polygraph test

Web definitions
A polygraph (popularly referred to as a lie detector) is an instrument that measures and records
several physiological indices such as...
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polygraph_test
some·what

Adverb
To a moderate extent or by a moderate amount: "matters have improved somewhat".
Synonyms
rather - slightly - a little - some - little

v. swin·dled, swin·dling, swin·dles

v.tr.
1. To cheat or defraud of money or property.
2. To obtain by fraudulent means: swindled money from the company.
v.intr.
To practice fraud as a means of obtaining money or property.
n.
The act or an instance of swindling
--

ridicule [N]:- the act of deriding or treating with contempt

chop

v. chopped, chop·ping, chops

v.tr.
1.
a. To cut by striking with a heavy sharp tool, such as an ax: chop wood.
b. To shape or form by chopping: chop a hole in the ice.
c. To cut into small pieces: chop onions; chop up meat.
d. To curtail as if by chopping: chopped off his sentence midway; are going to chop expenses.
2. Sports To hit or hit at with a short swift downward stroke.
v.intr.
1. To make heavy, cutting strokes.
2. Archaic To move roughly or suddenly.
n.
1. The act of chopping.
2.
a. A swift, short, cutting blow or stroke.
b. Sports A short downward stroke.
3. A piece that has been chopped off, especially a cut of meat, usually taken from the rib,
shoulder, or loin and containing a bone.
4.
a. A short irregular motion of waves.
b. An area of choppy water, as on an ocean.

for·feit
n.
1. Something surrendered or subject to surrender as punishment for a crime, an offense, an error,
or a breach of contract.
2. Games
a. Something placed in escrow and then redeemed after payment of a fine.
b. forfeits A game in which forfeits are demanded.
3. A forfeiture.
adj.
Lost or subject to loss through forfeiture.
tr.v. for·feit·ed, for·feit·ing, for·feits
1. To surrender, be deprived of, or give up the right to on account of a crime, an offense, an error,
or a breach of contract.
2. To subject to seizure as a forfeit.

re·strain
tr.v. re·strained, re·strain·ing, re·strains
1.
a. To hold back or keep in check; control: couldn't restrain the tears.
b. To hold (a person) back; prevent: restrained them from going.
2. To deprive of freedom or liberty.
3. To limit or restrict.
Verb1.restrain - keep under control; keep in check; "suppress a smile"; "Keep your temper"; "keep your
cool"

tem·per
v. tem·pered, tem·per·ing, tem·pers

temper - a sudden outburst of anger; "his temper sparked like damp firewood"
temper - a disposition to exhibit uncontrolled anger; "his temper was well known to all his employees"
v.tr.
1. To modify by the addition of a moderating element; moderate: "temper its doctrinaire logic
with a little practical wisdom" (Robert H. Jackson). See Synonyms at moderate.
2. To bring to a desired consistency, texture, hardness, or other physical condition by or as if by
blending, admixing, or kneading: temper clay; paints that had been tempered with oil.
3. To harden or strengthen (metal or glass) by application of heat or by heating and cooling.
4. To strengthen through experience or hardship; toughen: soldiers who had been tempered by
combat.
5. To adjust finely; attune: a portfolio that is tempered to the investor's needs.
6. Music To adjust (the pitch of an instrument) to a temperament.
v.intr.
To be or become tempered.
n.
1. A state of mind or emotions; disposition: an even temper. See Synonyms at mood1.
2. Calmness of mind or emotions; composure: lose one's temper.
3.
a. A tendency to become easily angry or irritable: a quick temper.
b. An outburst of rage: a fit of temper.
4. A characteristic general quality; tone: heroes who exemplified the medieval temper; the
politicized temper of the 1930s.
5.
a. The condition of being tempered.
b. The degree of hardness and elasticity of a metal, chiefly steel, achieved by tempering.
6. A modifying substance or agent added to something else.
7. Archaic A middle course between extremes; a mean.

tor·ture

n.

1.

a. Infliction of severe physical pain as a means of punishment or coercion.

b. An instrument or a method for inflicting such pain.

2. Excruciating physical or mental pain; agony: the torture of waiting in suspense.

3. Something causing severe pain or anguish.

tr.v. tor·tured, tor·tur·ing, tor·tures

1. To subject (a person or an animal) to torture.

2. To bring great physical or mental pain upon (another). See Synonyms at afflict.

3. To twist or turn abnormally; distort: torture a rule to make it fit a case.

ag·o·nize

v. ag·o·nized, ag·o·niz·ing, ag·o·niz·es

v.intr.

1. To suffer extreme pain or great anguish.

2. To make a great effort; struggle.

rip 1

v. ripped, rip·ping, rips

v.tr.

1. To cut, tear apart, or tear away roughly or energetically. See Synonyms at tear1.

2. To split or saw (wood) along the grain.

3. To subject to vehement criticism or attack: The critic ripped the tedious movie.

4. Informal To produce, display, or utter suddenly: ripped out a vicious oath.

5. Computer Science To copy (audio or audio-visual material from a CD or DVD).

v.intr.

1. To become torn or split apart.

2. Informal To move quickly or violently.

n.

