punctuate

 
Pronunciation: /ˈpʌŋ(k)tʃʊeɪt, -tjʊ-/

verb

[with object]
  • 1insert punctuation marks in (text): they should be shown how to set out and punctuate direct speech [no object]: style manuals tell you how to punctuate
  • 2occur at intervals throughout (an area or period): the country’s history has been punctuated by coups
  • (punctuate something with) interrupt or intersperse something with: she punctuates her conversation with snatches of song

Origin:

mid 17th century (in the sense 'point out'): from medieval Latin punctuat- 'brought to a point', from the verb punctuare, from punctum 'a point'