polarize -
To divide into two completely opposing groups
It's frightening to see how many issues have caused the US to polarize into Right and Left groups that hate each other.
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Gossip -
Informal conversation or stories, often of a trivial or sensational nature, about others.
Though it only involves words, gossip about other people can cause deep wounds, and injure them socially and psychologically for life.
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jeer -
To mock or demean someone with unkind words or remarks.
Emily got up after tripping over a broken tile in the school yard, and she heard Candy and Belinda jeer at her. Their mocking comments were very hurtful.
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barb -
A remark that is funny but unkind.
Burt realized that Sam was not really his friend when Sam made several barbed comments directed at Burt at the dinner party.
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hassle -
To harass; pester
The irritating salesman would always hassle Carmen when she was at home, and wouldn't leave even if she insisted on it.
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quibble -
Argue or raise objections about a trivial matter
Scarlet couldn't wait until she quit her job as cashier so she could stop having to deal with customers who wanted to quibble about all the little things that bothered them about the store.
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Apathetic -
Showing or feeling little or no interest, enthusiasm, or concern.
She was apathetic toward the outcome of the football game and didn’t even watch it.
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Nuisance -
A person, thing, or situation that causes annoyance or inconvenience.
It’s such a nuisance when the internet cuts out during a video call.
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snub -
An act of showing disdain or a lack of cordiality by rebuffing or ignoring someone or something
At school, Emily was often the object of a snub because her classmates always avoided her.
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bicker -
To argue about things that are petty and unimportant.
Kelly and Joe recognized that the first rule of marriage is to save your arguments for the important issues, and not to bicker over unimportant things.
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Dissent -
An act of expressing opposition or objection.
In a free and democartic country, public dissent is allowed, protected, and encouraged.
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flak -
Strong criticism
The way Donald Trump lashes out at 'fake news' is an example of the way that he doesn't take flak from anyone.
