Tag: verb

(+ object) to make (something) weaker or worse Smoking can impair your health. His memory was so impaired by age that he often forgot where he was. Drinking impairs a person’s ability to think clearly. – impaired adjective (more impaired; Read More …

1 a : to break or burst (no object) The pipe ruptured because of high water pressure. (+ object) High water pressure ruptured the pipe. b : (+ object) medical : to cause a break or tear in (a part Read More …

1 : (no object) : to come out from a source Good smells emanated from the kitchen. Constant criticism has emanated from her opponents. Happiness seems to emanate from her. 2 : (+ object) : to send (something) out : Read More …

1 : to arrange things so that they form a line or are in proper position (+ object) The storekeeper carefully aligned (=lined up) the cans on the shelf. He aligned the two holes so he could put the screw Read More …

(no object) to work at home by using a computer connection to a company’s main office The company now allows some of its employees to telecommute.

(+ object) 1 : to remove (something) by pulling it out or cutting it out He extracted a credit card from his wallet. I had to have a tooth extracted. The tumor was surgically extracted. 2 a : to get Read More …

to go or move in different directions : to spread apart (no object) Police ordered the crowd to disperse. The clouds dispersed (=broke), revealing blue sky above. The fog gradually dispersed (=dissipated, vanished) as the day grew warmer. (+ object) Read More …

somewhat technical 1 : (+ object) : to remove water or moisture from (something, such as food) Salt dehydrates the meat and keeps it from spoiling. 2 : to lose too much water (no object) Athletes drink lots of water Read More …

1 a : (+ object) : to add air or gas to (something, such as a tire or a balloon) and make it larger We used a pump to inflate the raft. inflate (=blow up) a balloon b : (no Read More …