describe as

describe (someone or something) as (something)

To make a descriptive statement about someone or something. Anyone who describes you as "shy" must not know you very well, chatterbox! I wouldn't describe the car as "new" per se—but don't worry, it's in very good condition.
See also: describe
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

describe someone or something as something

to describe or portray a person or a thing as something or as being in some particular state. Would you describe her as a woman of average height? We described the building as a collection of contemporary architectural clichés.
See also: describe
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
See also:
  • describe
  • describe (someone or something) as (something)
  • describe (someone or something) to (someone)
  • describe to
  • develop
  • develop from
  • develop from (someone or something)
  • developed
  • give (someone or something) a shellacking
  • label (someone, something, or oneself) as (something)
References in classic literature
We may, for example, be able to describe a person's appearance correctly without having at any time had any image of him, provided, when we saw him, we thought of words which fitted him; the words alone may remain with us as a habit, and enable us to speak as if we could recall a visual image of the man.
The Analysis of Mind