undermine -
To gradually weaken the authority or ability of a person or organization
The polarization and infighting of the members of Congress threatened to undermine its ability to pass meaningful legislation.
verb
230 of 726
Good /
Friendly
Url
audio
placate -
To pacify or appease someone who is upset or agitated.
He tried to placate his upset friend by apologizing and buying a book that he gave as a present.
verb
231 of 726
Good /
New
Url
audio
bloom -
To use and show one's full and complete potential.
The couple really liked each other, but it was only when the married and raised a family that their love really bloomed.
verb
232 of 726
Other /
Move
audio
zigzag -
To move in abrupt alternate right and left turns.
Skiers zigzag constantly in order to generate speed down the mountain.
verb
233 of 726
Bad /
Aggressive
Url
audio
interrogate -
To question someone thoroughly, usually in an aggressive manner.
The detective had to interrogate the suspect to uncover the truth about the crime.
verb
234 of 726
Good /
Big
audio
skyrocket -
For something to increase very quickly.
Because his hi-tech company had an important patent, Bill saw the company's stock price skyrocket.
verb
235 of 726
Other /
Inward
audio
preen -
To devote effort to making oneself look attractive and then admire one's appearance
Before every job interview, Fritz would preen himself in the mirror to make sure he looked presentable.
verb
236 of 726
Bad /
Aggressive
Url
audio
stonewall -
To delay or block a request or process by being evasive and refusing to cooperate.
The government was accused of stonewalling the investigation into the scandal, making it difficult to find witnesses and evidence.
verb
237 of 726
Bad /
Delay
Url
audio
evade -
To escape or avoid something, especially by cleverness or trickery.
The thief managed to evade the police by hiding in an alley.
verb
238 of 726
Other /
Entice
Url
audio
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
239 of 726
Bad /
Dangerous
audio
shatter -
To break or cause to break suddenly and violently into pieces
The force of the explosion shattered the glass windows.
verb
240 of 726
Bad /
Hostile
audio
sully -
To damage the purity or integrity of something; to defile.
Martha spread rumors about Anne, and even though it came out later that the rumors were false, the damage had been done and Anne's reputation was sullied.
