boundary

bound-a-ry · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A line that marks the limits of an area; a dividing line.

  2. 2.

    A limit of what is acceptable, possible, or permissible.

  3. 3.

    (psychology) A personal limit that defines acceptable behavior from others.

  4. 4.

    (cricket) The edge of the playing field, or a shot that reaches it.

Forms

plural: boundaries

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    boundary line — a line marking a limit
  • •
    push boundaries — to test or extend limits
  • •
    cross a boundary — to exceed what is acceptable

Related words

See also: border, boundaries, bounds, limit
Synonyms: border, edge, frontier, limit

Etymology

From "bound" (limit) + "-ary" (suffix forming nouns), first appearing in the 1620s.