Tag: verb

1 of an insect, plant, or animal : to hurt (someone) by piercing the skin with a sharp, pointed part that usually contains poison [+ object] I got stung by a bee. The jellyfish stung the swimmer. [no object] The Read More …

Even if you already know the word “dispense,” it’s worthy of your consideration: you might be able to use it (and its related forms) more flexibly. It has Latin roots that literally mean “to pay out.” When you dispense things, Read More …

to completely destroy (something, such as a building or wall) They tore down the old hospital and built a new one. We’re planning to tear down the wall between the kitchen and the dining room. — often used figuratively tearing Read More …

phrasal verb to pull in (a fish that is caught on a hook on the end of a fishing line) by turning the reel of a fishing rod

to feel great surprise, wonder, or admiration [no object] — usually + at or over The audience marveled at the magician’s skill. The doctors are marveling over her dramatic recovery. [+ object] The doctors marveled that anyone could recover so Read More …

A phrasal verb is a verb made up of a verb plus one or more particles (e.g. of, in, up) that modify or change its meaning. For example, the phrasal verb “give up” means “stop doing”, which is different from Read More …

[+ object] to take (something) away from someone especially as punishment or to enforce the law or rules Guards confiscated knives and other weapons from the prisoners. The police have the authority to confiscate  [=seize]  the drug dealer’s property. The teacher confiscated all cell phones for Read More …

To slake a fire is to pour liquid on it to put it out. And to slake a thirst is to quench or satisfy that thirst in a cool, refreshing, relieving way, as if the thirst is a fire that’s being put out. Pronunciation: Read More …

[no object] to argue about or disagree with something The children quarrel all the time. She and her husband are always quarreling about/over money. I don’t want to quarrel with you. I won’t quarrel  [=disagree]  with your version of what happened.