The Art Of War Flashcards
Impenetrable
im·pen·e·tra·ble \ɪmˈpɛnətrəbəl\
adjective
[more impenetrable; most impenetrable]
1 : impossible to pass or see through
an impenetrable wall/barrier/jungle
The fort’s defenses were thought to be impenetrable.
impenetrable darkness/fog
2 : impossible to understand
an impenetrable mystery
an impenetrable secret code
im·pen·e·tra·bil·i·ty \ɪmˌpɛnətrəˈbɪləti\ noun [noncount]
im·pen·e·tra·bly \ɪmˈpɛnətrəbli\ adverb
an impenetrably complex mystery
an impenetrably thick wall
Synonyms: impassable, impermeable, impervious
Antonyms: negotiable, passable, penetrable, permeable
Deception
de·cep·tion \dɪˈsɛpʃən\
noun
1 [noncount] : the act of making someone believe something that is not true : the act of deceiving someone
She accuses the company of willful deception in its advertising.
The article describes the government’s use of deception [=deceit] to gain public support for the program.
She practiced deception on her unsuspecting clients. [=she deceived them]
2 [count] : an act or statement intended to make people believe something that is not true
His many deceptions did not become known until years after he died.
It was a misunderstanding on her part, not a deliberate deception on his (part). [=he didn’t try to deceive her or lie to her]
a clever deception [=trick]
— see also self-deception
Other forms: plural de·cep·tions
Ease
ease \ˈi:z\
noun
[noncount]
1 : freedom from pain or trouble : comfort of body or mind
a life of ease
2 : lack of difficulty
The program is known for its ease of use. [=it is easy to use]
I was able to do it with (surprising) ease. [=easily]
These features can be modified with the greatest of ease. [=very easily]
3 : a relaxed and informal way of behaving
He delighted people with his charm and ease of manner. [=his relaxed and easy manner]
at ease
1 also at your ease : in a relaxed and comfortable state
Her relaxed manner at the meeting put/set everyone at (their) ease.
They no longer felt at ease [=comfortable] with each other.
You can set/put your mind at ease. [=you can relax and stop worrying]
— see also ill at ease
2 : standing silently with the feet apart and one or both hands behind the body
The troops stood at ease.
— often used as a military command
At ease!
— compare at attention at attention
take your ease
: to rest or relax
I found him taking his ease on the front porch.
Synonyms: alleviation, comfort, release, relief
Antonyms: constraint, restraint
2
ease
verb
1 [+ obj] : to free (someone or something) from trouble or worry
trying to ease my troubled mind
2 [+ obj] : to make (something) less painful
We were unable to ease [=alleviate] their suffering.
3 a [+ obj] : to make (tension, a problem, etc.) less severe or troubling
The diplomats failed to ease tensions between the two nations.
Authorities are looking for ways to ease prison overcrowding.
The government is expected to ease travel restrictions.
b [no obj] : to become less severe or troubling
Tensions have eased [=moderated] in recent weeks.
4 always followed by an adverb or preposition a [+ obj] : to move (someone or something) gently or carefully
He eased the car into the parking space.
She eased herself into the driver’s seat.
They eased the heavy block into position.
b [no obj] : to move or pass slowly or easily
The car eased out into traffic.
She wants to ease into her new job slowly.
Other forms: eas·es; eased; eas·ing
ease off or ease up [phrasal verb]
: to become less severe
The slope gradually eased off.
The pressure should ease up soon.
ease up on [phrasal verb]
1 a ease up on (someone) : to treat (someone) in a less harsh or demanding way
The students might respond better if the teacher eased up on them a little.
b ease up on (something) : to apply less pressure to (something)
ease up on the accelerator
2 ease up on (something) : to do or use less of (something)
My doctor told me I should ease up on fatty foods.
Synonyms: facilitate, loosen (up), smooth, unclog, pave the way (for)
Antonyms: complicate
Sovereign
sov·er·eign \ˈsɑ:vrən\
noun
[count]
1 formal : a king or queen
a Spanish sovereign
2 : a British gold coin that was used in the past
Other forms: plural sov·er·eigns
Synonyms: autocrat, potentate, ruler, monarch
2
sovereign
adjective
formal
1 a : having unlimited power or authority
a sovereign prince
b : not limited
the sovereign power of a king
2 : having independent authority and the right to govern itself
a sovereign state/nation
3 US : highest and most important
The government’s sovereign duty is to protect the rights of its citizens.
