Definition of "behave" in English

verb

1. (reflexive) To conduct (oneself) well, or in a given way; to conform.

   • You need to behave yourself, young lady.

2. (intransitive) To act, conduct oneself in a specific manner; used with an adverbial of manner.

   • He behaves like a child whenever she's around.
   • How did the students behave while I was gone?
   • My laptop has been behaving erratically ever since you borrowed it.

3. (obsolete, transitive) To conduct, manage, regulate (something).

4. (intransitive) To act in a polite or proper way.

   • His mother threatened to spank him if he didn't behave.