VERBS Flashcards
(155 cards)
1
Q
Shirk
A
to avoid doing something you should do, especially because you are too lazy
Discipline in the company was strict and no one shirked.
shirk from something/doing something
A determined burglar will not shirk from breaking a window to gain entry.
shirk something/doing something
She never shirked her responsibilities.
The word “shirk” is a verb that means to avoid or neglect one’s duties or responsibilities. Here are some examples of the word in use:
The employee was accused of shirking his responsibilities by frequently taking long breaks and not completing his assignments on time.
She felt guilty for shirking her responsibilities as a parent by not attending her child’s school events.
The politician was criticized for shirking his duties by skipping important meetings and not addressing the issues affecting his constituents.
Some students try to shirk their academic responsibilities by copying someone else’s work or skipping classes.
2
Q
Hinder
A
To make it difficult for somebody to do something or for something to happen
SYNONYM hamper
hinder somebody/something
a political situation that hinders economic growth
Some teachers felt hindered by a lack of resources.
hinder somebody/something from something/from doing something
An injury was hindering him from playing his best.
3
Q
Dread
A
to be very afraid of something; to fear that something bad is going to happen
dread something
This was the moment he had been dreading.
dread doing something
I dread being sick.
dread somebody doing something
She dreads her husband finding out.
dread to do something
I dread to think what would happen if there really was a fire here.
dread that
I both hoped and dreaded that he would come.
4
Q
Cherish
A
cherish somebody/something to love somebody/something very much and want to protect them or it
Children need to be cherished.
her most cherished possession
5
Q
Thrive
A
to become, and continue to be, successful, strong, healthy, etc.
SYNONYM flourish
New businesses thrive in this area.
These animals rarely thrive in captivity.
6
Q
Crave
A
to have a very strong desire for something
SYNONYM long for
crave (for) something
She has always craved excitement.
to crave alcohol/drugs/sweet food/carbohydrates/cigarettes/coffee
crave to do something
They craved to return to their homeland.
After a long day at work, I crave a hot cup of tea and a good book to relax.
She couldn’t resist the temptation and craved another slice of cake.
He always craved adventure and excitement, which is why he became a travel writer.
The athlete craved victory and trained tirelessly to achieve his goals.
Many people crave the taste of salty or sugary snacks, even though they are not good for their health.
She craved the feeling of accomplishment that came from completing a challenging task.
The patient on a strict diet often craved fast food and unhealthy snacks, making it difficult to stick to the plan.
7
Q
Jeopardize
A
jeopardize something/somebody to risk harming or destroying something/somebody
SYNONYM endanger
He would never do anything to jeopardize his career.
This scandal could seriously jeopardize his chances of being re-elected.
8
Q
Tackle
A
[transitive] tackle something to make a determined effort to deal with a difficult problem or situation
The government is determined to tackle inflation.
I think I’ll tackle the repairs next weekend.
Firefighters tackled a blaze in a garage last night.
9
Q
Hasten
A
[intransitive] hasten to do something to say or do something without delay
She saw his frown and hastened to explain.
He has been described as a ‘charmless bore’—not by me, I hasten to add.
I hasten to add that I knew nothing of the fraud at the time.
[transitive] hasten something (formal) to make something happen sooner or more quickly
The treatment she received may, in fact, have hastened her death.
News of the scandal certainly hastened his departure from office.
10
Q
Embrace
A
[uncountable] the act of accepting an idea, a proposal, a set of beliefs, etc, especially when it is done with enthusiasm
the country’s eager embrace of modern technology
11
Q
Comprise
A
o have somebody/something as parts or members
SYNONYM consist of
comprise something
The collection comprises 327 paintings.
a DVD box set comprising seasons 4 and 5
be comprised of somebody/something
The committee is comprised of representatives from both the public and private sectors.
12
Q
Impose upon
A
impose something on/upon somebody/something
This system imposes additional financial burdens on many people.
to make somebody accept the same opinions, wishes, etc. as your own
She didn’t want to impose her values on her family.
It was noticeable how a few people managed to impose their will on the others.
13
Q
Endow with
A
endowed with
If someone or something is endowed with a particular quality or feature, the person or thing naturally has that quality or feature:
People think Jefferson was endowed with great wisdom.
The scholarship fund was established to endow students with financial support to pursue their academic goals.
The wealthy philanthropist chose to endow the museum with a collection of priceless artworks.
The new software was designed to endow users with the ability to automate repetitive tasks and increase productivity.
The coach’s leadership style was known to endow his team with a sense of confidence and motivation.
The new educational program aimed to endow students with critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
The company’s culture was built to endow employees with a sense of purpose and fulfillment in their work.
14
Q
Top off
A
to be on the upper surface of something, especially as a decoration:
The dessert was topped off with whipped cream and pieces of fruit.
- They topped off the performance with a song.
- He topped off his career with an Olympic gold medal.
- He topped off the hedge.
15
Q
Spate
A
a larger number of events than usual, especially unpleasant ones, happening at about the same time:
Police are investigating a spate of burglaries in the Kingsland Road area.
There has been a spate of burglaries in the neighborhood recently.
A spate of bad weather has caused flooding in the area.
The company has announced a spate of new product releases.
The actor was overwhelmed by a spate of negative reviews for his latest film.
A spate of injuries to key players has left the team struggling to compete.
16
Q
relish
A
to like or enjoy something:
I always relish a challenge.
[ + -ing verb ] I don’t relish telling her that her son has been arrested.
As a verb, “relish” means to enjoy or take pleasure in something. For example, “I relish spending time with my family on the weekends.” Here are some additional examples:
She relished the opportunity to travel to a new country and experience a new culture.
The chef relished the chance to experiment with new flavors and ingredients in her dishes.
He relished the feeling of accomplishment that came with completing a difficult task.
The children relished the chance to play outside on a sunny day.
She relished the challenge of solving a complex problem at work.
17
Q
Waft
A
to (cause to) move gently through the air:
A gentle breeze wafted the scent of roses in through the open window.
The sound of a flute wafted down the stairs.
The smell of freshly baked bread wafted through the air, making my stomach growl.
As I lay on the beach, I felt a gentle waft of cool air as the sea breeze picked up.
The curtains billowed gently in the waft of the warm summer air.
The aroma of coffee wafted up from the mug, making me feel instantly more awake.
18
Q
entice (with, into, away)
A
to persuade someone to do something by offering them something pleasant:
The adverts entice the customer into buying things they don’t really want.
People are being enticed away from the profession by higher salaries elsewhere.
[ + to infinitive ] A smell of coffee in the doorway enticed people to enter the shop.
The restaurant enticed customers with its mouth-watering menu and free dessert promotion.
The recruiter enticed the job candidate with a generous salary package and opportunities for growth.
The company enticed new subscribers with a free trial period and exclusive content.
The advertisement was designed to entice viewers to buy the product by highlighting its unique features and benefits.
The store used a colorful display and catchy music to entice shoppers to come inside and browse the products.
19
Q
coalesce
A
If two or more things coalesce, they come or grow together to form one thing or system.
The theory is that galaxies coalesced from smaller groupings of stars.
The clouds gradually coalesced into a massive thunderstorm that brought heavy rain and lightning.
The various departments in the company coalesced into a single team to work on the new project.
The artist used a variety of colors to create a painting that coalesced into a beautiful and harmonious whole.
The different voices and perspectives of the participants in the meeting gradually coalesced into a shared vision for the future.
The function in the programming language coalesces multiple inputs into a single output by returning the first non-null value.
Over time, the small particles in the liquid began to coalesce and form larger droplets that could be seen with the naked eye.
20
Q
inconvenience
A
to cause problems or difficulties for someone:
The strike inconvenienced many people.
21
Q
instigate
A
to cause an event or situation to happen by making a set of actions or a formal process begin:
The government will instigate new measures to combat terrorism.
The revolt in the north is believed to have been instigated by a high-ranking general.
22
Q
Mount
A
to gradually increase, rise, or get bigger:
The children’s excitement is mounting as Christmas gets nearer.
to get on a horse, bicycle, etc.. in order to ride:
to organize and begin an activity or event:
to mount an attack/campaign/challenge/protest
to mount an exhibition/display
She mounted her horse and rode off.
to fix something to a wall, in a frame, etc., so that it can be looked at or used:
The children’s work has been mounted on coloured paper and put up on the walls of the classroom.
The surveillance camera is mounted above the main door.
