Verb

verb

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Bad / Powerless

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kowtow - To act in an excessively submissive or obedient manner, often to gain favor; to bow or kneel as a sign of deep respect or submission.

In ancient China, people would kowtow before the emperor as a sign of respect.

verb

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Other / Entice

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arouse - To stir up a feeling or emotion such as interest, anger, or excitement.

The teacher's passionate words aroused the curiosity in the students, and they paid attention to everything he said, and they learned a great deal.

verb

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Bad / Unfriendly

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begrudge - To envy someone else's good fortune

Anne didn't begrudge her younger sister's happiness when attending Sarah's graduation from Medical School.

verb

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Bad / Attack

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debunk - To expose the falseness or hollowness of (a myth, idea, or belief)

No matter how many false myths exist, the truth will always debunk them.

verb

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Other / Light

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kindle - To light or set on fire

Stuck in the cold wilderness, Mitch had to kindle a pile of sticks so he wouldn't freeze to death.

verb

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Good / Pleasure

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gratify - To provide pleasure or satisfaction

Though Betty was on a diet, sometimes she gave in and ate a small piece of chocolate to gratify her desire for sweets.

verb

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Bad / Attack

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

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

verb

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Bad / Dishonest

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mooch - To ask for or obtain (something) without paying for it

Vance was on his way to work and didn't have time to talk to the bum who wanted to mooch off of him.

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Good / Love

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idolize - To admire, love, or respect someone excessively, often to the point of worship.

Many young athletes idolize professional sports players and dream of being like them.

verb

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Good / Big

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augment - To improve or enhance the value, quality, or amount of something.

The teacher used real-world examples and many charts and pictures to augment the lesson to help the class understand the subject.

verb

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Bad / Unfriendly

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chastise - To scold or criticize someone severely for doing something wrong.

He was chastised by his coach for not following the game plan.

verb

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Other / Up-Down

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swoop - (especially of a bird) To move rapidly downward through the air

Once it spotted its prey on the ground, the eagle swooped in with its talons ready.