backfire -
When a plan fails, to have the opposite result of what was intended.
The politician tried to hide his assets, in order to appear like a common man. But his plan backfired when they were revealed, and people saw that he was a liar.
verb
650 of 727
Good /
Busy
audio
splurge -
To spend money freely or extravagantly
To celebrate her promotion, Charlotte maxed out her credit card and splurged on a year's worth of clothing at the mall.
verb
651 of 727
Good /
Smart
Url
audio
heed -
To carefully consider advice, instructions, or information.
The hikers didn’t heed the storm alert and got caught in heavy rain.
verb
652 of 727
Good /
Smart
Url
audio
glean -
To extract or derive meaning, knowledge, or insight from various sources, often in a careful or detailed way.
She managed to glean a sense of her good friend's feelings from the small clues in her words and actions.
verb
653 of 727
Bad /
Dangerous
Url
audio
unleash -
To release something powerful or intense, especially something that has been held back; to set free or allow something to happen without restriction.
The storm unleashed heavy rains and strong winds across the region.
verb
654 of 727
Other /
Other
audio
faze -
To disturb or disconcert someone's emotions.
Quincy was naturally calm, so he was never fazed when people yelled at him.
verb
655 of 727
Good /
Exciting
audio
exclaim -
To cry out or speak in strong or sudden emotion
When she realized that she had just won the 100 million dollar lottery, Liz exlaimed, "I've been hoping for this day all my life!"
verb
656 of 727
Other /
Squeeze
Url
audio
squeeze -
To force something into a small or tight space by manipulating its form.
We managed to squeeze six people into the tiny car.
verb
657 of 727
Bad /
Weak
audio
deplete -
To reduce something by a large amount so that there is not enough left, such as resources or money
By the end of the marathon run, Bill felt that his energy was totally depleted, and he could barely walk.
verb
658 of 727
Good /
Flexible
Url
audio
tolerate -
To allow and accept something to happen without trying to stop it.
The teacher said that he would no longer tolerate the students' constantly looking at and typing into cell phones in class.
verb
659 of 727
Other /
Inward
audio
prance -
For a horse to move with high springy steps.
In the empty field, the horse pranced to its heart's content.
verb
660 of 727
Good /
Energy
Url
audio
empower -
To make someone feel stronger and more confident, especially in controlling their life.
The new policy will empower local communities to manage their own resources.
