Verb > Flout

To flout something, such as a law or rule, is to treat it with contemptuous disregard. A teenager flouting a curfew, for example, will not hide the fact that they are out past the time they are required to be Read More …

Verb > Alleviate

(+ object) to reduce the pain or trouble of (something) : to make (something) less painful, difficult, or severe The doctor tried to alleviate (=relieve) her symptoms/suffering. finding ways to alleviate stress The new tunnel should alleviate (=lessen, reduce) traffic Read More …

Verb > Taper

(no object) to become gradually smaller toward one end leaves that taper to a point Her slacks taper (=become narrower) at the ankle. taper off (phrasal verb) to become gradually less and less : to decrease slowly Production has been Read More …

Verb > Connive

To connive is to secretly help someone do something dishonest or illegal. Roger suspected that his coworkers were conniving to get him fired when in reality they were planning his surprise birthday party.