning ]

adjective

1. decisive; critically important:

   Taking a course in architecture was a defining turn in her life.

Other Words From

• nonde·fining adjective
• self-de·fining adjective

Example Sentences

But if that is the low bar for defining a war, then I hope the draft is reinstated.

From The Daily Beast

She said the defining characteristic of her husband was his sensitivity.

From The Daily Beast

This is a forum for the voices defining the global struggle for justice.

From The Daily Beast

Were you defining yourself as a fiction writer then, or did you already envision writing essays like the ones in The Unspeakable?

From The Daily Beast

But the October 1964 telecast is still regarded as the defining Ronald Reagan speech.

From The Daily Beast

In many states statutes exist defining their right to sue and be sued, and their liability to creditors.

From Project Gutenberg

Then followed various clauses defining the duties and authority with which Mr. Hunt, as Manager, was invested.

From Project Gutenberg

Experience has led the parties to make stipulations defining and fixing their liability.

From Project Gutenberg

There was no possible answer to this defining of our relative positions and there was no more controversy.

From Project Gutenberg

Instead of defining form engaged in matter, it indicates what is the composite of soul and body, after the union has occurred.

From Project Gutenberg