Verb

verb

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Bad / Mistake

Url audio

backfire - To have the opposite effect of what was intended, usually producing a negative result.

At the company meeting, his attempt to lie backfired, and when the truth came out, he was very embarrassed.

verb

98 of 729

Bad / Attack

audio

mangle - To severely mutilate, disfigure, or damage by cutting, tearing, or crushing

The speeding car was mangled beyond belief when it hit the tree at 80 miles an hour.

verb

99 of 729

Good / Friendly

Url audio

reconcile - To bring two or more people or groups into a state of harmony or understanding after a disagreement or conflict.

After a long argument, they managed to reconcile their differences and rebuild their relationship, realizing how much they valued each other.

verb

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Other / Sound

Url audio

amplify - To increase the strength, effect, or intensity of something.

Social media can amplify both positive and negative messages.

verb

101 of 729

Bad / Aggressive

audio

brandish - To wave or flourish (something, especially a weapon) as a threat or in anger or excitement

Once he saw the burglar, Terry brandished his gun in order to scare him off.

verb

102 of 729

Bad / Disorganized

audio

scramble - To mix together in a confused way

During the first week of school, the teacher has hopelessly scrambled our names and faces.

verb

103 of 729

Bad / Powerless

audio

plead - To make an emotional appeal

The starving orphan pleaded with the cook to give him more porridge.

verb

104 of 729

Other / Move

audio

yank - To quickly pull something

Edmund yanked the cord on the lawnmower to get it started.

verb

105 of 729

Bad / Dangerous

Url audio

perish - To cease to exist or come to an end; disappear or be destroyed.

Many brave soldiers perished in the battle.

verb

106 of 729

Other / Stop

Url audio

deter - To prevent (or aim to prevent) the occurrence of something through fear of consequences.

A barking dog can deter burglars from breaking into a home.

verb

107 of 729

Good / Love

audio

fondle - To stroke or caress in a loving way.

Hank's dog loved to have his ears fondled.

verb

108 of 729

Other / Slowly

audio

sway - To move or cause to move slowly or rhythmically backward and forward or from side to side

Danny felt at ease in the hammock as he gently swayed back and forth.