Meaning of the word behave in English

What does behave mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

behave

US /bɪˈheɪv/

UK /bɪˈheɪv/

act or conduct oneself in a specified (and usually acceptable) way

Example:

•

The children behaved well during the trip.

•

You need to behave yourself at school.

Synonym:

act conduct oneself perform function operate

(of a machine or system) operate or function in a particular way

Example:

•

The engine started to behave erratically.

•

The software is not behaving as expected.

Synonym:

function operate perform run