Disaster Flashcards
anticipate
v. To expect; to sense something before it happens
By placing sensors in earthquake-prone areas, scientists can antici- pate some tremors in time to warn the public.
Parts of speech anticipation n, anticipatory adj
catastrophic
adj. Extremely harmful; causing financial or physical
ruin
The architect died in a catastrophic elevator accident.
Parts of speech catastrophe n, catastrophically adv
collide
v. To come together with great or violent force
As usual, their holiday was ruined when their in-laws’ views on poli- tics collided with their own.
Parts of speech collision n
eruption
n. A sudden, often violent, outburst
The eruption of Mount St. Helens in 1980 caused 57 deaths and
immeasurable change to the face of the mountain. Usage tips Eruption is often followed by an of phrase. Parts of speech erupt v
famine
n. Severe hunger; a drastic food shortage
The potato famine in Ireland in the mid-nineteenth century caused
large numbers of Irish people to emigrate to America.
flood
n. An overflowing of water; an excessive amount
The constant rain and poor drainage system caused a flood in town.
The political party sent out a flood of letters criticizing their opponents.
Parts of speech flood v
impact
n. A strong influence
The speech about the importance of education made an impact on me.
Usage tips Impact is usually followed by on or of. Parts of speech impact v
persevere
v. To keep going, despite obstacles or discouragement; to maintain a purpose
The hikers persevered despite the bad weather and the icy trail. Parts of speech persist v, persistent adj
plunge
v. To go down suddenly; to decrease by a great amount in a short time
He jumped off the diving board and plunged into the pool.
The value of the company’s stock plunged after its chief executive was arrested.
unleash
v. To release a thing or an emotion
When they saw the strange man on their property, they unleashed
their dogs.
He is from such an unemotional family, he will never learn to un-
leash his feelings.
