insidious -
Proceeding in a gradual, subtle way, but with harmful effects
The effects of climate change are so insidious that they're not noticeable until polar bears have less ice to live on.
verb
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vanquish -
To defeat thoroughly
Alexander the Great vanquished entire countries in his quest to build one of the world's biggest empires.
verb
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puncture -
To burst or break through something, often suddenly and forcefully.
The intense criticism seemed to puncture her confidence, making her doubt her abilities.
verb
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avenge -
To Inflict harm in return for (an injury or wrong done to oneself or another)
Pierre felt that honor compelled him to kill Gaston to avenge Gaston's killing of Pierre's sister, even though he knew that the killing had been unintentional.
noun
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gangster -
A member of a group of violent criminals
Dressed in a sharp suit and carrying a gun, he looked like a gangster on his way to commit a crime.
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coup -
A sudden, violent, and unlawful seizure of power; or a clever and successful achievement.
The French Revolution in 1789 that deposed King Louis XVI and stomed the Bastille was a coup that not many people expected.
verb
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conk -
To hit someone on the head, usually with a heavy object.
The victim showed the police where the robber conked him on the side of the head before he took his wallet.
verb
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demolish -
To pull or knock down something, such as a building.
The old building was demolished in order to make room for a new one to be built in its place.
noun
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hooligan -
A violent young troublemaker, typically one of a gang
Young people without prospects may resort to becoming hooligans in order to vent their frustrations.
noun
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insurrection -
A violent revolt against a government
In October 1917, Lenin led a Bolshevik insurrection that overthrew the Russian government.
noun
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smack -
A sharp slap or blow, typically one given with the palm of the hand
Homer hit himself with a smack when he realized how stupid he had been.
verb
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berate -
To criticize someone in an angry manner
When the private acted in an inappropriate way, his officer berated him to give him the message clearly not to act that way again.
