Verb – Excoriate This word has Latin roots that mean “to strip off the hide or skin.” To excoriate people and things literally is to strip off their skin. And to excoriate people and things figuratively is to talk so Read More …
Verb > Excoriate
Category: Verbs
Verb > Clamber
Verb – Clamber This word probably comes from “climb,” in the same way that “chatter” comes from “chat” and “glimmer” comes from “gleam.” To clamber, literally, is to climb in an awkward, effortful way, often with hands and feet. And Read More …
Verb > Swipe
Verb – Swipe 1 : to reach toward and try to hit (something) with a swinging motion [+ object] The cat swiped the dog across the nose. — usually + at The cat swiped at the dog. 2 [+ object] Read More …
Noun > Pigeonhole
Noun – Pigeonhole Above are literal pigeonholes: little compartments for pigeons to rest in. These have been around since the 1500s. And, since the 1600s, we’ve also referred to compartments like the ones below as pigeonholes, even though they’re not Read More …
Verb > Disembark
Verb – Disembark 1 (no object) : to leave a ship or airplane The plane’s crew members were the last ones to disembark. Passengers disembarked (=debarked) from the ship. — opposite EMBARK 2 (+ object) : to remove (something or Read More …
Verb > Wade
Verb – Wade 1 : to walk through water (no object) We waded into the ocean. I jumped off the boat and waded back to shore. (US) They took off their sandals and waded (=(British) paddled) at the edge of Read More …
Verb > Instigate
Verb – Instigate To instigate something–usually something bad–is to cause it or to stir it up, often by persuading people or by firing up their emotions. Pronunciation: IN stih gate Part of speech: Verb, the transitive kind: people and their Read More …
Verb > Dissolve
Verb – Dissolve 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 Read More …
Verb > Bloviate
Verb – Bloviate This word was coined in the US in about 1845, probably from the word “blow,” as in “to blow hot air:” to lie or exaggerate as you brag or make claims or promises. To bloviate is to Read More …
Verb > Forage
Verb – Forage (no object) 1 of an animal : to eat growing grass or other plants : GRAZE The cows were foraging in the pasture. 2 : to search for something (such as food or supplies) He had to Read More …