Characterize

Part of speech: verb (v.)

1. To make distinct and recognizable by peculiar marks or traits; to make with distinctive features. European, Asiatic, Chinese, African, and Grecian faces are Characterized. Arbuthot.

2. To engrave or imprint. [Obs.] Sir M. Hale.

3. To indicate the character of; to describe. Under the name of Tamerlane he intended to characterize King William. Johnson.

4. To be a characteristic of; to make, or express the character of. The softness and effeminacy which characterize the men of rank in most countries. W. Irving.

Synonyms: describe; distinguish; mark; designate; style; particularize; entitle.