Deck 2 Flashcards

Question

grisly | /ˈɡrɪzli/

Answer 1

extremely unpleasant and frightening and usually connected with death and violence - a grisly crime

Answer 2

1. to appear as a large shape that is not clear, especially in a frightening or threatening way - A dark shape loomed up ahead of us. 2. to appear important or threatening and likely to happen soon - There was a crisis looming.

Answer 3

although - Much as I would like to stay, I really must go home. - Much as I would like to help you, I'm simply too busy at the moment.

Answer 4

1. *(formal)* to obtain something, especially with difficulty - She managed to procure a ticket for the concert. - They procured a copy of the report for us. - They procured us a copy of the report. 2. *procure (somebody)* to provide a prostitute for someone

Answer 5

1. to prevent something from happening; to prevent a feeling from being expressed *synonym suppress* - She was unable to stifle a yawn. - They hope the new rules will not stifle creativity. - The government failed to stifle the unrest. 2. to feel unable to breathe, or to make someone unable to breathe, because it is too hot and/or there is no fresh air *synonym suffocate* - I felt I was stifling in the airless room. - Most of the victims were stifled by the fumes.

Answer 6

a political situation in which people are angry and likely to protest or fight - civil/social/political/popular/industrial unrest - There is growing unrest in the south of the country.

Answer 7

to become or make something dry and wrinkled as a result of heat, cold, or being old - The leaves on the plant had shriveled up from lack of water. - The hot weather shriveled the grapes in every vineyard.

Answer 8

1. (also prize) to use force to separate something from something else - He pried her fingers from the bag and took it from her. - She used a knife to pry open the lid. 2. to try to find out information about other people's private lives in a way that is annoying or rude - I'm sick of you prying into my personal life! - I'm sorry. I didn't mean to pry. - She tried to keep the children away from the prying eyes of the world's media.

Answer 9

1. to treat someone in a cruel and unfair way, especially because of their race, religion, or political beliefs - Throughout history, people have been persecuted for their religious beliefs. - persecuted minorities 2. to deliberately annoy someone all the time and make their life unpleasant *synonym harass* - Why are the media persecuting him like this? ## Footnote **persecution** n. /ˌpərsəˈkyuʃn/ - the victims of religious persecution - They fled to America to escape persecution.

Answer 10

(of eyes) not able to see clearly, especially because you are tired - She had bleary, red eyes from lack of sleep.

Answer 11

too willing to believe or accept what other people tell you and therefore easily tricked *synonym naive* - The advertisement is aimed at gullible young women worried about their weight.

Answer 12

the state of not being active and having no energy or enthusiasm *synonym lethargy* - In the heat they sank into a state of torpor.

Answer 13

1. to use your hands in an awkward way when you are doing something or looking for something - She fumbled in her pocket for a tissue. - He fumbled with the buttons on his shirt. - She was fumbling around in the dark looking for the light switch. - I fumbled to zip up my jacket. 2. to express yourself or deal with something in an awkward or nervous way - During the interview, she fumbled helplessly for words. - The company fumbled the marketing campaign. 3. (especially in sports) to drop a ball or to fail to stop or kick it

Answer 14

1. (of sounds or voices) very high and loud, in an unpleasant way *synonym piercing* - a shrill voice 2. loud and determined but often unreasonable - shrill demands/protests

Answer 15

very unpleasant and filling you with horror, usually because it is connected with death or injury - a gruesome murder - gruesome pictures of dead bodies - (humorous) We spent a week in a gruesome apartment in Miami.

Answer 16

1. if water, mud, etc. churns, or if something churns it (up), it moves or is moved around violently - The water churned beneath the huge ship. - Huge crowds had churned the field into a sea of mud. 2. if your stomach churns or if something churns your stomach, you feel a strong, unpleasant feeling of worry, disgust, or fear - My stomach churned as the names were read out. 3. to feel or to make someone feel upset or emotionally confused - Conflicting emotions churned inside him. 4. to turn and stir milk in a special container in order to make butter

Answer 17

(formal) to feel bad about something that happened or something that you did because it had bad results *synonym regret* - He rued the day they had bought such a large house.

Answer 18

1. dull gray in color, like lead - leaden skies 2. dull, heavy, or slow - a leaden heart (= because you are sad) - On leaden feet he made his way down the stairs.

Answer 19

to lose something or have something taken away from you because you have done something wrong - If you cancel your flight, you will forfeit your deposit. - He has forfeited his right to be taken seriously.

Answer 20

[only before noun] showing that something exists or has happened - telltale clues/marks/signs/sounds - The telltale smell of cigarettes told her that he had been in the room.

