Deck 1 Flashcards

Question

snuff out

Answer 1

to stop or destroy something completely - An innocent child's life has been snuffed out by this senseless shooting.

Answer 2

1. to look at something with your eyes partly shut in order to keep out bright light or to see better - to squint into the sun - She was squinting through the keyhole. - He squinted at the letter in his hand. - The driver had to squint against the sun to see where he was going. - When he squinted his eyes, he could just make out a house in the distance. 2. (British English) (of an eye) to look in a different direction from the other eye - His left eye squints a little. - A squinting eye can be corrected by surgery. 3. to have eyes that look in different directions

Answer 3

1. to twist and squeeze wet clothes, etc. in order to get the water out of them 2. if you wring a bird’s neck, you twist it in order to kill the bird ## Footnote **wring somebody’s hand** to press somebody’s hand very hard when you shake hands **wring your hands** to hold your hands together, and twist and press them together in a way that shows you are anxious or upset, especially when you cannot change the situation

Answer 4

(verb) 1. to pull or twist something/somebody/yourself suddenly and violently *SYNONYM jerk* - The bag was wrenched from her grasp. - He grabbed Ben, wrenching him away from his mother. - (figurative) Guy wrenched his mind back to the present. - They wrenched the door open. - She managed to wrench herself free. 2. to twist and injure a part of your body, especially your ankle or shoulder *SYNONYM twist* - She wrenched her knee when she fell. - I slipped and wrenched my ankle quite badly. 3. to make somebody feel great pain or unhappiness, especially so that they make a sound or cry - His words wrenched a sob from her. - a wrenching experience - Her words wrenched at my heart. (noun) 1. a metal tool with a special shape at the end for holding and turning things, including one that can be changed to fit objects of different sizes, also called a monkey wrench or an adjustable spanner (especially North American English) (British English usually spanner) 2. pain or unhappiness that you feel when you have to leave a person or place that you love - Leaving home was a terrible wrench for me. 3. a sudden and violent twist or pull - She stumbled and gave her ankle a painful wrench.

Answer 5

(approving) 1. (of a person) able to do many different things - He's a versatile actor who has played a wide variety of parts. 2. (of food, a building, etc.) having many different uses - Eggs are easy to cook and are an extremely versatile food.

Answer 6

(of an aspect of somebody's personality or behaviour) a little strange *SYNONYM peculiar (1)* - a quirky sense of humour

Answer 7

determined not to change your mind or to be persuaded about something - Eva was adamant that she would not come. - The government remained adamant that there was no more money available.

Answer 8

looking smaller and having many folds and lines in the skin, because of being old >synonym shriveled - a wizened little man - wizened apples - her old, wizened face

Answer 9

to smile in a silly and annoying way - a silly simpering girl - He just simpered at me. - *(+ speech)* ‘You're such a darling,’ she simpered.

Answer 10

in a way that expresses extreme pleasure or enthusiasm for somebody/something *SYNONYM ecstatically* - The speech was rapturously received by the audience.

Answer 11

[often passive] to make somebody/something completely wet *SYNONYM soak* - *(be/get drenched)* We were caught in the storm and got drenched to the skin. - *(be drenched in/with something)* His face was drenched with sweat. - *(drench somebody/something/yourself in/with something (figurative))* She drenched herself in perfume.

Answer 12

1. extremely angry *SYNONYM furious* - Dad will be livid when he finds out. 2. dark blue-grey in colour - a livid bruise

Answer 13

to laugh at somebody or shout rude remarks at them to show that you do not respect them *SYNONYM taunt* - a jeering crowd - The audience jeered loudly when he came on stage. - *(jeer at somebody)* The police were jeered at by the waiting crowd. - *(jeer somebody)* The players were jeered by disappointed fans. - Gabrielle ignored the jeering and continued walking down the school steps.

Answer 14

1. to lie, sit or stand in a lazy, relaxed way - He lolled back in his chair by the fire. 2. to move or hang in a relaxed way - My head lolled against his shoulder.

