verb

205 of 3202

Bad / Attack

Url audio

retaliate - To take action in response to a perceived wrong or harm, often by doing something negative in return.

In the heat of argument, he retaliated with words, and later regretted his own outburst, and the effect it had on her.

noun

206 of 3202

Good / Successful

audio

prestige - The good reputation that someone has earned because of their achievments

The doctor was afraid that if the community found out he was selling illegal drugs his prestige would be destroyed overnight.

noun

207 of 3202

Bad / Stupid

Url audio

knucklehead - A foolish or unintelligent person; someone who makes silly mistakes.

When he forgot his keys on the kitchen table for the third time this week, he felt like such a knucklehead!

verb

See noun

208 of 3202

Bad / War

Url audio

ambush - To suddenly attack someone after hiding and waiting for them:

The brigade walked quietly to the hidden spot on the hill, patiently until the enemy walked in the valley below, so that they could ambush the unsuspecting enemy, who were taken by surprise.

adjective

209 of 3202

Good / Brave

audio

gallant - Brave, heroic.

In 1826, the defenders of the Alamo made a gallant but unsuccessful attempt to fight off the Mexican troops.

verb

See noun

210 of 3202

Other / Up+Down

audio

cascade - (of water) pour downward rapidly and in large quantities

Tracy felt a sense of calm at the water cascading over the rocks.

noun

211 of 3202

Bad / Disorganized

audio

smithereens - Small pieces

When he dropped the plate onto the floor, it shattered into smithereens.

verb

See noun

212 of 3202

Good / Energy

audio

boost - Help or encourage (something) to increase or improve

Pete bought ten lottery tickets instead of one because he figured that would boost his chances of winning.

noun

213 of 3202

Bad / Strange

audio

riff-raff - Disreputable or undesirable people

Molly dreaded walking past the homeless riff-raff after shopping at the luxury store.

noun

214 of 3202

Bad / Weak

audio

foible - A minor fault or weakness in someone's character.

Before going to sleep, Alan prayed "I am sorry about the terrible thing I did today, but please forgive me because You know that all people make mistakes and have foibles."

adjective

215 of 3202

Other / Body

audio

obese - Extremely fat in a way that is dangerous for health

The WHO says that obesity has reached epidemic proportions globally, with at least 2.8 million people dying each year as a result of being overweight or obese.

noun

See verb

216 of 3202

Bad / Aggressive

audio

purge - The act of getting rid of undesirable things

During the great Purge of 1937-1938, Stalin killed about a million people he felt might threaten his leadership.