The crucible

VocabularyAct I and II

snugadjectiveUKUS/sn/(snugger,snuggest)(of aperson)feelingwarm,comfortable, andprotected, or (of aplace,especiallyasmallplace) givingfeelingsofwarmth,comfort, andprotection:Wecurledup inbed, all snug andwarm, andlistenedto thestormoutside.Ibetyourfeetareniceand snug inyourfur-linedboots!fittingclosely:Theseshoesare abittoo snug - do you have them in alargersize?snuglyadverbUKUS/sn.li/She'scurledup snugly in thearmchair,readingabook.If we put thewashingmachineover there thefridgewillfitsnugly(=closely)into thisspace.snugnoun[C]UKUS/sn/(alsosnuggery)UKasmallroomorareain apubwhere only a fewpeoplecansit

snuggleverb[Iusually+ adv/prep]UKUS/sn.l/tomoveyourself into awarmandcomfortableposition,especiallyone in whichyourbodyis against anotherpersonorcoveredby something:Thechildrensnuggleduptotheirmotherto getwarm.I was just snugglingdowninto mywarmduvetwhen myphonerang.

creednoun[C]UKUS/krid/formala set ofbeliefsthatinfluencesthe way youliveSynonymcredo

dallyverb[I]UKUS/dl.i/old-fashionedtowastetimeor do somethingslowlySee alsodilly-dallyPhrasal verbsdally withsbdally withsth

shovelboardShovel`board`n.1.Aboardonwhichagameisplayed,bypushingordrivingpiecesofmetalormoneytoreachcertainmarks;also,thegameitself.Calledalsoshuffleboard,shoveboard,shovegroat,shovelpenny.

2.Agameplayedonboardshipinwhichtheaimistoshoveordrivewithacuewoodendisksintodivisionschalkedonthedeck;-calledalsoshuffleboard.

lyenoun[U]UKUS/la/ahighlyalkalinesubstance, usually eithersodiumhydroxideorpotassiumhydroxide, that cancauseseveredamageorburnsand is used in makingcleaningproductsSoda caustic / lejia

rankleverb[I]UKUS/r.kl/to make someoneannoyedorangryfor alongtime:Theunkindway in which hisgirlfriendlefthim still rankledwithhimlongafter.[+ that]Itstill ranklesthatshe gotpromoted, and I didn't.

maraudernoun[C]UK/mr.dr/US/-r.d/apersonoranimalthat goes from oneplaceto anotherlookingforpeopletokillor things tostealordestroy

parishionernoun[C]UK/pr.n.r/US/-/amemberof aparticularparishunder thecareof apriest,especiallyone who often goes toitschurch

HeathenadjectiveUKUS/hi.n/old-fashioneddisapprovingoffensive(ofpeopleortheirway oflife,activities, andideas) having noreligion, orbelongingto areligionthat is notChristianity,Judaism, orIslam

parochialadjectiveUK/pr.ki.l/US/-ro-/parochialadjective(OF A CHURCH)connectedwith aparish(= anareathat hasitsownchurchorpriest):parochialboundariesparochialadjective(LIMITED)disapprovingshowinginterestonly in anarrowrangeofmatters,especiallythose thatdirectlyaffectyourself,yourtown, oryourcountry:a parochialview/opinionAlthough it's just alocalpaper, itsomehowmanagesnot to be too parochial initsoutlook.parochialismnoun[U]UKUS/-.l.zm/disapprovingpoliticalparochialismparochiallyadverbUKUS/-.li/disapprovingsnobberynoun[U]UK/snb.r.i/US/sn.b-/(alsosnobbishness)disapprovingbehaviourandopinionsthat aretypicalof asnob:Sheaccusedme of snobbery because Isentmysonsto aprivateschool.

snobnoun[C]UK/snb/US/snb/disapprovingC2apersonwhorespectsandlikesonlypeoplewho are of a highsocialclass, and/or apersonwho hasextremelyhighstandardswho is notsatisfiedby the things thatordinarypeoplelike:He's afrightfulsnob - if you haven't been to therightschoolheprobablywon'tevenspeakto you.I'mafraidI'm abitof awinesnob/a snob wherewineisconcerned.

citadelnoun[C]UK/st..del/US/st-/citadelnoun[C](BUILDING)astrongcastlein or near acity, wherepeoplecanshelterfromdanger,especiallyduring awar:Thetownhas a 14thcenturycitadeloverlookingtheriver.citadelnoun[C](ORGANIZATION)literaryapowerfulorganizationin whichfindingajobisdifficultfor someone who does notknowpeoplewhoworkthere:At theageof 32, shemanagedtoenterone of the citadels of highfashion.

standverbUKUS/stnd/(stood,stood)standverb(VERTICAL)A2[IorT]to be in averticalstateor to put into averticalstate,especially(of apersonoranimal) by making thelegsstraight:Granny says if she stands for alongtimeherankleshurt.As asignofpolitenessyou should stand(up)when she comes in.Standstilland bequiet!After theearthquakenot asinglebuildingwasleftstanding in thevillage.Stand thebottlesonthetableover there.See alsoMore examplesstandverb(STATE)C1[I,L only+ adj]to be in,causeto be in, or get into aparticularstateorsituation:How do youthinkyourchancesstand(= are)of beingofferedthejob?Thenationaldebtstandsat55billiondollars.Thehousestoodemptyforyears.Martina iscurrentlystanding second in theworldlistings.[+ to infinitive]Ourfirmstandstolose(= willlose)a lot ofmoneyif thedealisunsuccessful.We really can'tallowthecurrentsituationto stand(= toexistinitscurrentform).Newton'slawsofmechanicsstood(= werethoughtto becompletelytrue)for over two hundredyears.Leave themixtureto stand(= do nottouchit)for 15minutesbefore use.It would bedifficultfor her to stand muchlower/higherinmyopinion(= for me to have aworse/betteropinionof her)after the way shebehavedat theparty.She's veryblunt, but at least youknowwhere you stand with her(= youknowwhat shethinksand how she islikelytobehave).formalYou standaccusedofmurder, how do youplead?stand trialC2to be put ontrialin alawcourt:Two other men are to standtrialnextmonthfortheirpartin thebombing.More examplesstandverb(PLACE)B2[IorT,usually+ adv/prep]to be in,causeto be in, or put into aparticularplace:Theroomwasemptyexcept for awardrobestanding in onecorner.Stand thepaintingsagainst thewallwhile wedecidewhere tohangthem.Thephotographshowsthehappycouplestanding beside abananatree.[Iusually+ adv/prep]Vehicles that are standing arewaiting:Thetrainnow standingatplatform8 is the 15.17 for Cardiff.no standingUS(UKno waiting)used onsignstomeanvehiclesare notallowedtopark,evenforshortperiodsoftime:Thesignby thesideof theroadsaid "no standing".More examplesstandverb(ACCEPT)B1[Tusually in negatives]tosuccessfullyacceptorbearsomething that isunpleasantordifficult:I can't stand hervoice.Ourtentwon't stand anotherstormlike the last one.[+ -ing verb]I can't standhearinghercry.More examplesstandverb(POLITICS)C2[I]UK(USalsoUKrun)tocompete,especiallyin anelection, for anofficialposition:Thepresidenthasannouncedshe does notintendto standforre-election.stand a chanceC2to have achanceofsuccess:She stands a goodchanceofpassingherexamif sheworkshard.standverb(HEIGHT)[L only+ noun]to be astatedheight:Even without hisshoeshe stood over twometrestall.standverb(BUY)[T+ two objects]tobuysomething,especiallyamealor adrink, for someone:I couldn't get to thebank, so could you stand melunch?standverb(OPINION)C2[Iusually+ adv/prep]to have as anopinion:How/Where does he standonforeignpolicyissues?Idiomscan't stand the sight ofsb/sthfrom wheresbstandsPhrasal verbsstand aroundstand asidestandnounUKUS/stnd/standnoun(SPORT)[C]UKalargestructureat asportsground, usually with aslopingfloorand sometimes aroof, wherepeopleeither stand orsittowatchasportseventComparegrandstandstands[plural]a stand:Fightingbrokeout in the stands fiveminutesbefore the end of thematch.standnoun(OPINION)[C]anopinion,especiallyone that ispublic:What's her standonsexualequality?standnoun(COURT)US(UKwitness box)[C]theplacein which apersonstands in alawcourtwhen they are beingaskedquestions:Thewitnesstookthe stand(= went to theplacein acourtwhere you stand andanswerquestions).standnoun(SHOP)C1[C]asmallshoporstallor anareawhereproductscan beshown, usuallyoutsideor in alargepublicbuilding, at whichpeoplecanbuythings or getinformation:ahotdogstandOver three thousandcompanieswill have stands at this year'smicroelectronicsexhibition.See alsonewsstandstandnoun(FRAME)C2[C]aframeorpieceoffurnitureforsupportingor putting things on:amusicstandahatstandstandnoun(OPPOSITION)C2[Cusually singular]anactofopposition,especiallyinordertodefendsomeone or something:Environmentalgroupsaremaking astandagainstthe newroadthrough thevalley.See alsostand out againststh/sbstandnoun(PERFORMANCES)[Cusually singular]USaparticularnumberorperiodofperformances:The Orioles will be intownfor a three-game stand.

