Verb
avenge
IPA /əˈvendʒ/
To get back at someone for a wrong or defeat suffered by yourself or another person.
See example sentence: avenge
In the sequel, the hero returns to avenge an attack on his brother.
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Word of the Day
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Noun
attrition
IPA /əˈtrɪʃn/
A gradual weakening caused by repeated attacks, pressure or difficulties.
See example sentence: attrition
In the board game, a long battle of attrition slowly exhausted both players.
Noun
atrocity
IPA /əˈtrɒsəti/
An extremely cruel and violent act, particularly one committed during a war.
See example sentence: atrocity
The documentary included survivors' accounts of an atrocity in their village.
Verb
assuage
IPA /əˈsweɪdʒ/
To reduce an unpleasant feeling such as fear, guilt or worry.
See example sentence: assuage
A reassuring call helped assuage her fears about the journey.
Adjective
ascetic
IPA /əˈsetɪk/
Following a simple, strict way of life that avoids physical comforts and pleasures, often for religious reasons.
See example sentence: ascetic
The book describes an ascetic life with plain food and few possessions.
Verb
arbitrate
IPA /ˈɑːbɪtreɪt/
To officially settle a disagreement between people or groups by considering their arguments.
See example sentence: arbitrate
An independent expert agreed to arbitrate in the neighbours' dispute.
Verb
apprise
IPA /əˈpraɪz/
To give someone information about an event or situation.
See example sentence: apprise
The organiser apprised residents of the change to the collection date.
Noun
antithesis
IPA /ænˈtɪθəsɪs/
The complete opposite of a particular thing or idea.
See example sentence: antithesis
His noisy flat is the antithesis of the peaceful home he wants.
Verb
annul
IPA /əˈnʌl/
To officially declare that an agreement, marriage or decision has no legal validity.
See example sentence: annul
The news report said a court had annulled the election result.
Noun
ambush
IPA /ˈæmbʊʃ/
A surprise attack made by people who have hidden and waited for someone to arrive.
See example sentence: ambush
In the adventure film, the travellers escape an ambush beside a bridge.
PUT IT INTO PRACTICE
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