Verbs for Giving Shape · Verbs: Manual Action

to shape something, emphasizing its natural curves and outlines

"The map contours the mountain terrain."

"The makeup artist used a special brush to contour her cheekbones and make them look more defined."

to change the shape of something out of its usual shape

"The heat deforms the plastic."

"The extreme pressure applied during manufacturing caused the metal to deform and lose its intended structural integrity."

to change the shape or condition of something in a way that is no longer clear or natural

"Heat can distort metal."

"Extreme heat can distort the metal structure, causing it to lose its original shape and integrity over time."

to wind or circle something in coils

"She loops the rope."

"The pilot looped the plane in the sky performing a perfect circle that amazed the crowd watching from the ground below."

to wind material onto a cylindrical device for storage or use

"Spool the thread onto the bobbin."

"The machine spools the thread onto small plastic reels before packaging them for sale in craft stores everywhere."

to fold something into a tube-like shape

"Roll up the poster for storage."

"Please roll up the yoga mat tightly after you finish your exercises so it fits easily into your bag."

to shape something into a rounded form by rolling or winding

"Ball the paper into a tight sphere."

"The child balled up the piece of paper and threw it toward the trash can but missed completely."

to create clothing, fabric, etc., typically from wool or thread, using a machine or a pair of long and thin needles

"She will knit a wool sweater."

"My grandmother taught me how to knit warm wool sweaters for the cold winter months in our region."

to create fabric or a fabric item by interlocking loops of yarn or thread using a hooked needle

"She crochets blankets for her grandchildren."

"My grandmother taught me how to crochet a warm scarf using colorful wool and a small metal hook."

to cut or carve designs or writings on a hard surface, often using acid or a laser beam

"The artist etched a design onto glass."

"The artist used acid to etch a detailed landscape into the surface of the copper plate for printing."

to carve or cut a design or lettering into a hard surface, such as metal or stone

"The jeweler engraved initials on the ring."

"The jeweler offered to engrave the couple's names and wedding date on the inside of their new gold rings."

to carve or shape a material, typically wood or stone, by using a sharp-edged tool with a flat metal blade

"He chisels the stone block carefully."

"The artist used a hammer and chisel to chisel a detailed face out of a large block of marble."

to give something a particular form

"Exercise helps shape your body."

"The sculptor used a variety of tools to shape the rough block of marble into a beautiful human figure."

to make something into a shape

"Clouds form when water evaporates."

"Over millions of years layers of sediment slowly form solid rock under intense pressure from the earth's crust."

to shape something into a bent or arched form

"The road curves sharply to left."

"The road curves sharply to the left about a mile ahead so you should slow down now before you reach that point."

to shape something into a spiral or coiled pattern

"Curl the paper."

"She used a curling iron to curl her long, flowing hair."

to wind something in a circular or spiral manner

"Coil the rope neatly."

"The snake began to coil itself around the branch of the tree."

to open or spread something out from a folded state or compact form

"Unfold the map to see the route."

"She watched in amazement as the tiny flower began to unfold its delicate petals toward the warm morning sun."

to open something that is closed or folded

"Spread the blanket out."

"Please spread the word about the upcoming community event."

to unfold or spread something that was previously closed or folded

"Open the door."

"He decided to open a new chapter in his life by moving abroad."

to create fabric or material by interlacing threads, yarn, or other strands in a pattern using a loom or by hand

"The artisan weaves baskets from straw."

"The skilled artisan used a loom to weave the cotton threads into a beautiful traditional patterned fabric by hand."

to pass a thin string or material through a narrow opening

"Thread the needle carefully before sewing."

"It took her several tries to thread the needle because her hands were shaking and the eye of the needle was very small."

to twist two or three strands of hair in a way that forms a single intertwined piece

"She braids her daughter's long hair."

"The little girl learned how to braid her long hair into a beautiful three strand pattern all by herself."

to shape or create by cutting or sculpting, often using tools or a sharp instrument

"He can carve wood."

"The artist decided to carve intricate patterns into the ancient wooden sculpture."

to carve or shape small pieces from a material, usually wood, using a knife or similar tool

"He whittles a wooden bird figure."

"The old man sat on his porch and whittled a small wooden bird from a piece of pine using his pocket knife."

to shape or fashion an object by pressing, shaping, or manipulating malleable material

"Mold the clay."

"The artist used clay to mold a beautiful sculpture of a horse."