squirm -
To wriggle or twist the body from side to side, especially as a result of nervousness or discomfort
The gymnast's parents squirmed in their seats as their daughter performed in her event.
verb
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Surprise
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startle -
To cause a person or animal to feel sudden shock or alarm
The speeding car startled Victor, and he had just enough time to jump out of the way.
verb
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Stop
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relinquish -
To voluntarily let go of something, such as a right, possession, or responsibility.
After years of running the company, he decided to relinquish control and pass the leadership to his successor.
verb
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Fast
Url
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careen -
To move swiftly and in an uncontrolled way
As the old bus speedily careened around the narrow and steep mountain Tibetan roads, Fred wondered if he would make it safely to interview the guru monk for his magazine article.
verb
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Move
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glide -
To move easily and smoothly
When Michael Jordan went up to shoot a basket, it seemed that he glided through the air.
verb
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Desire
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crave -
To have a very strong feeling of wanting something, even desperately
After Les was assigned to the computer room night shift, he found he couldn't sleep during the day, and he craved eight hours of uninterrupted sleep.
verb
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pardon -
To forgive someone for a crime or wrongdoing, and end imprisonment or bad feelings.
The president decided to pardon the prisoner after reviewing the case.
verb
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Inward
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strut -
To walk with a stiff, erect, and apparently arrogant or conceited gait
The wealthy businessman would strut through the town as if he literally owned it.
verb
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Inward
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preen -
To devote effort to making oneself look attractive and then admire one's appearance
Before every job interview, Fritz would preen himself in the mirror to make sure he looked presentable.
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.
verb
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Sound
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yap -
To give off a sharp, shrill bark; or to talk and chatter in a repetitive way.
Jack Russell terriers make up for their small size by yapping loudly when danger approaches.
verb
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Move
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zigzag -
To move in abrupt alternate right and left turns.
Skiers zigzag constantly in order to generate speed down the mountain.