1. The act of ripping.

2. A torn or split place, especially along a seam.

3. A ripsaw.

Phrasal Verbs:

rip into

To attack or criticize vehemently: ripped into her opponent's political record.

rip of Slang

1. To steal from: thieves who ripped off the unsuspecting tourist.

2. To steal: ripped off a leather jacket while ostensibly trying on clothes.

3. To exploit, swindle, cheat, or defraud: a false advertising campaign that ripped off consumers.

an·noy
tr.v. an·noyed, an·noy·ing, an·noys
1. To cause slight irritation to (another) by troublesome, often repeated acts.
2. Archaic To harass or disturb by repeated attacks.

[Middle English anoien, from Old French anoier, ennuyer, from Vulgar Latin *inodi re, to
make odious, from Latin in odio, odious : in, in; see in-2 + odi , ablative of odium, hatred; see
od- in Indo-European roots.]
Synonyms: annoy, irritate, bother, irk, vex, provoke, aggravate, peeve, rile
These verbs mean to disturb or trouble a person, evoking moderate anger. Annoy refers to mild
disturbance caused by an act that tries one's patience: The sound of the printer annoyed me.
Irritate is somewhat stronger: I was irritated by their constant interruptions.
Bother implies imposition: In the end, his complaining just bothered the supervisor.
Irk connotes a wearisome quality: The city council's inactivity irked the community.
Vex applies to an act capable of arousing anger or perplexity: Hecklers in the crowd vexed the
speaker.
Provoke implies strong and often deliberate incitement to anger: His behavior provoked me to
reprimand the whole team.
Aggravate is a less formal equivalent: "Threats only served to aggravate people in such cases"
(William Makepeace Thackeray).
Peeve, also somewhat informal, suggests a querulous, resentful response to a mild disturbance:
Your flippant answers peeved me.
To rile is to upset and to stir up: It riled me to have to listen to such lies.

ven·ture
n.
1. An undertaking that is dangerous, daring, or of uncertain outcome.
2. A business enterprise involving some risk in expectation of gain.
3. Something, such as money or cargo, at hazard in a risky enterprise.
v. ven·tured, ven·tur·ing, ven·tures
v.tr.
1. To expose to danger or risk: ventured her entire fortune.
2. To brave the dangers of: ventured the high seas in a small boat.
3. To express at the risk of denial, criticism, or censure: "I would venture to guess that Anon.,
who wrote so many poems without signing them, was often a woman" (Virginia Woolf).
v.intr.
1. To take a risk; dare.
2. To proceed despite possible danger or risk: ventured into the wilderness.
Idiom:
at a venture
By mere chance or fortune; at random.

pander
vb
1. (intr; foll by to) to give gratification (to weaknesses or desires)
2. (archaic when tr) to act as a go-between in a sexual intrigue (for)
n also 'panderer
1. a person who caters for vulgar desires, esp in order to make money
2. a person who procures a sexual partner for another; pimp
pander - arrange for sexual partners for others

be·tray

tr.v. be·trayed, be·tray·ing, be·trays

1.

a. To give aid or information to an enemy of; commit treason against: betray one's country.

b. To deliver into the hands of an enemy in violation of a trust or allegiance: betrayed Christ to the
Romans.

2. To be false or disloyal to: betrayed their cause; betray one's better nature.

3. To divulge in a breach of confidence: betray a secret.

4. To make known unintentionally: Her hollow laugh betrayed her contempt for the idea.

5. To reveal against one's desire or will.

6. To lead astray; deceive. See Synonyms at deceive.

Synonyms: deceive, betray, mislead, beguile, delude, dupe, hoodwink, bamboozle, double-cross

de·ceive
v. de·ceived, de·ceiv·ing, de·ceives
v.tr.
1. To cause to believe what is not true; mislead.
2. Archaic To catch by guile; ensnare.
v.intr.
1. To practice deceit.
2. To give a false impression: appearances can deceive.
Synonyms: deceive, betray, mislead, beguile, delude, dupe, hoodwink, bamboozle, double-cross

deceive - cause someone to believe an untruth; "The insurance company deceived me when they told
me they were covering my house"
op·pose
v. op·posed, op·pos·ing, op·pos·es
v.tr.
1. To be in contention or conflict with: oppose the enemy force.
2. To be resistant to: opposes new ideas.
3. To place opposite in contrast or counterbalance.
4. To place so as to be opposite something else.
v.intr.
To act or be in opposition.
.
Synonyms: oppose, fight, combat, resist, withstand, and contest.
pique
A state of vexation caused by a perceived slight or indignity; a feeling of wounded pride.
tr.v. piqued, piqu·ing, piques
1. To cause to feel resentment or indignation.
2. To provoke; arouse: The portrait piqued her curiosity.
3. To pride (oneself): He piqued himself on his stylish attire.
a·brupt

adj.

1. Unexpectedly sudden: an abrupt change in the weather.

2. Surprisingly curt; brusque: an abrupt answer made in anger.

3. Touching on one subject after another with sudden transitions: abrupt prose.

4. Steeply inclined. See Synonyms at steep1.

5. Botany Terminating suddenly rather than gradually; truncate: an abrupt leaf.

steep 1 (st p)

adj. steep·er, steep·est

1. Having a sharp inclination; precipitous.
2. At a rapid or precipitous rate: a steep rise in salaries.
3.
a. Excessive; stiff: a steep price.
b. Ambitious; difficult: a steep undertaking.
n.
A precipitous slope.
[Middle English stepe, from Old English st ap.]

steep ly adv.
steep ness n.
Synonyms: steep1, abrupt, precipitous, sheer2

fist

n.

