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shape noun [ ʃeɪp ]

• the external form, contours, or outline of someone or something.
• "she liked the shape of his nose"
Similar: form, appearance, configuration, formation, structure, figure, build, physique, body, contours, lines, outline, silhouette, profile, design, format, cut, pattern, mould,
• a geometric figure such as a square, triangle, or rectangle.
• the correct or original form or contours of something.
• "her skirt had lost its shape long ago"
• the specified condition or state of someone or something.
• "the company came through a difficult period in excellent financial shape"
Similar: condition, state, health, state of health, trim, fettle, order, repair, nick,

shape verb

• give a particular shape or form to.
• "most caves are shaped by the flow of water through limestone"
Similar: form, fashion, make, create, mould, model, cast, frame, sculpt, sculpture, block, carve, cut, hew, whittle,
• (of a sports player or athlete) take up a stance or set oneself to perform a particular action.
• "I had plenty of time and shaped to kick to the near touchline"
Origin: Old English gesceap ‘external form’, also ‘creation’, sceppan ‘create’, of Germanic origin.

SHAPE abbreviation

• Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe.

in any shape or form

• in any manner or under any circumstances.
"the fact has no bearing whatsoever, in any shape or form, on the guilt or innocence of these defendants"

in shape

• in good physical condition.
"to play this game well, you have to be in shape"

in the shape of

• represented or embodied by.
"retribution arrived in the shape of my irate father"

lick someone/something into shape

• take action in order to bring someone or something into a satisfactory or desired state.
"they advertised for a director to lick their productions into shape"

out of shape

• no longer having the correct or original form or contours.
"the front wheel of the bicycle was all out of shape"

the shape of things to come

• the way the future is likely to develop.

shape up or ship out

• used as an ultimatum to someone to improve their performance or behaviour or face being made to leave.

take shape

• assume a distinct form; develop into something definite or tangible.
"the past few months have seen the state's health insurance legislation begin to take shape"

throw shapes

• dance to popular music.
"I watched as other clubbers threw shapes on the dance floor"

whip someone/something into shape

• act forcefully to bring someone or something into a satisfactory or desired state.
"the bank were eager to whip the company into shape for eventual sale"

shape up

• develop or progress in a particular way.
"I wanted to see how things had been shaping up in my absence"

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