Answer 15

1. to cut off some of the branches from a tree, bush, etc. so that it will grow better and stronger - When should you prune apple trees? - He pruned the longer branches off the tree. - *(prune something back)* The hedge needs pruning back. 2. to make something smaller by removing parts; to cut out parts of something - Staff numbers have been pruned back to 175. - The railway companies have pruned their timetables (= there are fewer trains). - Prune out any unnecessary details. - Their budgets have been drastically pruned.

Answer 16

1. in a violent and aggressive way that causes great harm *SYNONYM brutally (1)* - The man had been savagely beaten. 2. in a way that involves very strong and aggressive criticism - savagely attacked/criticized 3. in an angry and aggressive way that shows strong feelings *SYNONYM fiercely (1)* - ‘No!’ he snarled savagely.

Answer 17

the waste matter from animals that is spread over or mixed with the soil to help plants and crops grow *SYNONYM dung* - Dig plenty of well-rotted manure into the soil. - the best time to spread manure on the fields

Answer 18

(formal) to be a good/bad sign for somebody/something *SYNONYM augur* - These figures do not bode well for the company's future. - The look on her face boded ill for anyone who crossed her path that day.

Answer 19

1. to become weaker or less effective *SYNONYM waver* - The economy shows no signs of faltering. - Her courage never faltered. - The economy is beginning to falter. - The team’s performance faltered badly after the break. 2. to speak in a way that shows that you are not confident - His voice faltered as he began his speech. 3. to walk or behave in a way that shows that you are not confident - She walked up to the platform without faltering. - He never faltered in his commitment to the party.

Answer 20

showing deep respect *SYNONYM respectful* - His voice was hushed, almost reverent.

Answer 21

1. the act of ending a connection or relationship - the severance of diplomatic relations 2. the act of ending somebody’s work contract - employees given notice of severance - severance pay/terms

Answer 22

1. to fall or hit something with a low, heavy sound - His arrow thudded into the target. - We heard him thudding up the stairs. - The waves thudded against the side of the ship. 2. (especially of the heart) to beat strongly - She felt her heart thud wildly with fear.

Answer 23

1. to throw or push somebody/something with force, especially because you are angry, or in a careless way *SYNONYM hurl* - Someone had flung a brick through the window. - He flung her to the ground. - I was flung forward by the impact. - I flung a few clothes into a bag. - He had his enemies flung into prison. - The door was suddenly flung open. 2. to move yourself or part of your body suddenly and with a lot of force - She flung herself onto the bed. - He flung out an arm to stop her from falling. 3. to say something to somebody in an aggressive way *SYNONYM hurl* - They were flinging insults at each other.

Answer 24

*(noun)* 1. a thick pile of pieces of paper, paper money, etc. folded or rolled together - He pulled a thick wad of $20 bills out of his pocket. - She came in with tears streaming down her face, clutching a wad of tissues. 2. a mass of soft material, used for blocking something or keeping something in place - The nurse used a wad of gauze to stop the bleeding. *(verb)* 1. to fold or press something into a tight wad 2. to fill something with soft material for warmth or protection

Answer 25

1. a shine on a smooth surface - paper with a high gloss on one side - The gel gives your hair a gloss. - You can have the photos with either a gloss or a matte finish. - Use over your favorite lipstick to add extra gloss. 2. a substance designed to make something shiny - lip gloss 3. an attractive appearance that is only on the surface and hides what is not so attractive - Beneath the gloss of success was a tragic private life. - This scandal took the gloss off the occasion. 4. a way of explaining something to make it seem more attractive or acceptable - The director puts a Hollywood gloss on the civil war. 5. a note or comment added to a piece of writing to explain a difficult word or phrase *(v.)* to add a note or comment to a piece of writing to explain a difficult word or idea ## Footnote ***gloss over (phrasal verb)*** to avoid talking about something unpleasant or embarrassing by not dealing with it in detail - to gloss over a problem - He glossed over any splits in the party.

Answer 26

**shoo somebody/something (+ adv./prep.)** to make someone or something go away or to another place, especially by saying‘shoo’and waving your arms and hands - He shooed the dog out of the kitchen.

