behave

verb

be·​have bi-ˈhāv How to pronounce behave (audio)
bē-
behaved; behaving
Synonyms of behave

transitive verb

1
: to manage the actions of (oneself) in a particular way
2
: to conduct (oneself) in a proper manner
getting children to behave themselves

intransitive verb

1
: to act, function, or react in a particular way
He behaves like a child.
testing how various metals behave under heat and pressure
2
: to conduct oneself properly
Please behave.
behaver noun

Synonyms of behave

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behave, conduct, deport, comport, acquit mean to act or to cause oneself to do something in a certain way.

behave may apply to the meeting of a standard of what is proper or decorous.

the children behaved in church

conduct implies action or behavior that shows the extent of one's power to control or direct oneself.

conducted herself with unfailing good humor

deport implies behaving so as to show how far one conforms to conventional rules of discipline or propriety.

the hero deported himself in accord with the code of chivalry

comport suggests conduct measured by what is expected or required of one in a certain class or position.

comported themselves as gentlemen

acquit applies to action under stress that deserves praise or meets expectations.

acquitted herself well in her first assignment

Examples of behave in a Sentence

If you can't behave in the store we'll have to leave. If you can't behave yourself in the store we'll have to leave. I wish those children would behave themselves. He behaves like a child! The experiment tested how various metals behave under heat and pressure.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Anybody can be charming to a powerful boss, an attractive stranger, or a potentially useful client; character is more diagnostic when there is little reputational or instrumental benefit to behaving well. — Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026 SwRI’s new toy for sCO₂ testing Their job is to control where and how quickly CO₂ enters the rock formation, prevent unwanted fluids moving around the well, and generally keep the reservoir behaving as intended. — Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 29 Aug. 2026 By using humor to upend expectations about how women should behave. — Stephanie Vander Wel, The Conversation, 28 Aug. 2026 Her husband, Bobby Lane, was driving Otwell and their two children from their Wilmar home to the Walmart in Monticello when an Arkansas State Police cruiser coming the opposite direction began behaving erratically. — Daniel McFadin, Arkansas Online, 27 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for behave

Word History

Etymology

Middle English behaven, from be- be- + haven "to have entry 1, hold"

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of behave was in the 15th century

Rhymes for behave

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Browse Nearby Words

behatted
behave
behavior
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Cite this Entry

“Behave.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/behave. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

behave

verb
be·​have bi-ˈhāv How to pronounce behave (audio)
behaved; behaving
1
: to conduct oneself
behaved badly at the meeting
2
: to conduct oneself properly
please behave
3
: to act, function, or react in a particular way
how metals behave under heat and pressure

Medical Definition

behave

verb
be·​have bi-ˈhāv How to pronounce behave (audio)
behaved; behaving

transitive verb

: to bear or conduct (oneself) in a particular way

intransitive verb

: to act, function, or react in a particular way
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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