23
Q
conform to
A
to obey a rule or reach the necessary stated standard:
conform to sth
70% of these imports come from pigs raised under conditions that would not conform to UK minimum standards.
conform with sth
The Food and Drug Administration approved an 18-month extension of the patent on the drug to conform with new international trade agreements.
The dress code requires all employees to conform to a business casual attire.
The new employee had to conform to the company’s policies and procedures.
The product must conform to safety standards before it can be released to the market.
The artist chose to conform to the traditional style of painting in order to appeal to a wider audience.
The committee’s decision had to conform to the bylaws of the organization.
In order to be eligible for the scholarship, the applicant’s qualifications must conform to the criteria set by the selection committee
24
Q
deter
A
to prevent someone from doing something or to make someone less enthusiastic about doing something by making it difficult for that person to do it or by threatening bad results if they do it:
These measures are designed to deter an enemy attack.
High prices are deterring many young people from buying houses
The increased presence of police officers in the area is expected to deter criminal activity.
The high cost of cigarettes is meant to deter people from smoking.
The threat of being caught and punished should deter people from committing crimes.
The fence around the property is designed to deter trespassers.
The warning signs on the highway are intended to deter speeding.
The security guard at the entrance of the building is there to deter unauthorized access.
The harsh penalties for cheating are meant to deter students from engaging in academic dishonesty.
25
long for
long for something; long to do something
to want something very much:
She longed to see him again.
I'm longing for news of him.
Sarah longed for the day when she could finally travel the world and see all the amazing sights she had read about.
Tom had always longed for a career in music, but his parents had pushed him to pursue a more traditional profession.
After years of hard work, Amanda finally achieved the promotion she had longed for and felt a great sense of accomplishment.
Emily longed for the peacefulness of her childhood home, where she could relax and escape from the stresses of her daily life.
Despite his successful career and busy lifestyle, Mark couldn't help but long for the simplicity and carefree days of his youth
26
acquiesce to
to accept or agree to something, often unwillingly:
Reluctantly, he acquiesced to/in the plans.
After much negotiation, the company reluctantly acquiesced to the union's demands.
The principal was unwilling to acquiesce to the student's demands for a new gymnasium.
The diplomat was forced to acquiesce to the demands of the opposing country in order to avoid a war.
The government eventually acquiesced to public pressure and withdrew the controversial policy.
The team captain had to acquiesce to the coach's decision, even though he didn't agree with it.
27
err
to make a mistake or to do something wrong:
He erred in agreeing to her appointment to the position.
I'm sorry, I made an err in my calculations and the numbers are not correct."
"She was upset when she realized she had made an err in her presentation and had to start over."
"The printer made an err and the pages came out blank."
"He had to call the customer back and apologize for the err in the order."
"The website had an err and was down for several hours."
28
Alter
to become different; to make somebody/something different
Prices did not alter significantly during 2019.
He had altered so much I scarcely recognized him.
alter somebody/something
His actions that day altered my perception of him.
The landscape has been radically altered by changes in the climate.
29
Grapple with
to take a strong hold of somebody/something and struggle with them
grapple (with somebody/something) Passers-by grappled with the man after the attack.
to try hard to find a solution to a problem
grapple with something
The new government has yet to grapple with the problem of air pollution.
a government trying to grapple with inflation
The wrestler tried to grapple his opponent to the ground.
She had to grapple with her fear of heights to complete the rock climbing course.
The company had to grapple with the challenges of remote work during the pandemic.
The team had to grapple with the complex problem for weeks before finding a solution.
He grappled with the decision of whether or not to take the job offer.
The politician had to grapple with a controversial issue during his campaign.
30
Sneer
to show that you have no respect for somebody by the expression on your face or by the way you speak
SYNONYM mock
sneer (at somebody/something) He sneered at people who liked pop music.
a sneering comment
She gave a sneering laugh.
The bully would often sneer at the other students, making them feel intimidated and insecure.
The rude customer gave a sneer to the waitress when she asked him to repeat his order.
The politician would sneer at his opponents during debates, hoping to discredit their arguments.
The popular girl would often sneer at the less popular students, making them feel inferior.
The boss gave a sneer to the employee who had made a mistake during the presentation.
31
Slouch
to stand, sit or move in a lazy way, often with your shoulders and head bent forward
Several students were slouching against the wall.
Sit up straight. Don't slouch.
32
Stammer
to speak with difficulty, repeating sounds or words and often stopping, before saying things correctly
SYNONYM stutter
Many children stammer but grow out of it.
33
fidget
to keep moving your body, your hands or your feet because you are nervous, bored, excited, etc.
Sit still and stop fidgeting!
During the long meeting, John couldn't stop fidgeting in his chair."
"I always have to fidget with my hair when I'm nervous."
"Children with ADHD often exhibit fidgeting behavior."
"The stress ball on my desk helps me avoid fidgeting during conference
34
rankle
if something such as an event or a remark rankles, it makes you feel angry or upset for a long time
rankle (somebody)
Her comments still rankled.
rankle with somebody
His decision to sell the land still rankled with her.
35
Contrive
contrive to do something
to manage to do something despite difficulties
She contrived to spend a couple of hours with him every Sunday evening.
Somehow they contrived to live on her tiny income.
He managed to contrive a way to escape from the prison using a hidden tunnel.
The company had to contrive a new marketing strategy to compete with its rivals.
She contrived a plan to surprise her friends on their birthday by throwing them a surprise party.
The chef was able to contrive a new dish using unexpected ingredients, which became an instant hit.
36
scrutinize
scrutinize somebody/something to look at or examine somebody/something carefully
She leaned forward to scrutinize their faces.
The statement was carefully scrutinized before publication.
he auditors will scrutinize the company's financial records to ensure they are accurate and compliant with regulations.
The police will scrutinize the evidence to determine who committed the crime.
The hiring manager will scrutinize the candidate's resume and cover letter to determine if they are a good fit for the job.
The committee will scrutinize the proposed budget to ensure that all expenses are justified.
The journalist will scrutinize the facts and sources before publishing the article.
37
clench
when you clench your hands, teeth, etc., or when they clench, you press them together tightly, usually showing that you are angry, determined or upset
clench (something) He clenched his fists in anger.
Through clenched teeth she told him to leave.
His fists clenched slowly until his knuckles were white.
38
Bob
to move or make something move quickly up and down, especially in water
a plastic bottle bobbing along in the current
bob up and down
Tiny boats bobbed up and down in the harbour.
bob something (up and down)
She bobbed her head nervously.
39
wrench
to pull or twist something/somebody/yourself suddenly and violently
I need to use a wrench to tighten this bolt.
The mechanic used a wrench to remove the old spark plugs from the engine.
She accidentally dropped her phone and felt a wrenching sensation as it smashed on the ground.
The news of the accident caused a wrench in my plans for the day.
He felt a wrench in his stomach when he heard the news of his friend's illness.
The athlete suffered a wrench in her ankle during the race and had to withdraw.
The thief used a wrench to break open the lock on the safe.
He had to apply a lot of force with the wrench to loosen the rusted nut.
She felt a wrench in her heart when she realized that she had lost her wedding ring.
The sailor used a wrench to repair the damaged parts of the boat.
In this sentence, "wrench" refers to a tool used for gripping and turning bolts, nuts, and other objects.
Here, "wrench" is used as a verb to describe the action of using a wrench to remove the old spark plugs.
"Wrenching" in this sentence means a sudden, sharp, and painful feeling, as if something has been pulled or twisted.
"Wrench" in this sentence refers to a sudden and unexpected change or disruption.
In this sentence, "wrench" is used to describe a sudden and intense feeling of emotional pain or distress.
"Wrench" in this sentence means a sudden and painful twisting or spraining of a body part, in this case, the ankle.
"Wrench" here means to forcibly twist or pull something using a tool such as a wrench.
In this sentence, "wrench" refers to the force required to loosen a nut that has become rusted or stuck.
"Wrench" in this sentence describes an emotional feeling of sudden loss or grief.
"Wrench" in this sentence means to repair or fix something using a tool such as a wrench.
40
Fiddle
to keep touching or moving something with your hands, especially because you are bored or nervous
He was fiddling with his keys while he talked to me.
Music: "He picked up his fiddle and started playing a lively tune."
Manipulating or adjusting something in a small way: "She was fiddling with the settings on her phone to get the screen to display properly."
Cheating or tampering with something: "The accountant was caught fiddling with the company's books to cover up his embezzlement."