Answer 27

1. to remove the skin from an animal or person, usually when they are dead 2. to hit or whip someone very hard so that some of their skin comes off 3. (formal) to criticize someone/yourself severely - He flayed himself for his lack of tact. - Her dark eyes flayed him.

Answer 28

the ability to deal with difficult or embarrassing situations carefully and without doing or saying anything that will annoy or upset other people *synonym sensitivity* - Settling the dispute required great tact and diplomacy. - She is not exactly known for her tact.

Answer 29

to speak quickly in a way that is difficult to understand, often because of fear - He cowered in the corner, gibbering with terror. - By this time I was a gibbering wreck.

Answer 30

when you rev an engine or it revs, it runs quickly - The taxi driver revved up his engine. - I could hear the car revving outside.

Answer 31

**(informal)** 1. very bad *synonym awful, terrible* - What lousy weather! - I've had a lousy day. - She felt lousy (= sick). 2. used to show that you feel annoyed or insulted because you do not think that something is worth very much - All she bought me was this lousy T-shirt. - He offered me a lousy $100 for it. 3. having too much of something or too many people - This place is lousy with tourists in August.

Answer 32

1. to force liquid, gas, etc. in a thin fast stream through a narrow opening; to be forced out of a narrow opening in this way *synonym spurt* - The snake can squirt poison from a distance of a yard. - I desperately squirted water on the flames. - When I cut the lemon, juice squirted in my eye. 2. to hit someone or something with a stream of water, gas, etc. *synonym spray* - The children were squirting each other with water from the hose. - He squirted a water pistol at me (= made the water come out of it). (n.) 1. a thin fast stream of liquid that comes out of a small opening *synonym spray* - a squirt of perfume - a squirt of ketchup on the French fries 2. (informal) (disapproving) a word used to refer to a short, young, or unimportant person that you do not like or that you find annoying

Answer 33

1. having a soft round body; slightly fat - a short plump woman - a plump face 2. looking soft, full, and attractive to use or eat - plump cushions - plump tomatoes

Answer 34

to show that you are happy about your own success or someone else's failure, in an unpleasant way *synonym crow* - She was still gloating over her rival's disappointment. - Having lost a large percentage of the vote, they were in no position to gloat. - I hope you haven't just come here to gloat.

Answer 35

1. a large bird, completely or mostly black, with a rough unpleasant cry 2. a sound like that of a rooster - She gave a little crow of triumph. *(verb)* 1. to make repeated loud high sounds, especially early in the morning - A cock began to crow. 2. (disapproving) to talk too proudly about something you have achieved, especially when someone else has been unsuccessful *synonym boast / gloat* - He won't stop crowing about his victory. - “I've won, I've won!” she crowed. - He crowed that they had sold out in one day.

Answer 36

1. to stop something such as violent behavior or protests - Extra police were called in to quell the disturbances. - (figurative) She started to giggle, but Bob quelled her with a look. 2. to stop or reduce strong or unpleasant feelings *synonym calm* - to quell your fears

Answer 37

sensible and careful when you make judgments and decisions; avoiding unnecessary risks - a prudent businessman - a prudent decision/investment - It might be more prudent to get a second opinion before going ahead.

Answer 38

[not before noun]embarrassed and ashamed because of something that you have done *opposite unabashed* - He glanced at Juliet accusingly and she looked suitably abashed.

Answer 39

to smile in a silly or unpleasant way that shows that you are pleased with yourself, know something that other people do not know, etc. - It was hard not to smirk. - He smirked unpleasantly when we told him the bad news. *(noun)* - She had a self-satisfied smirk on her face.

Answer 40

nervous and anxious, especially because you think that something bad is going to happen - What's the matter? You're so jumpy this evening. - Feeling jumpy, Harry set off, trying to hold his glasses on straight and hoping against hope he'd be able to find a way out of here. ## Footnote ***hope against hope (that…)*** to continue to hope for something although it is very unlikely to happen - She was hoping against hope that there'd been some mistake.

