abrupt -
Sudden and unexpected, often in an unpleasant way
The company was not succeeding, mostly because the CEO kept abruptly changing the goals of where the company should be heading, and the methods for achieving those goals.
noun
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impediment -
Something that obstructs or slows down progress; a hindrance or obstacle.
His lack of funding was a major impediment to starting his business.
noun
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mortality -
The state of being human and not living for ever
When we think about the inevitabilty of our own mortality, it makes us more committed to make good use of every minute.
verb
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intervene -
To come between two people, groups, or events to prevent or change an outcome.
The teachers had to intervene when the students started arguing in the school yard.
noun
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hiatus -
A temporary gap, pause, break, or absence when something stops happening.
His vacation in Alaska with his wife was a wonderful and exciting hiatus between their very stressful jobs.
verb
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sidestep -
To deliberately avoid or divert attention from a certain subject, often to avoid dealing with it.
During the press conference, he sidestepped questions that he didn't want to focus on or deal with.
noun
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verdict -
An official or formal decision, especially after careful consideration.that ends a trial or discussion.
The jury delivered a verdict of not guilty after three days of deliberation.
verb
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shackle -
Something that prevents freedom of movement, literally or figuratively
Because John had so much debt, he felt he couldn't consider switching careers, and therefore felt shackled to a job that he hated.
verb
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clog -
To become blocked or filled so that movement or activity is slowed or stopped.
Some dirt was clogging the sink, so that the water in the sink didn't drain properly.
verb
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dissuade -
To advise against a specific decision or behavior, and discourage someone from taking a particular action.
She couldn't take the stress of her work, but her friends tried to dissuade her from quitting her job without a backup plan.
noun
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deadlock -
A situation where opposing sides can't make progress to resolve their differences
Congress couldn't pass any new bills because the political and emotional deadlock between the Republicans and Democrats on almost every issue.
verb
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derail -
To obstruct or divert from an expected or intended course.
The train was derailed by a fallen tree during the storm.
