Verb

verb

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Other / Move

audio

pierce - To go through something completely, from one end to another

In 1307 during the Swiss revolution, William Tell had to prove his accuracy with bow and arrow by shooting an arrow that pierced the apple sitting on his son's head.

verb

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Bad / Steal

Url audio

blackmail - The act of demanding money or favors from someone by threatening to reveal damaging information.

When he realized that they were blackmailing him, threatening to reveal secrets of his past, he was scared and didn't know what to do.

verb

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Bad / War

audio

quell - To put an end to a rebellion or other disorder, typically by the use of force

The peasants' rebellion against the king was quelled as soon as his army massacred hundreds of them.

verb

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Good / New

Url audio

overhaul - To change a system, process, or organization in a major way.

The company decided to overhaul its outdated website design.

verb

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Other / Squeeze

audio

scour - To clean or brighten the surface of something by rubbing it hard, typically with an abrasive or detergent

Victor would have to use a cleaning solution to scour the rust stains off of his bathtub.

verb

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Other / Up+Down

audio

stagger - To walk or move unsteadily, as if about to fall

After drinking all night at the bar, Omar staggered all the way home.

verb

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Other / Body

audio

guzzle - To drink something quickly.

Diana guzzled the bottle of wine because she was having a bad day.

verb

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Good / Strong

Url audio

tenacious - Not easily letting go or giving up.

Chuchill was tenacious in his resolve to defeat the Germans.

verb

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Good / Smart

audio

validate - To prove that something is true

Henry David Thoreau felt self-confident about his ideas, and he didn't need anyone else to praise him, because he validated his own ideas.

verb

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Bad / Dangerous

audio

burst - To suddenly break apart, spilling its contents, usually as a result of internal pressure.

The old rusted water main under the street burst, causing the road above to flood.

verb

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Bad / Hurt

Url audio

downgrade - To reduce to a lower level of usefulness, status, or importance.

When the policeman broke his arm, his activity was downgraded to a desk job.

verb

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Bad / Uncomfortable

audio

chafe - To be annoyed or lose patience because of rules or limits

Though Ted loved his father (and boss), he chafed under his father's strict supervision, and he was looking forward to the day when his father would retire so he could run the company himself.