2form verb
forms; formed; form·ing 1 [+ obj] : to cause (something) to have a particular shape or form
▪ She formed [=made] the dough into balls. 2 [+ obj] : to get, create, or develop (something) over a period of time
▪ form a habit ▪ The friendship that they formed in school lasted a lifetime. ▪ form an opinion ▪ Her early experiences played an important role in forming her personality. ▪ His ideas were not yet fully formed. 3 a : to begin to exist or to be seen [no obj] ▪ Fog often forms [=develops] in this valley. ▪ The drug can help prevent blood clots from forming. ▪ Beads of sweat formed on his forehead. ▪ A plan was gradually forming in my mind. [+ obj] ▪ A plan was gradually forming itself in my mind.
b [no obj] : to gather together in a group
▪ An angry crowd was forming in the streets. ▪ insects forming into swarms 4 [+ obj] : to make or create (something)
▪ Water vapor condenses to form clouds. ▪ The two traditions have merged to form a new culture. ▪ A thin layer of plastic forms a protective coating over the surface. ▪ They have formed a council to investigate the incident. ▪ form a government/company/coalition/partnership ▪ Mix the wet and dry ingredients until they form a paste. ▪ Our footprints formed a lovely pattern in the wet sand. 5 [linking verb] : to be something
▪ one of several products that form [=make up, constitute] the foundation/basis of the company's success ▪ These principles form [=are] the essence of his philosophy. ▪ These books form the backbone of his collection. 6 [+ obj] : to be arranged in (a shape)
▪ The chairs formed a semicircle. : to move or be moved into (a shape) ▪ a substance capable of forming different shapes ▪ The dancers formed a line. = The dancers formed themselves into a line.
▪ She formed [=made] the dough into balls.
▪ form a habit ▪ The friendship that they formed in school lasted a lifetime. ▪ form an opinion ▪ Her early experiences played an important role in forming her personality. ▪ His ideas were not yet fully formed.
b [no obj] : to gather together in a group
▪ An angry crowd was forming in the streets. ▪ insects forming into swarms
▪ Water vapor condenses to form clouds. ▪ The two traditions have merged to form a new culture. ▪ A thin layer of plastic forms a protective coating over the surface. ▪ They have formed a council to investigate the incident. ▪ form a government/company/coalition/partnership ▪ Mix the wet and dry ingredients until they form a paste. ▪ Our footprints formed a lovely pattern in the wet sand.
▪ one of several products that form [=make up, constitute] the foundation/basis of the company's success ▪ These principles form [=are] the essence of his philosophy. ▪ These books form the backbone of his collection.
▪ The chairs formed a semicircle. : to move or be moved into (a shape) ▪ a substance capable of forming different shapes ▪ The dancers formed a line. = The dancers formed themselves into a line.