Synonyms: arch, cardinal, central, chief, dominant, first, grand, greatest, highest, key, leading, main, paramount, predominant, preeminent, premier, primal, primary, principal, foremost, supreme
Antonyms: last, least
Accord
ac·cord \əˈkoɚd\
noun
1 [count] : a formal or official agreement
The two sides were able to reach an accord.
a peace accord
2 [noncount] : a situation or state in which people or things agree
His ideas and mine were completely/fully in accord. = His ideas were completely/fully in accord with mine. [=his ideas and mine agreed completely]
They dressed up for the festival in accord with [=in accordance with] the custom.
Other forms: plural ac·cords
of its own accord
◇If something happens of its own accord, it happens by itself without anyone causing it to happen.
The tree fell of its own accord.
of your own accord
◇If you do something of your own accord, you do it because you want to, not because someone has asked you or forced you to do it.
They left of their own accord.
with one accord
chiefly Brit formal : all together
They rose with one accord from their seats.
Synonyms: treaty, alliance, compact, convention, covenant, pact
Antonyms: conflict, disagreement
2
accord
verb
[+ obj] formal : to give (something, such as special treatment or status) to someone or something
He was accorded certain favors because of his age.
Her students accorded her respect. = Her students accorded respect to her. = She was accorded respect by her students.
We accord great importance to education. [=we treat education as very important]
Other forms: accords; accord·ed; accord·ing
accord with [phrasal verb]
accord with (something) : to be in agreement with (something)
His interpretation of the data did not accord with the facts.
His plans for the company did not accord with my own.
Synonyms: check, agree, answer, cohere, coincide, comport, conform, correspond, dovetail, fit, go, harmonize, jibe, square, tally
Antonyms: differ (from), disagree (with)
Succumb
suc·cumb \səˈkʌm\
verb
[no obj] somewhat formal
1 : to stop trying to resist something
They will pressure you, and you must try not to succumb.
— often + to
Try not to succumb to the pressure.
It’s easy to succumb [=give in] to the temptation to oversimplify this kind of problem.
2 : to die
The patient eventually succumbed.
— usually + to
He succumbed to his injuries. [=he died because of his injuries]
She fought a good fight but finally succumbed to cancer.
Other forms: suc·cumbs; suc·cumbed; suc·cumb·ing
Synonyms: bow, budge, capitulate, concede, give in, knuckle under, quit, submit, yield, surrender
Antonyms: resist
Hence
hence \ˈhɛns\
adverb
formal
1 : for this reason
He was a newcomer and hence [=consequently, therefore] had no close friends here.
He knew he could not win the election—hence his decision to withdraw.
The company lost a great deal of money. Hence, the CEO was asked to resign.
2 : later than the present time
a week hence [=a week from now]
What will life be like a century hence?
Synonyms: accordingly, consequently, ergo, therefore, so, thereupon, thus, wherefore
Reckless
reck·less \ˈrɛkləs\
adjective
[more reckless; most reckless] : not showing proper concern about the possible bad results of your actions
He is a wild and reckless young man.
She has gotten two tickets for reckless driving. [=driving a car in a dangerous manner]
He showed a reckless disregard for the safety of others.
He spends money with reckless abandon.
reck·less·ly adverb
They recklessly threw themselves into battle.
reck·less·ness noun [noncount]
financial recklessness
Synonyms: daredevil, devil-may-care, foolhardy, harum-scarum, irresponsible
Antonyms: responsible
Espionage
es·pi·o·nage \ˈɛspijəˌnɑ:ʒ\
noun
[noncount] : the things that are done to find out secrets from enemies or competitors : the activity of spying
He was charged with several counts of espionage.
international/industrial espionage
an espionage novel/thriller
Synonyms: spying
Shed
shed \ˈʃɛd\ verb 1 [+ obj] : to get rid of (something) I've been trying to shed some extra pounds. The company has had to shed many jobs. She hasn't been able to shed her image as a troublemaker. [=to make people stop thinking of her as a troublemaker] 2 : to lose (leaves, skin, fur, etc.) naturally [+ obj] Snakes shed their skin. The dog is shedding its fur. The trees are shedding their leaves. [no obj] The cat is shedding. 3 [+ obj] a : to take off (something you are wearing) He quickly shed his hat and coat. b Brit : to lose or drop (a load, cargo, etc.) The lorry shed its load. 4 [+ obj] : to cause (water) to flow off instead of soaking into something Raincoats shed water. Other forms: sheds; shed; shed·ding shed blood — see blood shed light on — see 1light shed tears — see 3tear Synonyms: exfoliate, molt, slough (also sluff) 2 shed noun [count] 1 : a small, simple building that is used especially for storing things — see also cowshed, potting shed, toolshed, woodshed 2 Brit : a large industrial building a railway shed Other forms: plural sheds
Butch
butch \ˈbʊtʃ\ adjective [more butch; most butch] informal 1 sometimes offensive : having a very masculine appearance and way of behaving — used especially to describe homosexual women and men 2 of hair : cut very short a butch haircut
Palatable
pal·at·able \ˈpælətəbəl\
adjective
[more palatable; most palatable] somewhat formal
1 : having a pleasant or agreeable taste
palatable food
a less than palatable beer
2 : pleasant or acceptable to someone — usually + to
The play has been rewritten in an attempt to make it more palatable to modern audiences.