Answer 21

(of a person or vehicle) to move forward very quickly, especially in a way that is dangerous or uncontrolled *synonym hurtle* *(formal career)* - The vehicle careered across the road and hit a pedestrian.

Answer 22

to pay careful attention to someone's advice or warning *synonym notice* - They failed to heed the lessons of history. - If only they had heeded his warnings! - Calls for more legislation to protect tenants were not heeded.

Answer 23

the period of time when the ocean flows away from the land - the ebb tide (verb) 1. (formal) (of the tide in the ocean) to move away from the land *synonym go out* *opposite flow* 2. to become gradually weaker or less *synonym decrease* - The pain was ebbing. - As night fell, our enthusiasm began to ebb away. ## Footnote the ebb and flow of the tide

Answer 24

low in status or importance *synonym humble, obscure* - a lowly government clerk - How should I know? I'm just a lowly employee.

Answer 25

1. the last drops of a liquid, mixed with little pieces of solid material that are left in the bottom of a container - coffee dregs 2. the worst and most useless parts of something - the dregs of society 3. (literary) the last parts of something - the last dregs of daylight

Answer 26

extremely upset and anxious so that you cannot think clearly - She's still too distraught to speak about the tragedy. - The child's distraught parents pleaded for witnesses to contact the police.

Answer 27

1. very weak - a feeble old man - The heartbeat was feeble and irregular. 2. not effective; not showing determination or energy - a feeble argument/excuse/joke - a feeble attempt to explain

Answer 28

to do something harmful to someone because they have harmed you first *synonym revenge* - to retaliate against an attack - The boy hit his sister, who retaliated by kicking him.

Answer 29

to show that you have no respect for someone by the expression on your face or by the way you speak *synonym mock* - He sneered at people who liked pop music. - a sneering comment - “You? A writer?” she sneered.

Answer 30

1. (informal) to throw something so that it goes quite high through the air - She lobbed a snowball at her brother. 2. (sport) to hit or kick a ball in a high curve through the air, especially so that it lands behind the person you are playing against - He lobbed the ball over the defender's head.

Answer 31

a stupid or careless mistake - to make a terrible blunder - a series of political blunders

Answer 32

(noun) (also timber) wood that is prepared for use in building, etc. - a lumber mill (verb) to move in a slow, heavy, and awkward way - A family of elephants lumbered by. - The huge convoy of trucks lumbered out of the city.

Answer 33

1. a mass of small bubbles, especially on the surface of a liquid *synonym foam* - a glass of beer with thick froth on top - The horse's bit was covered with white froth. 2. ideas, activities, etc. that seem attractive and enjoyable but have no real value 3. something that looks like a mass of small bubbles on liquid - a froth of black lace

Answer 34

1. to give someone a signal using your finger or hand, especially to tell them to move nearer or to follow you *synonym signal* - He beckoned to the waiter to bring the check. - He beckoned her over with a wave. - The boss beckoned him into her office. - She beckoned him to come and join them. 2. to appear very attractive to someone - The clear blue sea beckoned. - The thought of a month without work was beckoning her. 3. to be something that is likely to happen or will possibly happen to someone in the future - For many kids leaving college the prospect of unemployment beckons.

Answer 35

1. to move or dance around and around; to make someone do this - She twirled around in front of the mirror. - He held her hand and twirled her around. 2. to make something turn quickly and lightly around and around *synonym spin* - He twirled his hat in his hand. - She sat twirling the stem of the glass in her fingers. 3. to twist or curl something with your fingers - He kept twirling his mustache.

Answer 36

1. to sit or lie with your arms and legs spread out in a relaxed or awkward way - He was sprawling in an armchair in front of the TV. - Something hit her and sent her sprawling to the ground. - I tripped and went sprawling. 2. to spread in a messy way; to cover a large area - The town sprawled along the side of the lake.

Answer 37

1. to make a long high sound - The pigs were squealing. - The car squealed to a halt. - Children were running around squealing with excitement. 2. to speak in a very high voice, especially when you are excited or nervous - “Don't!” she squealed. 3. *squeal (on somebody)* (informal) (disapproving) to give information, especially to the police, about something illegal that someone has done - Someone must have squealed on him.

Answer 38

1. to walk or move with weak, unsteady steps, especially because you are drunk or sick *synonym stagger* - She managed to totter back to her seat. 2. to be weak and seem likely to fall - the tottering walls of the castle - (figurative) a tottering dictatorship

Answer 39

1. very good at understanding and making judgments about a situation *synonym astute* - a shrewd businessman - She is a shrewd judge of character. 2. showing good judgment and likely to be right - a shrewd move - He made a shrewd observation about them just now.

Answer 40

most important or noticeable - She pointed out the salient features of the new design. - He summarized the salient points.

