Verb

verb

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Good / Smart

Url audio

decipher - To figure out the meaning of something difficult to understand.

The archaeologists worked hard to decipher the ancient symbols on the wall.

verb

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Bad / Aggressive

audio

instigate - To cause an event or situation to happen by starting some actions

Fred was a bully in the school yard, and he always seemed to be instigating a fight or some other kind of trouble.

verb

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Other / Up+Down

Url audio

uproot - To remove or tear away from a native place or environment

The new leader tried to uproot and erase what had been a spirit of bribery and corruption in the government.

verb

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Bad / Dirty

audio

tarnish - To cause a metal to lose its shine, especially as a result of exposure to air or moisture

The spoons were in varying conditions, some of them tarnished until they turned black.

verb

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Bad / Unfriendly

Url audio

relegate - To move someone or something to a less important role or status.

He felt unfairly relegated to simple accounting tasks, despite his superior and varied qualifications and experience.

verb

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Other / Body

audio

grasp - To seize and hold firmly

The baby grasped his father's hand in a gesture of affection.

verb

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Bad / Hurt

audio

stun - To knock unconscious, or to be put into a dazed or semiconscious state

The boxer was stunned by his opponent's powerful punch to his face.

verb

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Other / Fast

audio

hurl - To throw something with great force

It was the bottom of the 9th inning, and Mac hurled the baseball towards the batter, trying to strike him out.

verb

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Good / Love

audio

fondle - To stroke or caress in a loving way.

Hank's dog loved to have his ears fondled.

verb

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Bad / Delay

Url audio

defuse - To reduce the tension or danger in a difficult situation.

The mediator worked hard to defuse the conflict and tension between the two sides that were trying to negotiate an agreement.

verb

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Other / Body

Url audio

sip - To drink very slowly only a very small amount at a time.

He loved this brand of wine, and he sipped it slowly to savor its delicious taste.

verb

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Bad / Dangerous

Url audio

jeopardize - To endanger or threaten the success or safety of something.

Drinking and driving can jeopardize not only your own life but also the lives of others.