Answer 41

*(verb)* to look or smile at someone in an unpleasant way that shows an evil or sexual interest in them - She leered at him, showing mossy teeth. *(noun)* an unpleasant look or smile that shows someone is interested in a person in an evil or sexual way - He looked at her with an evil leer.

Answer 42

*(verb)* 1. to make a rough low sound, like the sound a frog makes - A frog croaked by the water. 2. to speak or say something with a rough low voice - I had a sore throat and could only croak. - He managed to croak a greeting. - “I'm fine,” she croaked. 3. (slang) to die - She married a millionaire just about to croak. (noun) a rough low sound made in the throat, like the sound made by a frog

Answer 43

worried or frightened that something unpleasant may happen - an apprehensive face/glance/look - I was a little apprehensive about the effects of what I had said. - You have no reason to be apprehensive of the future. - She was deeply apprehensive that something might go wrong.

Answer 44

1. (of a person) unusually quiet, and possibly unhappy - He seemed a bit subdued to me. - She was in a subdued mood. - The reception was a subdued affair. 2. (of light or colors) not very bright - subdued lighting - the subdued greens and browns of the landscape 3. (of sounds) not very loud - a subdued conversation - the sound of subdued laughter 4. (of business activity) not very busy; with not much activity - a period of subdued trading

Answer 45

(rather formal) 1. to bring someone or something under control, especially by using force *synonym defeat* - Troops were called in to subdue the rebels. 2. to calm or control your feelings *synonym suppress* - Julia had to subdue an urge to stroke his hair.

Answer 46

1. to move away from the place where you should be, without intending to - He strayed into the path of an oncoming car. - Her eyes kept straying over to the clock on the wall. - His hand strayed to the telephone. - He can't have strayed far. - I strayed a few blocks in the wrong direction and became hopelessly lost. 2. to begin to think about or discuss a different subject from the one you should be thinking about or discussing - My mind kept straying back to our last talk together. - We seem to be straying from the main theme of the debate. - The conversation had begun to stray into dangerous territory. 3. (of a person who is married or in a relationship) to have a sexual relationship with someone who is not your usual partner - It had never occurred to her that her husband might stray while he was away on business. (noun) 1. an animal that has gotten lost or separated from its owner or that has no owner - the **waifs and strays** of our society (= people with no home) 2. a person or thing that is not in the right place or is separated from others of the same kind (adjective) 1. (of animals normally kept as pets) away from home and lost; having no home - stray dogs 2. separated from other things or people of the same kind - A civilian was killed by a **stray bullet**. - a few stray hairs ## Footnote waif /weɪf/ a small thin person, usually a child, who looks as if they do not have enough to eat

Answer 47

a sheet of strong cloth that stretches out from above a door or window to keep off the sun or rain - We sat under the blue-and-white-striped awning of the café.

Answer 48

1. (of people or animals) to gather closely together, usually because of cold or fear - We huddled together for warmth. - They all huddled around the fire. - People huddled up close to one another. 2. to hold your arms and legs close to your body, usually because you are cold or frightened - I huddled under a blanket on the floor. 3. to gather around to hear the plan for the next part of the game (n.) 1. a small group of people, objects, or buildings that are close together, especially when they are not in any particular order 2. (in football) a time when the players gather around to hear the plan for the next part of the game

Answer 49

1. the hard outer surface of bread - sandwiches with the crusts cut off 2. a layer of pastry, especially on top of a pie - Bake until the crust is golden. 3. a hard layer or surface, especially above or around something soft or liquid - a thin crust of ice - Earth's crust

Answer 50

a long piece of leather, chain, or rope used for holding and controlling a dog - All dogs must be kept on a leash in public places. (v.) to control an animal, especially a dog, with a leash ## Footnote **strain at the leash (informal)** to want to do something very much - Like all youngsters, he's straining at the leash to leave home.

Answer 51

1. to suggest indirectly that something unpleasant is true *synonym imply* - The article insinuated that he was having an affair with his friend's wife. - What are you trying to insinuate? - an insinuating smile 2. **insinuate yourself into something** (formal) (disapproving) to succeed in gaining someone's respect, affection, etc. so that you can use the situation to your own advantage - In the first act, the villain insinuates himself into the household of the man he intends to kill. 3. **insinuate yourself/something + adv./prep.** (formal) to slowly move yourself or a part of your body into a particular position or place - She insinuated her right hand under his arm.