Wasting time or being unproductive: "Stop fiddling around and get back to work!"
An informal or colloquial way of referring to a violin: "My grandpa used to play the fiddle at square dances."
41
Brim with
to be full of something; to fill something
Tears brimmed in her eyes.
brim with something
Her eyes brimmed with tears.
The team were brimming with confidence before the game.
42
Compounded
compound something
to make something bad become even worse by causing further damage or problems
The problems were compounded by severe food shortages.
The Chancellor compounded the situation by ruling out an early cut in interest rates.
The effects of the pandemic were compounded by the economic downturn, resulting in widespread job losses.
The athlete's injury was compounded by his decision to continue playing, leading to a more serious condition.
The company's financial troubles were compounded by a series of bad business decisions made by its leadership.
The environmental damage caused by the oil spill was compounded by the company's slow response to the crisis.
The teacher's frustration was compounded by the students' lack of interest and participation in class.
43
Blurred
not clear; without a clear outline or shape
She suffered from dizziness and blurred vision.
a blurred image/picture
44
Roam
to move about or travel, especially without a clear idea of what you are going to do:
After the bars close, gangs of youths roam the city streets.
She roamed around America for a year, working in bars and restaurants.
45
sweep
to clean something, especially a floor by using a brush to collect the dirt into one place from which it can be removed:
sweep the floor
to remove and/or take in a particular direction, especially in a fast and powerful way:
A large wave swept away half the sandcastle.
She swept the pile of papers and books into her bag.
The boat was swept out to sea (= away from land) by the tide.
I need to sweep the floor before the guests arrive." (meaning to clean the floor using a broom or vacuum)
"The storm caused a power outage that swept across the city." (meaning to move rapidly or widely, in this case referring to the power outage affecting many areas)
"She felt a wave of emotion sweep over her as she watched the sunset." (meaning to feel or experience something intensely)
"The company launched a marketing campaign to sweep the competition." (meaning to surpass or dominate)
"He made a sweeping gesture with his arm, indicating the grandeur of the landscape before them." (meaning to make a broad or wide movement, often to emphasize something)
46
pinpoint
to find out or say the exact position in space or time of something:
It is not possible to pinpoint precisely the time of death.
C2
to discover or describe the exact facts about something:
Emergency workers at the site are still unable to pinpoint the cause of the explosion.
The detective used his keen observation skills to pinpoint the exact location where the crime had taken place.
The scientist conducted a series of experiments to pinpoint the cause of the mysterious disease outbreak.
The coach analyzed the player's performance to pinpoint the areas where improvement was needed.
The meteorologist was able to pinpoint the path of the hurricane and issue accurate warnings to the affected areas.
The therapist worked with the client to pinpoint the root cause of their anxiety and develop effective coping strategies.
47
Slump
(of prices, values, or sales) to fall suddenly:
The value of property has slumped.
Car sales have slumped dramatically over the past year.
After a strong start to the season, the team went through a slump and lost several games in a row.
The economy is currently in a slump, with many businesses struggling to stay afloat.
He fell into a slump after his girlfriend broke up with him, and had trouble finding the motivation to do anything.
The real estate market experienced a slump as housing prices fell and demand dropped.
To be "in a slump" means to be experiencing a period of low or poor performance, productivity, or motivation, often in a specific area such as work, sports, or creativity. During a slump, a person may feel stuck, discouraged, or unproductive, and may struggle to perform at their usual level.
48
Withstand
to be strong enough, or not be changed by something, or to oppose a person or thing successfully:
a bridge designed to withstand earthquakes
Our toys are designed to withstand the rough treatment of the average five-year-old.
The aircraft base is protected with specially designed shelters which are built to withstand ground and air attacks.
Theatre duly withstood not only the newspaper, but also cinema and then television.
49
babble
to talk or say something in a quick, confused, excited, or silly way:
The children babbled excitedly among themselves.
She was babbling something about her ring being stolen.
50
Pry (disapproving)
to try to find out private facts about a person:
As a reporter, I was paid to pry into other people's lives.
I hope you don't think I'm prying, but has your boyfriend ever lived with anyone before?
She wanted a private holiday away from prying eyes (= where no one would be trying to see her).
The journalist was determined to pry information out of the reluctant source."
51
Vie
to compete with other people to achieve or get something:
Six candidates are currently vying for the Democratic presidential nomination.
The two older children tend to vie with the younger one for their mother's attention.
[ + to infinitive ] The two groups of scientists are vying to get funding for their research projects.
The two candidates vied for the position of CEO in the upcoming board meeting.
The two companies have been vying for market dominance in the tech industry for years.
The athletes vied for the gold medal in a highly competitive race at the Olympics.
The siblings vied for their parents' attention by competing in various activities and chores around the house.
The singers vied for the top spot on the music charts with their latest album releases.
52
Recount
As a verb meaning to tell someone about something that happened:
She recounted the story of how she lost her keys.
He recounted his experiences living abroad for a year.
The witness recounted what they saw on the night of the crime.
As a noun meaning a detailed account of something that happened:
The article provided a fascinating recount of the history of the town.
The book included a detailed recount of the author's journey through Africa.
The museum exhibit included a recount of the events leading up to the Civil War.
As a noun meaning a process of counting votes in an election:
The recount showed that the candidate had actually won by a narrow margin.
The losing candidate requested a recount after the results were announced.
The election commission oversaw the recount to ensure accuracy
53
Litter
to spread across an area or place untidily:
The park was littered with bottles and cans after the concert.
Dirty clothes littered the floor of her bedroom
The whole park is spoiled by litter.
2. The streets were full of litter.
3. Please do not leave litter after your picnic.
4. Please do not leave litter.
5. About 2% of fast-food packaging ends up as litter.
6. It is antisocial to leave one's litter in public places..
54
disabuse of
to cause someone no longer to have a wrong idea:
He thought that all women liked children, but she soon disabused him of that (idea/notion).
I had to disabuse my friend of the notion that all politicians are corrupt.
The teacher disabused the student of the idea that the earth is flat.
The doctor disabused the patient of the mistaken belief that their illness could be cured with home remedies.
I had to disabuse myself of the notion that I could lose weight without exercising.
55
cite
to mention something as proof for a theory or as a reason why something has happened:
She cited three reasons why people get into debt.
The company cited a 13 percent decline in new orders as evidence that overall demand for its products was falling.
56
incorporate
to include something as part of something larger:
Suggestions from the survey have been incorporated into/in the final design.
This aircraft incorporates several new safety features.
57
denigrate
to say that someone or something is not good or important:
You shouldn't denigrate people just because they have different beliefs from you.
58
Research into
to study a subject in detail, especially in order to discover new information or reach a new understanding:
She's researching into possible cures for AIDS.
There has been a lot of research into the benefits of meditation for mental health.
Many scientists are currently conducting research into the effects of climate change on marine life.
The government is funding research into renewable energy sources to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels.
Researchers are conducting extensive research into the genetics of cancer to develop better treatments.
59
Downplay
to make something seem less important or less bad than it really is:
The government has been trying to downplay the crisis.
The politician tried to downplay the significance of the scandal, but the public was not convinced.
The company's spokesperson attempted to downplay the negative impact of the data breach, but customers were still concerned.
The athlete downplayed her achievements, saying that it was a team effort and she couldn't have done it without her teammates.
The professor tried to downplay the difficulty of the exam, but the students were still anxious.
60
Emerge
to start to exist; to appear or become known
After the elections opposition groups began to emerge.
emerge as something
He emerged as a key figure in the campaign
The University of Colorado emerged as the overall winner.
61
Occur
(especially of accidents and other unexpected events) to happen:
An accident involving over ten vehicles has occurred in the east-bound lane.
If any of these symptoms occur while you are taking the medication, consult your doctor immediately.
to exist or be present in, among, etc.:
Violence of some type seems to occur in every society.
Minerals occur naturally in the earth's crust.
62
Arouse
to cause someone to have a particular feeling:
It's a subject that has aroused a lot of interest.
Our suspicions were first aroused when we heard a muffled scream.
The loud noise outside aroused the sleeping dog.
The beautiful scenery on the hike aroused a sense of wonder and awe in me.
The movie's intense plot and romantic scenes aroused strong emotions in the audience.
The political scandal aroused the anger and frustration of the citizens.
The spicy aroma of the cooking food aroused my appetite.
The touching speech by the charity founder aroused the empathy of the crowd.
