shape-v; 3 Senses

Sense Number 1: form or make something

Commentary: The shaper has complete control over the final shape.

Examples:
She shaped the dough into balls.
The child shaped the clay.
Learn to shape dim sum from a master.
She shapes a rotund jar with a short, narrow lip.
She shapes elliptical short stories into torched songs of uplifting pessimism.

Mappings:
VerbNet: build-26.1-1
FrameNet: Reshaping
PropBank: shape.01
WordNet 3.0 Sense Numbers: 2, 3

Sense Number 2: influence, give direction

Commentary: The shaper could be only one factor influencing the final shape.

Examples:
She was shaped by a mother who bound her to excellence.
Anne was shaped by her political mentors.
It is clear he was shaped by his early environment.
The media's primary objective is to shape public opinion.

Mappings:
VerbNet: engender-27,reflexive_appearance-48.1.2
FrameNet: NM
PropBank: shape.01
WordNet 3.0 Sense Numbers: 1

Sense Number 3: act, form, or progress according to a plan or ideal

Commentary: includes SHAPE UP

Examples:
Plans are shaping up nicely.
Shape up your brows; it's the easiest way to transform your look!
The men's-only fitness center helps shy guys shape up.
Shape up or ship out!

Mappings:
VerbNet: NM
FrameNet: NM
PropBank: shape.03
WordNet Verb Particle Constructions, Multiword Expressions:
shape_up 1