innateadjectiveUKUS/net/C2An innatequalityorabilityis one that you werebornwith, not one you havelearned:Cyril's mostimpressivequalitywas his innategoodness.innatelyadverbUKUS/-li/I don'tbelievethathumanbeingsare innatelyevil.

defileverb[T]UKUS/dfal/formaltospoilsomething or someone so that that thing orpersonis lessbeautifulorpure:It's ashamethat such abeautifulareahas been defiled by arubbishdump.Thesoldiersdeliberatelydefiled all theholyplaces.defilementnoun[U]UKUS/-mnt/defilenoun[C]UKUS/dfal/literarya verynarrowvalleybetween twomountains

deceitnoun[CorU]UKUS/dsit/(anactof)keepingthetruthhidden,especiallyto get anadvantage:Thestoryis abouttheft,fraud, and deceit on anincrediblescale.When thenewspaperspublishedthefullstory, all hisearlierdeceits wererevealed.deceitfuladjectiveUKUS/-fl/deceitfulbehaviourdeceitfullyadverbUKUS/-f.li/deceitfulnessnoun[U]UKUS/-fl.ns/steadyadjectiveUKUS/sted.i/steadyadjective(GRADUAL)B2happeningin asmooth,gradual, andregularway, notsuddenlyorunexpectedly:Theprocessionmovedthrough thestreetsat a steadypace.Orders for newshipsarerising, after severalyearsof steadydecline.Over the last tenyearshe hasproduceda steadyflow/stream/trickleofarticlesandpapers.Progress has beenslowbutsteady.More examplessteadyadjective(FIRM)B2fixedand notmovingorchangingsuddenly:I'llholdtheboatsteady while youclimbin.Mostrentalpriceshaveheldsteady thisyear.Youngpeopleassumethat if you are in a steadyrelationship, you don't have toworryaboutHIV.steady job/workC2workthat islikelytocontinuefor alongtimeand for which you will bepaidregularly:Owningyourownhomeand having a steadyjobwillhelpwhenapplyingfor aloan.steadyadjective(CONTROLLED)B2undercontrol:a steadyvoice/look/gazeYou need steadynervestodriveincitytraffic.Painting thesesmalldetailsneedsa steadyhand.used todescribesomeone who can betrustedto show goodjudgmentandactin areasonableway:a steadyfriendsteadinessnoun[U]UKUS/-ns/Idiomsgo steady onsthsteady on!steadyverb[T]UKUS/sted.i/steadyverb[T](STOP MOVING)to make somethingstopshakingormoving:Hewobbledabout on thebikeand then steadied himself.He steadied hisrifleon thewallandfired.steadyverb[T](CONTROL)tobecomecalmandcontrolled, or to make someone do this:Somepeoplesay that adrinkwill steadyyournerves.steadyadverbUKUS/sted.i/old-fashionedgo steady (withsb)to have aromanticrelationshipwith onepersonfor alongperiod:She's been going steady with Mike for sixmonths.

ingratiatingadjectiveUK/nre.i.e.t/US/-t/disapprovingIngratiatingbehaviourisintendedto makepeoplelike you:an ingratiatingsmile/manner

autocraticadjectiveUK/.tkrt.k/US/.tkrt-/relatingto anautocrat:an autocraticruler/regimean autocraticstyleofgovernment/leadership/managementThepresidentresignedafter 30yearsof autocraticrule.autocraticallyadverbUKUS/-.kl.i/autocratnoun[C]UK/.t.krt/US/.t-/arulerwithunlimitedpower, or someone whodemandsthatpeoplecompletelyobeythem

devotedadjectiveUK/dv.td/US/-vo.td/B2extremelylovingandloyal:a devotedfan/husbandLucy is devotedtohercats.More examplesdevotedlyadverbUKUS/-li/

jointadjectiveUKUS/dnt/B2belongingto orsharedbetween two or morepeople:a jointbankaccountTheprojectwas a jointeffortbetween the twoschools(= theyworkedon it together).The twoRussianiceskaterscame joint second(= they were both given secondprize)in theworldchampionships.Incourt, theparentswereawardedjointcustodyoftheirson(= therighttocarefor him wassharedbetween them).More examplesjointlyadverbUKUS/dnt.li/C1The Channel Tunnel was jointlyfundedby theFrenchand British.jointnoun[C]UKUS/dnt/jointnoun[C](BODY)C2aplaceinyourbodywhere twobonesareconnected:anelbow/hip/kneejointAs youbecomeolder,yourjoints getstiffer.putsthout of jointtoforcea joint in thebodyout ofitscorrectpositionbyaccident:I put myshoulderout of joint lastweekendliftingheavyboxes.jointnoun[C](CONNECTION)aplacewhere two things arefastenedtogether:Damp haspenetratedthe joints in thewoodpanelling.jointnoun[C](MEAT)alargepieceofmeatthat iscookedin onepiece:a joint ofbeef/porkapieceofmeatforcooking, usuallycontainingabone:Fry fourchickenjoints in apanwith somemushroomsandgarlic.jointnoun[C](PLACE)C1informalabarorrestaurantthatservesfoodanddrinkatlowprices:We hadlunchat ahamburgerjoint and then went toseeamovie.slangaplacewherepeoplego forentertainment,especiallyone that has abadreputation:Heownedseveralbarsin thecityandrananillegalgamblingjoint.Wearrivedat theclubjust beforemidnightand the joint was alreadyjumping(=busy).jointnoun[C](DRUG)slangacigarettecontainingthedrugcannabisIdiomsputsthout of jointjointverb[T]UKUS/dnt/tocutmeatintolargepiecesreadyforcooking

hintnounUKUS/hnt/hintnoun(INDIRECT STATEMENT)B2[C]something that you say or do thatshows, but notdirectly, what youthinkorwant:[+ that]He'sdropped(= given)several hints to thebossthathe'llquitif he doesn't get apromotion.Did shegiveyou any hints about where she was going?You can'ttake(=understand)a hint, can you? Just go away andleavemealone!More exampleshintnoun(ADVICE)B2[C]apieceofadvicethathelpsyou to do something:Could yougiveus a hintabouthow to do thisexercise,please?Thisrecipebookisfullofhandy(=useful)hints.hintnoun(SMALL AMOUNT)C2[Cusually singular]a verysmallamountof something:There's just a hintofbrandyin thesauce.Idetecteda hintofdoubtin hisvoice.hintverb[I]UKUS/hnt/to say or do something thatshows, but notdirectly, what youthinkorwant:[+ (that)]Mum's hinted(that)she mightpayfor mytripto Mexico.He's hintedatthepossibilityofmovingto Canada.

