circumscribe
to limit or draw around
Roots
- circum: around
- scrib / script: write, draw, or mark
Other words with the scrib / script root
- ascribe: to attribute something to a cause or source
- describe: to say or write what something is like
- inscribe: to write or carve onto something
- inscription: words written or carved onto a surface
- manuscript: a handwritten or typed draft of a text
- prescribe: to officially recommend or order
- proscribe: to forbid officially
Circum gives around; scrib / script gives writing or drawing. Circumscribe is to draw a line around and limit what is inside.
The court circumscribed the agency's power with a narrow ruling.