Answer 52

to say or prove that a statement or criticism is false *synonym refute* - an attempt to publicly rebut rumors of a divorce ## Footnote rebuttal (noun) /rɪˈbʌt̮l/ - He issued a firm rebuttal to the accusations.

Answer 53

to make someone do something by talking to them and being very nice to them *synonym coax* - He cajoled me into agreeing to do the work. - I managed to cajole his address out of them. - “Please say yes,” she cajoled. - Her voice was soft and cajoling.

Answer 54

to make a sudden, powerful, forward movement, especially in order to attack someone or take hold of something - He took out a knife and lunged at her. - She lunged forward and snatched the letter from me. (n.) 1. a sudden, powerful, forward movement of the body and arm that a person makes toward another person or thing, especially when attacking or trying to take hold of them - He made a lunge for the phone. 2. (in the sport of fencing) a thrust made by putting one foot forward and making the back leg straight

Answer 55

a small, thin, sharp piece of wood, metal, glass, etc. that has broken off a larger piece *synonym shard* - splinters of glass - to remove a splinter from your finger

Answer 56

1. a large bag with no handles, made of strong rough material, or strong paper, or plastic, used for storing and carrying, for example flour, coal, etc. 2. a strong, paper bag for carrying things you have bought from a store 3. the contents of a sack - They used up a sack of potatoes. - two sacks of groceries 4. (informal) being told by your employer that you can no longer continue working for a company, etc., usually because of something that you have done wrong - He got the sack for swearing. - Her work was so poor that she was given the sack. - Four hundred workers face the sack. 5. **the sack** (informal) a bed (often referring to sexual activity) - He caught them in the sack together. 6. **the sack** (formal) the act of stealing or destroying property in a captured town - the sack of Rome (v.) 1. (informal) to dismiss someone from a job *synonym fire* - She was sacked for refusing to work on Sundays. 2. to destroy things and steal property in a town or building - Rome was sacked by the Goths in 410. 3. (in football) to knock down the quarterback - The quarterback was sacked on the 45 yard line, and it was first down for the other team.

Answer 57

to make someone confused because they do not understand something *synonym baffle* - They were totally mystified by the girl's disappearance. ## Footnote **mystification** /ˌmɪstəfəˈkeɪʃn/ noun [uncountable] - He looked at her in mystification.

Answer 58

to confuse someone completely; to be too difficult or strange for someone to understand or explain - His behavior baffles me. - I'm baffled as to why she hasn't called. - I'm baffled why she hasn't called.

Answer 59

to make a sudden movement with your face or body as a result of pain, fear, surprise, etc. - He met my gaze without flinching. - He didn't even flinch (= wasn't surprised) when I told him the price. - He flinched at the sight of the blood. - She flinched away from the dog. *see unflinching*

Answer 60

suggesting that something bad is going to happen in the future *synonym foreboding* - There were ominous dark clouds gathering overhead. - She picked up the phone but there was an ominous silence at the other end.

Answer 61

to show that you have no respect for a law, etc. by openly not obeying it *synonym defy* - Motorists regularly flout the law. - to flout authority/convention

Answer 62

1. to refuse to obey or show respect for someone in authority, a law, a rule, etc. - I wouldn't have dared to defy my teachers. - Hundreds of people today defied the ban on political gatherings. 2. to be impossible or almost impossible to believe, explain, describe, etc. - a political move that defies explanation - The beauty of the scene defies description. 3. to successfully resist something to a very unusual degree - The baby boy defied all the odds and survived (= stayed alive when it seemed certain that he would die). ## Footnote **I defy you/anyone to do something** used to say that someone should try to do something, as a way of emphasizing that you think it is impossible to do it - I defy anyone not to cry at the end of the movie. - I defy you to leave without buying something.