wonderverbUK/wn.dr/US/-d/wonderverb(QUESTION)B1[I]toaskyourselfquestionsorexpressawishtoknowabout something:[+ question word]Hadn't youbetterphonehome? Yourparentswill be wonderingwhereyou are.He'sstartingto wonderwhetherhe did therightthing inacceptingthisjob.[+ speech]Will thisturkeybebigenough for eight, I wonder?"Have youdecidedwhere you're going nextsummer?" "I've been wonderingabout(=considering)goingto Florida."B1used inphrases, at thebeginningof arequest, to make it moreformalandpolite:[+ speech]I wonder - could youhelpmecarrythesebooks?[+ question word]Iwonder whetheryou couldpassme thebutter?Iwonder ifyou could give me someinformationaboutplacestovisitin thearea?More exampleswonderverb(SURPRISE)[I]formaltofeelorexpressgreatsurpriseat something:[+ (that)]He wasbehavingsobadlyatschooltoday, I wonder(that)he wasn'tsenthome.I don't wonder(that)sheburstintotearsafter the way youspoketo her.IdiomsI shouldn't wonderwondernounUK/wn.dr/US/-d/[U]afeelingofgreatsurpriseandadmirationcausedbyseeingorexperiencingsomething that isstrangeand new:Thesightof the Grand Canyonstretchingout before themfilledthemwithwonder.Theboysgazedin wonderat theshinyredFerrari.[Cusually plural]anobjectthatcausesafeelingofgreatsurpriseandadmiration:Wespentaweekvisitingthe wondersofAncientGreekcivilization.With all the wondersofmoderntechnology, why has no one come up with a way to makeaircraftquieter?[C]informalanextremelyusefulorskilfulperson:Our new babysitter's anabsolutewonder - she'll come at veryshortnoticeand thechildrenloveher.More examplesIdiomsdo/work wondersit's a wonder

paradoxnoun[CorU]UK/pr..dks/US/per..dks/C2asituationorstatementthatseemsimpossibleor isdifficulttounderstandbecause itcontainstwooppositefactsorcharacteristics:[+ that]It's acuriousparadoxthatdrinkinga lot ofwatercan often make youfeelthirsty.paradoxicaladjectiveUK/pr.dk.s.kl/US/per.dk-/C2Itseemsparadoxical to me, but if youdrinkacupofhotteaitseemstocoolyou down.paradoxicallyadverbUK/pr.dk.s.kl.i/US/per.dk-/Thehotthing invideoequipmentis, paradoxically,sound.

gripverbUKUS/rp/(-pp-)gripverb(HOLD)B2[IorT]toholdverytightly:Thebabygripped myfingerwith hertinyhand.Oldtyreswon't grip(=stayon thesurfaceof theroad)in therainvery well.More examplesgripverb(INTEREST)C2[T]tokeepsomeone'sattentioncompletely:Thistrialhas gripped thewholenation.I was grippedthroughouttheentiretwohoursof thefilm.gripverb(EMOTION)C2[Tusually passive]When anemotionsuch asfeargrips you, youfeelitstrongly:Then heturnedtowards me and I wassuddenlygrippedbyfear.gripnounUKUS/rp/gripnoun(CONTROL)[S]controlover something or someone:Rebels havetightenedtheirgriponthecity.More examplesgripnoun(HOLD)B2[Cusually singular]atightholdon something or someone:Shetightenedher griponmyarm.She would notloosenher griponmyarm.gripnoun(BAG)[C]old-fashionedabagfortravellingthat issmallerthan asuitcaseIdiomsget/keep a grip onyourselfbe in the grip ofsthcome/get to grips withsth

theocracynounUK/ik.r.si/US/-.kr-/[C]acountrythat isruledbyreligiousleaders[U]governmentbyreligiousleaderstheocraticadjectiveUK/i.krt.k/US/-krt-/

forgeverbUK/fd/US/frd/forgeverb(COPY)[T]to make anillegalcopyof something inordertodeceive:a forgedpassporta forgedsignatureAnumberof forgedworksofarthave beensoldasgenuine.forgeverb(CREATE)[T]to make orproducesomething,especiallywith somedifficulty:Theaccidentforged aclosebondbetween the twofamilies.She forged a newcareerfor herself as asinger.forgeverb(MOVE)[I+ adv/prep]formaltosuddenlyandquicklymoveforward:Just 100metresfrom thefinishinglineJackson forgedahead.She forged through thesnow.Phrasal verbsforge aheadforgenoun[C]UK/fd/US/frd/aworkingareawith afireforheatingmetaluntil it issoftenough to bebeateninto differentshapes:a blacksmith's forge

groundedadjectiveUKUS/ran.dd/groundedadjective(SENSIBLE)Someone who is grounded makes gooddecisionsand does not say or dostupidthings:He's very groundedeventhough he has so muchmoney.groundedadjective(UNABLE TO MOVE)used todescribeanaircraftthat ispreventedfromflyingfor somereason, or ashipthat cannotmovebecause it hashitsolidgroundgroundedadjective(PUNISHED)Achildoryoungpersonwho is grounded is notallowedto go out as apunishment:Ismashedsomestuffand now I'm grounded for aweek.

groundnounUKUS/rand/groundnoun(LAND)the ground[S]B1thesurfaceof the Earth:Isatdown on the ground.B2[U]soil:soft/stonygroundThe ground wasfrozenhard and wasimpossibletodig.B1[C]anareaoflandused for aparticularpurposeoractivity:afootballgroundskillslearnton thetrainingground(=placewheresportsteamspractise)grounds[plural]C2thegardensandlandthatsurroundabuildingand often have awallorfencearound them:We went for awalkaround thehospitalgrounds.groundnoun(CAUSE)C2[Cusually plural]areason,cause, orargument:She issuingthecompanyongroundsofunfairdismissal.Do you have any groundforsuspectingthem?[+ to infinitive]We have groundstobelievethat you have beenlyingto us.[+ that]Herefusedtoansweron thegroundsthatshe wasunfairlydismissed.groundnoun(AREA OF KNOWLEDGE)C2[U]anareaofknowledgeorexperience:When theconversationturnstopoliticshe'sonfamiliarground(= heknowsa lot about thissubject).Once we'dfoundsomecommonground(= things we bothknewabout)we got on very well together.Thelecturescovereda lot ofground(=includedinformationon many differentsubjects).Ienjoyedher firstnovel, but Ifeltin the second she wasgoing over the sameground(=dealingwith the sameareaofexperience).groundnoun(WIRE)[Cusually singular]US(UKearth)awirethat makes aconnectionbetween apieceofelectricalequipmentand the ground, so theuserisprotectedfromfeelinganelectricshockif theequipmentdevelopsafaultgroundnoun(COFFEE)grounds[plural]thesmallgrainsofcoffeeleftat thebottomof acupor othercontainerthat has hadcoffeein itSee alsogrindIdiomsdrive/workyourselfinto the groundget (sth) off the groundgo/be run to groundon the groundgroundverbUKUS/rand/groundverb(GRIND)past simple and past participle ofgrindgroundverb(KEEP ON LAND)be groundedIf ashipis grounded, it cannotmovebecause it hashitsolidground:Theoiltankerwas groundedonasandbank.[Toften passive]Ifaircraftare grounded, they arepreventedfromflyingororderednot tofly:Thesnowstormmeantthat allplaneswere grounded.groundverb(PUNISH)[T]toforbid(=refusetoallow)achildoryoungpersonfrom going out as apunishment:Myparentshave grounded me for aweek.groundverb(PUT WIRE)[Tusually passive]US(UKearth)toconnectapieceofelectricalequipmentto the ground with awire:You could get anastyshockfrom thatwaterheaterif it isn't groundedproperly.groundverb(CAUSE)be grounded insthformalto bebasedfirmlyon something:Fiction should be grounded inreality.Mostphobiasare grounded inchildhoodexperiences.See alsowell groundedwarrantverbUK/wr.nt/US/wr-/warrantverb(MAKE NECESSARY)[T]to make aparticularactivitynecessary:Obviously what she did waswrong, but I don'tthinkit warrantedquitesuchseverepunishment.It's arelativelysimpletaskthat really doesn't warrant agreatdealoftimebeingspenton it.See alsounwarrantedwarrantverb(PROMISE)[IorT]old-fashionedto say that you arecertainabout somethingwarrantnounUK/wr.nt/US/wr-/warrantnoun(DOCUMENT)[C]anofficialdocument,signedby ajudgeor otherpersoninauthority, which gives thepolicepermissiontosearchsomeone'shome,arrestaperson, or take some otheraction:asearchwarrantJudge La Riva hadissuedanarrestwarrant/a warrantforhisarrest.warrantnoun(REASON)[U]old-fashionedareasonfor doing something:There'snowarrant for thatsortofbehaviour!

perverseadjectiveUK/pvs/US/pvs/disapprovingstrangeand not what mostpeoplewouldexpectorenjoy:Jack was being perverse andrefusingtoagreewith anything we said.She took a perversepleasureinhearingthat hersisterwas gettingdivorced.perverselyadverbUKUS/-li/Thebestway tounderstandthisbookis tostart, perversely, at the end.perversitynoun[CorU]UK/-v.s.ti/US/-v.s.ti/Theauthorof thebookseemsto beobsessedwithsexualperversity.

hatrednoun[U]UKUS/he.trd/C1anextremelystrongfeelingofdislike:What is veryclearin theselettersis Clark'spassionatehatredofhisfather.Themotivefor thisshockingattackseemsto beracialhatred.

