diːlɪniˈeɪʃən ˈpɪktʃə ˈpɪk(t)ʃɚ ˌpɔɹˈtɹeɪ.əl acting the part of a character on stage; dramatically representing the character by speech and action and gesture the act of describing distinctive characteristics or essential features the media's characterization of Al Gore as a nerd a graphic or vivid verbal description too often the narrative was interrupted by long word pictures the author gives a depressing picture of life in Poland the pamphlet contained brief characterizations of famous Vermonters