define
v.v. to explain the exact meaning of a word or idea. It can also mean to clearly describe the limits, shape, or rules of something.
v. to state the precise meaning of a word, concept, or term; to describe the nature, scope, or outline of something clearly
Dictionaries define words so you can understand what they mean.
Before starting the project, the manager must clearly define the goals and limits of the assignment.
Because the treaty failed to define the exact maritime borders, the two nations spent decades arguing over fishing rights in the disputed waters.
From Middle English definen, from Old French definer, variant of definir, from Latin dēfīniō (“limit, settle, define”), from dē + fīniō (“set a limit, bound, end”).
The verb is strictly transitive and requires a direct object