vengeancenoun[U]UKUS/ven.dns/thepunishingof someone forharmingyou oryourfriendsor family, or thewishfor suchpunishmenttohappen:On thedayafter theterroristattack, theoverallmoodin thetownwas one of vengeance.As hecradledhis daughter'slifelessbodyin hisarms, heswore(to take)vengeanceonherkillers.Idiomswith a vengeance

injunctionnoun[C]UKUS/ndk.n/anofficialordergiven by alawcourt, usually tostopsomeone from doing something:[+ to infinitive]Thecourthasissuedan injunctiontopreventtheairlinefromincreasingitsprices.[+ -ing verb]She isseekingan injunction banningthenewspaperfrompublishingthephotographs.

bickerverb[I]UK/bk.r/US/-/disapprovingtoargueabout things that are notimportant:Will you twostopbickering!They're always bickeringwitheach otherabout/overtheirpersonalproblems.bickeringnoun[U]UKUS/-/Thegroupfinallyelectedaleaderafter severaldaysof bickering.

boundarynoun[C]UK/ban.dr.i//-dri/US/-d-/C1arealorimaginedlinethatmarkstheedgeorlimitof something:The Uralmountainsmarkthe boundarybetweenEuropeandAsia.Residents areopposedto theprisonbeingbuiltwithinthecityboundary.C1thelimitof asubjectorprinciple:Electronicpublishingisblurringthe boundaries betweendictionariesandencyclopedias.

deednoun[C]UKUS/did/deednoun[C](ACTION)anintentionalact,especiallya verybador very good one:Itseemsto me that a lot ofevildeeds aredonein thenameofreligion.She's alwayshelpingpeopleanddoinggooddeeds.deednoun[C](DOCUMENT)specializedlawalegaldocumentthat is anofficialrecordof anagreementorofficialproofthat someoneownslandor abuilding

burst outphrasal verbwithburstUK/bst/US/bst/verb(burst,burst)C2tosuddenlysay somethingloudly:"Don't go!" heburstout.

revengenoun[U]UKUS/rvend/B2harmdone to someone as apunishmentforharmthat they have done to someoneelse:Shetook/got/exacted(her) revengeonhimforleavingher bysmashingup hiscar.He isbelievedto have beenshotby arivalganginrevengeforthe shootings lastweek.More examplesIdiomsrevenge is sweetrevengeverb[T]UKUS/rvend/toharmsomeone as apunishmentforharmthat they have done to you:to revenge adeath/defeat/injusticeTheredteamrevenged themselvesontheblueteambywinningthesemifinal.

mumbleverb[IorT]UKUS/mm.bl/B2tospeakquietlyand in a way that is notclearso that the words aredifficulttounderstand:She mumbledsomethingabout being toobusy.[+ speech]"I'msorry," he mumbled.

weepverbUKUS/wip/(wept,wept)weepverb(CRY)C2[IorT]literarytocrytears:People in thestreetweptwithjoywhenpeacewasannounced.She weptbuckets(=crieda lot)when Paulleft.More examplesweepverb(INJURY)[I](of aninjury) toproduceliquidsuch aspus:Thesoreis still weeping a lot so you'll have tochangethedressingonceaday.weepnoun[S]UKUSliteraryIt mighthelpyou tohave agood weep.

cryverb[IorT]UKUS/kra/cryverb[IorT](PRODUCE TEARS)A2toproducetearsas theresultof astrongemotion, such asunhappinessorpain:I couldhearsomeone crying in the nextroom."There, there, don't cry," she said.We alllaugheduntil we cried.She criedbittertearswhen she got theletter.He criedforjoywhen heheardthat hissonhad beenfoundaliveand well.cryyourselfto sleepto cry for alongtimeuntil youstarttosleepMore examplescryverb[IorT](SHOUT)B1tocalloutloudly:[+ speech]"Look out!" she cried.More examplesIdiomscryyoureyes outcry foulcry wolffor crying out loud!it's no use crying over spilled milkPhrasal verbscry offcry outcry out againststhcry out forsthcrynounUKUS/kra/crynoun(SHOUT)B1[C]aloud, highsoundthatexpressesanemotion:a cry ofdespairB1[C]ashoutmade toattractpeople'sattention:They werewakenedby cries of "Fire!" from the nextroom.C2[C]thenoisethat abirdoranimalmakes:an eagle's cryMore examplescrynoun(TEARS)[S]aperiodof crying:"Go on, have agoodcry," he said,strokingherhair.Idiomsa cry for helpin full cry

stirverbUK/str/US/st/(-rr-)stirverb(MIX)B1[IorT]tomixaliquidor othersubstancebymovinganobjectsuch as aspoonin acircularpattern:Stir thesaucegentlyuntil itbeginstoboil.Stir theeggyolksintothemixture.Shepausedto stir somemilkintohercoffee.Slowlyaddtheflour, stirring untilcompletelyblended.stirverb(MOVE)C2[IorT]tomoveor tocausesomething tomoveslightly:Alightbreezestirred theleaveslyingon thepath.He stirred in hissleepas Ikissedhim.stir (yourself)towakeup orbegintomoveor takeaction:Come on, stir yourselves, or you'll be late!Thealarmclockwent off, but she didn't stir.stirverb(CAUSE EMOTION)C2[T]If something stirs you, it makes youfeelastrongemotion:I wasdeeplystirred by herperformance.[+ obj + to infinitive]Thespeechstirred thecrowdtotakeaction.[I]literaryIf anemotionstirs within you, youbegintofeelit:Hope stirred within herheart.[I]UKinformaldisapprovingtocausetroubleintentionallybetween otherpeople,especiallybytellingfalseorsecretinformation:There's a lot ofgossipabout me going around. Have you been stirring?See alsoIdiomsstir the bloodPhrasal verbsstirsthupstirnounUK/str/US/st/stirnoun(MIX)[Cusually singular]theactof stirring aliquidor othersubstanceinordertomixit:Could yougivethesoupaquickstir?stirnoun(EXCITEMENT)[U]informala lot ofinterestorexcitement:Thescandalcaused/createdquitea stir at thetime.stirnoun(MARCH)[Cusually singular]Indian Englishanoccasionwhen agroupofpeoplemarchorstandtogether to show that theydisagreewith orsupportsomething or someone; ademonstration

heartyadjectiveUK/h.ti/US/hr.ti/heartyadjective(ENTHUSIASTIC)enthusiastic,energetic, and oftenloudlyexpressed:a heartywelcomea heartylaughheartyadjective(LARGE)largeor (especiallyoffood) inlargeamounts:Weatea heartybreakfastbefore we set off.She's got a heartyappetite(= sheeatsa lot).old-fashionedverygreat:She has a heartydislikeof anysortofofficework.

scrambleverbUKUS/skrm.bl/scrambleverb(MOVE QUICKLY)C2[Iusually+ adv/prep]tomoveorclimbquicklybut withdifficulty, often usingyourhandstohelpyou:She scrambledupthesteephillsideandovertherocks.He scrambledintohisclothes(= put them onquickly)andracedtofetchadoctor.As theburningplanelanded, theterrifiedpassengersscrambledforthedoor(=triedtoreachthedoorquickly).[I]tocompetewith otherpeoplefor something there is very little of:[+ to infinitive]People are scramblingtobuypropertybeforepricesriseevenfurther.More examplesscrambleverb(CHANGE SIGNAL)[T]tochangearadioorphonesignalso that it can only beunderstoodusing aspecialdevicescrambleverb(TAKE OFF)[IorT]specializedmilitaryto (causeaplaneto) take off veryquickly:Ahelicopterwas scrambled withinminutesof thenews.scrambleverb(MIX)[T]tomixeggswith a littlemilkandmixagain as they are beingfriedscramblenounUKUS/skrm.bl/scramblenoun(CLIMBING)[S]aclimbthat isdifficultso that you have to useyourhandstohelpyou:It wasarealscramble to thetopof thehillside.[S]anactofhurrying:[+ to infinitive]Assoonas theplanelandedthere wasamad/wildscrambletoget out.scramblenoun(QUICK MOVEMENT)[S]ahurriedattemptto get something:After thedeathof thedictatorthere wasanunseemlyscrambleforpoweramong thegenerals.scramblenoun(SPORT)[C]amotocrossevent:We'replanninga scramble through theforestnextweekend.

