pose1

 
Pronunciation: /pəʊz/

verb

  • 1 [with object] present or constitute (a problem or danger): the sheer number of visitors is posing a threat to the area
  • raise (a question or matter for consideration): the statement posed more questions than it answered
  • 2 [no object] assume a particular position in order to be photographed, painted, or drawn: the prime minister posed for photographers
  • [with object] place (someone) in a particular position in order to be photographed, painted, or drawn: he posed her on the sofa
  • 3 [no object] (pose as) pretend to be (someone or something): an armed gang posed as policemen to ambush a postman figurative a literary novel posing as a spy thriller
  • 4 [no object] behave affectedly in order to impress others: some people like to drive kit cars, but most just like to pose in them

noun

  • 1a way of standing or sitting, especially in order to be photographed, painted, or drawn: photographs of boxers in ferocious poses
  • 2a particular way of behaving adopted in order to impress or to give a false impression: the man dropped his pose of amiability

Derivatives

posable

adjective

Origin:

Middle English: from Old French poser (verb), from late Latin pausare 'to pause', which replaced Latin ponere 'to place'. The noun dates from the early 19th century