Verb

verb

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Bad / Dangerous

audio

burst - To suddenly break apart, spilling its contents, usually as a result of internal pressure.

The old rusted water main under the street burst, causing the road above to flood.

verb

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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

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Good / Strong

Url audio

reinforce - To make something stronger or more powerful, often by adding additional resources, effort, or structure.

The general ordered additional troops to reinforce the front lines, knowing they were critical to holding the position.

verb

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Good / Smart

audio

demystify - To make something easier to understand

Louis Pasteur demystified why people would get sick, by describing little beings called bacteria that were the cause.

verb

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Other / Move

audio

lurch - To make an abrupt, unsteady, uncontrolled movement or series of movements; stagger

The town drunk lurched home, never managing to walk a straight line.

verb

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Bad / Unfriendly

Url audio

disrupt - To interrupt the normal flow or process of something.

The sound of people screaming at each other outside the school disrupted the teacher’s lecture.

verb

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Bad / Confused

audio

boggle - For a person to be astonished or overwhelmed when trying to imagine something

Looking up at the stars and imagining the size of the universe can boggle a person's mind.

verb

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Good / Friendly

audio

hobnob - To mix socially, especially with those of higher social status

The social event was Terry's chance to hobnob with other people in his industry.

verb

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Bad / Weak

audio

languish - (of a person or other living thing) To lose or lack vitality; grow weak or feeble

The crops languished in the field after the severe drought.

verb

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Bad / Hostile

Url audio

belittle - To speak about someone or something in a way that shows little respect.

A good rule of interpersoanl relationships is: Don’t belittle others just to make yourself feel better.

verb

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Bad / Aggressive

Url audio

dominate - To have control or power over something or someone; to be much stronger, more successful, or more influential.

When Abigail felt someone was trying to dominate her, she closed her ears and ignored what they were saying.

verb

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Bad / Aggressive

Url audio

vie - To compete intensely with others for superiority or a desired goal.

During the World Cup, the best soccer teams vie for the championship title.