verb

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Other / Light

shimmer - To shine in such a way that the light seems to glow and shake slightly

The soft light of the sun shimmered upon the empty field.

noun

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Other / Inward

Url

compulsion - A strong, irresistible urge to do something, often against one's better judgement.

His gambling problem stemmed from a deep psychological compulsion.

noun

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Other / Shape

shard - A sharp piece of broken glass, metal, or other hard substance

In his anger, Mike threw the bottle against the wall, and it broke into a thousand dangerous shards.

verb

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Other / Move

squirm - To wriggle or twist the body from side to side, especially as a result of nervousness or discomfort

The gymnast's parents squirmed in their seats as their daughter performed in her event.

verb

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Bad / War

bombard - To attack (a place or person) continuously with bombs, shells, or other missiles

The navy bombarded the enemy with cannon fire in order to overwhelm them quickly.

noun

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Other / Body

gulp - An act of gulping food or drink

Sweating from the heat, Roger took a big gulp of water to cool down.

noun

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Bad / Dislike

Url

acrimony - Showing feelings of anger and bitterness.

The former husband and wife were grateful that after their divorce they still were friends, and that there was no acrimony between them.

verb

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Bad / Unhappy

grieve - To feel great sadness about the loss of something

Eight year old Charlie grieved over his dog Spot when the dog was hit by a car.

noun

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Other / Fast

Url

flashback - A sudden, vivid memory of a past event, often triggered by something in the present. Often used in films and books.

In the movie, there was a flashback showing the hero’s troubled past.

verb

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Other / Sound

rustle - To make a soft, muffled crackling sound like that caused by the movement of dry leaves or paper

The autumn leaves rustled when the dog jumped on the pile.

noun

See verb

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Good / Calm

lull - A temporary interval of quiet or lack of activity

During a rare lull in the middle of the war, soldiers would spend their time reading the newspaper while in the trenches.

noun

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Bad / Hostile

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.