The provocative clothing of the model aroused controversy among the audience.
The stimulating massage aroused a feeling of relaxation and comfort.
The passionate kiss from his partner aroused his desire for intimacy.
The suspenseful thriller aroused a sense of fear and anticipation in the viewers.
63
exhort
(ENCOURAGE)
to strongly encourage or try to persuade someone to do something:
The governor exhorted the prisoners not to riot.
The coach exhorted the team to give it their all in the second half of the game."
"The motivational speaker exhorted the audience to follow their dreams and never give up."
"The president exhorted the public to get vaccinated in order to prevent the spread of the virus."
"The teacher exhorted her students to study hard for the upcoming exam."
"The pastor exhorted the congregation to live a life of kindness and compassion."
64
Raise
(REIS)
to lift something to a higher position:
Would all those in favour please raise their hands?
He raised the window and leaned out.
to cause something to increase or become bigger, better, higher, etc.:
The government plan to raise taxes.
I had to raise my voice (= speak more loudly) to make myself heard over the noise.
The inspector said that standards at the school had to be raised.
Our little chat has raised my spirits (= made me feel happier).
to cause to exist:
Her answers raised doubts/fears/suspicions in my mind.
This discussion has raised many important issues/problems.
The announcement raised a cheer/laugh.
to take care of a person, or an animal or plant, until they are completely grown:
Her parents died when she was a baby and she was raised by her grandparents.
The lambs had to be raised by hand (= fed milk by people) when their mother died.
65
sprout
to produce leaves, hair, or other new developing parts, or (of leaves, hair, and other developing parts) to begin to grow:
It takes about three days for the seeds to sprout.
Your hair is sticking up - it looks like you're sprouting horns!
66
revolves
to move in a circle or a curve around a central point, or to cause something to do this:
[ T ] The plane revolved 162 degrees onto its back.
[ I ] The earth revolves around the sun, roughly in a circle.
[ I ] fig. His life revolves around (= He is only interested in) football.
My entire life seems to revolve around work. I need to find some balance and start focusing on other things.
The conversation kept revolving around the same topic, and I couldn't get a word in edgewise.
The success of the company's new product launch will revolve around how well they can market it to their target audience.
Our plans for the weekend revolve around the weather forecast. If it's going to rain, we'll stay inside and watch movies.
67
stultify
o prevent something from developing, or prevent someone from developing new ideas:
She felt the repetitive exercises stultified her musical technique so she stopped doing them.
The new set of measures could stultify the industry.
The outdated teaching methods used in this school will stultify the students' intellectual growth.
The company's strict rules and bureaucracy stultify innovation and creativity among its employees.
The government's excessive regulations and red tape are stultifying economic growth and development.
The monotonous routine of his job has begun to stultify his ambition and drive.
The limited opportunities for advancement and learning can stultify a person's career.
The lack of funding for research can stultify scientific progress.
68
mesmerize
to have someone's attention completely so that they cannot think of anything else:
I was completely mesmerized by the performance.
The hypnotist was able to mesmerize the audience with his soothing voice and hypnotic suggestions.
The beautiful artwork on display at the museum mesmerized the visitors, who spent hours admiring the intricate details.
The dance performance was so mesmerizing that the audience was completely captivated, forgetting everything else around them.
The stunning view of the mountains and valleys from the top of the hill mesmerized the hiker, who stood there in awe for several minutes.
The powerful speeches by the civil rights leader were able to mesmerize and inspire thousands of people, leading to significant social change
69
advocate
to publicly support or suggest an idea, development, or way of doing something:
[ + -ing verb ] She advocates taking a more long-term view.
He advocates the return of capital punishment.
As a social activist, I advocate for equal rights and opportunities for all individuals regardless of their race, gender, or sexual orientation.
The environmental organization advocates for sustainable living practices to reduce carbon footprint and minimize pollution.
The doctor advocates for healthy lifestyle choices such as regular exercise and a balanced diet to prevent chronic diseases.
The politician advocates for policy changes that will benefit the working-class families and improve their quality of life.
The animal rights group advocates for the humane treatment of animals and campaigns against animal cruelty.
70
Amplify
to make something louder:
amplified music/guitar
formal
to increase the size or effect of something:
A funeral can amplify the feelings of regret and loss for the relatives.
71
Articulate
able to express thoughts and feelings easily and clearly, or showing this quality:
an intelligent and highly articulate young woman
She gave a witty, entertaining, and articulate speech.
She was able to articulate her thoughts and feelings clearly and concisely during the interview.
The professor was known for her ability to articulate complex concepts in a way that was easy for students to understand.
The CEO delivered an articulate speech to the shareholders, outlining the company's plans for the future.
The artist's paintings were so beautifully articulated that they seemed to come to life on the canvas.
The athlete was praised for his articulate movements and graceful athleticism during the competition.
72
Comprehend
to understand something completely:
I fail to comprehend their attitude.
He doesn't seem to comprehend the scale of the problem
[ + question word ] I'll never comprehend why she did what she did.
[ + that ] I don't think he fully comprehends that she won't be here to help him.
73
Convey
o express a thought, feeling, or idea so that it is understood by other people:
His poetry conveys a great sense of religious devotion.
Please convey our condolences to the family.
[ + question word ] I tried to convey in my speech how grateful we all were for his help.
You don't want to convey the impression that we're not interested.
74
Corroborate
to add proof to an account, statement, idea, etc. with new information:
Recent research seems to corroborate his theory.
The witness's testimony corroborated the victim's account of the crime.
The scientific experiment was designed to corroborate the hypothesis that the new drug was effective in treating the disease.
The forensic evidence found at the scene of the crime corroborated the suspect's confession.
The journalist sought to corroborate the source's claims before publishing the story.
The data from multiple studies corroborated the theory that exercise can help reduce the risk of heart disease.
75
decipher
(Disaifer)
to discover the meaning of something written badly or in a difficult or hidden way:
Can you decipher the writing on this envelope?
76
Differentiate
to show or find the difference between things that are compared:
We do not differentiate between our employees on the basis of their race, religion, or national origin.
Most consumers have no trouble differentiating our brand's cereal from our leading competitor's.
Service providers are all keen to differentiate themselves from their competitors.
77
Dissect
to cut open something, especially a dead body or a plant, and study its structure:
In biology classes we used to dissect rats.
to examine or consider something in detail:
He's the kind of person who watches a movie and then dissects it for hours.
78
Efface
He tried to efface the memory of his embarrassing mistake by focusing on his successes.
The graffiti on the wall was so difficult to remove that the building owner had to hire a professional to efface it.
The passing of time had effaced many of the details of the old legend.
The company tried to efface any evidence of its involvement in the scandal by destroying incriminating documents.
The politician attempted to efface his controversial remarks by issuing a public apology.
79
Elaborate
to add more information to or explain something that you have said:
The congresswoman said she was resigning, but refused to elaborate on her reasons for doing so.
80
exacerbate
to make something that is already bad even worse:
This attack will exacerbate the already tense relations between the two communities.
His aggressive reaction only exacerbated the situation.
The symptoms may be exacerbated by certain drugs.
81
extrapolate
to use existing information to discover what is likely to happen or be true in the future:
Speaking about global warming, she said that time periods of 15 and even 30 years are too brief to extrapolate changes in climate patterns.
extrapolate (sth) from sth
We as economists tend to just predict the future by
extrapolating from the past.
extrapolate trends/patterns/risks
extrapolate figures/data/numbers
82
extrapolate
In order to predict future sales, we will need to extrapolate from our current sales data and market trends.
The scientists were able to extrapolate the likely effects of climate change on sea levels based on their data and models.
Based on the results of the experiment, we can extrapolate that the new treatment will be effective in human trials.
The analyst used historical stock prices to extrapolate the future value of the company's shares.
The researchers were able to extrapolate the growth patterns of the endangered species based on the data they had collected over the past decade.
83
Facilitate
to make something possible or easier:
The new ramp will facilitate the entry of wheelchairs.
The current structure does not facilitate efficient work flow.
84
galvanise
to cause someone to suddenly take action, especially by shocking or exciting them in some way:
Western charities were galvanized by TV pictures of starving people.
The prospect of his mother coming to stay galvanized him into action and he started cleaning the house.
The coach's inspirational speech before the game galvanized the team and led to a decisive victory.
The tragic events of the past year have galvanized the community to take action against gun violence.
The CEO's announcement of a new product line galvanized the company and boosted employee morale.