Traveling by train is a palatable alternative to driving.
pal·at·abil·i·ty \ˌpælətəˈbɪləti\ noun [noncount]
Synonyms: agreeable, all right, alright, copacetic (also copasetic or copesetic), fine, good, OK (or okay), satisfactory
Antonyms: disagreeable, unsatisfactory
Drag
drag \ˈdræg\
verb
1 [+ obj] : to pull (someone or something that is heavy or difficult to move)
She dragged one of the other tables over to ours.
Firefighters dragged the man to safety.
One of the parents eventually dragged the screaming toddler out of the store.
— often used figuratively
She practically had to drag her husband to the opera.
You drag me all the way out here only to tell me that the store is closed!?
She was dragged kicking and screaming into the family business. [=she was forced to join the family business]
2 a [no obj] : to move along the ground, floor, etc., while being pulled
Your scarf is dragging.
The broken muffler dragged behind the car.
The dog’s leash was dragging along the ground.
b [+ obj] : to cause (something) to move along the ground, floor, etc., by pulling it
The child is always dragging his blanket.
The puppy ran up to us, dragging her leash behind her.
3 a always followed by an adverb or preposition [+ obj] : to force (yourself) to move or to go to a place when you are tired, busy, etc.
He dragged himself up the stairs and climbed into bed.
Can you drag yourself away from that computer?
I could barely drag myself out of bed. [=I had a hard time waking up]
b [no obj] : to go or move more slowly than others
Quit dragging—walk faster.
The nation’s economy is dragging [=(more commonly) lagging] behind the rest of the world.
4 [+ obj] : to bring (an unpleasant or complicated subject, fact, etc.) into a discussion or argument — + up or into
Do you always have to drag [=dredge] up the past?
They can’t seem to avoid dragging religion into politics. [=mentioning religion in a discussion about politics]
5 [no obj] : to go on for a long time in a way that seems slow and boring
The movie was good, but I thought it dragged at the end.
The hours seemed to drag (by) as the day went on.
6 [+ obj] : to pull a net or set of hooks through (a river, lake, pond, etc.) in order to search for or collect something
Searchers used three boats to drag the river.
They dragged [=trawled] the waters for fish.
7 [+ obj] computers : to move (items on a computer screen) by using a computer mouse
Drag the file/picture to this folder.
Other forms: drags; dragged; drag·ging
drag down [phrasal verb]
1 drag (someone) down or drag down (someone) : to force (someone) into a bad situation or condition
We cannot let our enemies drag us down to their level. [=we should not let their bad behavior convince us to behave badly]
2 drag (someone) down : to make (someone) unhappy
You can’t let her bad moods drag you down.
3 drag down (something) or drag (something) down : to make (something) lower in amount or quality
High energy costs are dragging down profits.
drag into [phrasal verb]
drag (someone) into (something) : to involve (a person, group, etc.) in (a difficult or complicated situation)
I’m sorry for dragging you into this.
Don’t drag the children into this.
We will not let the country be dragged into another war.
— see also 1drag 4 (above)
drag on
[phrasal verb] disapproving : to go on for a long time : to progress slowly
The meeting dragged on until almost midnight.
The lawsuit dragged on for years.
drag out [phrasal verb]
1 drag out (something) or drag (something) out : to cause (something) to take more time than necessary
He dragged out the speech much too long.
Stop dragging the story out and get to the point.
2 drag (something) out of (someone) : to force (something, such as a confession) from (someone) : to make (someone) tell you (something)
The teacher eventually dragged a confession out of one of the students.
Doctors sometimes have to drag information out of their patients.
drag someone’s name through the mud
: to publicly say false or bad things that harm someone’s reputation
My opponent has dragged my name through the mud.
drag your feet also drag your heels
: to avoid doing something for a long time because you do not want to do it
Quit dragging your feet and make a decision!
After months of dragging its heels, Congress voted on the bill.
like something the cat dragged in — see cat
Look what the cat dragged in! — see cat
Synonyms: pull, draw, hale, haul, lug, tow, tug
Antonyms: drive, propel, push
2
drag
noun
1 [singular] informal : someone or something that is boring, annoying, or disappointing
My parents can be such a drag. They won’t let me do anything.
