deter -
To prevent (or aim to prevent) the occurrence of something through fear of consequences.
A barking dog can deter burglars from breaking into a home.
verb
2 of 22
Other /
Stop
Url
audio
derail -
To obstruct or divert from an expected or intended course.
The train was derailed by a fallen tree during the storm.
verb
3 of 22
Other /
Stop
Url
audio
clog -
To become blocked or filled so that movement or activity is slowed or stopped.
Some dirt was clogging the sink, so that the water in the sink didn't drain properly.
verb
4 of 22
Other /
Stop
Url
audio
subside -
To become less intense, violent, or severe; to gradually decrease and go down to a lower level.
After the winds and rain of the hurricane finally subsided, people could see the damage that was left behind.
adjective
5 of 22
Other /
Stop
audio
stuck -
Unable to move.
Marvin felt stuck in his low paying job, but he had a bit of hope that someday things would open up and change for the better.
noun
6 of 22
Other /
Stop
Url
audio
mortality -
The state of being human and not living for ever
When we think about the inevitabilty of our own mortality, it makes us more committed to make good use of every minute.
verb
7 of 22
Other /
Stop
Url
audio
relinquish -
To voluntarily let go of something, such as a right, possession, or responsibility.
After years of running the company, he decided to relinquish control and pass the leadership to his successor.
verb
8 of 22
Other /
Stop
audio
shackle -
Something that prevents freedom of movement, literally or figuratively
Because John had so much debt, he felt he couldn't consider switching careers, and therefore felt shackled to a job that he hated.
verb
9 of 22
Other /
Stop
Url
audio
kibosh -
When an idea or plan is spoiled or stopped, often due to unforseen circumstances.
Keith was going to go to the museum, but his sudden illness put the kibosh on his plans.
verb
10 of 22
Other /
Stop
Url
audio
intercept -
To stop and catch something before it is able to reach its destination.
The Iron Dome intercepts enemy missiles by tracking and hitting the missiles before they land.
verb
11 of 22
Other /
Stop
Url
audio
avert -
To avoid or dodge a difficult situation.
At the last minute he realized that the bridge was broken, and he stopped the car just in time, averting a disaster of potentially driving headlong into the river.
noun
12 of 22
Other /
Stop
audio
deadlock -
A situation where opposing sides can't make progress to resolve their differences
Congress couldn't pass any new bills because the political and emotional deadlock between the Republicans and Democrats on almost every issue.