1. The hand closed tightly with the fingers bent against the palm.

2. Informal A grasp; a clutch: had a fortune in their fists and let it go.

3. Printing See index.

tr.v. fist·ed, fist·ing, fists

1. To clench into a fist.

2. To grasp with the fist.

clench (kl nch)

tr.v. clenched, clench·ing, clench·es

1. To close tightly: clench one's teeth; clenched my fists in anger.

2. To grasp or grip tightly: clenched the steering wheel.

3. To clinch (a bolt, for example).

4. Nautical To fasten with a clinch.

n.

1. A tight grip or grasp.

2. Something, such as a mechanical device, that clenches or holds fast.

3. Nautical See clinch.

1.clench - hold in a tight grasp; "clench a steering wheel"

pry (pr )
tr.v. pried (pr d), pry·ing, pries (pr z)
1. To raise, move, or force open with a lever.
2. To obtain with effort or difficulty: pried a confession out of the suspect.
n. pl. pries (pr z)
Something, such as a crowbar, that is used to apply leverage.
1. pry - to move or force, especially in an effort to get something open; "The burglar jimmied the lock":
"Raccoons managed to pry the lid off the garbage

ad·e·quate ( d -kw t)

adj.

1. Sufficient to satisfy a requirement or meet a need. See Synonyms at sufficient.

2. Barely satisfactory or sufficient: The skater's technique was only adequate.

[Latin adaequ tus, past participle of adaequ re, to equalize : ad-, ad- + aequ re, to make equal,
from aequus, equal.]

ad e·qua·cy (-kw -s ), ad e·quate·ness n.

ad e·quate·ly adv.

2.adequate - sufficient for the purpose; "an adequate income"; "the food was adequate"; "a decent
wage"; "enough food"; "food enough"

a·mend

v. a·mend·ed, a·mend·ing, a·mends

v.tr.

1. To change for the better; improve: amended the earlier proposal so as to make it more
comprehensive.

2. To remove the faults or errors in; correct. See Synonyms at correct.

3. To alter (a legislative measure, for example) formally by adding, deleting, or rephrasing.

4. To enrich (soil), especially by mixing in organic matter or sand.

Synonyms: correct, rectify, remedy, redress, reform, revise and amend

anx·ious adj. anx ious·ly adv.

anx ious·ness n.

1. Uneasy and apprehensive about an uncertain event or matter; worried.

2. Attended with, showing, or causing anxiety: spent an anxious night waiting for the test results.
3. Usage Problem Eagerly or earnestly desirous.
4. worried about what may happen or have happened She is anxious about her father's health.

5. causing worry, fear or uncertainty an anxious moment.

ex·ude ( g-z d , k-s d )

v. ex·ud·ed, ex·ud·ing, ex·udes

v.intr.
To ooze forth.
v.tr.
1. To discharge or emit (a liquid or gas, for example) gradually.
2. To exhibit in abundance: a face that exuded self-satisfaction.

exude [ɪgˈzjuːd]
vb
1. (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Biology) to release or be released through pores,
incisions, etc., as sweat from the body or sap from trees
2. (tr) to make apparent by mood or behaviour he exuded confidence
weep (w p)

v. wept (w pt), weep·ing, weeps

v.tr.

1. To shed (tears) as an expression of emotion: weep bitter tears of remorse.

2. To express grief or anguish for; lament: wept the death of the child.
3. To bring to a specified condition by weeping: She wept herself into a state of exhaustion.

4. To exude or let fall (drops of liquid): "cuts the jellied milk into tiny, soft curds that weep whey" (Kit
Snedaker).

v.intr.

1. To express emotion, such as grief or sadness, by shedding tears. See Synonyms at cry.

2. To mourn or grieve: wept for the dead.

3. To emit or run with drops of liquid: a sore that weeps.

1.weep - shed tears because of sadness, rage, or pain; "She cried bitterly when she heard the
news of his death"; "The girl in the wheelchair wept with frustration when she could not get up
the stairs"

Synonyms: cry, weep, wail, keen2, whimper, sob, blubber1

whim·per (hw m p r, w m -)

v. whim·pered, whim·per·ing, whim·pers

v.intr.

1. To cry or sob with soft intermittent sounds; whine. See Synonyms at cry.

2. To complain.

v.tr.

To utter in a whimper.

wail (w l)

v. wailed, wail·ing, wails

v.intr.
1. To grieve or protest loudly and bitterly; lament. See Synonyms at cry.

2. To make a prolonged, high-pitched sound suggestive of a cry: The wind wailed through the trees.

v.tr. Archaic

To lament over; bewail.

n.

