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wrangle - To have a long and complicated dispute

Even after a year, the senators wrangled over the health-care legislation.

verb

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impose - To force something to be accepted or endured, often against someone's will.

He didn’t want to impose his opinions on others, so he listened when other people talked.

verb

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squash - To suppress or stop something forcefully, like an idea or protest.

The manager tried to squash the rumor as it spread quickly through the company.

verb

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squelch - To inhibit or suppress

The press secretary firmly denied and squelched the false rumors about the president's policy.

verb

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coerce - To force an unwilling person to do something by using force or threats.

Betty was coerced into going medical school by her parents, and she eventually dropped out.

adjective

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invasive - Tending to spread aggressively, often causing harm or disruption.

The invasive plant species quickly took over the garden, choking out native flowers.

noun

See verb

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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.

verb

See noun

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muzzle - Put a muzzle on (an animal)

The wild dog had to be muzzled so it wouldn't bite anybody.

verb

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vie - To compete intensely with others for superiority or a desired goal.

During the World Cup, the best soccer teams vie for the championship title.

verb

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pester - To trouble or annoy someone with frequent or persistent requests or interruptions

Pete just wanted to stare at the sunset, but Lily kept pestering him and breaking his concentration.

adjective

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arrogant - Having an exaggerated sense of one’s own importance or abilities, often to an extent that seems offensive.

The athlete was talented but came across as arrogant in interviews, and that's why he didn't have many fans.

verb

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frisk - The way a police officer or other official passes their hands over someone in search of hidden weapons, drugs, etc.

For many people, the most uncomfortable part of air travel is when the TSA agents frisk their bodies for dangerous materials.