Search results for 'state':

state noun 1 the condition, eg of health, appearance, emotions, etc that someone or something is in at a particular time. 2 a territory governed by a single political body; a nation. 3 any of a number of locally governed areas making up a nation or federation under the ultimate control of a central government, as in the US. 4 (the States) the United States of America. 5 (also State or the State) a the political entity of a nation, including the government and all its apparatus, eg the civil service and the armed forces; b as adj relating to or controlled or financed by the State, or a federal state • state police; c as adj ceremonial • a state visit by the Queen. 5 colloq a an emotionally agitated condition • He was in a right state; b a confused or untidy condition • What a state your room's in - tidy it up! verb (stated, stating) 1 to express clearly, either in written or spoken form; to affirm or assert. 2 to specify. statable adj. stated adj. statehood noun. lie in state said of a dead person: to be ceremonially displayed to the public before burial. turn state's evidence see under evidence.
ETYMOLOGY: 13c: from Latin status, from stare to stand.