Category: Verbs

(+ object) to make (someone) feel unhappy or annoyed What I said obviously displeased her. = She was obviously displeased by what I said. — opposite PLEASE

To deride someone or something is to subject them to usually harsh and bitter insults or criticism. Although derided by classmates for his insistence that he would be a millionaire by the age of 25, he achieved his goal when Read More …

Foist, which is almost always used with on or upon, is used when someone forces another person to accept something, usually something that is not good or is not wanted. Foist can also mean “to pass off as genuine or Read More …

1 : (with object) : to organize and send out (people or things) to be used for a particular purpose The troops were deployed for battle. They plan to deploy more American soldiers over the next six months. Two scientists Read More …

To glean is to gather or collect something bit by bit, or in a gradual way. Glean can also be used to mean “to search (something) carefully” and “to find out.” Neil has a collection of antique tools gleaned from Read More …

To countermand an order is to revoke it, especially by giving a new order. Orders to blow up the bridge were countermanded by local officials.

To sequester a person or group is to keep them separate or apart from other people. Sequester is also often used to mean “to bind or absorb (carbon dioxide) as part of a larger chemical process or compound.” The jury 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 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.

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.