2shape verb
shapes; shaped; shap·ing [+ obj] 1 : to give a particular form or shape to (something) : to work with (a material) in order to make something from it
▪ The artist shaped the stone with a hammer and chisel. — often + into ▪ Shape the dough into loaves. 2 : to influence the development of (something) : to help (something) become what it is
▪ Schools shape the minds of future leaders. ▪ Ads help shape public opinion. 3 : to make (something, such as a plan) by a process of careful thought
▪ They have shaped [=devised] a careful strategy for winning the election.
▪ The artist shaped the stone with a hammer and chisel. — often + into ▪ Shape the dough into loaves.
▪ Schools shape the minds of future leaders. ▪ Ads help shape public opinion.
▪ They have shaped [=devised] a careful strategy for winning the election.
shape up
[phrasal verb] informal 1 : to happen or develop in a particular way
▪ Our plans are shaping up nicely. ▪ This is shaping up to be an exciting year. [=it looks like this will be an exciting year] 2 a : to start behaving in a better or more acceptable way
▪ You'd better shape up and start studying. ▪ If he doesn't shape up, he's going to be fired. ◊In informal U.S. English, if you are told to shape up or ship out, you will have to leave your job, position, etc., if you do not improve your behavior.
b shape up (someone or something) or shape (someone or something) up : to cause (someone or something) to start behaving in a better or more acceptable way
▪ She has really shaped up the sales department. 3 : to make your body stronger and healthier by exercising
▪ He has been shaping up at the gym.
▪ Our plans are shaping up nicely. ▪ This is shaping up to be an exciting year. [=it looks like this will be an exciting year]
▪ You'd better shape up and start studying. ▪ If he doesn't shape up, he's going to be fired. ◊In informal U.S. English, if you are told to shape up or ship out, you will have to leave your job, position, etc., if you do not improve your behavior.
b shape up (someone or something) or shape (someone or something) up : to cause (someone or something) to start behaving in a better or more acceptable way
▪ She has really shaped up the sales department.
▪ He has been shaping up at the gym.
— shap·er noun, plural shap·ers [count]