The protest march was intended to galvanize public support for a change in government policy.
The company's commitment to sustainability has galvanized the industry and led to a renewed focus on environmentally-friendly practices.
85
Integrate
to mix with and join society or a group of people, often changing to suit their way of life, habits, and customs:
He seems to find it difficult to integrate socially.
It's very difficult to integrate yourself into a society whose culture is so different from your own.
Children are often very good at integrating into a new culture.
[ T ]
to combine two or more things in order to become more effective:
You need to integrate exercise into your normal life.
The idea with young children is to integrate learning with play.
86
Mitigate
to make something less harmful, unpleasant, or bad:
It is unclear how to mitigate the effects of tourism on the island.
The company implemented several measures to mitigate the environmental impact of its operations.
The government is working to mitigate the effects of the pandemic on the economy by providing financial support to businesses.
The construction project includes measures to mitigate noise pollution and disruption to local residents.
The doctor prescribed medication to mitigate the patient's symptoms and improve their quality of life.
The insurance company's risk assessment team identified several strategies to mitigate the potential losses from a natural disaster.
87
perceive
to come to an opinion about something, or have a belief about something:
How do the French perceive the British?
Women's magazines are often perceived to be superficial.
She perceived a change in the atmosphere as soon as she walked into the room.
Some people perceive public speaking as a terrifying experience.
I perceive a lot of potential in this project, and
I think we should pursue it.
Many people perceive success as having a lot of money, but to me, it's more about personal fulfillment.
The artist's work is meant to challenge the way we perceive the world around us.
He perceived that something was wrong with the car before it broke down.
It can be difficult to perceive subtle changes
in a person's behavior if you don't know them well.
The child was too young to perceive the gravity of the situation.
88
Reconcile
to find a way in which two situations or beliefs that are opposed to each other can agree and exist together:
It is sometimes difficult to reconcile science and religion.
It's difficult to reconcile such different points of view.
How can you reconcile your fur coat and/with your love of animals?
be reconciled
When two people are reconciled, they become friendly again after they have argued:
They were finally reconciled with each other, after not speaking for nearly five years.
89
Foreshadow
As a verb, "foreshadow" means to give a warning or indication of a future event. Here are some examples of how to use "foreshadow" as a verb:
The dark clouds on the horizon foreshadowed a coming storm.
The author used imagery to foreshadow the impending doom of the main character.
The strange behavior of the antagonist foreshadowed the reveal of their true intentions.
The opening scene of the movie foreshadowed the conflict that would drive the plot.
The economic downturn foreshadowed the layoffs that would occur in the company.
90
Splurge on
to spend a lot of money on buying goods, especially expensive goods:
I feel like splurging (out) on a new dress.
I can happily splurge 3,000 pounds in one day.
After receiving her bonus, Sarah decided to splurge on a luxurious vacation to the Maldives.
John knew he shouldn't splurge on expensive electronics, but he couldn't resist buying the latest iPhone.
Emily decided to splurge on a fancy dinner at a Michelin-starred restaurant to celebrate her promotion.
Despite being on a tight budget, Tom couldn't resist splurging on a designer suit for his brother's wedding.
After years of saving up, Sam finally splurged on a sports car he had been dreaming of since childhood.
91
Skimp on
to not spend enough time or money on something, or to not use enough of something in order to do a job or activity as it should be done:
Many old people skimp on food and heating in order to meet their bills.
When choosing a hotel, do not skimp.
Don't skimp on the quality of the ingredients when cooking, it can affect the taste of the dish.
Jack realized he had skimped on studying for the exam and ended up getting a lower grade than he wanted.
It's important not to skimp on safety measures when working with heavy machinery.
I don't want to skimp on the gift for my best friend's birthday, so I'm going to buy her something special.
Sarah decided to skimp on her workout routine, but soon realized that it was affecting her health and energy levels
92
hail from
to call someone in order to attract their attention:
Shall we hail a taxi?
I tried to hail her from across the room.
The new CEO hails from a small town in the Midwest.
This dish hails from the southern region of Italy.
The tradition of wearing kilts hails from Scotland.
The band's music hails from a blend of different cultural influences.
The athlete hails from a family of Olympic medalists.
93
Reckon
to consider or have the opinion that something is as stated:
I don't reckon much to (US of) their chances of winning (= I do not think they will win).
She was widely reckoned (to be) the best actress of her generation.
to think or believe:
I reckon it's going to rain.
[ + (that) ] How much do you reckon (that) it's going to cost?
"Can you fix my car today?" "I reckon not/so (= probably not/probably)."
I reckon we should leave early to avoid the traffic." In this sentence, "reckon" means "believe" or "think."
"How long do you reckon it will take to finish the project?" Here, "reckon" means "estimate" or "guess."
"I reckon I owe you an apology for what I said earlier." In this sentence, "reckon" means "admit" or "acknowledge."
"I don't reckon we'll be able to make it to the concert tonight." Here, "reckon" means "expect" or "predict."
"He's from Texas, so I reckon he knows a thing or two about barbecuing." In this example, "reckon" means "assume" or "presume."
In each of these examples, the word "reckon" is used to express a belief, estimation, admission, expectation, or assumption about something. It is a versatile word that can be used in a variety of contexts to convey different meanings.
94
Drift
o move slowly, especially as a result of outside forces, with no control over direction:
No one noticed that the boat had begun to drift out to sea.
A mist drifted in from the marshes.
After the band stopped playing, people drifted away in twos and threes.
figurative The talk drifted aimlessly from one subject to another.
95
exert
(EJERCER)
to use something such as authority, power, influence, etc. in order to make something happen:
If you were to exert your influence they might change their decision.
Some managers exert considerable pressure on their staff to work extra hours without being paid.
The athlete needed to exert herself to win the race.
He had to exert a lot of effort to move the heavy furniture up the stairs.
The CEO exerted her authority to make the final decision.
The teacher had to exert control over the rowdy classroom.
The company will need to exert its influence to sway the decision in their favor.
The parents had to exert pressure on their child to study harder for the exam.
The hiker needed to exert caution
96
Unwind
To relax or destress: This usage of unwind refers to the process of reducing stress or tension. For example, you might say "I'm going to unwind with a cup of tea and a good book" after a long day at work.
After a long day at work, I like to unwind by taking a hot bath and listening to soothing music.
Yoga is a great way to unwind and center yourself after a stressful week.
Reading a book is a great way to unwind before bed and help you fall asleep more easily.
Some people like to unwind by watching their favorite TV show or movie.
Going for a walk in nature is a great way to unwind and clear your mind.
Getting a massage or practicing mindfulness meditation are also great ways to unwind and reduce stress.
Taking a vacation or going on a weekend getaway can be a great way to unwind and recharge your batteries.
97
dissociate
to consider as separate and not related:
I can't dissociate the man from his political opinions - they're one and the same thing.
After the traumatic event, the victim found it difficult to dissociate from the experience and move on.
The company decided to dissociate itself from the controversial statements made by its CEO.
It is important to dissociate personal feelings from professional decisions.
Many people use alcohol or drugs to dissociate themselves from their problems, but this only provides temporary relief.
The therapist suggested that the patient try dissociation techniques to manage their anxiety and stress.
98
encircle
to surround something, forming a circle around it:
The house is encircled by a high fence.
Villaverde is one of the high-rise districts that encircle Madrid.
99
supplementary
extra:
a supplementary income
100
account to/as
to think of someone or something in the stated way:
She was accounted a genius by all who knew her work.
Many people account LeBron James as one of the greatest basketball players of all time."
"We account our success to our hardworking team and loyal customers."
"She accounts herself as a feminist and advocates for gender equality in all aspects of life."
"The company accounts its recent decline in profits to a sluggish economy and increased competition."
"He accounts his love of travel to his childhood experiences exploring different parts of the world with his family."
101
originate
to come from a particular place, time, situation, etc.:
Although the technology originated in the UK, it has been developed in the US
The game is thought to have originated among the native peoples of Alaska.
102
Dispel
to remove fears, doubts, and false ideas, usually by proving them wrong or unnecessary:
I'd like to start the speech by dispelling a few rumours that have been spreading recently.
The doctor tried to dispel the patient's fears by explaining that the procedure was safe and routine.
The teacher worked hard to dispel the students' misconceptions about science and encourage them to ask questions.
The CEO's speech helped dispel the rumors about the company's financial troubles and restore investor confidence.
