Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Behave \Be*have"\, v. i.
   To act; to conduct; to bear or carry one's self; as, to
   behave well or ill.

   Note: This verb is often used colloquially without an adverb
         of manner; as, if he does not behave, he will be
         punished. It is also often applied to inanimate
         objects; as, the ship behaved splendidly.

Behave \Be*have"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Behaved}; p. pr. & vb.
   n. {Behaving}.] [AS. behabban to surround, restrain, detain
   (akin to G. gehaben (obs.) to have, sich gehaben to behave or
   carry one's self); pref. be- + habban to have. See {Have}, v.
   t. ]
   1. To manage or govern in point of behavior; to discipline;
      to handle; to restrain. [Obs.]

            He did behave his anger ere 't was spent. --Shak.

   2. To carry; to conduct; to comport; to manage; to bear; --
      used reflexively.

            Those that behaved themselves manfully. --2 Macc.
                                                  ii. 21.

Source : WordNet®

behave
     v 1: behave in a certain manner; show a certain behavior; conduct
          or comport oneself; "You should act like an adult";
          "Don't behave like a fool"; "What makes her do this
          way?"; "The dog acts ferocious, but he is really afraid
          of people" [syn: {act}, {do}]
     2: behave in a certain manner; "She carried herself well"; "he
        bore himself with dignity"; "They conducted themselves
        well during these difficult times" [syn: {acquit}, {bear},
         {deport}, {conduct}, {comport}, {carry}]
     3: behave well or properly; "The children must learn to behave"
        [syn: {comport}] [ant: {misbehave}]