lim·it
(lĭḿĭt)
[Middle English limite, from Old French, border, from Latin līmes, līmit-, border, limit.]
noun
- The point, edge, or line beyond which something cannot or may not proceed.
- The boundary surrounding a specific area; bounds: within the city limits.
- A confining or restricting object, agent, or influence.
- The greatest or least amount, number, or extent allowed or possible: a withdrawal limit of $200; no minimum age limit.
- Games The largest amount which may be bet at one time in games of chance.
- Mathematics A number or point L that is approached by a function f(x) as x approaches a if, for every positive number ε, there exists a number δ such that | f(x)−L | < ε if 0 < | x−a | < δ. Also called limit point, point of accumulation
- Informal One that approaches or exceeds certain limits, as of credibility, forbearance, or acceptability: He is the limit of irresponsibility.
transitive verb: -it·ed, -it·ing, -its.
- To confine or restrict within a boundary or bounds.
- To fix definitely; to specify.
derivatives
- liḿit·a·ble
- adjective
synonyms:
limit, restrict, confine, circumscribe These verbs mean to establish or keep within specified bounds. Limit refers principally to the establishment of a maximum beyond which a person or thing cannot or may not go: The Constitution limits the President's term of office to four years. To restrict is to keep within prescribed limits, as of choice or action: The sale of alcoholic beverages is restricted to those over 21. Confine suggests imprisonment, restraint, or impediment: The children were confined to the nursery. Circumscribe connotes an encircling or surrounding line that confines, especially narrowly: “A man . . . should not circumscribe his activity by any inflexible fence of rigid rules” (John Stuart Blackie)