The magician attempted to dispel the audience's skepticism by performing an impossible trick that left them amazed.
The parents' reassurances did little to dispel the child's anxiety about starting a new school.
103
Prevaricate
to avoid giving a direct answer to a question in order to hide the truth
beat about the bush
Stop prevaricating and come to the point
The politician was accused of prevaricating when asked about his involvement in the scandal.
The witness's testimony was inconsistent and seemed to prevaricate on important details.
The employee prevaricated when asked about the missing funds, raising suspicion among the investigators.
The company's CEO refused to answer the reporters' questions directly and instead prevaricated with vague responses.
The child prevaricated when asked about who broke the vase, saying that the cat did it instead of admitting the truth.
104
Siphon
to remove liquid from a container using a siphon
In each of these examples, "siphon" is used to describe the process of transferring a liquid, such as gas, water, or oil, from one place to another using a tube or hose.
He used a hose to siphon gas from the car into a container.
She learned how to siphon water from the fish tank to clean it properly.
The thieves were able to siphon money from
the company's bank account.
The irrigation system was designed to siphon water from the river and distribute it to the crops.
He had to siphon the excess oil from the engine before he could change the filter.
105
elope
to leave home secretly in order to get married without the permission of your parents:
She eloped with an Army officer.
106
worship
to have or show a strong feeling of respect and admiration for God or a god:
On the island the people worshipped different gods.
[ I ]
to go to a religious ceremony:
They socialize together and worship in the same mosque.
The poll showed that over 40 percent of Americans worship on a weekly basis.
107
Lambaste
to criticize someone or something severely:
His first novel was well and truly lambasted by the critics.
The film critic lambasted the latest blockbuster movie for its lack of originality and poor execution.
The politician was lambasted by his opponents for his controversial comments on social media.
The restaurant received a lot of negative reviews after customers lambasted the quality of their food and service.
The coach lambasted his players for their lackluster performance in the last game.
The journalist was lambasted by readers for her biased reporting on a sensitive issue.
108
Claim
to say that something is true or is a fact, although you cannot prove it and other people might not believe it:
[ + (that) ] The company claims (that) it is not responsible for the pollution in the river.
[ + to infinitive ] He claims to have met the president, but I don't believe him.
All parties have claimed success in yesterday's elections.
An unknown terrorist group has claimed responsibility for this morning's bomb attack.
She claims not to have met Mark
109
Laze (around)
to relax and enjoy yourself, doing very little:
We spent the day lazing around on the beach.
After a long day at work, I just wanted to laze around on the couch and watch some TV.
Instead of going for a run, I decided to laze in bed and read a book.
The warm sun and gentle breeze made it the perfect day to laze by the pool.
She had planned to clean the house, but instead chose to laze on the porch with a glass of lemonade.
110
choke or choke up
to fill a place so that it is difficult to move
choke with:
We live in cities that are choked with traffic.
The pipe was choked with debris, causing the water to back up and flood the basement.
The highway was choked with traffic, making the commute unbearable.
The air filter in the car was choked with dust, causing the engine to run poorly.
The printer was choked with paper, resulting in a paper jam that had to be cleared before it could be used again.
The river was choked with weeds, making it difficult to navigate by boat.
111
Publicize
to make information about something generally available:
Attitudes seem to be changing as a result of recent highly publicized cases of sexual harassment.
The event was well publicized all over town.
The work of the charity has been widely publicized throughout the media.
The company hired a PR firm to publicize their new product launch.
The artist's gallery show was publicized in local newspapers and social media platforms.
The nonprofit organization held a press conference to publicize their upcoming fundraiser.
The politician's campaign team used billboards and TV commercials to publicize their message to voters.
The author went on a book tour to publicize their latest novel and connect with readers.
112
Warrant
(noun) a document that authorizes or justifies a particular action or decision, often issued by a legal or government authority.
Example: The police officer had a warrant to search the suspect's house for evidence of the crime.
(verb) to justify or require a particular action or decision.
Example: The evidence presented in court warranted a guilty verdict.
(noun) a guarantee or assurance, often in writing, that a product or service is of good quality and will be replaced or repaired if it fails.
Example: The manufacturer provided a one-year warranty on the new refrigerator.
(verb) to make sure of something; to assure.
Example: The coach's experience and qualifications warrant the trust of the team and the parents.
(noun) a financial instrument that gives the holder the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell an underlying asset at a predetermined price within a specified time period.
Example: The investor bought a call warrant for shares of the technology company, allowing them to buy the shares at a fixed price within the next year.
113
Confine
to limit an activity, person, or problem in some way:
Let's confine our discussion to the matter in question, please!
Please confine your use of the phone to business calls.
By closing the infected farms we're hoping to confine the disease to the north of the region (= stop it from spreading to other areas).
The doctor recommended that I confine myself to bed rest for a few days in order to recover from my illness.
The prison warden instructed the guards to confine the inmate to his cell for 24 hours as punishment for breaking the rules.
The owner of the company decided to confine the budget for the project to $10,000 in order to save money.
Due to the pandemic, many countries had to confine their citizens to their homes in order to prevent the spread of the virus.
The teacher confine the students to the classroom during the exam to ensure that they didn't cheat or use any unauthorized materials.
114
RISE
The verb "rise" generally means to move or increase upward, to stand up or get up from a sitting or lying position, or to become more powerful or influential.
Here are a few examples of "rise" used in sentences:
The sun rises in the east and sets in the west.
She rose from her chair and walked to the window.
The stock market has been rising steadily for the past month.
The price of gas is expected to rise again soon.
The level of the river is rising due to heavy rainfall.
115
Raise
The verb "raise" generally means to lift or elevate something or someone to a higher position or level, to increase or improve something, or to bring up or cultivate something.
Here are a few examples of "raise" used in sentences:
She raised her hand to ask a question.
The construction crew is raising the roof of the building.
We need to raise more funds for the charity event.
The company is planning to raise prices on its products.
They are trying to raise their children to be kind and responsible adults.
In each of these examples, "raise" is used to describe something being lifted or improved in some way, or someone being brought up or cultivated.
116
Strike
to refuse to continue working because of an argument with an employer about working conditions, pay levels, or job losses:
Democratization has brought workers the right to strike and join a trade union.
We're striking for better pay and improved safety standards.
to cause a person or place to suffer severely from the effects of something very unpleasant that happens suddenly:
I have a life insurance policy that will take care of my family if disaster strikes.
The disease has struck the whole community, sometimes wiping out whole families.
They predict that a large earthquake will strike the west coast before the end of the decade.
117
Vouch (for)
to be able from your knowledge or experience to say that something is true:
As a medical examiner I can vouch that his death was accidental.
As someone who has worked with him for years, I can vouch for his professionalism and reliability.
I cannot vouch for the accuracy of the information provided by the anonymous source.
The restaurant owner is happy to vouch for the quality and freshness of the ingredients used in their dishes.
My friend offered to vouch for me to the landlord, so that I could rent the apartment even without a credit history.
118
Outwit
to get an advantage over someone by acting more cleverly and often by using a trick:
In the story, the cunning fox outwits the hunters.ç
The detective was able to outwit the criminal and catch him before he could escape.
In the game of chess, the player who can outwit their opponent is usually the one who wins.
The company was able to outwit its competitors by launching a new product that met a previously unaddressed need.
The smart student was able to outwit the teacher by coming up with a creative solution to a difficult problem.
The spy was able to outwit the enemy agents and retrieve valuable information without being detected.
The experienced negotiator was able to outwit the other party and secure a favorable deal for his client.
The athlete was able to outwit his opponents by using a unique strategy that they were not prepared for.
119
Outmaneuver
to cleverly get an advantage over someone, especially a competitor:
In the negotiations, he outmaneuvered his rivals by offering a higher price.
The skilled negotiator was able to outmaneuver the opposing party and secure a better deal for his client.
The agile athlete was able to outmaneuver his opponents on the field and score the winning goal.
The clever spy was able to outmaneuver the enemy agents and retrieve the top-secret information.
The experienced politician was able to outmaneuver his opponents and win the election by a large margin.
The strategic businessman was able to outmaneuver his competitors by launching a new product ahead of schedule.
120
Taint
to spoil something or give it an unpleasant quality:
His reputation was permanently tainted by the financial scandal.
He warned of toxins such as mercury tainting some fish.
121
Flaunt
to show or make obvious something you are proud of in order to get admiration:
He's got a lot of money but he doesn't flaunt it.
