Day 8 Flashcards
besmirch
soil, defile. The scandalous remarks in the newspaper besmirch the reputations of every
member of the society.
bicameral
two-chambered, as a legislative body. The United States Congress is a
bicameral body
bilk
swindle; cheat. The con man specialized in bilking insurance companies.
bivouac
/temporary encampment. While in bivouac, we spent the night in our sleeping bags under
the stars. alsoV.
blandishment
/flattery. Despite the salesperson’s blandishments, the customer did not buy the
outfit.
blase
/bored with pleasure or dissipation. Although Beth was as thrilled with the idea of a trip
to Paris as her classmates were, she tried to act super cool and blasé, as if she’d been abroad
hundreds of times.
blighted
suffering from a disease; destroyed. The extent of the blighted areas could be
seen only when viewed from the air.
bludgeon
/club; heavy-headed weapon. Attacked by Dr. Moriarty, Holmes used his walking stick as a
bludgeon to defend himself. “Watson,” he said, “I fear I may have bludgeoned Moriarty to death.”
bluster
/blow in heavy gusts; threaten emptily; bully. “Let the stormy winds bluster,” cried Jack,
“we’ll set sail tonight.” Jill let Jack bluster. she wasn’t going anywhere, no matter what he said.
boon
blessing; benefit. The recent rains that filled our empty reservoirs were a boon to the whole
community.
boorish
/rude; clumsy; ungentlemanly. Natasha was embarrassed by her fellow spy’s boorish
behavior. “If you cannot act like a gentleman, Boris, go back to Russia: espionage is no job for clumsy
boors. “ boor, N.
bowdlerize
/expurgate. After the film editors had bowdlerized the language in the script, the motion picture’s
rating was changed from “R” to “PG.”
brawn
muscular strength; sturdiness. It takes brawn to become a champion weightlifter.
brawny,ADJ.
brevity
/conciseness. Brevity is essential when you send a telegram or cablegram; you are
charged for every word.
brindled
/tawny or grayish with streaks or spots. He was disappointed in the litter because
the puppies were brindled, he had hoped for animals of a uniform color.
