O level English - Vocab from newspapers

Question 0

(to) polarise (opinion)

Answer 0

1. To impart polarity to
2. To acquire polarity
3. To cause to concentrate about two conflicting positions

Polarity (noun): 1. Intrinsic polar separation, alignment, or orientation, especially of a physical property

2. An indicated polar extreme
3. The manifestation (indication of the existence or presence) of two opposing tendencies

Question 1

(to) excoriate

Answer 1

1. To tear or wear off the skin of / chafe

2. To censure strongly; denounce

Question 2

(to) batten (down the hatches)

Answer 2

To furnish or secure with battens (a flexible wooden strip used especially in flattening a sail or securing a hatch

Question 3

providence

Answer 3

(noun) : 1. Care or preparation in advance; foresight
2. Prudent management; economy
3. Divine care and guardianship

Question 4

prescient

Answer 4

Adj of prescience (noun): knowledge of actions or events before they occur

Question 5

(to) prorogue

Answer 5

To discontinue a session of (eg. a parliament)

Question 6

altercation

Answer 6

Noun of to altercate: to argue or dispute vehemently