circumscribe

 
Pronunciation: /ˈsəːkəmskrʌɪb/

verb

[with object]
  • 1restrict (something) within limits: the minister’s powers are circumscribed both by tradition and the organization of local government
  • 2 Geometry draw (a figure) round another, touching it at points but not cutting it: if a hexagon is circumscribed about a circle the lines joining opposite vertices meet in one pointCompare with inscribe.

Derivatives

circumscriber

noun

circumscription

Pronunciation: /-ˈskrɪpʃ(ə)n/
noun

Origin:

late Middle English: from Latin circumscribere, from circum 'around' + scribere 'write'