Answer 41

having a strong effect on your feelings, especially in a way that makes you feel sad *synonym moving* - a poignant image/moment/memory, etc. - Her face was a poignant reminder of the passing of time.

Answer 42

(approving) expressed clearly and in a few words *synonym concise* - Keep your answers as succinct as possible. - a succinct explanation

Answer 43

(formal) appropriate to a particular situation *synonym relevant* - a pertinent question/fact - Please keep your comments pertinent to the topic under discussion.

Answer 44

(formal) to tell someone that you do not approve of something that they have done *synonym rebuke* - He reproved her for rushing away. - a reproving glance - His tone was mildly reproving. - “You're late,” she said reprovingly.

Answer 45

1. a piece of cloth that is put over or in someone's mouth to stop the person from speaking 2. (informal) a joke or action that makes people laugh, especially in a show or movie *synonym joke* - a running gag (= one that is regularly repeated during a performance) - a sight gag (= one that does not involve speaking) 3. a trick you play on someone - It was just a gag—we didn't mean to upset anyone. (verb) 1. to put a piece of cloth in or over someone's mouth to prevent them from speaking or shouting - The hostages were bound and gagged. 2. to prevent someone from speaking freely or expressing their opinion - The new laws are seen as an attempt to gag the press. 3.to have the unpleasant feeling in your mouth and stomach as if you are going to vomit *synonym retch* - She gagged on the blood that filled her mouth. - The stench of rotting meat made him gag.

Answer 46

(of a thing or person) very old and not in good condition or health - a decrepit building/vehicle - a decrepit old man

Answer 47

(literary) threatening to do something evil or to hurt someone - a baleful look/influence

Answer 48

to surprise or shock someone; to make someone unable to think clearly - He was stupefied by the amount they had spent. - She was stupefied with cold.

Answer 49

not willing or not able to believe something; showing an inability to believe something - “Here?” said Kate, incredulous. - an incredulous look *compare credulous*

Answer 50

1. something that is not valuable or important - There's no point worrying over such trifles. - $1,000 is a mere trifle to her. 2. **a trifle** *(used as an adverb) (formal or humorous)* slightly - She seemed a trifle anxious. - He was just a trifle too friendly for my liking.

Answer 51

bad-tempered and unreasonable, especially because you cannot do or have what you want - He behaved like a petulant child and refused to cooperate. - Her tone of voice became abrupt and petulant.

Answer 52

a large boat with a flat bottom, used for carrying goods and people on canals and rivers (verb) to move in an awkward way, pushing people out of the way or crashing into them *synonym push* - He barged past me to get to the bar. - They barged their way through the crowds.

Answer 53

(formal) happiness, fun, and the sound of people laughing *synonym merriment* - The performance produced much mirth among the audience.

Answer 54

to stand, sit, or move in a lazy way, often with your shoulders and head bent forward - Several students were slouching against the wall. - Sit up straight. Don't slouch. - He slouched across the room and collapsed in a chair.

Answer 55

acting or done with no skill - She was left feeling inept and inadequate. - an inept remark

Answer 56

(disapproving) to show something you are proud of to other people, in order to impress them - He did not believe in flaunting his wealth. - She openly flaunted her affair with the senator. ## Footnote **if you've got it, flaunt it** (humorous) (saying) used to tell someone that they should not be afraid of allowing other people to see their qualities and abilities or their beauty

Answer 57

1. refusing to obey the orders of someone in authority; wanting to do this *synonym rebellious* - mutinous workers - a mutinous expression - She was beginning to feel mutinous. 2. taking part in a mutiny

Answer 58

1. the loud sound made by a lot of people talking at the same time - It was difficult to hear what he was saying over the hubbub. - It was some time before the hubbub of laughter died down. 2. a situation in which there is a lot of noise, excitement, and activity - the hubbub of city life - He was left wondering what all the hubbub had been about.

Answer 59

to stand or move in an unsteady way so that you look as if you are going to fall - She teetered after him in her high-heeled shoes. ## Footnote **teeter on the brink/edge of something** to be very close to a very unpleasant or dangerous situation - The country is teetering on the brink of civil war.

Answer 60

looking pale and weak - his gray, wan face - She gave me a wan smile (= showing no energy or enthusiasm). - the wan sunlight of a winter's morning

Answer 61

lasting only a short time *synonym brief* - a fleeting glimpse/smile - a fleeting moment of happiness - We paid a fleeting visit to San Antonio. ## Footnote **fleet** (adjective) able to run fast - fleet of foot - fleet-footed

Answer 62

(especially of children or small animals) to move quickly with short light steps

Answer 63

having or showing very strong and sincere feelings about something *synonym ardent* - a fervent admirer/believer/supporter - a fervent belief/hope/desire

Answer 64

a slight knowledge of something that is happening or about to happen *synonym suspicion* - He **had no inkling** of what was going on. - The first inkling I had that something was wrong was when I found the front door wide open.

