Verb

verb

1 of 708

Other / Up-Down

Url audio

escalate - To increase in intensity, seriousness, or severity.

The argument quickly escalated into a bitter fued that took a long time to recover from.

verb

2 of 708

Good / Strong

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.

verb

3 of 708

Good / Big

Url audio

billow - To cause the sky or an object to be filled with smoke, air, or steam.

During the early 20th century, the skies above many cities were filled with billowing clouds of smoke coming from factory chimneys.

verb

4 of 708

Other / Entice

audio

implore - To beg someone earnestly or desperately for something.

Alan implored the judge to have mercy on his situation, and not give him more than a short sentence.

verb

5 of 708

Bad / Dishonest

audio

hoodwink - To deceive or trick someone.

The con man surveyed the crowd in order to find someone to hoodwink.

verb

6 of 708

Other / Light

Url audio

extinguish - To put out a flame, fire, or light.

She extinguished the candle before leaving the room.

verb

7 of 708

Bad / Dangerous

audio

taint - To contaminate or pollute something.

In many third-world countries, tainted water is the only available drinking source despite its unhealthy effects.

verb

8 of 708

Good / Friendly

Url audio

nourish - To provide food or other substances necessary for growth, health, and good condition; also to support or promote the development of something (like ideas, feelings, or relationships).

She worked hard to nourish her creativity by painting every day.

verb

9 of 708

Good / Smart

audio

demystify - To make something easier to understand

Louis Pasteur demystified why people would get sick, by describing little beings called bacteria that were the cause.

verb

10 of 708

Good / Successful

audio

rehabilitate - To help restore a person to a former successful or healthy condition

After 2 months in the hospital, Jim's main goal was to rehabilitate himself physically in order to resume his former busy schedule.

verb

11 of 708

Good / Smart

Url audio

plumb - To explore or examine something in great detail or thoroughly.

Scientists often use mathematics to plumb the depths of the mystery of the universe.

verb

12 of 708

Bad / Attack

Url audio

desecrate - To damage or show contempt toward something that is revered.

They were shocked at how people had desecrated the historical monument.