These meetings are a total drag.
2 [singular] informal : someone or something that makes action or progress slower or more difficult — usually + on
High taxes have been a drag on the economy.
The senator should resign before she becomes a drag on the party. [=before she causes people to vote for candidates in another political party]
3 [count] informal : the act of breathing in smoke from a cigarette, cigar, pipe, etc.
Let me have a drag from your cigarette.
He took a long drag on the cigarette.
4 [noncount] physics : the force of air that pushes against an airplane, a car, etc., as it moves forward
The jet’s sleek design reduces drag.
Other forms: plural drags
in drag
: wearing clothes that are usually worn by the opposite sex
They went to the party (dressed) in drag.
She’s in drag. [=dressed as a man]
— see also main drag
Synonyms: bore
Antonyms: aid, assistance, benefit, help
Earnest
ear·nest \ˈɚnəst\
adjective
[more earnest; most earnest] : serious and sincere : not lighthearted or playful
an earnest plea for help
an earnest young journalist
ear·nest·ly adverb
speaking earnestly
ear·nest·ness \ˈɚnəstnəs\ noun [noncount]
Synonyms: serious, grave, humorless, no-nonsense, sedate, severe, sober, solemn, staid, uncomic, unfunny, unsmiling, weighty
Antonyms: facetious, flip, flippant, humorous, jesting, jocular, joking, playful
2
earnest
noun
in earnest
1 : in an earnest or serious way
The search began in earnest when the police arrived.
It began to rain in earnest [=heavily] in the evening.
It’s hard to tell if he’s making this proposal in earnest.
2 : not fooling : serious and sincere
We thought he was joking at first, but then we realized that he was in earnest. [=he was being serious]
— compare for real at 1real
Synonyms: earnestness, graveness, gravity, intentness, seriousness, soberness, sobriety, solemnity, staidness
Antonyms: frivolity, levity, lightheartedness
Ambiguity
am·bi·gu·i·ty \ˌæmbəˈgju:wəti\
noun
: something that does not have a single clear meaning : something that is ambiguous
[noncount]
You should remove ambiguity [=vagueness] from your essay by adding more details.
moral ambiguity [=lack of certainty about whether something is right or wrong]
[count]
the ambiguities in his answers
Other forms: plural am·bi·gu·i·ties
Synonyms: obscurity, ambiguousness, darkness, equivocalness, equivocation, murkiness, nebulousness, opacity
Antonyms: clarity, clearness, obviousness, plainness
Virile
vir·ile \ˈvirəl, Brit ˈvɪˌraɪl\
adjective
[more virile; most virile] : having or suggesting qualities (such as strength and sexual energy) that are associated with men and that are usually considered attractive in men
virile young athletes
a virile writing style
vi·ril·i·ty \vəˈrɪləti\ noun [noncount]
an actor admired for his virility
Synonyms: male, manlike, manly, mannish, man-size (or man-sized), masculine
Antonyms: effeminate, unmanly, unmasculine
Helm
helm \ˈhɛlm\
noun
1 [count] : a handle or wheel that is used to steer a ship or boat
The ship’s captain took the helm. [=steered the ship]
The ship’s captain was at the helm. [=steering the ship]
2 [singular] : a position of full control or authority in an organization
She took the helm of the university.
He left after only a year at the helm [=in charge] of the corporation.
Other forms: plural helms
Synonyms: chair, headship, head, rein(s)
Awe
awe \ˈɑ:\
noun
[singular] : a strong feeling of fear or respect and also wonder
It was a sight that filled me with awe and reverence.
a person who inspires feelings of awe in others
an awe-inspiring sight
— often used after in
We watched in awe as the building collapsed.
They stared in awe at their hero.
— often used in the phrase in awe of
She is still in awe of her teacher.
I stand in awe of their courage.
Synonyms: admiration, amazement, astonishment, wonder, wonderment
2
awe
verb
[+ obj] : to fill (someone) with awe
Her style both awes and perplexes me.
— often used as (be) awed
He was awed [=awestruck] by the natural beauty of the place.
Other forms: awes; awed; aw·ing
awed adjective
a moment of awed surprise
Revel
rev·el \ˈrɛvəl\
verb
Other forms: rev·els; US rev·eled or British rev·elled; US rev·el·ing or British rev·el·ling
revel in [phrasal verb]
revel in (something) : to enjoy (something) very much
She reveled in her success.
He reveled in other people’s misfortune.
