depict

UK: /dɪˈpɪkt/ US: /dɪˈpɪkt/ ,(di pikt′)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026

de•pict /dɪˈpɪkt/   v. 

1. [ ~ + obj] to represent by or as if by painting or drawing:
   depicted Napoleon with his hand inside his shirt.
2. [ ~ + obj + as + noun/adjective] to represent or characterize in words;
   describe:
   The story depicts the hero as an evil opportunist.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

de•pict  (di pikt′), v.t. 

1. to represent by or as if by painting;
   portray;
   delineate.
2. to represent or characterize in words;
   describe.

• Latin dēpictus (past participle of dēpingere), equivalent. to dē- de- + pic- past participle stem of pingere to paint + -tus past participle suffix
• 1625–35

de•pict′er, de•pic′tor, n. 
de•pic′tion, n. 
de•pic′tive, adj. 
Synonyms

• 1. reproduce, draw, paint, limn.
• 1, 2. Depict, portray, sketch imply a representation of an object or scene by colors or lines, or by words.
  Depict emphasizes vividness of detail:
  to depict the confusion of departure.
  Portray emphasizes faithful representation:
  We could not portray the anguish of the exiles.
  Sketch suggests the drawing of the outlines of the most prominent features or details, often in a preparatory way:
  to sketch the plans for a community development.

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

depict / dɪˈpɪkt/ verb (transitive)

1. to represent by or as by drawing, sculpture, painting, etc; delineate; portray
2. to represent in words; describe

Etymology: 17th Century: from Latin dēpingere, from pingere to paint

deˈpicter, deˈpictor noun

deˈpiction noun

deˈpictive adjective