1. To build by putting together the structural parts of; construct: frame a house.
2. To conceive or design: framed an alternate proposal.
3. To arrange or adjust for a purpose: The question was framed to draw only one answer.
4. a. To put into words; formulate: frame a reply. b. To form (words) silently with the lips.
5. To enclose in or as if in a frame: frame a painting.
6. Informal. a. To make up evidence or contrive events so as to incriminate (a person) falsely. b. To prearrange (a contest) so as to ensure a desired fraudulent outcome; fix: frame a prizefight.
1. Something composed of parts fitted and joined together.
2. A structure that gives shape or support: the frame of a house.
3. a. An open structure or rim for encasing, holding, or bordering: a window frame; the frame of a mirror. b. A closed, often rectangular border of drawn or printed lines.
4. Often frames A pair of eyeglasses, excluding the lenses.
5. The structure of a human or animal body; physique: a worker's sturdy frame.
6. A cold frame.
7. A general structure or system: the frame of government.
8. A general state or condition: The news put me into a better frame of mind.
9. Sports & Games. a. A round or period of play in some games, such as bowling and billiards. b. Baseball. An inning.
10. A single picture on a roll of movie film.
11. The total area of a complete picture in television broadcasting.
12. Informal. A frame-up.
13. A single step in a sequence of programmed instruction.
14. Obsolete. Shape; form.