scramblingnoun[U]UKUS/skrm.bl/motocross

sobverb[I]UK/sb/US/sb/(-bb-)B2tocrynoisily, taking indeepbreaths:Ifoundher sobbing in thebedroombecause she'dbrokenherfavouritedoll.You're not going tohelpmattersbylyingthere sobbing!Idiomssobyourheart outsobnoun[C]UK/sb/US/sb/anactorsoundof sobbing:I couldhearher sobs from the nextroom.

sob storynoun[C]UKUSinformaldisapprovingastoryorpieceofinformationthat someonetellsyou or writes about himself or herself that isintendedto make youfeelsympathyfor thatperson:She came out with somesobstoryabout not having enoughmoneyto go andseeherfatherwho wasill.

clampnoun[C]UKUS/klmp/adevicemade ofwoodormetalthat is used toholdtwo things togethertightly:Carefullytightenthe clamp until itfirmlysupportsthepipettein averticalposition.clampverbUKUS/klmp/clampverb(FASTEN)[Tusually+ adv/prep]tofastentwo things together, using a clamp:Clamp the twopiecesofwood(together)for 15minutes.[T]mainlyUK(USboot)If thepoliceor anotherpersoninauthorityclamps avehicle, theyfixametaldeviceto one ofitswheels, usually because it isparkedillegally. Thedeviceis usually onlyremovedwhen theownerpaysanamountofmoney:When Ifinallygot back, Ifoundmycarhad been clamped.

quakeverb[I]UKUS/kwek/toshakebecause you are veryfrightenedorfindsomething veryfunny, or tofeelor showgreatfear:EverytimeI get on aplane, I quakewithfear.Charliestoodoutsidetheheadteacher'soffice, quakinginhisboots/shoes(=feelingveryfrightened).Theplaywas sofunny, we were all quakingwithlaughter.quakenoun[C]UKUS/kwek/informalforearthquake

dissembleverb[I]UKUS/dsem.bl/formaltohideyourrealintentionsandfeelingsor thefacts:Heaccusedthegovernmentof dissembling.

cranenoun[C]UKUS/kren/cranenoun[C](MACHINE)atallmetalstructurewith alonghorizontalpart, used forliftingandmovingheavyobjects:The craneliftedthecontaineroff theship.cranenoun[C](BIRD)atallbirdwithlong,thinlegsand alongneckcraneverb[Iusually+ adv/prep,T]UKUS/kren/tostretchinordertolookat something:He cranedforwardtoseetheprocession.Mike was craning hisneckto get the firstglimpseof thecar.

bidverbUKUS/bd/bidverb(OFFER)C2[IorT](present participlebidding,past tensebid,past participlebid)toofferaparticularamountofmoneyfor something that is forsaleandcompeteagainst otherpeopletobuyit,especiallyat apublicsaleofgoodsorproperty:Sheknewshe couldn'taffordit, so she didn't bid.Thecommunicationsgrouphasshownaninterestinbiddingforthecompany.Aforeigncollectorhas bid $500,000fortheportrait.[+ two objects]What am I bidforthisfinevase?[I](present participlebidding,past tensebid,past participlebid)If two or morepeoplebid for ajob, theycompetewith each other to do theworkbyofferingto do it for aparticularamountofmoney:Thedepartmentistryingtoensurefairercompetitionamongfirmsbiddingforcitycontracts.[T+ to infinitive](present participlebidding,past tensebid,past participlebid)If someone bids to do something, theycompetewith otherpeopleto do it:Paris isbiddingtohostthe next Olympics.[IorT](present participlebidding,past tensebid,past participlebid)(in somecardgames) to say, beforeplaystarts, how manypointsyouexpecttowinin aparticulargame:Before youdecidehow to bid, you need toevaluatehowstrongthehandofcardsyou areholdingis.She bid threediamonds.bidverb(TELL)[T](present participlebidding,past tensebidorbade,past participlebidden)old-fashionedto give agreetingto someone, or toasksomeone to do something:[+ two objects]Theybadeher goodmorning.I must now bid youfarewell(= saygoodbyeto you).literaryShebadeherhopesfarewell(= shestoppedbeinghopeful).[+ object + (to) infinitive]Hebade(=asked)them(to)leaveatonce.bidnoun[C]UKUS/bd/bidnoun[C](OFFER)C2anofferof aparticularamountofmoneyfor something that is forsale:Imadea bid of $150forthepainting.Shemade/put ina bid of 69,000 for theflat, which wasaccepted.C1anofferto do something when you arecompetingwith otherpeopleto do it:[+ to infinitive]SydneymadeasuccessfulbidtohosttheOlympicGames.I gave thejobto thecontractorswhomade/gavethelowestbid(= whoofferedto do theworkfor thelowestamountofmoney).(in somecardgames) astatement, made beforeplaystarts, of how manypointsaplayerthinkshe or she will get in aparticulargame:The declarer must make as manytricksas his bid haspromised.bidnoun[C](ATTEMPT)C2anattempttoachieveor get something:Her bidforre-electionwasunsuccessful.Thecompanyhasmanagedtofightoff ahostiletakeoverbid(= anattemptby anothercompanyto takecontrolof it).They havereducedthecostofborrowingin a bidtoget theeconomymovingagain.

conjureverb[IorT]UK/kn.dr/US/-d/to make somethingappearbymagic, or as if bymagic:In aninstant, themagicianhad conjured(up)adovefrom hishat.Phrasal verbsconjuresthupconjuresb/sthup

sportnounUK/spt/US/sprt/sportnoun(GAME)A1[C]agame,competition, oractivityneedingphysicaleffortandskillthat isplayedor doneaccordingtorules, forenjoymentand/or as ajob:Football,basketball, andhockeyare allteamsports.Ienjoywintersports likeskiingandskating.A1[U]UKalltypesofphysicalactivitythatpeopledo tokeephealthyor forenjoyment:She used todo/playa lot of sport when she wasyounger.[U]old-fashionedenjoymentin doing thingssportnoun(PERSON)[C]old-fashionedinformalapleasant,positive,generouspersonwho does notcomplainabout things they areaskedto do or aboutgamesthat theylose:Oh, Douglas - be a(good)sport and give me aliftto thestation.See alsospoilsport[C]Australian Englishafriendlyway oftalkingto a man orboy:[as form of address]Hello sport - how are you?sportverb[T]UK/spt/US/sprt/towearor bedecoratedwith something:Back in the 1960s he sportedplatformheelsandhairdown past hisshoulders.Thefrontof thecarsported aGermanflag.

pleadverbUKUS/plid/(pleadedorUSalsopled,pleadedorUSalsopled)pleadverb(REQUEST)C2[I]to make anurgent,emotionalstatementorrequestfor something:He was on hisknees, pleadingformercy/forgiveness.Sheappearedontelevisionto pleadwiththe kidnappers.[+ speech]"Give us moretime," they pleaded.pleadverb(STATE)C2[I,L only+ adj,T]specializedlawto make astatementof what youbelieveto betrue,especiallyinsupportof something or someone or when someone has beenaccusedin alawcourt:Thedefendantpleadednotguilty/innocenttorobberywithviolence.Theypaidahigh-poweredattorneyto pleadtheircase(=arguefor them incourt).Thejudgeruledherunfitto plead(= toansweralegalcharge)on thegroundsofinsanity.More examplespleadverb(EXCUSE)C2[T]to say something as anexcuseorexplanation:Sheleftearly, pleadingpressureofwork.plead ignoranceformalto say that you do notknowabout something:He pleadedignorancewhen theyfoundthepackagein hissuitcase.pleadingadjectiveUKUS/pli.d/a pleadingtoneofvoicepleadinglyadverbUKUS/pli.d.li/

screechverb[I]UKUS/skrit/to make anunpleasant,loud, highnoise:She was screeching at him at thetopof hervoice.He was screechingwithpain/laughter.[+ speech]"Don't youdaretouchme!" she screeched.Thecarscreechedto ahalt/standstill(=stoppedverysuddenly, making aloudhighnoise).figurativeTheeconomicrecoveryislikelyto screechto ahalt/standstill(=stopverysuddenly)iftaxesareincreased.screechnoun[C]UKUS/skrit/along,loud, highnoisethat isunpleasanttohear:Heletoutaloudscreech.Thetruckstoppedwith a screechofbrakes.

gibberishnoun[U]UK/db.r./US/--/disapprovingspokenor written words that have nomeaning:I was sonervous, I juststartedtalkinggibberish.

