Tag: verb

To instigate something is to cause it to happen or begin. The pair was accused of instigating a plot to oust the newly elected mayor.

1 : to notice or recognize a difference between people or things (no object) You’re old enough to distinguish between fact and fantasy. I have trouble distinguishing between the two of them. (+ object) Their voices are hard to distinguish. Read More …

To proliferate is to increase quickly in number or amount. Problems have proliferated in recent months; every day seems to present a new challenge that needs sorting out.

(+ object) to make a hole or a series of holes in (something) Cover the bowl with aluminum foil, and then use a fork to perforate the foil.

1 (+ object) : to make (someone or something) go under the surface of water or some other liquid : to cover (someone or something) with a liquid After boiling the broccoli, submerge it in ice water to stop the Read More …

To bourgeon is to grow or develop quickly—in other words to flourish, blossom or sprout. The trout population in the stream has burgeoned since the town implemented its laws against overfishing.

To underwhelm someone is to fail to impress or excite them. Despite the hype, the movie underwhelmed most reviewers, who criticized its slow pace and poor special effects.

(+ object) somewhat formal to move across (an area) The candidates traversed the state throughout the campaign. ships traversing the ocean The river traverses the county.

To purloin is to take something that belongs to someone else—that is, to steal it. Purloin is much more formal-sounding than steal, but is often—though not always—encountered in humorous contexts, suggesting that the theft is not serious. The puppy managed Read More …