stranglehold -
A strong and oppressive control or influence over something or someone.
The corporation had a stranglehold on the market, leaving no room for small businesses.
noun
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ultimatum -
A firm warning, often with consequences if the demand isn’t met.
She gave him an ultimatum—either quit smoking or move out.
verb
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thwart -
To prevent someone from accomplishing something
Jim suspected that Fred his office mate said negative things about him in order to thwart Jim from advancing in the company.
verb
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frisk -
The way a police officer or other official passes their hands over someone in search of hidden weapons, drugs, etc.
For many people, the most uncomfortable part of air travel is when the TSA agents frisk their bodies for dangerous materials.
verb
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brandish -
To wave or flourish (something, especially a weapon) as a threat or in anger or excitement
Once he saw the burglar, Terry brandished his gun in order to scare him off.
verb
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impinge -
To have an effect or impact on someone; also to gradually take over an area belonging to someone else.
His constant use of the cell phone impinged on his family life.
adjective
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ferocious -
Savagely fierce, cruel, or violent
As the king of the jungle, the lion is one of the most ferocious animals on Earth.
verb
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slash -
To cut something with a violent sweeping motion, often with a knife or blade; or to drastically reduce or lower something, especially prices or budgets.
He slashed the rope around the box with a knife to free the trapped animal.
verb
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allege -
To claim or assert something to be true without proof, often in a legal context.
He is alleged to have lied under oath during the trial.
verb
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nab -
To catch someone doing something wrong or illegal
The police nabbed the person who tried to blow up the World Trade Center 1993, when he went to the car rental to get back his deposit for the van he had blown up.
verb
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upend -
To disrupt or overturn the normal order or situation; to defeat or overthrow someone or something unexpectedly
The underdog team upended the champions in a stunning upset
verb
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overwhelm -
To flood or overload someone or something, or to overpower emotionally.
The army overwhelmed the enemy forces with a surprise attack.
