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form2 S1 W1
1 to establish an organization, committee, government etc : 
The winning party will form the government.CARE was formed in 1946 and helps the poor in 38 countries.
establish
[transitive]The winning party will form the government.CARE was formed in 1946 and helps the poor in 38 countries.2 to be the thing, or one of the things, that is part of something else, often having a particular use : The river formed a natural boundary between the two countries.
be part of something
[linking verb]The river formed a natural boundary between the two countries.3 to start to exist, or make something start to exist, especially as the result of a natural process : The rocks were formed more than 4000 million years ago. By midnight ice was already forming on the roads. Sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxide combine to form acid rain.
start to exist
[intransitive,transitive ]The rocks were formed more than 4000 million years ago.By midnight ice was already forming on the roads.Sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxide combine to form acid rain.4 to make something by combining two or more parts : In English the past tense of a verb is usually formed by adding 'ed'.
make/produce
[transitive]In English the past tense of a verb is usually formed by adding 'ed'.5 to come together in a particular shape or line, or to make something have a particular shape [= make]: Film-goers began to form a line outside the cinema. Cut off the corners of the square to form a diamond.
shape/line
[intransitive and transitive]Film-goers began to form a line outside the cinema.Cut off the corners of the square to form a diamond.6 to establish and develop a relationship with someone : She seemed incapable of forming any relationships. On returning to Boston, she formed a close friendship with her aunt.
relationship
[transitive]She seemed incapable of forming any relationships.On returning to Boston, she formed a close friendship with her aunt.7 to use available information to develop or reach an opinion or idea : She formed the opinion that one of the pupils was bullying the other.
form an opinion/impression/idea
She formed the opinion that one of the pupils was bullying the other.8 to have a strong influence on how someone's character develops and the type of person they become [= mould]: Events in early childhood often help to form our personalities in later life.
influence
[transitive]Events in early childhood often help to form our personalities in later life.