Flavio was flaunting his tan in a pair of white trunks.
flaunt yourself
UK
to show your body in a confident and sexual manner:
She was criticized for flaunting herself on the beach in front of the media.
I hope they didn't think I was flaunting myself!
They accused her of flirting with the singer and flaunting herself.
122
Whine
to make a long, high, sad sound:
Leon's dog was sitting by the door whining, so I thought I'd better take it for a walk.
disapproving
If you whine, especially as a child, you complain or express disappointment or unhappiness repeatedly:
Alice, if you keep whining I won't take you - do you understand?
123
Muster
to produce or encourage something such as an emotion or support:
She managed to muster the courage to ask him to the cinema.
The team will need all the strength they can muster to win this game.
Opponents are unlikely to be able to muster enough votes to override the veto.
124
Beguile
to persuade, attract, or interest someone, sometimes in order to deceive them :
He was completely beguiled by her beauty.
The salesman beguiled him into buying a car he didn't want.
"The charismatic salesman used his charm to beguile the customer into making a purchase."
"The beauty of the landscape beguiled the tourists, leaving them mesmerized."
"The magician's sleight of hand beguiled the audience, leaving them wondering how he did it."
"She used her wit and intelligence to beguile her opponent in the debate."
"The sweet melody of the music beguiled her into dancing with her partner."
125
Recuperate
to become well again after an illness; to get back your strength, health, etc.:
She spent a month in the country recuperating from/after the operation.
The athlete took several weeks to recuperate after a serious injury during the game."
"The patient spent a few days in the hospital to recuperate after undergoing surgery."
"The company gave its employees a few days off to recuperate after a particularly busy and stressful period at work."
"The musician took a break from touring to recuperate from vocal strain."
"The animal needed time to recuperate after undergoing a medical procedure at the veterinary hospital."
126
Chide
to speak to someone severely because they have behaved badly:
She chided him for his bad manners.
"The teacher chided the student for not completing the homework on time."
"The mother chided her child for misbehaving in public."
"The coach chided the team for not putting in enough effort during practice."
"The boss chided the employee for submitting the report late."
"The friend chided her friend for not following through on her promise to call her."
127
Gauge
to calculate an amount, especially by using a measuring device:
Use a thermometer to gauge the temperature.
I tried to gauge (= guess) the weight of the box.
128
Bestow
to give something as an honour or present:
The George Cross is a decoration that is bestowed upon/on British civilians for acts of great bravery.
The queen decided to bestow a knighthood upon the loyal servant who had served her for many years.
The charitable organization decided to bestow a significant sum of money to the struggling community in the form of a grant.
The renowned author chose to bestow the literary award to the young writer who had shown exceptional talent and promise.
The boss decided to bestow a promotion to the hardworking employee who had consistently demonstrated outstanding performance and dedication.
The grateful mother decided to bestow a special gift to the doctor who had saved her son's life.
129
Chastise
to criticize someone severely:
Charity organizations have chastised the government for not doing enough to prevent the latest famine in Africa.
She has been chastised by critics who say that children will never learn to recognize and enjoy vegetables if they are disguised.
130
Seethe
to feel very angry but to be unable or unwilling to express it clearly:
The rest of the class positively seethed with indignation when Julia won the award.
By the end of the meeting he was seething.
The angry customer could barely contain his frustration and began to seethe, causing a scene in the store.
The simmering tension between the two rival gangs threatened to boil over, with members seething with anger and hostility.
The athlete seethed with disappointment after losing the championship game, knowing that he had let his team down.
The betrayed spouse seethed with anger and resentment towards the unfaithful partner, struggling to cope with the pain of the betrayal.
The community began to seethe with indignation after discovering the corrupt practices of their elected officials, demanding justice and accountability.
131
Emasculate
to reduce the effectiveness of something:
They were accused of trying to emasculate the report's recommendations.
formal
to make a man feel less male by taking away his power and confidence:
But another man in his forties, whose in-laws are rich, finds it hard to accept gifts from them: "I feel emasculated in that old-fashioned role of provider.”
I think that may be a step forward, to have people other than women project their desire onto you without feeling it emasculates you.
BIOLOGY specialized
to castrate (= remove the male sexual parts of) a man or male animal, or to remove the male parts of a plant:
Last night, Trude assisted in her first castration since emasculating a guinea pig back in Bristol: this time it was a camel.
The father felt emasculated when his wife earned more money than him, leading to tension in their relationship.
The bullying behavior of his peers made the young boy feel emasculated, eroding his self-confidence and sense of identity.
The soldier's injury that left him unable to fight anymore was seen as emasculating by his fellow troops, who viewed him as weak.
The boss's constant criticism and micromanaging made his employees feel emasculated, undermining their abilities and expertise.
The restrictive gender norms of society can often emasculate men who do not conform to traditional expectations of masculinity.
132
Swoop
to move very quickly and easily through the air, especially down from a high position in order to attack:
The eagle swooped down to snatch a young rabbit.
The eagle swooped down from the sky to snatch its prey with impressive speed and precision.
The police officer swooped in and apprehended the suspect before he could escape.
The company decided to swoop in and acquire the smaller start-up before it could become a major competitor.
The politician made a dramatic swoop towards the audience during his speech, trying to win over their support.
The parent swooped in to rescue their child from danger, grabbing them just in time to avoid a serious accident.
133
Gouge
to dig or cut into something in a rough or violent way:
He drove into some railings and gouged a hole in the back of his car.
A symbol was gouged into the surface of the wood.
The contractor tried to gouge the homeowner by charging exorbitant fees for a simple repair.
The thief used a sharp object to gouge the lock on the door, breaking into the house.
The doctor had to use a scalpel to gouge the tumor out of the patient's body, hoping to remove all traces of the cancer.
The hurricane caused the waves to gouge deep trenches into the sandy beach, changing the landscape permanently.
The customer complained that the store had gouged the price of the item, charging more than what was advertised.
134
Quell
to stop something, especially by using force:
Police in riot gear were called in to quell the disturbances/unrest.
This latest setback will have done nothing to quell the growing doubts about the future of the club.
The police officer was able to quell the riot by using non-violent means of communication and de-escalation.
The soothing music helped to quell her anxiety and calm her nerves before the big performance.
The coach gave a motivational speech to the team to quell their fears and boost their confidence before the championship game.
The fire department worked tirelessly to quell the flames of the forest fire, risking their lives to save nearby homes and wildlife.
The leader had to quell the dissent within the party by addressing the concerns of the dissatisfied members and finding common ground.
135
Repent
to be very sorry for something bad you have done in the past and wish that you had not done it:
He repented (of his sins) just hours before he died.
The thief finally repented for his crimes and turned himself in to the police.
She felt guilty for her hurtful words and promised to repent and make things right.
The pastor urged his congregation to repent and seek forgiveness for their sins.
The criminal showed no signs of repentance during his trial, and the judge gave him a harsh sentence.
He realized the error of his ways and chose to repent, seeking to make amends for his past mistakes.
136
Banish
to send someone away, especially from their country, and not allow them to come back:
He was banished to an uninhabited island for a year.
They were banished (= sent out) from the library for making a noise.
The king ordered his disobedient advisor to be banished from the kingdom and never return.
She had to banish all thoughts of self-doubt and focus on the task at hand to succeed.
The principal decided to banish cell phones from the school to promote better focus and less distraction.
The fear of failure had to be banished from his mind if he wanted to pursue his dreams.
The evil sorcerer was banished to a far-off land by the hero, never to be seen again.
137
Poke
to push a finger or other pointed object quickly into someone or something:
You'll poke someone in the eye with that umbrella if you're not careful!
Two kids were poking a stick into the drain.
He gave her a poke in the ribs to get her attention.
She used a stick to poke the fire and make it burn brighter.
The child was poking around in the bushes, searching for bugs.
He decided to poke fun at his friend's new haircut, much to the amusement of the others in the group.
She received a poke on Facebook from an old high school friend and decided to reconnect with them.
to (cause something to) appear or stretch out from behind or through something else:
Cathy poked her head round the door to say hello.
The first green shoots are poking up through the soil.
138
Unravel
To undo or separate the threads of a woven or knitted fabric: She had to unravel the scarf she was knitting because she made a mistake.
To become undone or come apart: The hem of his pants began to unravel after he caught it on a nail.
To clarify or solve a mystery or problem: The detective worked tirelessly to unravel the mystery behind the disappearance of the necklace.
