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restrain - To physically or metaphorically prevent someone or something from moving, acting, or progressing.

The police officer had to restrain the crowd to prevent further chaos during the protest.

noun

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backlog - A quantity of work that should have been done already, but has not yet been done

When Bill got back from his vacation, there was such a backlog of work to catch up with, that he had to work until 10pm every night for a week.

adjective

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reluctant - Not willing to do something and therefore slow to do it

They were reluctant to invest in the startup without more solid information.

adjective

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interminable - Endless (often used hyperbolically)

Victor dreaded going to the DMV, knowing he would spend an interminable amount of time there.

verb

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shirk - To avoid or neglect a duty or responsibility.

Employees who shirk their duties result in unhappy customers and lower profits.

noun

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standstill - A halt in activity, usually temporary but total.

Traffic came to a standstill after the accident on the highway.

verb

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dillydally - To waste time through aimless wandering or indecision

Beth and Kat dillydallied outside the store instead of going inside and buying something.

verb

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defuse - To reduce the tension or danger in a difficult situation.

The mediator worked hard to defuse the conflict and tension between the two sides that were trying to negotiate an agreement.

verb

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balk - To hesitate or be unwilling to continue with an idea or action.

Max had made all the plans to move from his apartment to the senior citizens home, but at the last minute, he balked and just couldn’t go through with it.

noun

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obstacle - Something that blocks your way so that movement or progress is prevented or made more difficult.

Bill wanted to become a doctor, but a major obstacle that made that goal difficult was that he hated studying.

noun

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slacker - A person who avoids work or effort

Chris was the ultimate slacker at work, asleep at his desk half the time.

noun

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impasse - A situation where no progress is possible due to disagreement or a deadlock.

The peace talks reached an impasse when neither side was willing to compromise.