2
revel
noun
[count] literary + old-fashioned : a noisy and wild celebration — usually plural
holiday revels
Other forms: plural revels
Synonyms: binge, frolic, gambol, idyll (also idyl), lark, fling, rollick, romp, spree
Malicious
ma·li·cious \məˈlɪʃəs\
adjective
[more malicious; most malicious] : having or showing a desire to cause harm to another person : having or showing malice
a malicious liar
malicious gossip
a malicious distortion of the truth
ma·li·cious·ly adverb
He claims his statements have been maliciously distorted.
ma·li·cious·ness noun [noncount]
Synonyms: catty, cruel, despiteful, malevolent, hateful, malign, malignant, mean, nasty, spiteful, vicious, virulent
Antonyms: benevolent, benign, benignant, loving, unmalicious
Deed
deed \ˈdi:d\
noun
1 : something that is done : an act or action
[count]
They taught their children to be kind and to do good deeds.
evil/dirty deeds
We are judged by our deeds. [=we are judged by what we do]
News of their heroic deeds spread far and wide.
It’s too late now. The deed is done.
[noncount]
He is honest in word and in deed. [=he says things that are true and does the things he says he will]
2 : a legal document that shows who owns a building or piece of land
[noncount]
The land was transferred by deed.
[count]
He gave them the deed to the property.
— often plural in British English
The bank holds the deeds to your property.
Other forms: plural deeds
Synonyms: feat, exploit, stunt, trick
2
deed
verb
[+ obj] US : to give someone ownership of (a building or piece of land) by means of a deed
She deeded the house to her children.
Other forms: deeds; deed·ed; deed·ing
Synonyms: alienate, assign, cede, transfer, make over
Innocuous
in·noc·u·ous \ɪˈnɑ:kjəwəs\ adjective [more in*noc*u*ous; most in*noc*u*ous] 1 : not likely to bother or offend anyone : inoffensive He told a few innocuous jokes. an innocuous question 2 : causing no injury : harmless an innocuous gas in·noc·u·ous·ly adverb in·noc·u·ous·ness noun [noncount] Synonyms: innocent, harmless, inoffensive, safe, white Antonyms: adverse, bad, baleful, baneful, damaging, deleterious, detrimental, evil, harmful, hurtful, ill, injurious, mischievous, noxious, pernicious, prejudicial
Comprehend
com·pre·hend \ˌkɑ:mprɪˈhɛnd\
verb
[+ obj] somewhat formal : to understand (something, such as a difficult or complex subject)
He is able to fully comprehend [=understand completely] what is happening and react appropriately.
— often used in negative statements
They are unable to comprehend what had happened.
We can scarcely comprehend how it all ended.
I find his attitude impossible/difficult to comprehend.
Other forms: com·pre·hends; com·pre·hend·ed; com·pre·hend·ing
Synonyms: appreciate, apprehend, catch, catch on (to), decipher, dig , discern, get, grasp, make, make out, perceive, savvy, see, seize, tumble (to), understand
Antonyms: miss
Resilience
re·sil·ience \rɪˈzɪljəns\
noun
[noncount]
1 : the ability to become strong, healthy, or successful again after something bad happens
The rescue workers showed remarkable resilience in dealing with the difficult conditions.
2 : the ability of something to return to its original shape after it has been pulled, stretched, pressed, bent, etc.
the resilience of rubber
Cold temperatures caused the material to lose resilience.
Hustle
hus·tle \ˈhʌsəl\
verb
1 [+ obj] : to quickly move or push (someone) often in a rough way
The guards hustled the prisoners into the jail.
The star’s manager hustled him out the back door of the theater to avoid the throngs of fans.
She hustled the children (off) to school.
2 [no obj] chiefly US a : to move or work in a quick and energetic way
If we want to catch that bus, we’re going to have to hustle. [=rush]
b : to play a sport with a lot of energy and effort
He’s not the most talented player on the team, but he always hustles.
3 US, informal a : to get (something, such as money) in an illegal or improper way
[+ obj]
She spent her mornings hustling change [=asking people for money] on the sidewalk.
[no obj]
hustling for money
b [+ obj] : to sell (something illegal, such as drugs)
He’s been hustling drugs for a few years.
: to sell (something) in an illegal or improper way
They hustle diamonds, furs—whatever people are buying.
4 [+ obj] informal, a : to take something and especially money from (someone) by lying or doing something unfair : to swindle or cheat (someone)
She’s accused of running an elaborate scam to hustle elderly people.
b chiefly US : to earn money by playing (a gambling game) and especially by playing against people who are less skillful than you are
He made a living by hustling pool.