To disentangle or resolve a complex situation: The mediator helped to unravel the conflict between the two parties and come to a resolution.
To decline or fall apart: The company's reputation began to unravel after the scandal was uncovered.
Some additional examples of the word "unravel" in context:
The sweater began to unravel after it was accidentally snagged on a hook.
The expert was able to unravel the complex code and fix the bug in the software.
The journalist spent months unraveling the details of the corrupt politician's schemes.
The team's defense unraveled in the final minutes of the game, resulting in a loss.
The author's carefully crafted plot began to unravel when she introduced a major plot hole.
139
Rumble
to make a continuous low sound:
Please excuse my stomach rumbling - I haven't eaten all day.
Thunder rumbled in the distance.
Convoys of tanks rumbled (= moved while rumbling) through the city streets.
140
Pillage
to steal something from a place or a person by using violence, especially during war:
Works of art were pillaged from many countries in the dark days of the Empire.
141
Placate
to stop someone from feeling angry:
Outraged minority groups will not be placated by promises of future improvements.
The mother tried to placate her crying baby by rocking her gently and singing a lullaby.
The manager attempted to placate the angry customer by offering a discount on their next purchase.
The diplomat's role was to placate the tensions between the two warring nations and promote peace talks.
The teacher tried to placate the disruptive student by offering them a break and a chance to calm down.
The politician made promises to placate the concerns of the voters, hoping to gain their support.
The airline offered free drinks and snacks to placate the passengers who were stranded due to a delay.
The company's CEO promised to take action to placate the employees who were unhappy with their working conditions.
142
Fib
to tell a small lie that does not cause any harm:
I can tell he's fibbing because he's smiling!
143
Crumble
to break, or cause something to break, into small pieces:
She nervously crumbled the bread between her fingers.
The cliffs on which the houses are built are starting to crumble.
to become weaker in strength or influence:
Support for the government is crumbling.
144
Mislay
to lose something temporarily by forgetting where you have put it:
Could I borrow a pen? I seem to have mislaid mine.
I think I have mislaid my phone, I can't find it anywhere.
She often mislays her keys and spends hours searching for them.
The librarian was searching for a book that someone had mislaid on the wrong shelf.
The student was panicking as she realized she had mislaid her exam paper and couldn't find it in her bag.
He mislaid his wallet in the park and had to cancel all his credit cards.
The airline company apologized for the inconvenience caused when passengers' luggage was mislaid on the flight.
She had mislaid her wedding ring, and it wasn't until she emptied the vacuum cleaner that she found it.
He was always mislaying his glasses, and it became a running joke among his family and friends.
145
Clutch
to take or try to take hold of something tightly, usually in fear, worry, or pain:
Silent and pale, she clutched (onto) her mother's hand.
Clutching the money to his chest, he hurried to the bank.
He collapsed, clutching his stomach.
She clutched her purse tightly as she walked through the crowded streets.
The child clutched onto his mother's hand as they crossed the busy road.
The runner clutched the baton tightly as she prepared to hand it over to her teammate.
The cat clutched the mouse in its jaws, ready to pounce and devour it.
He clutched the steering wheel tightly as he navigated the car through the winding mountain roads.
The player clutched the ball in his hand, ready to make the winning shot.
The climber clutched the rocky outcrop with all his strength as he dangled in mid-air.
The actor clutched the script in his hand, nervously preparing for his audition.
146
Reignite
(riignait)
to start burning again, or to make something start burning again:
There were fears the fire could reignite.
The crew extinguished the fire soon after it started, but a passing train reignited it and allowed it to spread.
to make something such as a disagreement or worry that was disappearing grow stronger:
The recent food-poisoning scare has reignited debate/concern/controversy over farming methods.
There are fears that rising wages will reignite inflation.
147
Irk
to annoy someone:
The negative reply to my complaint really irked me.
The sound of the dog barking all night long really irked the neighbors.
The constant interruptions from his colleagues were starting to irk him.
It really irks me when people don't clean up after themselves in public spaces.
The slow service at the restaurant irked the customers who were in a hurry.
The repeated mistakes made by her coworker began to irk her and affect her work.
The loud music playing late at night irked the apartment residents who were trying to sleep.
148
Undertake
to do or begin to do something, especially something that will take a long time or be difficult:
Students are required to undertake simple experiments.
to promise that you will do something:
[ + to infinitive ] She undertook not to publish the names of the people involved.
[ + that ] The government undertook that the buildings would not be redeveloped.
to pass another vehicle that is going in the same direction as you by driving past it on the left side:
The Highway Code advises drivers not to undertake.
The driver claims the vehicle undertook him while he was turning left.
The company has decided to undertake a comprehensive review of its operations to identify areas for improvement.
She was asked to undertake a research project on the impact of social media on youth mental health.
The government has undertaken to provide financial assistance to businesses affected by the pandemic.
Before starting the construction project, the contractor must undertake a detailed feasibility study.
The university has undertaken a major initiative to improve diversity and inclusion on campus.
As part of their job responsibilities, the new employees will be required to undertake training sessions on safety procedures.
149
Stiffen
to become firm or more difficult to bend:
Beat the cream until it begins to stiffen (= become firm).
His body stiffened in fear.
After being in the fridge for a while, the cake batter began to stiffen and became difficult to mix.
The doctor told the patient to try to relax during the injection, but instead, their muscles started to stiffen up.
The company's policy on employee dress code recently stiffened, requiring all employees to wear suits and ties.
The cold weather caused the ground to stiffen, making it harder to dig.
The coach instructed the athletes to do stretching exercises before the game to avoid stiffening up their muscles.
The politician's stance on immigration policy seemed to stiffen after the latest poll numbers were released.
150
Rubber-stamp
to officially approve a decision or plan without thinking about it:
The boss makes the decisions and the committee just rubber-stamps them.
151
Encompass
to include different types of things:
The festival is to encompass everything from music, theatre, and ballet to literature, cinema, and the visual arts.
The museum's collection encompasses art from various cultures and historical periods.
The project is designed to encompass all aspects of the company's operations, from production to distribution.
The new policy aims to encompass the needs of all employees, including those with disabilities.
The city's greenbelt is a natural area that encompasses parks, trails, and wildlife habitats.
The software is designed to encompass all the features necessary for a small business to manage its finances.
The program is intended to encompass the interests and talents of all students, regardless of their backgrounds or abilities.
152
Shuffle
to walk by pulling your feet slowly along the ground rather than lifting them:
I love shuffling through the fallen leaves.
He shuffled into the kitchen, leaning on his walking stick.
Don't shuffle your feet like that! Walk normally.
[ I usually + adv/prep, T ]
to move your feet or bottom around, while staying in the same place, especially because you are uncomfortable, nervous, or embarrassed:
The woman in front of me kept shuffling around in her seat all the way through the performance.
When I asked him where he'd been, he just looked at the ground and shuffled his feet.
153
Flop
to fall or drop heavily:
Hugh's hair keeps flopping over/into his eyes.
When she gets home from school, she's so tired all she can do is flop down in front of the television.
The new restaurant had high hopes, but it ended up flopping due to poor service and mediocre food.
The movie was a box office flop, failing to make back its production budget.
The comedian's joke fell flat, causing the audience to groan and the show to flop.
The fashion designer's latest collection was a flop, receiving negative reviews and little interest from buyers.
The athlete attempted a complicated move but ended up flopping and losing points.
The marketing campaign for the product was a flop, failing to attract customers and generate sales.
154
Dabble
to take a slight and not very serious interest in a subject, or try a particular activity for a short period:
He first dabbled in politics when he was at law school.
She dabbled with drugs at university.
Sarah likes to dabble in different art forms. She enjoys painting, sculpting, and even tries her hand at pottery from time to time.
John decided to dabble in photography as a hobby. He bought a camera and started capturing beautiful landscapes and portraits whenever he had spare time.
After retiring from her career as a lawyer, Maria decided to dabble in writing. She started attending writing workshops and wrote short stories in her free time.
Mark has always been interested in cooking but never pursued it seriously. Instead, he dabbles in the kitchen, experimenting with different recipes and flavors.
Michael enjoys dabbling in various musical instruments. He can play a few chords on the guitar, strum a tune on the ukulele, and even play basic melodies on the piano.
155
Wriggle
to twist your body, or move part of your body, with small, quick movements:
A large worm wriggled in the freshly dug earth.
Baby Martha was wriggling her toes in the sand.
