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verb

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undermine - To weaken or damage something, especially gradually or secretly; to sabotage or erode the foundation or support.

Constant criticism from a parent or a boss can undermine a person's self-esteem.

verb

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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.

noun

See verb

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abuse - The act of treating someone or something with cruelty, violence, or harshness, often resulting in harm or injury.

The dog had suffered years of physical and emotional abuse before arriving at the shelter.

adjective

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surly - Bad-tempered and unfriendly

Penny's friendly nature was no match for the surly interviewer who never smiled back.

verb

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scold - To rebuke someone angrily, telling them what you think they did wrong.

When her dog tracked mud onto the carpet, Yvonne scolded him angrily.

verb

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spurn - To reject and push away with disdain, scorn, and contempt

The boss spurned his employee when the employee asked to see the confidential memo.

verb

See noun

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abuse - To speak to someone in an insulting or offensive way.

The child was abused by his caregivers, causing long-lasting emotional trauma.

verb

See noun

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rebuke - Express sharp disapproval or criticism of (someone) because of their behavior or actions

The boss rebuked his employee's behavior with a stern warning.

verb

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shun - To persistently avoid, ignore, or reject (someone or something) through antipathy or caution

When David tried to join in the conversation at the club, they ignored him, and he suspected that he was being shunned because he had a different religion than they did.

verb

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antagonize - To cause someone to become hostile or angry.

When he met someone new, he was honest about his political point of view though he knew there was a risk it would antagonize the other person.

verb

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shame - To publicly disgrace or dishonor someone, making them feel humiliated or guilty.

The media shamed the mayor when it revealed that he had accepted a bribe.

noun

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mockery - Teasing and contemptuous language or behavior directed at a particular person or thing

"Saturday Night Live" frequently engages in mockery, especially when it comes to impersonating U.S. presidents.