1. Any spatial attributes (especially as defined by outline)
   "he could barely make out their shapes";
   - form, configuration, contour, conformation
    
2. The spatial arrangement of something as distinct from its substance
   "geometry is the mathematical science of shape";
   - form
    
3. The visual appearance of something or someone
   "the delicate shape of his features";
   - form, cast
    
4. A perceptual structure
   "The clouds took on an unusual shape";
   - form, pattern
    
5. A concrete representation of an otherwise nebulous concept
   "a circle was the shape of his concept of life";
   - embodiment
    
6. The physical body of a human being
   "He worked out regularly to maintain his bod in top shape";
   - human body, physical body, material body, soma, build, figure, physique, anatomy, bod [informal], chassis [informal], frame, form
    
7. The state of (good) health (especially in the phrases 'in condition' or 'in shape' or 'out of condition' or 'out of shape')
   "After months of inactivity, he was out of shape";
   - condition

1. Make something, usually for a specific function
   "shape a figure";
   - form, work, mold [N. Amer], mould [Brit, Cdn], forge
    
2. Give direction to; be an influence on
   "experience often shapes ability";
   - determine, mold [N. Amer], influence, regulate, mould [Brit, Cdn]
    
3. Give shape or form to
   "shape the dough";
   - form

1. The supreme headquarters that advises NATO on military matters and oversees all aspects of the Allied Command Europe
   - Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe

Derived forms: shaping, shaped, shapes

See also: crooked, straight

Type of: alter, appearance, attribute, body, cause, change, concrete representation, concretism, do, engender, good health, healthiness, high command, make, make from scratch, modify, organic structure, spatial property, spatiality, structure, supreme headquarters, visual aspect

Part of: homo, human, human being, individual, man, mortal, NATO, North Atlantic Treaty Organisation [Brit], North Atlantic Treaty Organization, percept, perception, perceptual experience, person, somebody, someone, soul

Encyclopedia: Shape