1. A long, loud, high-pitched cry, as of grief or pain.

2. A long, loud, high-pitched sound: the wail of a siren.

3. A loud, bitter protest: A wail of misery went up when new parking restrictions were announced.

1.wail - a cry of sorrow and grief; "their pitiful laments could be heard throughout the ward"

Verb1.wail - emit long loud cries; "wail in self-pity"; "howl with sorrow"

howl, ululate, yaup, yawl, roar

cry, scream, shout out, yell, squall, shout, holler, hollo, call - utter a sudden loud cry;
"she cried with pain when the doctor inserted the needle"; "I yelled to her from the
window but she couldn't hear me"

squall, waul, wawl - make high-pitched, whiney noises

2.wail - cry weakly or softly; "she wailed with pain"

mewl, pule, whimper

weep, cry - shed tears because of sadness, rage, or pain; "She cried bitterly when
she heard the news of his death"; "The girl in the wheelchair wept with frustration
when she could not get up the stairs"

vi·ti·ate (v sh - t )

tr.v. vi·ti·at·ed, vi·ti·at·ing, vi·ti·ates

1. To reduce the value or impair the quality of.

2. To corrupt morally; debase.

3. To make ineffective; invalidate. See Synonyms at corrupt.

Synonyms: corrupt, debase, debauch, deprave, pervert, vitiate

shove (sh v)

v. shoved, shov·ing, shoves

v.tr.

1. To push forward or along.

2. To push rudely or roughly. See Synonyms at push.

v.intr.

To push someone or something with force.

n.

The act of shoving; a push.

Noun1.shove - the act of shoving (giving a push to someone or something); "he

gave the door a shove"

Synonyms: push, propel, shove, thrust

mend mend a·ble adj.

mend er n.

v. mend·ed, mend·ing, mends

v.tr.
1. To make repairs or restoration to; fix.
2. To reform or correct: mend one's ways.
v.intr.
1.
a. To improve in health or condition: The patient is mending well.
b. To heal: The bone mended in a month.
2. To make repairs or corrections.
n.
1. The act of mending: did a neat mend on the sock.
2. A mended place: You can't tell where the mend is.
Noun1.mend - sewing that repairs a worn or torn hole (especially in a garment); "her stockings had
several mends"

darn, patch

stitchery, sewing - needlework on which you are working with needle and thread; "she put her sewing
back in the basket"

2.mend - the act of putting something in working order again

fixing, repair, mending, fix, reparation, fixture

el·e·vate ( l -v t )

tr.v. ele·vat·ed, ele·vat·ing, ele·vates

1. To move (something) to a higher place or position from a lower one; lift.

2. To increase the amplitude, intensity, or volume of.

3. To promote to a higher rank.

4. To raise to a higher moral, cultural, or intellectual level.

5. To lift the spirits of; elate. See Synonyms at lift.

elevate [ˈɛlɪˌveɪt]
vb (tr)
1. to move to a higher place
2. to raise in rank or status; promote
3. to put in a cheerful mood; elate
4. to put on a higher cultural plane; uplift to elevate the tone of a conversation
5. (Military / Firearms, Gunnery, Ordnance & Artillery) to raise the axis of a gun
6. to raise the intensity or pitch of (the voice)
7. (Christianity / Roman Catholic Church) RC Church to lift up (the Host) at Mass for adoration
Synonyms: lift, raise, elevate, hoist, heave, boost

jot
n.
The smallest bit; iota.
tr.v. jot·ted, jot·ting, jots
To write down briefly or hastily: jot down an address.

re·gret
v. re·gret·ted, re·gret·ting, re·grets
v.tr.
1. To feel sorry, disappointed, or distressed about.
2. To remember with a feeling of loss or sorrow; mourn.
v.intr.
To feel regret.
n.
1. A sense of loss and longing for someone or something gone.
2. A feeling of disappointment or distress about something that one wishes could be different.
3. regrets A courteous expression of regret, especially at having to decline an invitation.

[Middle English regretten, to lament, from Old French regreter : re-, re- + -greter, to
weep (perhaps of Germanic origin).]

re·gret ter n.
Synonyms: regret, sorrow, grief, anguish, woe, heartache, heartbreak

snuff
v. snuffed, snuff·ing, snuffs
v.tr.
1. To inhale (something) audibly through the nose; sniff.
2. To sense or examine by smelling; sniff at.
v.intr.
To sniff; inhale.
n.
The act of snuffing or the sound produced by it; a snuffle.
snuf - sniff or smell inquiringly

douse 1 also dowse

v. doused also dowsed, dous·ing also dows·ing, dous·es also dows·es

v.tr.

1. To plunge into liquid; immerse. See Synonyms at dip.

2. To wet thoroughly; drench.

3. To put out (a light or fire); extinguish.

v.intr.

To become thoroughly wet.

n.

A thorough drenching.

douse - put out, as of a candle or a light; "Douse the lights"

souse
v. soused, sous·ing, sous·es
v.tr.
1. To plunge into a liquid.
2. To make soaking wet; drench.
3. To steep in a mixture, as in pickling.
4. Slang To make intoxicated.
v.intr.
To become immersed or soaking wet.
n.
1. The act or process of sousing.
2.
a. Food steeped in pickle, especially pork trimmings.
b. The liquid used in pickling; brine.
3. Slang
a. A drunkard.
b. A period of heavy drinking; a binge.
1.souse - a person who drinks alcohol to excess habitually

1.souse - cover with liquid; pour liquid onto; "souse water on his hot face"

