CEFR Level
to fix the boundaries or limits of something
"The treaty was signed to delimit the borders of the two countries."
the precise description, drawing, or outlining of something
"The artist’s delineation of the landscape was remarkably accurate."
to become liquid by absorbing moisture from the air
"The salt began to deliquesce after being left in the humid room."
tending to become liquid by absorbing moisture from the air
"Sugar is not deliquescent, but salt can be."
Giving a false or misleading impression; deceptive.
"His promises turned out to be delusive and untrustworthy."
Based on illusion; not real.
"He was filled with delusory hopes of becoming famous overnight."
To remove or reduce the magnetic properties of something.
"The technician demagnetized the old cassette tape."
Land attached to a manor and retained for the owner's use.
"The castle was surrounded by its vast demesne."
To release from military service or to disband troops.
"The government decided to demobilize the army after the war."
possessed, produced, or influenced by a demon; frenzied or violent
"The soldiers fought with demoniac fury."
characteristic of or resembling a demon; wildly evil
"He gave a demoniacal laugh that terrified everyone."
relating to ordinary people or everyday language
"The poet used demotic language to connect with common readers."
to raise doubts, objections, or show reluctance
"She agreed to help without demur."
reserved, modest, and shy
"She gave him a demure smile."
a charge payable to the owner of a ship or vehicle for not loading or unloading on time
"The company had to pay demurrage for delaying the unloading of goods."
to transfer ownership from the government to private individuals or companies
"The government decided to denationalize the bank to encourage private investment."
tree-shaped or branching like a tree
"The coral has a dendroid structure."
the scientific study of trees and woody plants
"He is studying dendrology at the university."
an inhabitant or resident of a particular place
"The forest is home to many nocturnal denizens."
to give a name or designation to something
"The currency was denominated in dollars."
The literal or primary meaning of a word, in contrast to the feelings or ideas that the word suggests.
"The denotation of the word 'rose' is a type of flower."
The final resolution or conclusion of a story, drama, or complicated situation.
"The novel's denouement was both surprising and satisfying."
a substance such as powder, paste, or liquid used to clean teeth
"He bought a new herbal dentifrice from the pharmacy."
to strip something of its covering, possessions, or assets
"The forest was denuded of trees by illegal logging."
to remove hair from the skin, especially by mechanical or chemical means
"She decided to depilate her legs before the event."
A person who gives testimony under oath, especially in a written deposition.
"The deponent confirmed the accuracy of the statement during the trial."
To reduce the number of people living in a place.
"The war threatened to depopulate the once-thriving town."
A person's behavior or manners, especially in a formal situation.
"Her deportment during the ceremony impressed everyone."
a person who places money in a bank or financial institution
"The bank provides insurance to protect depositors’ funds."
to corrupt morally; to make someone immoral or wicked
"The novel was criticized for attempting to deprave the minds of young readers."
moral corruption; wickedness
"The film portrays the moral depravity of a corrupt society."
expressing disapproval or belittling
"He gave a deprecatory remark about their performance."
An act of attacking or plundering; damage caused by such acts.
"The villagers feared the depredation of wild animals at night."
To appoint someone as a deputy; to act as a substitute or representative.
"The sheriff decided to deputize several locals to help maintain order."
To uproot something completely; to displace people from their native environment or culture.
"The conflict deracinated many families from their homeland."
the state of being abandoned; neglect of duty
"The officer was charged with dereliction of duty."
deserving ridicule or mockery
"His excuse was so weak that it was plainly derisible."
Expressing a low opinion or showing lack of respect.
"He made a derogative remark about her work."
A framework or tower used for supporting a crane, especially for oil drilling or lifting heavy loads.
"The workers assembled a derrick at the oil drilling site."
An additional melody or counterpoint sung or played above the main melody.
"The choir added a beautiful descant to the hymn."
to catch sight of something, especially something distant or obscure
"From the hilltop, they descried a small village in the distance."
to treat a sacred place or object with disrespect or violation
"The vandals desecrated the ancient temple walls with graffiti."
a substance that absorbs moisture and keeps things dry
"Silica gel packets are commonly used as a desiccant in packaging."
to dry up completely or remove the moisture from something
"The hot sun can quickly desiccate plants in the desert."
completely dried, having had all moisture removed
"The museum displayed desiccated specimens of plants."
something that is desired or considered necessary
"For many students, financial aid is a desideratum."
The act of stopping or ceasing from some action or behavior.
"The court urged his desistance from further unlawful activities."
A bold, reckless, or dangerous person, often a criminal.
"The sheriff was determined to capture the desperado who terrorized the town."
To steal or violently remove valuable possessions from a place.
"The invaders despoiled the village during the war."
A person who robs, plunders, or violently takes things from others.
"The despoilers left the city in ruins."