5 [no obj] US, informal : to work as a prostitute
Other forms: hus·tles; hus·tled; hus·tling \ˈhʌsəlɪŋ\
hustle up [phrasal verb]
hustle up (something) or hustle (something) up US, informal : to quickly get or find (something)
I’ll try to hustle up [=rustle up] some tickets to tonight’s game.
Let’s see if we can hustle up some grub. [=find something to eat]
Synonyms: drudge, endeavor, fag, grub, hump, labor, moil, peg (away), plod, plow, plug, slave, slog, strain, strive, struggle, sweat, toil, travail, work
Antonyms: dabble, fiddle (around), fool (around), mess (around), putter (around)
2
hustle
noun
1 [noncount] a : energetic activity
I enjoy the hustle and bustle of the city.
b chiefly US : effort and energy in playing a sport
The fans admire him for his hustle.
2 [count] informal : a dishonest plan for getting money
She’s always trying some kind of hustle [=scam] on the street.
Other forms: plural hustles
Synonyms: haste, hastiness, hurry, precipitation, precipitousness, rush
Antonyms: deliberateness, deliberation
Moxie
mox·ie \ˈmɑ:ksi\ noun [noncount] US informal + old-fashioned 1 : the ability to be active : energy full of moxie [=pep] 2 : courage or determination He showed a lot of moxie in questioning the policy.
Moxie
mox·ie \ˈmɑ:ksi\ noun [noncount] US informal + old-fashioned 1 : the ability to be active : energy full of moxie [=pep] 2 : courage or determination He showed a lot of moxie in questioning the policy.
Cling
cling \ˈklɪŋ\
verb
[no obj]
1 : to hold onto something or someone very tightly
The children clung together under the little umbrella waiting for the storm to pass.
— usually + to or onto
The little cat clung to the narrow branch.
The boy clung onto his mother’s hand as they walked through the crowd.
The little boy clung to his mother when it was time for her to leave.
2 often disapproving : to stay very close to someone for emotional support, protection, etc.
a clinging child
— usually + to
parents who cling to their children instead of allowing them to be independent
He clung to his friends for support.
3 : to stick to something or someone — usually + to
The shirt clung to his wet shoulders.
4 : to continue to believe in or depend on something — + to
He is still clinging to the idea that his marriage can be saved.
5 : to try very hard to keep something that you are in danger of losing — usually + to
an aging leader clinging to power
Other forms: clings; clung \ˈklʌŋ\; cling·ing
clingy \ˈklɪŋi\ adjective cling·i·er cling·i·est
a clingy dress
He was a clingy child.
Synonyms: adhere, cleave, stick, hew
Obnoxious
ob·nox·ious \ɑbˈnɑ:kʃəs\
adjective
[more obnoxious; most obnoxious] : unpleasant in a way that makes people feel offended, annoyed, or disgusted
He said some really obnoxious things about his ex-girlfriend at the party.
Some teenagers were being loud and obnoxious.
an obnoxious smell
ob·nox·ious·ly adverb
obnoxiously loud music
ob·nox·ious·ness noun [noncount]
Synonyms: abhorrent, abominable, appalling, awful, distasteful, dreadful, foul, hideous, horrendous, horrible, horrid, loathsome, nasty, nauseating, noisome, offensive, obscene, odious, repellent (also repellant), repugnant, repulsive, revolting, scandalous, shocking, sickening, ugly
Antonyms: inoffensive
Brag
brag \ˈbræg\
verb
: to talk about yourself, your achievements, your family, etc., in a way that shows too much pride
[no obj]
After winning the race, she couldn’t stop bragging.
“I don’t mean to brag,” he said, “but I’m an excellent cook.”
— often + about
She bragged about winning the race.
They’re always bragging about their son’s accomplishments.
[+ obj]
He bragged that his daughter was the best student in her class.
“I’m the fastest runner on the team,” she bragged.
Other forms: brags; bragged; brag·ging
Synonyms: boast, crow, swagger
Fret
fret \ˈfrɛt\ verb [no obj] : to worry or be concerned I was sure we wouldn't get there in time, but she told me not to fret. Don't fret. We won't miss the plane. It turned out that it was nothing to fret about/over. Other forms: frets; fret·ted; fret·ting Synonyms: bite (at), corrode, erode, eat 2 fret noun [singular] informal : a state of being worried or upset Don't get in (such) a fret! We won't miss the plane. — compare 3fret 3 fret noun [count] : any one of a series of ridges on the neck of some stringed musical instruments (such as a guitar) Other forms: plural frets fret·less adjective a fretless bass fretted adjective fretted instruments — compare 2fret
Revere
re·vere \rɪˈviɚ\
verb
[+ obj] formal : to have great respect for (someone or something) : to show devotion and honor to (someone or something)
The family reveres old traditions.
