Circumscribed

Circumscribed describes something that is limited or restricted within boundaries. It implies a confinement, either physical, figurative, or conceptual, that prevents something from expanding or exceeding certain limits. This restriction can apply to various aspects, including size, scope, power, or freedom of action. The term suggests a deliberate or imposed constraint, often with clear definitions.

Circumscribed meaning with examples

• The ancient city was Circumscribed by high walls, protecting its inhabitants from invaders and defining the physical limits of the settlement. This gave it a distinct advantage in war.
• His authority within the company was carefully circumscribed; he could only approve expenditures up to a certain amount and had to report all the other information.
• The new legislation Circumscribed the citizens' freedom of speech, limiting the topics that could be discussed freely and in the open public forums of the society.
• The artist, known for his large-scale works, found himself challenged by the gallery's Circumscribed space, requiring him to adapt his vision to the confined setting.
• The treaty Circumscribed the military's power, preventing them from launching any operations without the clear expressed mandate of the civilian authority in that country.