3.souse - become drunk or drink excessively

re·straint
n.
1. The act of restraining or the condition of being restrained.
2. Loss or abridgment of freedom.
3. An influence that inhibits or restrains; a limitation.
4. An instrument or a means of restraining.
5. Control or repression of feelings; constraint.
con·demn
tr.v. con·demned, con·demn·ing, con·demns
1. To express strong disapproval of: condemned the needless waste of food.
2. To pronounce judgment against; sentence: condemned the felons to prison.
3. To judge or declare to be unfit for use or consumption, usually by official order: condemn an
old building.
4. To lend credence to or provide evidence for an adverse judgment against: were condemned by
their actions.
5. Law To appropriate (property) for public use.
im·pli·cate
tr.v. im·pli·cat·ed, im·pli·cat·ing, im·pli·cates
1. To involve or connect intimately or incriminatingly: evidence that implicates others in the plot.
2. To have as a consequence or necessary circumstance; imply or entail: His evasiveness
implicated complicity.
3. Linguistics To convey, imply, or suggest by implicature.
4. Archaic To interweave or entangle; entwine.

a·shamed
adj.
1. Feeling shame or guilt: Are you ashamed for having lied?
2. Feeling inferior, inadequate, or embarrassed: ashamed of my torn coat.
3. Reluctant through fear of humiliation or shame: ashamed to ask for help.

ac·quit
tr.v. ac·quit·ted, ac·quit·ting, ac·quits
1. Law To free or clear from a charge or accusation.
2. To release or discharge from a duty.
3. To conduct (oneself) in a specified manner: acquitted herself well during the interview.
4. Obsolete To repay.
ac·quit ter n.
1.acquitted - declared not guilty of a specific offense or crime; legally blameless; "he
stands acquitted on all charges"; "the jury found him not guilty by reason of insanity"

not guilty

re·veal
tr.v. re·vealed, re·veal·ing, re·veals
1.
a. To make known (something concealed or secret): revealed a confidence.
b. To bring to view; show.
2. To make known by supernatural or divine means: "For the wrath of God is revealed from
heaven" (Romans 1:18).
re·veal a·ble adj.
re·veal er n.
re·veal ment n.
ex·ile

n.

1.
a. Enforced removal from one's native country.

b. Self-imposed absence from one's country.

2. The condition or a period of living away from one's native country.

3. One who lives away from one's native country, whether because of expulsion or voluntary absence.

tr.v. ex·iled, ex·il·ing, ex·iles

To send into exile; banish. See Synonyms at banish.

pret·ty

adj. pret·ti·er, pret·ti·est

1. Pleasing or attractive in a graceful or delicate way. See Synonyms at beautiful.

2. Clever; adroit: a pretty maneuver.

3. Very bad; terrible: in a pretty predicament; a situation that has reached a pretty pass.

4. Ostensibly or superficially attractive but lacking substance or conviction: full of pretty phrases.

5. Informal Considerable in size or extent: a pretty fortune.

adv.

1. To a fair degree; moderately: a pretty good student.

2. In a pretty manner; prettily or pleasingly.

n. pl. pret·ties

1. One that is pretty.

2. pretties Delicate clothing, especially lingerie.

tr.v. pret·tied, pret·ty·ing, pret·ties

To make pretty: pretty up the house.

pret ti·ly adv.

pret ti·ness n.

breach
n.
1.
a. An opening, a tear, or a rupture.
b. A gap or rift, especially in or as if in a solid structure such as a dike or fortification.
2. A violation or infraction, as of a law, a legal obligation, or a promise.
3. A breaking up or disruption of friendly relations; an estrangement.
4. A leap of a whale from the water.
5. The breaking of waves or surf.
v. breached, breach·ing, breach·es
v.tr.
1. To make a hole or gap in; break through.
2. To break or violate (an agreement, for example).
Synonyms: breach, infraction, violation, transgression, trespass, infringement

dis·burse

tr.v. dis·bursed, dis·burs·ing, dis·burs·es

To pay out, as from a fund; expend. See Synonyms at spend.

dis•burse

v.t. -bursed, -burs•ing.

1. to pay out (money), esp. for expenses; expend.
2. to distribute.
Synonyms: spend, disburse, expend

ban·ter (b n t r)
n.
Good-humored, playful conversation.
v. ban·tered, ban·ter·ing, ban·ters
v.tr.
To speak to in a playful or teasing way.
v.intr.
To exchange mildly teasing remarks.

[Origin unknown.]

ban ter·er n.
ban ter·ing·ly adv.
Synonyms: banter, chaff2, josh, kid, rag2, razz, rib
These verbs mean to poke fun good-humoredly: bantered with her colleagues during a coffee
break; chaffed him for forgetting the appointment; joshed her brother about his strange new
haircut; kidded me about my outfit; ragged her for being so stubborn; razzed the teammate who
missed the shot; ribbing a friend for being in love.
v. di·vined, di·vin·ing, di·vines

v.tr.

1. To foretell through or as if through the art of divination. See Synonyms at foretell.

2.

a. To know by inspiration, intuition, or reflection.

b. To guess.

3. To locate (underground water or minerals) with a divining rod; douse.

v.intr.