— often + as
The town reveres him as a hero.
— often used as (be) revered
He is revered as a hero.
Her poems are revered by other poets.
Other forms: re·veres; re·vered; re·ver·ing
Synonyms: adore, deify, glorify, worship, reverence, venerate
Ardor
ar·dor (US)
noun
Variants: or chiefly Brit ar·dour \ˈɑɚdɚ\
1 : a strong feeling of energy or eagerness
[noncount]
He preached with the ardor [=fervor] of a true believer.
[count]
the sudden ardors of youth
2 [noncount] : a strong feeling of love
young love, with all its ardor [=passion] and intensity
Other forms: plural ar·dors
Synonyms: emotion, fervency, fervidness, fervor, heat, intensity, passion, vehemence, warmth
Antonyms: impassivity
Reluctant
re·luc·tant \rɪˈlʌktənt\
adjective
[more reluctant; most reluctant] : feeling or showing doubt about doing something : not willing or eager to do something
We were reluctant to get involved.
He might agree but seems reluctant to admit it.
a reluctant participant
re·luc·tance \rɪˈlʌktəns\ noun
[singular]
They have shown a reluctance to take risks.
[noncount]
He agreed to help us with much/great reluctance.
re·luc·tant·ly adverb
She reluctantly agreed to pay the fine.
Synonyms: afraid, disinclined, dubious, indisposed, loath (or loth), hesitant, reticent
Antonyms: disposed, inclined
Enrage
en·rage \ɪnˈreɪʤ\
verb
[+ obj] : to make (someone) very angry : to fill (someone) with rage
His thoughtless behavior enraged us.
People were enraged by/at/over the decision.
Other forms: en·rag·es; en·raged; en·rag·ing
Synonyms: antagonize, anger, incense, inflame, infuriate, ire, madden, outrage, rankle, rile, roil, get one’s goat, rub the wrong way
Antonyms: delight, gratify, please
Pun
pun \ˈpʌn\
noun
[count] : a humorous way of using a word or phrase so that more than one meaning is suggested
She made a pun.
The delicatessen is sandwiched, if you’ll pardon/excuse/forgive the pun, between two stores.
She’s a skillful pilot whose career has—no pun intended—really taken off.
— often + on
The name “Dew Drop Inn” is a pun on “do drop in.”
Other forms: plural puns
2
pun
verb
: to make a pun
[no obj]
a punning headline
— often + on
Punning on her daughter’s first name, she said, “Mary Christmas!”
[+ obj]
“Firefighting sparks my interest,” he punned.
Other forms: puns; punned; pun·ning
Bespoke
be·spoke \bɪˈspoʊk\
adjective
: made to fit a particular person : custom-made
a bespoke suit
; also : producing clothes that are made to fit a particular person
a bespoke tailor
Inquisitive
in·quis·i·tive \ɪnˈkwɪzətɪv\
adjective
[more inquisitive; most inquisitive]
1 : tending to ask questions : having a desire to know or learn more
She was very inquisitive [=curious] as a child.
an inquisitive mind
2 disapproving : asking too many questions about other people’s lives
an overly inquisitive neighbor
in·quis·i·tive·ly adverb
She looked at me inquisitively.
in·quis·i·tive·ness noun [noncount]
Synonyms: curious, nosy (or nosey), prying, snoopy
Antonyms: incurious, uncurious
Unnerve
un·nerve \ˌʌnˈnɚv\
verb
[+ obj] somewhat formal : to make (someone) feel afraid or upset and unable to think clearly
Seeing the police in there unnerved me.
She was unnerved by his strange manner.
Other forms: un·nerves; un·nerved; un·nerv·ing
unnerving adjective [more unnerving; most unnerving]
I had an unnerving encounter with her yesterday.
The news of my brother’s accident was unnerving.
un·nerv·ing·ly \ˌʌnˈnɚvɪŋli\ adverb
The neighborhood was unnervingly quiet.
Synonyms: demoralize, emasculate, undo, unman, unstring
Antonyms: nerve
Relinquish
re·lin·quish \rɪˈlɪŋkwɪʃ\
verb
[+ obj] formal : to give up (something) : to give (something, such as power, control, or possession) to another person or group
I will not relinquish my rights.
She was forced to relinquish control of the project.
The court ordered him to relinquish custody of his child.