Answer 63

(verb) 1. to fall in price, value, number, etc., suddenly and by a large amount *synonym drop* - Sales have slumped this year. - Profits slumped by over 50%. - The paper's circulation has slumped to 90,000. 2. to sit or fall down heavily - The old man slumped down in his chair. - She slumped to her knees. (noun) 1. a sudden fall in sales, prices, the value of something, etc. *synonym decline* - a slump in profits - This is the worst slump in property prices since the 1990s. 2. a period when a country's economy or a business is doing very badly - the slump of the 1930s - Housing sales are finally coming out of a three-month slump. - The toy industry is in a slump. compare boom

Answer 64

to appear or happen, especially when it is not expected *synonym come up* - His name just cropped up in conversation. - I'll be late—something's cropped up at home.

Answer 65

1. extremely clean and neat *synonym spotless* - She always looks immaculate. - an immaculate uniform/room - The property is in immaculate condition. 2. containing no mistakes *synonym perfect* - an immaculate performance - The incident ruined an otherwise immaculate safety record. - His sense of timing was immaculate.

Answer 66

so surprised and confused that you do not know what to do or say *synonym dumbfounded*

Answer 67

1. to move around a lot making small twisting movements, because you are nervous, uncomfortable, etc. *synonym wriggle* - The children were squirming restlessly in their seats. - Someone grabbed him but he managed to squirm free. 2. to feel great embarrassment or shame - It made him squirm to think how badly he'd messed up the interview.

Answer 68

1. to run with quick, short steps *synonym scurry* - She scuttled off when she heard the sound of his voice. - He held his breath as a rat scuttled past. - The rain sent everyone scuttling for cover. 2. to deliberately cause something to fail *synonym foil* - Shareholders successfully scuttled the deal. 3. to sink a ship deliberately by making holes in the side or bottom of it

Answer 69

1. not definite or certain because you may want to change it later - We made a tentative arrangement to meet on Friday. - tentative conclusions 2. not behaving or done with confidence *synonym hesitant* - a tentative greeting - Her English is correct but tentative. - I'm taking the first tentative steps toward fitness.

Answer 70

*(formal or literary)* to ask someone to do something in an anxious way because you want or need it very much *synonym beg, beseech* - She implored him to stay. - “Help me,” he implored. - Tell me it's true. I implore you.

Answer 71

criticizing someone or something very severely *synonym withering* - a scathing attack on the new management - Her father gave her a scathing look. - He was scathing about the government's performance.

Answer 72

*(informal)* to pull something or someone hard, quickly and suddenly - He yanked her to her feet. - I yanked the door open. - Liz yanked at my arm. (n.) - She gave the rope a yank.

Answer 73

(verb) 1. to search quickly through something in order to find or steal something - She rifled through her clothes for something suitable to wear. 2. if you rifle something, you steal something from it - His wallet had been rifled. 3. to hit, throw, or kick a ball very hard and straight (n.) a gun with a long barrel that you hold to your shoulder to fire

Answer 74

so interested in one particular thing that you are not aware of anything else - a rapt audience - She listened to the speaker with rapt attention. - He watched her with a rapt expression. - Jill stared at them blankly, rapt in thought.

Answer 75

1. to give someone or something a quick painful bite or pinch (= squeezing their skin between your finger and thumb) - He winced as the dog nipped his ankle. - She nipped at my arm. 2. (of cold, wind, etc.) to harm or damage something - The icy wind nipped at our faces. - growing shoots nipped by frost (n.) 1. the act of giving someone a small bite or pinch (= squeezing their skin between your finger and thumb) - The dog gave her a painful nip on the leg. 2. (informal) a feeling of cold - There was a real nip in the air.

Answer 76

1. directly; not at an angle or to one side - She looked at me squarely in the eye. - He stood squarely in front of them, blocking the entrance. - (figurative) We must meet the challenge squarely (= not try to avoid it). 2. directly or exactly; without confusion - The responsibility for the crisis rests squarely on the government. - This case falls squarely into the category of abuse. - The party puts its support squarely behind the policy.

Deck 1 Flashcards

Words in HP books