1. To practice divination.

2. To guess.

chaste
adj. chast·er, chast·est
1. Morally pure in thought or conduct; decent and modest.
2.
a. Not having experienced sexual intercourse; virginal.
b. Abstaining from unlawful sexual intercourse.
c. Abstaining from all sexual intercourse; celibate.
3. Pure or simple in design or style; austere.
Un-chaste

ren·der (r n d r)

tr.v. ren·dered, ren·der·ing, ren·ders

1. To submit or present, as for consideration, approval, or payment: render a bill.
2. To give or make available; provide: render assistance.
3. To give what is due or owed: render thanks; rendered homage.
4. To give in return or retribution: He had to render an apology for his rudeness.
5. To surrender or relinquish; yield.
6.
a. To represent in verbal form; depict: "Joyce has attempted . . . to render . . . what our
participation in life is like" (Edmund Wilson).
b. To represent in a drawing or painting, especially in perspective.
7. Computer Science To convert (graphics) from a file into visual form, as on a video display.
8. Music
a. To perform an interpretation of (a musical piece, for example).
b. To arrange: rendered the composition for string quartet.
9. To express in another language or form; translate.
10. To deliver or pronounce formally: The jury has rendered its verdict.
11. To cause to become; make: The news rendered her speechless.
12. To reduce, convert, or melt down (fat) by heating.
13. To coat (brick, for example) with plaster or cement.
ren der·a·ble adj.
ren der·er n
re·frain 1 (r -fr n )

v. re·frained, re·frain·ing, re·frains

v.intr.
To hold oneself back; forbear: refrained from swearing.
v.tr. Archaic
To restrain or hold back; curb.

[Middle English refreinen, from Old French refrener, to restrain, from Latin refr n re :
re-, re- + fr n re, to restrain (from fr num, bridle, from frendere, to grind; see ghrendh- in
Indo-European roots).]

re·frain er n.
re·frain ment n.
Synonyms: refrain1, abstain, forbear1
These verbs mean to keep or prevent oneself from doing or saying something: refrained from
commenting; abstained from smoking; can't forbear criticizing them.
mind (m nd)

n.
1. The human consciousness that originates in the brain and is manifested especially in thought,
perception, emotion, will, memory, and imagination.
2. The collective conscious and unconscious processes in a sentient organism that direct and
influence mental and physical behavior.
3. The principle of intelligence; the spirit of consciousness regarded as an aspect of reality.
4. The faculty of thinking, reasoning, and applying knowledge: Follow your mind, not your
heart.
5. A person of great mental ability: the great minds of the century.
6.
a. Individual consciousness, memory, or recollection: I'll bear the problem in mind.
b. A person or group that embodies certain mental qualities: the medical mind; the public mind.
c. The thought processes characteristic of a person or group; psychological makeup: the criminal
mind.
7. Opinion or sentiment: He changed his mind when he heard all the facts.
8. Desire or inclination: She had a mind to spend her vacation in the desert.
9. Focus of thought; attention: I can't keep my mind on work.
10. A healthy mental state; sanity: losing one's mind.
v. mind·ed, mind·ing, minds
v.tr.
1. To bring (an object or idea) to mind; remember.
2.
a. To become aware of; notice.
b. Upper Southern U.S. To have in mind as a goal or purpose; intend.
3. To heed in order to obey: The children minded their babysitter.
4. To attend to: Mind closely what I tell you.
5. To be careful about: Mind the icy sidewalk!
6.
a. To care about; be concerned about.
b. To object to; dislike: doesn't mind doing the chores.
7. To take care or charge of; look after.
v.intr.
1. To take notice; give heed.
2. To behave obediently.
3. To be concerned or troubled; care: "Not minding about bad food has become a national
obsession" (Times Literary Supplement).
4. To be cautious or careful.

[Middle English minde, from Old English gemynd; see men-1 in Indo-European roots.]

mind er n.
Synonyms: mind, intellect, intelligence, brain, wit1, reason

hin·der 1 (h n d r)
v. hin·dered, hin·der·ing, hin·ders
v.tr.
1. To be or get in the way of.
2. To obstruct or delay the progress of.
v.intr.
To interfere with action or progress.

[Middle English hindren, from Old English hindrian; see ko- in Indo-European roots.]

hin der·er n.
Synonyms: hinder1, hamper1, impede, obstruct, block, dam1, bar1
These verbs mean to slow or prevent progress or movement. To hinder is to hold back and often
implies stopping or prevention: The travelers were hindered by storms.
To hamper is to hinder by or as if by fastening or entangling: His clothes hampered his efforts to
swim to safety.
To impede is to slow by making action or movement difficult: "Our journey was impeded by a
thousand obstacles" (Mary Shelley).
Obstruct implies the presence of obstacles: A building obstructed our view of the mountains.
Block refers to complete obstruction that prevents progress, passage, or action: "Do not block the
way of inquiry" (Charles S. Peirce).
Dam suggests obstruction of the flow, progress, or release of something: She dammed the brook
to form a pool. He dammed up his emotions.
To bar is to prevent entry or exit or prohibit a course of action: The legislature passed laws that
bar price fixing.
ex·plain ( k-spl n )

v. ex·plained, ex·plain·ing, ex·plains

v.tr.
1. To make plain or comprehensible.
2. To define; expound: We explained our plan to the committee.
3.
a. To offer reasons for or a cause of; justify: explain an error.
b. To offer reasons for the actions, beliefs, or remarks of (oneself).
v.intr.
To make something plain or comprehensible: Let me explain.
Phrasal Verb:
explain away
1. To dismiss or get rid of by or as if by explaining.
2. To minimize by explanation.

[Middle English explanen, from Latin expl n re : ex-, intensive pref.; see ex- + pl nus, clear;
see pel -2 in Indo-European roots.]

ex·plain a·ble adj.