swayverbUKUS/swe/swayverb(MOVE)[I]tomoveslowlyfromsidetoside:Thetreeswere swaying in thewind.Themovementof theshipcausedthemastto swayfromsidetoside/backwardsandforwards.Adrunkwasstandingin themiddleof thestreet, swayinguncertainlyandtryinghard tostayupright.[T]tocausesomething tomoveorchange:Recentdevelopmentshave swayed thebalanceofpowerin theregion.swayverb(PERSUADE)[T]topersuadesomeone tobelieveor do one thingratherthan another:Herspeechfailedto sway hercolleaguesintosupportingtheplan.swaynoun[U]UKUS/swe/formalcontrolorinfluence:In the 1980s, theorganizationcameunder theswayof(=becamestronglyinfluencedby)Christianfundamentalism.Herparentsnolongerseemto have much swayoverher.Thepartycouldholdsway(= have animportantinfluence)on somecrucialvotes.

blinkverbUKUS/blk/B2[IorT]When you blink, youcloseand thenopenyoureyesquicklyonceor severaltimes, and when aneyeblinks, it does this:You've got something inyoureye-tryblinking a fewtimes.[I]literaryIf alightblinks, itflasheson and off.More examplesIdiomsnot blinkblinknoun[Cusually singular]UKUS/blk/theactof blinkingIdiomsin the blink of an eyeon the blink

snivelverb[I]UKUS/snv.l/(-ll-orUSusually-l-)tocryslightlyin a way that isweakand does not make otherpeoplefeelsympathyfor you:He'ssittingin hisbedroomsnivelling because he was told off for not doing hishomework.

begrudgeverb[T]UKUS/brd/tofeelunhappybecause someone has something that youthinkthey do notdeserve:[+ two objects]I don't begrudge him hisfreedom.tofeelunhappyaboutspendingmoneyon something orspendingtimedoing something:They begrudged everydaythey had tostaywiththeirfather.[+ -ing verb]She begrudgedpayingso much for anicecreamcone.Translations of begrudge

in Spanishenvidiar

goody3[good-ee]SpellSyllablesnoun,pluralgoodies.1.Archaic.apolitetermofaddressforawomanofhumblesocialstanding.OriginExpand1550-60;good(wife)goody2/d/noun(pl)goodies1.(archaicorliterary)amarriedwomanoflowrank:usedasatitle:GoodyTwo-ShoesWordOriginC16:shortenedfromgoodwifeWord Origin and History forgoodyExpandn.alsogoodie,"somethingtasty,"1745,fromgood(adj.)+-y(2);adj.usefor"sentimentallyproper"is1830(especiallyinreduplicatedformgoody-goody,1871).Asanexclamationofpleasure,by1796.Goodyalsousedsince1550sasashortenedformofgoodwife,atermofcivilityappliedtoamarriedwomaninhumblelife;henceGoodyTwo-shoes,nameofheroinein1760schildren'sstorywhoexulteduponacquiringasecondshoe.

marvelverb[I]UK/m.vl/US/mr-/(-ll-orUSusually-l-)to show orexperiencegreatsurpriseoradmiration:Wepausedto marvelattheview.[+ that]I often marvelthathumanscantreateach other sobadly.[+ speech]"Justlookat thatwaterfall! Isn't itamazing?" she marvelled.marvelnoun[C]UK/m.vl/US/mr-/a thing orpersonthat is verysurprisingorcausesa lot ofadmiration:Thisminiaturephoneis thelatesttechnologicalmarvel from Japan.It's a marvel(to me) howthey'vemanagedtobuildthetunnelsoquickly.

well-to-doadjectiveUKUS/wel.tdu/rich:well-to-dofamilies

hard-handed[hahrd-han-did]SpellSyllables Word Originadjective1.oppressiveortyrannical;sternorcruel.2.havinghandshardenedbytoil.

providencenoun[U]UK/prv..dns/US/pr.v-/aninfluencethat is nothumaninoriginand isthoughttocontrolpeople'slives:divineprovidence

ailverbUKUS/el/ailverb(CAUSE DIFFICULTY)[T]formaltocausedifficultyandproblemsfor someone or something:Thegovernmentseemsto have nounderstandingofwhatails thecountry.ailverb(BE/MAKE ILL)[IorT]old-fashionedto beill, or tocauseto beill:She had been ailing foryearsbefore shedied.

dwindleverb[I]UKUS/dwn.dl/tobecomesmallerinsizeoramount, or fewer innumber:Thecommunityhas dwindledtoa tenth ofitsformersizein the last twoyears.Herhopesofsuccessin theracedwindled lastnightas theweatherbecameworse.dwindlingadjectiveUKUS/-/dwindlingnumbers/supplies

grievancenoun[CorU]UKUS/ri.vns/acomplaintor astrongfeelingthat you have beentreatedunfairly:Aspecialcommitteehas beenappointedtohandleprisoners' grievances.Bill stillharbours/nursesa grievanceagainsthisemployersfor notpromotinghim.Thesmallamountofcompensationis afurthersourceof grievance to thepeopleforcedtoleavetheirhomes.

factionnoun[C]UKUS/fk.n/mainlydisapprovingagroupwithin alargergroup,especiallyone withslightlydifferentideasfrom themaingroup:theleft-wingfaction of thepartyfactionaladjectiveUKUS/-l/factionalleadersfactionalismnoun[U]UKUS/-l..zm/Factionalism wastearingthepartyand thecountryapart.

smirchtransitive verb\smrch\Definition ofSMIRCH1a: to make dirty, stained, or discolored:sullyb: to smear with something that stains or dirties2: to bring discredit or disgrace on

besmirchverb[T]UK/bsmt/US/-smt/literaryto saybadthings about someone toinfluenceother people'sopinionof them:Hisaccusationswerefalse, but theyservedto besmirch herreputation.

embitteredadjectiveUK/mbt.d/US/-bt.d/veryangryaboutunfairthings that havehappenedto you:Theyignoredall herpleasand shebecamevery embittered.Hediedadisillusionedand embitteredoldman.embitterverb[T]UK/-bt.r/US/-bt./to make someonefeelembittered

juncturenoun[C]UK/dk.tr/US/-t/formalaparticularpointintime:Atthis juncture, it isimpossibleto say whether she will make afullrecovery.

contemptnoun[U]UKUS/kntempt/contemptnoun[U](NO RESPECT)C2astrongfeelingofdislikingand having norespectfor someone or something:Atschoolshe hadcompletecontemptforall herteachers.You shouldtreatthoseremarkswiththe contempt that theydeserve.She'sbeneathcontempt(= I have norespectfor her)!holdsb/sthin contempttofeelcontempt for someone or something

witherverbUK/w.r/US/-/(alsowither away)[IorT](tocause) tobecomeweakanddryanddecay:Grass had withered in thefields.[I]toslowlydisappear,loseimportance, orbecomeweaker:Thiscountryis indangerofallowingitsindustrialbaseto wither away.Idiomswither on the vinewither on the vineliteraryIf somethingwitherson thevine, it isdestroyedverygradually, usually because no one does anything tohelporsupportit:There was somedebateas to whether thebenefitschemeshould bewithdrawnorsimplyallowedto wither on thevine.

shrivelverbUKUS/rv.l/(-ll-orUSusually-l-)[IorT]tobecomedry,smaller, andcoveredwithlinesas if bycrushingorfolding, or to make something do this:Thelackofrainhas shrivelled thecrops.You ought topickthoselettucesbefore they shrivel(up)anddie.[I]tobecomemuchsmallerthan isneededorwanted:Profits are shrivelling as therecessiongetsworse.shrivelledadjectiveUKUS/-ld/Thoseorangeswerelookingabitoldand shrivelled, so Ithrewthem out.

gazeverb[Iusually+ adv/prep]UKUS/ez/B2tolookat something or someone for alongtime,especiallyinsurpriseoradmiration, or because you arethinkingabout somethingelse:Annette gazedadmiringlyatWarren as hespoke.Hespendshoursgazingoutofthewindowwhen he should beworking.More examplesgazenoun[S]UKUS/ez/C2alonglook, usually of aparticularkind:asteadygazeaninnocent/admiringgazeliteraryAs Ilookedout, my gazefellon asmallchildby theroad.

