downgrade -
To reduce to a lower level of usefulness, status, or importance.
When the policeman broke his arm, his activity was downgraded to a desk job.
verb
2 of 338
Bad /
Hostile
Url
audio
antagonize -
To cause someone to become hostile or angry.
When he met someone new, he was honest about his political point of view though he knew there was a risk it would antagonize the other person.
verb
3 of 338
Bad /
Unfriendly
audio
leer -
To look or gaze in an unpleasant, malicious, or lascivious way
Francesca felt very uncomfortable as the strange man leered at her for what seemed like an eternity.
verb
4 of 338
Bad /
Dishonest
audio
foist -
To Impose an unwelcome situation on someone.
Barry didn't really want Steve to stay over, but Steve claimed he had no other place to stay, so Steve managed to foist himself on Barry because of Barry's natural good nature.
verb
5 of 338
Bad /
Nervous
Url
audio
gnaw -
To cause continual distress or discomfort, often in a mental or emotional sense.
Doubts about her decision started to gnaw at her, making it hard to focus.
verb
6 of 338
Bad /
Hurt
audio
scald -
To injure with very hot liquid or steam
A common danger in households is the possibility that children can be scalded with unattended hot water.
verb
7 of 338
Bad /
Aggressive
Url
audio
impose -
To force something to be accepted or endured, often against someone's will.
He didn’t want to impose his opinions on others, so he listened when other people talked.
verb
8 of 338
Bad /
Confused
Url
audio
digress -
To temporarily leave the main subject of a conversation or discussion
Please don’t digress—we need to focus on the main issue during these important negotiations.
verb
9 of 338
Bad /
Dishonest
Url
audio
conceal -
To keep something secret, and prevent it from being known or noticed.
The detective concealed his gun in his briefcase when he walked into the building.
verb
10 of 338
Bad /
Aggressive
audio
coerce -
To force an unwilling person to do something by using force or threats.
Betty was coerced into going medical school by her parents, and she eventually dropped out.
verb
11 of 338
Bad /
Small
Url
audio
remark -
To make a comment, saying something casually.
The teacher remarked to the class that it was interesting that half the students were absent on this beautiful spring day.
verb
12 of 338
Bad /
Aggressive
audio
stifle -
To restrain a reaction, or to stop oneself from showing an emotion
Amy stifled a cough so she wouldn't bother her coworkers or make them sick.