Synonyms: explain, elucidate, expound, explicate, interpret, construe
These verbs mean to make understandable the nature or meaning of something. Explain is the
most widely applicable: The professor explained the obscure symbols.
To elucidate is to throw light on something complex: "Man's whole life and environment have
been laid open and elucidated" (Thomas Carlyle).
Expound and explicate imply detailed and usually learned and lengthy exploration or analysis:
"We must never forget that it is a constitution we are expounding" (John Marshall). "Ordinary
language philosophers tried to explicate the standards of usage" (Jerrold J. Katz).
To interpret is to reveal the underlying meaning of something by the application of special
knowledge or insight: "If a poet interprets a poem of his own he limits its suggestibility"
(William Butler Yeats).
Construe involves putting a particular construction or interpretation on something: "I take the
official oath today . . . with no purpose to construe the Constitution or laws by any hypercritical
rules" (Abraham Lincoln).
ap·par·ent ( -p r nt, -pâr -)

adj.
1. Readily seen; visible.
2. Readily understood; clear or obvious.
3. Appearing as such but not necessarily so; seeming: an apparent advantage.

[Middle English, from Old French aparant, present participle of aparoir, to appear; see
appear.]

ap·par ent·ly adv.

ap·par ent·ness n.
Synonyms: apparent, clear, clear-cut, distinct, evident, manifest, obvious, patent, plain
These adjectives mean readily seen, perceived, or understood: angry for no apparent reason; a
clear danger; clear-cut evidence of tampering; distinct fingerprints; evident hostility; manifest
pleasure; obvious errors; patent advantages; making my meaning plain.
Usage Note: Used before a noun, apparent means "seeming": For all his apparent wealth, Pat
had no money to pay the rent. Used after a form of the verb be, however, apparent can mean
either "seeming" (as in His virtues are only apparent) or "obvious" (as in The effects of the
drought are apparent to anyone who sees the parched fields). One should take care that the
intended meaning is clear from the context.
pe·des·tri·an

n.

A person traveling on foot; a walker.

adj.
1. Of, relating to, or made for pedestrians: a pedestrian bridge.

2. Going or performed on foot: a pedestrian journey.

3. Undistinguished; ordinary: pedestrian prose. See Synonyms at dull.

dull (d l)

adj. dull·er, dull·est

1. Intellectually weak or obtuse; stupid.

2. Lacking responsiveness or alertness; insensitive.

3. Dispirited; depressed.

4. Not brisk or rapid; sluggish: Business is dull.

5. Not having a sharp edge or point; blunt: a dull knife.

6. Not intensely or keenly felt: a dull ache.

7. Arousing no interest or curiosity; boring: a dull play.

8. Not bright or vivid. Used of a color: a dull brown.

9. Cloudy or overcast: a dull sky.

10. Not clear or resonant: a dull thud.

tr. & intr.v. dulled, dull·ing, dulls

To make or become dull.

[Middle English dul; akin to Old English dol.]

dull ish adj.

dull ness, dul ness n.

dul ly adv.

Synonyms: dull, colorless, drab1, humdrum, lackluster, pedestrian, stodgy, uninspired

These adjectives mean lacking in liveliness, charm, or surprise: a dull, uninteresting performance; a
colorless and unimaginative person; a drab and boring job; a humdrum conversation; a lackluster life; a
pedestrian movie plot; a stodgy dinner party; an uninspired lecture.

Antonym: lively

pes·ter

Verb: Trouble or annoy (someone) with frequent or persistent requests or interruptions: "she
constantly pestered him with telephone calls".

Synonyms: bother - annoy - harass - plague - trouble - molest – vex

both·er

Verb: Take the trouble to do something: "nobody bothered locking the doors"; "didn't bother to ask
why".

Noun: Effort, worry, or difficulty.

hump
n.
1. A rounded mass or protuberance, such as the fleshy structure on the back of a camel or of
some cattle.
2. A deformity of the back in humans caused by an abnormal convex curvature of the upper
spine.
3. Vulgar Slang The act or an instance of having sexual intercourse.
4.
a. A low mound of earth; a hummock.
b. A mountain range.
5. Chiefly British A fit of depression; an emotional slump.
v. humped, hump·ing, humps
v.tr.
1. To bend or round into a hump; arch.
2. Slang
a. To exert (oneself).
b. To carry, especially on the back.
3. Vulgar Slang To engage in sexual intercourse with.
v.intr.
1. Slang To exert oneself.
2. Slang To hurry.
3. Vulgar Slang To engage in sexual intercourse.
snitch

v. snitched, snitch·ing, snitch·es

v.tr.

To steal (something, usually something of little value); pilfer. See Synonyms at steal.

v.intr.

snitch - take by theft; "Someone snitched my wallet!"

To turn informer: He snitched on his comrades.

1. (tr) to steal; take, esp in an underhand way

2. (intr) to act as an informer
n
1. an informer; telltale
2. (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Anatomy) the nose
[of unknown origin]
snitcher n
scowl

v. scowled, scowl·ing, scowls

v.intr.

To wrinkle or contract the brow as an expression of anger or disapproval. See Synonyms at frown.

v.tr.

To express with a frowning facial expression.

n.