Other forms: re·lin·quish·es; re·lin·quished; re·lin·quish·ing
re·lin·quish·ment \rɪˈlɪŋkwɪʃmənt\ noun [noncount]
Synonyms: cede, deliver, give up, hand over, surrender, render, turn over, yield
Plummet
plum·met \ˈplʌmət\
verb
[no obj]
1 always followed by an adverb or preposition : to fall suddenly straight down especially from a very high place
The acrobat plummeted into the net.
The car plummeted to the bottom of the canyon.
The satellite plummeted into/toward the ocean.
2 : to fall or drop suddenly in amount, value, etc. : plunge
Stock prices plummeted 40 percent during the scandal.
The TV show has plummeted in the ratings.
Temperatures are expected to plummet this weekend.
The town’s population plummets when the students leave for the summer.
Other forms: plum·mets; plum·met·ed; plum·met·ing
Synonyms: decline, descend, dip, fall, lower, nose-dive, drop, plunge, sink, tumble
Antonyms: arise, lift, rise, soar
Dismal
dis·mal \ˈdɪzməl\
adjective
[more dismal; most dismal]
1 : showing or causing unhappiness or sad feelings : not warm, cheerful, etc.
a dark, dismal room
dismal [=gloomy, dreary] weather
The barren landscape looks dismal [=bleak, desolate] in winter.
2 : very bad or poor
The show was a dismal failure.
a dismal performance
The team’s record is dismal.
dis·mal·ly adverb
The show failed dismally.
Synonyms: black, bleak, cheerless, cloudy, comfortless, dark, darkening, depressing, desolate, gloomy, drear, dreary, elegiac, funereal, glum, godforsaken, gray (also grey), miserable, morbid, morose, murky, saturnine, sepulchral, somber (or sombre), sullen, wretched
Antonyms: bright, cheerful, cheering, cheery, comforting, cordial, gay, festive, friendly, heartwarming, sunshiny
Condemn
con·demn \kənˈdɛm\
verb
[+ obj]
1 : to say in a strong and definite way that someone or something is bad or wrong
We strongly condemn this attack against our allies.
The government condemns all acts of terrorism.
The country condemns the use of violence on prisoners.
The school condemns cheating, and any student caught cheating will be expelled.
— often + for
People are condemning him for supporting the old government.
Voters condemned her for lying about her past.
— often + as
They were condemned as criminals/heretics/rebels/traitors.
The policy was condemned as racist.
2 a : to give (someone) a usually severe punishment — usually + to
The jury quickly convicted her and condemned [=sentenced] her to death.
— often used as (be) condemned
She was condemned to death.
a condemned man [=a man who has been sentenced to death]
b : to cause (someone) to suffer or live in difficult or unpleasant conditions — + to
His lack of education condemned him to a life of poverty.
— often used as (be) condemned
She was condemned to [=forced to live] a life of loneliness and suffering.
3 : to close (a building, house, etc.) for not being safe or clean enough for people to use
City officials condemned our apartment building and forced us to leave.
— often used as (be) condemned
The houses were condemned after floods caused extensive damage.
The condemned building was torn down.
Other forms: con·demns; con·demned; con·demn·ing
Synonyms: censure, damn, decry, denounce, execrate, reprehend, reprobate
Antonyms: bless
Obsolete
ob·so·lete \ˌɑ:bsəˈli:t\
adjective
1 : no longer used because something newer exists
obsolete [=outdated] computers
The system was made/rendered obsolete by their invention.
: replaced by something newer
obsolete mills and factories
2 : no longer used by anyone
an obsolete word
Synonyms: antiquated, archaic, dated, moth-eaten, outdated, outmoded, out-of-date, outworn, passé, superannuated
willy-nilly
wil·ly–nil·ly \ˌwɪliˈnɪli\
adverb
1 : in a careless and unplanned way
They decided willy-nilly to change the rules.
2 : in a way that does not allow any choices or planning
We are being forced willy-nilly to accept whatever the government decides.
Synonyms: aimlessly, anyhow, anyway, anywise, desultorily, erratically, haphazard, haphazardly, helter-skelter, irregularly, randomly, willy-nilly, at random
Antonyms: methodically, systematically
Susceptible
sus·cep·ti·ble \səˈsɛptəbəl\
adjective
[more susceptible; most susceptible]
1 : easily affected, influenced, or harmed by something
The virus can infect susceptible individuals.
— often + to
He is very susceptible to colds. [=he catches colds easily]
a surface highly susceptible to scratches
He is susceptible to flattery.
2 formal : capable of being affected by a specified action or process — + of
a contract that is susceptible of modification [=a contract that can be modified]
Synonyms: endangered, exposed, open, sensitive, subject (to), liable, vulnerable, in jeopardy
Antonyms: invulnerable, unexposed
