Category: Verbs

To demean someone or something is to cause that person or thing to seem less important or worthy of respect. By refusing to condemn the unlawful actions of her supporters, the governor demeaned the office she was elected to hold.

1 : (+ object) : to gather or acquire (something) gradually as time passes She has slowly accumulated (=amassed) a fortune. You can accumulate (=earn) bonus points by participating in surveys. The police have been accumulating (=collecting) evidence of his Read More …

To caterwaul is to make a very loud and unpleasant sound. Caterwaul can also mean “to protest or complain noisily.” The woods were quiet until the sound of a chainsaw caterwauling in the distance broke the calm. They continue to Read More …

1 : of something solid : to mix with a liquid and become part of the liquid (no object) Sugar/salt dissolves in water. (+ object) Dissolve the tablet in water. 2 : (+ object) formal : to officially end (something, Read More …

To lampoon someone or something is to ridicule that person or thing, especially through the use of harsh satire. The exhibit chronicles the long history of lampooning public figures in cartoons.

To fathom something is to understand the reason for its existence or occurrence. Even those close to him can’t always fathom why he repeatedly risks his life to climb the world’s tallest mountains.

1 : to flow over the edge or top of (something) (+ object) The river overflowed its banks. (no object) The creek overflows every spring. The water in the sink overflowed. — often used figuratively The large crowd filled the Read More …

to feel great surprise, wonder, or admiration (no object) usually + at or over The audience marveled at the magician’s skill. The doctors are marveling over her dramatic recovery. (+ object) The doctors marveled that anyone could recover so quickly.

(+ object) 1 : to build (something damaged or destroyed) again After the war, many houses need to be reconstructed. Archaeologists were able to reconstruct most of the ancient village from their findings. 2 : to find out and describe Read More …

To absolve someone is to free them from a responsibility or commitment, or from the consequences of guilt. The plaintiff asserts that the company is not absolved of responsibility for the false claims simply because its ownership has changed.