A look of anger or frowning disapproval.

frown
v. frowned, frown·ing, frowns
v.intr.
1. To wrinkle the brow, as in thought or displeasure.
2. To regard something with disapproval or distaste: frowned on the use of so much salt in the
food.
v.tr.
To express (disapproval, for example) by wrinkling the brow.
n.
A wrinkling of the brow in thought or displeasure; a scowl.
[Middle English frounen, from Old French froigner, to turn up one's nose, from frogne,
grimace, of Celtic origin.]

frown er n.
frown ing·ly adv.
Synonyms: frown, glower, lower1, scowl
These verbs mean to contract the brows in displeasure: frowns when he is annoyed; glowered
upon being interrupted; lowering at the noisy child; scowled at my suggestion.

gasped past participle, past tense of gasp (Verb)

Verb
1. Inhale suddenly with the mouth open, out of pain or astonishment.

2. Say (something) while catching one's breath, esp. as a result of strong emotion: "gasp out
an apology".

babbling present participle of bab·ble (Verb)

Verb
1. Talk rapidly and continuously in a foolish, excited, or incomprehensible way: "he would
babble on in Spanish".

2. Utter something rapidly and incoherently: "I gasped and babbled, “Look at this!”"; "he
began to babble an apology".

de·prive
tr.v. de·prived, de·priv·ing, de·prives
1. To take something away from: The court ruling deprived us of any share in the inheritance.
2. To keep from possessing or enjoying; deny: They were deprived of a normal childhood by the
war.
3. To remove from office.

bump

Noun
A light blow or a jolting collision.

Verb
Knock or run into someone or something, typically with a jolt: "I almost bumped into him"; "she
bumped the girl".

Synonyms
noun. shock - impact - lump - protuberance
verb. hit - strike - knock - impinge
Noun 1. burglar - a thief who enters a building with intent to steal

ad·e·quate

adj.

1. Sufficient to satisfy a requirement or meet a need. See Synonyms at sufficient.

2. Barely satisfactory or sufficient: The skater's technique was only adequate.

[Latin adaequ tus, past participle of adaequ re, to equalize : ad-, ad- + aequ re, to make equal, from
aequus, equal.]

ad e·qua·cy (-kw -s ), ad e·quate·ness n.

ad e·quate·ly adv.

1.adequate - having the requisite qualities or resources to meet a task; "she had adequate training";
"her training was adequate"; "she was adequate to the job"; "he was equal to the task"

2.adequate - sufficient for the purpose; "an adequate income"; "the food was adequate"; "a decent
wage"; "enough food"; "food enough"

suf·fi·cient
adj.
1. Being as much as is needed.
2. Archaic Competent; qualified.
[Middle English, from Old French, from Latin suffici ns, sufficient-, present participle of
sufficere, to suffice; see suffice.]

suf·fi cient·ly adv.

Synonyms: sufficient, adequate, enough

af·ford
affordable adj
affordability n

tr.v. af·ford·ed, af·ford·ing, af·fords

1. To have the financial means for; bear the cost of: not able to afford a new car.
2. To manage to spare or give up: can't afford an hour for lunch.
3. To manage or bear without disadvantage or risk to oneself: can afford to be tolerant.
4. To make available; provide: a sport affording good exercise; a tree that affords ample shade.
1.aford - be able to spare or give up; "I can't afford to spend two hours with this person"

expend, spend, drop - pay out; "spend money"

2.aford - be the cause or source of; "He gave me a lot of trouble"; "Our meeting afforded much
interesting information"

3.aford - have the financial means to do something or buy something; "We can't afford to send our
children to college"; "Can you afford this car?"

pelt 2
v. pelt·ed, pelt·ing, pelts
v.tr.
1. To strike or assail repeatedly with or as if with blows or missiles; bombard: pelted each other
with snowballs.
2. To cast, hurl, or throw (missiles): children who pelted stones at the neighbors' windows.
3. To strike repeatedly: Hailstones pelted the tent.
v.intr.
1. To beat or strike heavily and repeatedly.
2. To move at a vigorous gait.
n.
1. A sharp blow; a whack.
2. A rapid pace: galloped away at a pelt.
Noun1.pelt - the dressed hairy coat of a mammal

ca·ress
n.
A gentle touch or gesture of fondness, tenderness, or love.
tr.v. ca·ressed, ca·ress·ing, ca·ress·es
1. To touch or stroke in an affectionate or loving manner.
2. To touch or move as if with a caress: soft music that caressed the ears.
3. To treat fondly, kindly, or favorably; cherish

de·sire
tr.v. de·sired, de·sir·ing, de·sires
1. To wish or long for; want.
2. To express a wish for; request.
1. A wish or longing.
2. A request or petition.
3. The object of longing: My greatest desire is to go back home.
4. Sexual appetite; passion.

a·rouse

v. a·roused, a·rous·ing, a·rous·es

v.tr. 4.arousal - mutual sexual fondling prior to sexual intercourse

1. To awaken from or as if from sleep.

2. To stir up; excite: The odd sight aroused our curiosity. See Synonyms at provoke.

3. To stimulate sexual desire in.

3.arousal - awakening from sleep

wakefulness - a periodic state during which you are conscious and aware of the world; "consciousness
during wakefulness in a sane person is pretty well ordered and familiar"

wake·ful
adj.
1. a. Not sleeping or not able to sleep.
b. Without sleep; sleepless.
2. Watchful; alert.
breach

Noun

An act of breaking or failing to observe a law, agreement, or code of conduct.

Verb

Make a gap in and break through (a wall, barrier, or defense): "the river breached its bank".

Synonyms
noun. break - violation - gap - infringement - infraction

verb. break through – break