Unit 8 Flashcards
asylum
(n) an institution for the care of children, elderly, etc.; a place of safety
Syn: sanatorium, sanctuary, refuge
assurance
(n) a pledge; freedom from doubt, self-confidence
Syn: promise, sureness, poise, self-possession
console
(v) to comfort; (n) the keyboard of an organ; a control panel for an electrical or mechanical device
Syn: soothe, solace, alleviate
dilate
(v) to make or become larger or wider; to expand upon
Syn: enlarge, expand, swell, prolong
dross
(n) refuse, waste products
Syn: rubbish, trash, detritus, dregs, scum
dwindle
(v) to lesson, dimish
flippant
(adj) lacking in seriousness, disrespectful; saucy
Syn: frivolous, impudent, impertinent, insolent
immunity
(n) resistance to disease; freedom from some charge or obligation
Syn: vulnerability, susceptibility, exposure
institute
(v) to establish, set up; (n) an organization for the promotion of learning
liability
(n) a debt; something disadventageous
preposterous
(adj) ridiculous, senseless
pugnacious
(adj) quarrelsome, fond of fighting
rabid
(adj) furious, violently intense, unreasonably extreme; mad; infected with rabies
Syn: argumentative, combative, belligerent
realm
(n) a kingdom; a region or field of study
Syn: domain, duchy, bailiwick, jurisdiction
rejuvenate
(v) to make young again; to make new