slyadjectiveUKUS/sla/(slyer,slyest)deceivingpeoplein acleverway inorderto get what youwant:He's a slyolddevil- I wouldn'ttrusthim with mymoney.[before noun]seemingtoknowsecrets:"You'llfindouteventually," said Mary with a slysmile.slylyadverbUKUS/sla.li/Shegrinnedslyly andrefusedtotellme where themoneycame from.slynessnoun[U]UKUS/sla.ns/slynounUKUS/sla/on the slyIf you do something on the sly, you do itsecretlybecause you should not be doing it:Hedriveshis mother'scaron the sly while she's atwork.Translations of sly

in Spanishastuto, tramposo, malicioso

contentionnounUKUS/knten.n/contentionnoun(DISAGREEMENT)[U]thedisagreementthatresultsfromopposingarguments:There's a lot of contention about thatissue- for everypersonfirmlyinfavour, there's someonefiercelyagainst it.Thematterhas beensettled- it's nolongerincontention.contentionnoun(OPINION)[C]formalanopinionexpressedin anargument:[+ that]It is her contentionthatexerciseis moreimportantthandietif youwanttoloseweight.contentionnoun(IN A COMPETITION)be in/out of contention forsthto beable/notabletoachieveorwinsomething,especiallyinsport:Thisdecisivedefeatputsthemout ofcontention for this year'schampionshipfinals.

subservientadjectiveUK/sbs.vi.nt/US/-s-/disapprovingwillingto do what otherpeoplewant, orconsideringyourwishesas lessimportantthan those of otherpeople:toadopta subservientrole/positionThegovernmentwasaccusedof being subservienttotheinterestsof the pro-Europecampaigners.subserviencenoun[U]UKUS/-ns/subservientlyadverbUKUS/-li/

reckoningnoun[CorU]UKUS/rek.n./acalculationthat you make:By myreckoning, we shouldarrivein tenminutes.

shudderverb[I]UK/d.r/US/-/C2toshakesuddenlywith verysmallmovementsbecause of a veryunpleasantthoughtorfeeling:Thesightof so muchbloodmade him shudder.She shudderedat thethoughtofkissinghim.When something shudders, itshakesviolentlyandquickly:Iheardamassiveexplosionand thegroundshuddered beneath me.There was ascreechofbrakesand thebusshudderedto ahalt(=shookviolentlyandstopped).More examplesIdiomsI shudder to thinkshudder to a haltshuddernoun[C]UK/d.r/US/-/theactof shuddering:Hegave aslightshudder as heconsideredhow near he had come todeath.Sherecalledwith ashudder how herbosshadoncetriedtokissher.figurativeAmerica's secondbiggestsupermarketchainhassentashudderthrough(= has had astrongeffecton)itsrivalsbyslashingitsprices.Idiomssend shudders/a shudder downyourspine

partisanadjectiveUK/p.tzn//p.t.zn/US/pr.t.zn/stronglysupportingaperson,principle, orpoliticalparty, often withoutconsideringorjudgingthematterverycarefully:Theaudiencewas very partisan, andrefusedtolistento herspeech.partisanpoliticsSee alsobipartisanpartisannoun[C]UK/p.tzn//p.t.zn/US/pr.t.zn/(in acountrythat has beendefeated) amemberof asecretarmedforcewhoseaimis tofightagainst anenemythat iscontrollingthecountrysomeone whosupportsaperson,principle, orpoliticalpartypartisanshipnoun[U]UKUS/-p/There was acertainpartisanship about the way thatvoteswerecast.

wash sth awayphrasal verbwithwashUK/w/US/w/verbIfwaterorrainwashessomething away, itremovesit orcarriesit away:Thebloodon thepavementhad beenwashedaway by therainovernight.

clapped in the stocks

wintryadjectiveUKUS/wn.tri/wintryadjective(LIKE WINTER)typicalofwinter:Itlookslike this wintryweatheris here tostay.Thisafternoonwe mayseesome wintryshowers(=snowmixedwithrain)overhigherground.Wintryconditionsare makingroadshazardousfordriversin thenortheastofEngland.wintryadjective(EXPRESSION)literaryunfriendlyanddisapproving:She gave a wintrysmile.

Covenant verb[I] /kvnnt/LAWtoofficiallyagreeto do or not do something:Ifbusinesspremisessuffer seriousfiredamagethelandlordusually covenants toreinstatethepremises.

cannyadjectiveUKUS/kn.i/cannyadjective(CLEVER)thinkingquicklyandcleverly,especiallyinbusinessorfinancialmatters:Thesesalesmenare a canny lot.cannyadjective(PLEASANT)NorthernEnglishgood orpleasant:a cannyladcannilyadverbUKUS/-.li/

homesteadnoun[C]UK/hm.sted/US/hom-/mainlyUSahouseand thesurroundingareaoflandusually used as afarmUSin the past,landgiven by thegovernmentforfarminghomesteadverb[IorT]UK/hm.sted/US/hom-/USin the past, tobuildahouseandgrowcropsonlandgiven by thegovernment

squabblenoun[C]UK/skwb.l/US/skw.bl/anargumentover something that is notimportant:Polly and Susie werehavinga squabble about who was going toholdthe dog'slead.squabbleverb[I]UKUS

iniquitynoun[CorU]UK/nk.w.ti/US/-ti/formala verywrongandunfairactionorsituation:Theyfoughtlongand hard against the iniquities ofapartheid.Thewriterreflectsonhumaninjusticeand iniquity.

society will not be a bag to swing around your headsociety is nothing to be played with

baffleverb[T]UKUS/bf.l/tocausesomeone to becompletelyunabletounderstandorexplainsomething:She wascompletelybaffledbyhisstrangebehaviour.bafflementnoun[U]UKUS/-mnt/bafflingadjectiveUKUS/bf.l/Ifoundwhat he was sayingcompletelybaffling.

fathomnoun[C]UKUS/f.m/aunitformeasuringthedepthofwater,equalto 1.8metresor 6feetfathomverb[T]UKUS/f.m/UKtodiscoverthemeaningof something:Foryearspeoplehave beentryingto fathom(out)themysteriesof the whale'ssong.tounderstandsomeone or why someoneactsas they do:I can't fathom her at all.

the Sabbathnoun[S]UKUS/sb./thedayof theweekkeptby somereligiousgroupsforrestandworship. The Sabbath isSundayfor most Christians,Saturdayfor Jews, andFridayfor Muslims:tokeep/break(=follow/notfollowthereligiousrulesfor)the Sabbath

quailnoun[CorU]UKUS/kwel/(pluralquailorquails)asmall,brownbirdthat isshotforsportorfood, or themeatof thisbird:Quails'eggsareconsideredto be adelicacy.quailverb[I]UKUS/kwel/literarytofeelor showfear; towantto beabletomoveaway from something because youfearit:Charlie quailedatthesoundof his mother'sangryvoice.She quailedbeforeher boss'sanger.

thriftyadjectiveUKUS/rf.ti/showingacarefuluse ofmoney,especiallybyavoidingwaste:They have plenty ofmoneynow, but they stilltendto be thrifty.thriftilyadverbUKUS/-t.li/thriftinessnoun[U]UKUS/-ns/

howlverbUKUS/hal/howlverb(PERSON/ANIMAL)[I]If adogorwolfhowls, it makes along,sadsound:In thesilenceof thenight, alonewolfhowled.[IorT]to make aloudsound, usually toexpresspain,sadness, or anotherstrongemotion:Aninjureddoglayin themiddleof theroad, howlingwith/inpain.We were howlingwithlaughter.figurativeTheoppositionhowleddownthe government'sproposal(=shoutedloudlytoexpressdisapproval).howlverb(WIND)[I]If thewindhowls, itblowshard and makes a lot ofnoise:Is there someoneoutside, or is it just thewindhowling in thetrees?howlnounUKUS/hal/[C]along,loud,sadsound:the howl of thewindin thetreesHeleaveshisdogshutup in thehouseallday, and we canhearitshowls.Sheletout a howlofpain.[Cusually plural]astrongexpressionofemotion, such asangerordisagreement:Plans tobuilda newsupermarkethave beengreetedwith howlsofprotestfromlocalresidents.

howlingadjectiveUKUS/ha.l/be a howling successto be verysuccessful:Neitherfilmwas a howlingsuccess.

riotnounUKUS/ra.t/C1[C]anoisy,violent, anduncontrolledpublicmeeting:Inner-city riotseruptedwhen alocalman wasshotbypolice.[S]old-fashionedinformala veryfunnyorentertainingoccasionorperson:"How was theparty?" "It wasgreat- wehada riot."ImetMike'sbrotherfor the firsttime- he's a riot.More examplesIdiomsa riot of colourrun riotriotverb[I]UKUS/ra.t/C2to takepartin a riot:Students are rioting in thestreetsof thecapital.rioternoun[C]UK/ra..tr/US/-t/Police and riotersclashedviolently.riotingnoun[U]UK/ra..t/US/-t/Thegovernmentisafraidoffurtherseriousrioting today.