Answer 65

1. to make a loud sound like the one that is made when you walk on gravel (= small stones) *synonym crunch* - The snow scrunched underfoot. 2. to squeeze something into a small round shape in your hands - He scrunched up the note and threw it on the fire. 3. to squeeze something into a smaller shape or into a smaller space - The armadillo scrunched itself up into a ball. - She scrunched up her eyes in the midday sun. - Our coats were all scrunched up in the corner. 4. to create a hairstyle with loose curls by squeezing the hair with the hands

Answer 66

smelling damp and unpleasant because of a lack of fresh air *synonym dank* - a musty room - a musty smell of old books - These clothes smell musty.

Answer 67

(noun) - an air/oil filter - a coffee/water filter - He smokes cigarettes without filters. - The camera has an anti-glare filter. (verb) 1. to pass liquid, light, etc. through a special device, especially to remove something that is not wanted - All drinking water must be filtered. - Use a sun block that filters UVA effectively. 2. to use a special program to check the content of e-mails or websites before they are sent to your computer 3. (of people) to move slowly in a particular direction - The doors opened and people started filtering in. 4. (of information, news, etc.) to slowly become known - More details about the crash are filtering through. 5. (of light or sound) to come into a place slowly or in small amounts - Sunlight filtered in through the curtains.

Answer 68

to do something badly or without skill; to fail at something *synonym botch* - They bungled the job. - a bungled robbery/raid/attempt

Answer 69

1. a long, narrow, leather band that is attached to a bit (= a metal bar in a horse's mouth) and is held by the rider in order to control the horse - She pulled gently on the reins. 2. **the reins** the state of being in control or the leader of something - It was time to hand over the reins of power (= to give control to someone else). - The vice president was forced to take up the reins of office.

Answer 70

(informal) 1. to work hard and steadily at something, especially something that takes a long time and is boring or difficult - He's been slogging away at that piece of music for weeks. - The teacher made us slog through long lists of vocabulary. - My mother slogged all her life for us. - She slogged her way through four piles of ironing. 2. to walk or travel somewhere steadily, with great effort or difficulty - I've been slogging around the downtown area all day. - He started to slog his way through the undergrowth. 3. to hit a ball very hard but often without skill

Answer 71

(informal) to tell someone information that should be kept secret - Someone must have blabbed to the police.

Answer 72

to get great pleasure from something; to want very much to do or have something *synonym enjoy* - to relish a fight/challenge/debate - to relish the idea/thought of something - I **don't relish the prospect** of getting up early tomorrow. - Nobody relishes cleaning the oven.

Answer 73

1. to become bigger or rounder - Her arm was beginning to swell up where the bee had stung her. - Bacteria can cause gums to swell and bleed. - Cook the lentils for 20 minutes until they swell and soften. 2. to curve out or make something curve out - The sails swelled (out) in the wind. - The wind swelled (out) the sails. 3. to increase or make something increase in number or size - Last year's profits were swelled by a fall in production costs. - Crowds of commuters were swelled by Christmas shoppers. - We are looking for more volunteers to swell the ranks (= increase the number) of those already helping. - Membership has swelled to over 20,000. *opposite shrink* 4. (of a sound) to become louder - The cheering swelled through the arena. 5. to be filled with a strong emotion - to swell with pride - Her heart swelled as she turned to face him.

Answer 74

1. to move very quickly, making a high continuous sound - A bullet whizzed past my ear. - He whizzed down the road on his motorcycle. 2. to do something very quickly - She whizzed through the work.

Answer 75

1. small pieces of garbage such as paper, cans, and bottles, that people have left lying in a public place - There will be fines for people who drop litter. 2. a number of things that are lying in a messy way - The floor was covered with a litter of newspapers, clothes, and empty cups. 3. a dry substance that is put in a shallow open box for pets, especially cats, to use as a toilet when they are indoors - cat litter - a litter box 4. a number of baby animals that one mother gives birth to at the same time - a litter of puppies - the runt (= the smallest and weakest baby) of the litter 5. the substance, especially straw, that is used for farm animals to sleep on 6. a kind of chair or bed that was used in the past for carrying important people (verb) - Piles of books and newspapers littered the floor. - Broken glass littered the streets. - The floor was littered with papers. - He was arrested for littering. - Your essay is littered with spelling mistakes.

Answer 76

(informal) (disapproving) thinking that you are more important than other people and behaving in an unfriendly way toward them *synonym snobbish*