verb
behave
To act in a particular way, especially with proper conduct.
The children behave well when their grandparents come to visit.
Etymology
The word developed around the idea of holding or conducting oneself. It came to describe how someone acts, and especially whether that conduct follows expected standards.
More examples
- He behaves differently around his friends.
- Please behave yourself while I answer the phone.
- You behaved calmly during a difficult conversation.
- The new software is behaving strangely today.