Quakernoun[C]UK/kwe.kr/US/-k/(alsoFriend)amemberof aChristiangroup, called the Society of Friends, that does not haveformalceremoniesor aformalsystemofbeliefs, and isstronglyopposedtoviolenceandwarQuakeradjectiveUKUS

defameverb[T]UKUS/dfem/formaltodamagethereputationof apersonorgroupby saying or writingbadthings about them that are nottrue:Mr Turnockclaimedtheeditorialhad defamed him.

libelnoun[CorU]UKUS/la.bl/apieceof writing thatcontainsbadandfalsethings about aperson:Shethreatenedtosuethemagazinefor libel.Compare

slandernoun[CorU]UK/sln.dr/US/sln.d/afalsespokenstatementabout someone thatdamagestheirreputation, or the making of such astatement:Thedoctorissuinghispartnerforslander.Sheregardedhiscommentas a slanderonher goodreputation.

writnounUKUS/rt/ritnoun(DOCUMENT)[C]specializedlawalegaldocumentfrom alawcourtthattellsyou that you will beinvolvedin alegalprocessandexplainswhat you must do:There have been at least seven writsissuedagainsthim for latepaymentofbills.She hasserveda writforlibelonthenewspaper(= she hasdeliveredit to themofficially).writnoun(AUTHORITY)[U]formaltheauthoritytoruleor makelaws:holywritwritverbUKUS/rt/old usepast participle ofwriteIdiomsbe writ largewrit largekennounUKUS/ken/old-fashionedbeyondyourkennot inyourareaofknowledge:Financialmattersare beyond my ken, I'mafraid.kenverb[IorT,not continuous]UKUS/ken/(-nn-)Scottish Englishtoknowsomeone or something

bemusedadjectiveUKUS/bmjuzd/slightlyconfused:I was bemused at hissuddenanger.

enthralverb[IorT](-ll-)mainlyUK(USusuallyenthrall)UK/nrl/US/-rl/tokeepsomeonecompletelyinterested:Thebaseballgamecompletelyenthralled thecrowd.Theaudiencewas enthralled for twohoursby asparkling,dramaticperformance.Theylistenedenthralled to what he was saying.

communenounUK/km.jun/US/k.mjun/communenoun(GROUP)[C,+ sing/pl verb]agroupoffamiliesorsinglepeoplewholiveandworktogethersharingpossessions andresponsibilities:Sheleftherhusbandtojoina women's commune.communenoun(GOVERNMENT)[C]in somecountries, aunitoflocalgovernmentcommuneverb[I]UK/km.jun/US/k.mjun/formalto get verycloseto someone or something byexchangingfeelingsorthoughts:Lyingnakedin thegrass, among thetreesandbirds, hefelthe was communingwithnature.

overlayverb[Toften passive]UK/.vle/US/o.v-/(overlaid,overlaid)tocoversomething with alayerof something:Thefoundationof thehouseisbuiltfromrubbleoverlaidwithconcrete.be overlaid withsthliterarysomething that is overlaid with something has aparticularqualityaddedto it thatinfluencesitscharacter:Her newnovelis overlaidwithpoliticalconcerns.overlaynoun[C]UK/.v.le/US/o.v-/athincoveringof something:Thewoodframehas agoldoverlay.

abrogateverb[T]UKUS/b.r.et/formalto end alaw,agreement, orcustomformally:Thetreatywas abrogated in 1929.abrogationnoun[SorU]UKUS/b.re.n/

congeries (kn-jrz, knj-rz)n.(usedwithasing.verb)Acollection;anaggregation:"Ourcity,itshouldbeexplained,istwocities,ormoreanurbanmassorcongeriesdividedbytheriver"(JohnUpdike).

[Latincongeris,fromcongerere,toheapup;seecongest.]American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.Congeries (kndriz)n1.(functioningassingularorplural)acollectionofobjectsorideas;mass;heap[C17:fromLatin,fromcongereretopileup,fromgereretocarry]congeries(kndr iz, kn d riz)

n.(usedwithasing.orpl.v.)acollectionofitemsorpartsinonemass;assemblage;aggregation;heap.plotnoun[C]UK/plt/US/plt/plotnoun[C](STORY)B2thestoryof abook,film,play, etc.:Themoviehas a verysimpleplot.The plotsofhisbooksarebasicallyall the same.plotnoun[C](PLAN)asecretplanmade by severalpeopleto do something that iswrong,harmful, or notlegal,especiallyto dodamageto apersonor agovernment:The plot wasdiscoveredbefore it wascarriedout.[+ to infinitive]Thepolicehavefoileda plottoassassinatethepresident.plotnoun[C](GROUND)C2asmallpieceoflandthat has beenmarkedormeasuredfor aparticularpurpose:avegetableplotThere are several plotsoflandforsale.plotnoun[C](DIAGRAM)USadiagramorchartIdiomsthe plot thickensplotverbUK/plt/US/plt/(-tt-)plotverb(MARK)[T]tomarkordrawsomething on apieceofpaperor amap[T]to makemarksto show theposition,movement, ordevelopmentof something, usually in theformoflinesorcurvesbetween aseriesofpointson amaporpieceofpaper:Radaroperatorsplotted thecourseof theincomingmissile.We've plottedourprojectedcostsfor the comingyear, and they show abigincrease.plotverb(PLAN)[IorT]to make asecretplanto do somethingwrong,harmful, orillegal:Thearmyis plotting theoverthrowof thegovernment.I can'tbelievethat he's plottingagainsthis ownfather.[+ to infinitive]They're plotting(together)totake over thecompany.[T]humorousto make asecretplanto do somethingfunnyorenjoyableto or for someone:[+ to infinitive]They're plottingtoplayatrickontheirbrother.He's plotting asurprisepartyfor his wife'sbirthday.plotverb(STORY)[T]to write the plot for something:SofarI've only plotted(out)thestoryin aroughform.

scourgenoun[Cusually singular]UK/skd/US/skd/something or someone thatcausesgreatsufferingor a lot oftrouble:the scourgeofwarAIDShas beendescribedas the scourgeofthemodernworld.scourgeverb[T]UK/skd/US/skd/tocausegreatsufferingor a lot oftrouble:Thecountryhas been scourgedby(= hassufferedvery much because of)famineinrecentyears.Translations of scourge

in Spanishflagelo, castigo, calamidad

propitiateverb[T]UKUS/prp.i.et/formaltopleaseand makecalmagodorpersonwho isannoyedwith you:In thosedayspeoplemightsacrificeagoatorsheepto propitiate anangrygod.Theradicalsin thepartywereclearlysackedto propitiate theconservativecore.propitiationnoun[U]UKUS/-p.ie.n/ klatchorklatsch(klch, klch)n.Acasualsocialgathering,usuallyforconversation.

fetishnoun[C]UK/fet./US/fet-/fetishnoun[C](INTEREST)psychologyasexualinterestin anobjector apartof thebodyother than thesexualorgans:arubber/footfetishHe has a fetishfor/abouthighheels.psychologyanactivityorobjectthat you are sointerestedin that youspendanunreasonableamountoftimethinkingabout it or doing it:Shemakes afetishoforganization- it'squiteobsessive.Hehasa fetishfor/aboutcleanliness.fetishnoun[C](RELIGIOUS OBJECT)specializedreligionanobjectthat isworshippedin somesocietiesbecause it isbelievedto have aspiritorspecialmagicalpowersfetishismnoun[U]UKUS/-..zm/fetishisticadjectiveUK/fet.s.tk/US/fet-/fetishisticreligions

moresnoun[plural]UK/m.rez/US/mr.ez/formalthetraditionalcustomsandwaysofbehavingthat aretypicalof aparticular(partof)society:middle-classmoresthe mores andcultureof theJapanese

revulsionnoun[U]UKUS/rvl.n/astrong, oftensudden,feelingthat something isextremelyunpleasant:Iturnedawayinrevulsion when theyshowedaclose-upof theoperation.Shelookedat himwithrevulsion.Heexpressedhis revulsionat/against/towardsthewhalehunting.

atomizeverbatomize\a-t-mz\atomizedatomizingDefinition ofATOMIZEtransitive verb1: to treat as made up of many discrete units2: to reduce to minute particles or to a fine spray3:divide,fragment;also: to deprive of meaningful ties to others4: to subject to attack by nuclear weaponsatomization\a-t-m-z-shn\nounExamples ofATOMIZE1.