Tag: verb

(+ object) to destroy (something, such as a building) completely : DEMOLISH — often used as (be) razed The old factory was razed to make room for a parking lot.

(+ object) to make (something) more interesting, lively, or enjoyable He enlivened his speech with a few jokes. a soup enlivened by chili peppers A few touches of color will enliven the room.

Conjecture is a formal synonym of the verb guess that means “to form an opinion or idea without proof or sufficient evidence.” Some scientists have conjectured that Jupiter’s moon Europa could sustain life.

(+ object) 1 : to be similar or equal to (something) Their test results parallel our own. Nothing parallels that experience. (=that experience is unlike any other experience; it is unique) 2 : to happen at the same time as Read More …

To lambaste something or someone is to criticize them very harshly. Lambaste is also sometimes used as a synonym of beat meaning “to assault.” The coach lambasted the team for its poor play.

(+ object) to make (someone) less angry : to calm (someone) down He tried to mollify his critics with an apology. All attempts to mollify the extremists have failed. The landlord fixed the heat, but the tenants still were not Read More …

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 …

(no object) 1 always followed by an adverb or preposition : to fall suddenly straight down especially from a very high place The acrobat plummeted into the net. The car plummeted to the bottom of the canyon. The satellite plummeted Read More …

(+ 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 …

To allege something is to assert it without proof or before proving it. Consumer advocates allege that the company knew about the faulty switches but sold the product anyway.