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tailspin - A rapid loss of control, a state of confusion, panic, or chaos, a sudden and dramatic decline or failure.

Because of engine trouble, the plane suddenly went into a tailspin, and the pilot struggled to regain control.

noun

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brinkmanship - The art or practice of pursuing a dangerous policy to the limits of safety before stopping, typically in politics

At the height of the Cold War, both sides engaged in a risky brinkmanship that nearly cost millions of lives.

noun

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dilemma - A situation in which a difficult choice has to be made between two or more alternatives, especially equally undesirable ones

Life is filed with dilemmas, often leading to no good outcome.

adjective

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addictive - The habit-forming quality of a substance or activity that causes someone to become dependent on using it or doing it.

Nicotine is a highly addictive substance found in cigarettes.

verb

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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.

noun

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doomsday - The end of the world, or a time when something very bad will happen, such as great destruction.

Those who are most concerned about global warming describe a doomsday future where coastal ciites will be under water.

verb

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erupt - To explode suddenly after forces can't be held back any longer

After rumbling for a week, the volcano erupted spewing forth rivers of lava

verb

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decay - To gradually deteriorate or break down, becoming weaker and more damaged.

You couldn't see it from the outside, but the termites caused the house to decay from the inside until it just collappsed.

noun

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peril - Serious and immediate danger

Roger was aware of the peril of shark-infested waters, but he truly realized it when it was too late.

noun

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conflagration - a large fire that causes a lot of damage; or a large and violent event.

As the forest fire raged, people were afraid that the conflagration would reach and destroy the houses nearby.

adjective

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treacherous - Hazardous or extremely dangerous conditions.

The already dangerous road on the narrow mountain pass was made even more treacherous by the high incidences of rock falls.

verb

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blast - To explode or destroy something or someone with explosives, or to break through or hit something with a similar, very strong force

While building the tunnel through the mountain, the construction crew blasted its way day by day until it was finished.