Category: Verbs

Parry has two basic meanings. To parry can be to defend yourself by turning away from or pushing aside a weapon, assault, etc., or to evade something, such as a question, especially by using a clever response. Players of the Read More …

Herald is a verb meaning “to give notice of”; it is synonymous with announce, publicize, and foreshadow. Herald may also mean “to greet especially with enthusiasm.” The appearance of robins heralded the advent of spring. She is being heralded as Read More …

(+ object) 1 : to make (something) difficult to understand or know : to make (something) obscure The true history has been obscured by legends about what happened. They accused the company of trying to obscure the fact that the Read More …

Extenuate is a formal word that is most often used to mean “to lessen the strength or effect of something, such as a risk.” In legal use, to extenuate a crime, offense, etc., is to lessen or to try to Read More …

To nonplus someone is to perplex them, or in other words, to cause them to be at a loss as to what to say, think, or do. The stranger’s odd question about the town where my grandfather was born nonplussed Read More …

To harry someone or something is to harass or torment them by or as if by constant attack. The visiting team harried the home team relentlessly during the first quarter.

1 : to refill (a battery) with electricity (+ object) When the computer beeps, you need to recharge the battery. (no object) It takes about an hour for the battery to recharge. 2 : (no object) : to regain your Read More …

(+ object) to attract and hold the attention of (someone) by being interesting, pretty, etc. The play has been captivating audiences for years. — often used as (be) captivated We were captivated by her beauty.

Bilk is typically applied in contexts relating to fraud and deceit. It can mean “to cheat out of something valuable,” or “to evade payment of or to,” or “to obtain something by defrauding someone.” Prosecutors contend that the defendant bilked Read More …

To dicker is to talk or argue with someone about the conditions of a purchase, agreement, or contract. My favorite thing about flea markets is dickering over prices.