captor
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C1 noun /ˈkæptər/

captor

Meaning
a person or group who has captured someone or something
Example
The hostage managed to escape from his captors.
C1 noun/verb /kruːˈseɪd/

crusade

Meaning
a vigorous campaign for a social, political, or religious cause; to fight passionately for a cause
Example
She has been crusading for women's rights all her life.
C1 verb /ˈkrʌmpəl/

crumple

Meaning
to crush something into folds or wrinkles
Example
He crumpled the paper and threw it in the bin.
C1 noun /kɒzˈmɒlədʒi/

cosmology

Meaning
the science of the origin and development of the universe
Example
She studied cosmology to understand the origins of the universe.
C1 noun /ˈsɛtərə/

cetera

Meaning
Latin for 'the rest' or 'others'; commonly used in the phrase 'et cetera' meaning 'and so on'.
Example
We need to buy pens, paper, notebooks, et cetera.
C1 noun /ˈkruːsɪbəl/

crucible

Meaning
a severe test or trial; a container used for heating substances to very high temperatures
Example
The team emerged stronger from the crucible of competition.
C1 noun /ˈkroʊ.bɑːr/

Crowbar

Meaning
a heavy iron bar with a curved end used as a lever for prying things apart
Example
He used a crowbar to remove the old nails.
C1 noun /kənˈtɛndər/

contender

Meaning
a person or team competing for a title or prize
Example
She is a strong contender for the mayoral position.
C1 noun /ˈtʃɪz.əl/

Chisel

Meaning
a tool with a sharp flat edge used for cutting or shaping wood, stone, or metal
Example
The carpenter used a chisel to carve the wood.
C1 noun/verb kənˈdʒɛk.tʃər

conjecture

Meaning
An opinion or conclusion formed on the basis of incomplete information; to form an opinion or supposition about something.
Example
The scientist's conjecture was later proven true.
C1 noun /kjʊˈreɪtər/

curator

Meaning
a person who is responsible for the care and management of a museum, gallery, or collection
Example
The curator organized a new exhibition of ancient artifacts.
C1 noun /ˈsɛntɪˌliːtər/

centiliter

Meaning
A metric unit of capacity equal to one hundredth of a liter.
Example
The recipe calls for 20 centiliters of milk.
C1 noun /saɪˈteɪʃən/

citation

Meaning
a quotation from or reference to a book, paper, or author
Example
The research paper included a citation from Shakespeare.
C1 verb ˌkəʊ.əˈles

coalesce

Meaning
Come together and form one mass or whole; unite to form one organization or group.
Example
The different theories coalesced into one unified idea.
C1 noun /kuː/

coup

Meaning
a sudden, decisive action that brings about a change, especially in government
Example
The military staged a coup to overthrow the existing regime.
C1 noun /ˌkɒŋɡrɪˈɡeɪʃən/

congregation

Meaning
a group of people assembled for religious worship or a common purpose
Example
The congregation gathered to hear the sermon.
C1 adjective /ˈkælkjʊleɪtɪŋ/

calculating

Meaning
acting in a scheming and ruthlessly determined way
Example
He had a cold and calculating approach to business.
C1 noun /ˌkɒnstəˈneɪʃən/

consternation

Meaning
A feeling of anxiety, dismay, or confusion, often caused by something unexpected.
Example
The sudden announcement caused widespread consternation among the employees.
C1 noun ˈklaɪmət ˌrɛɡjʊˈleɪʃən

climate regulation

Meaning
The moderation of climate conditions through natural or artificial processes.
Example
Forests help in climate regulation by stabilizing local temperatures.
C1 noun ˈkætəlɪst

catalyst

Meaning
A person or thing that precipitates an event or change.
Example
His speech acted as a catalyst for change in the community.
C1 noun /ˈkliː.vər/

Cleaver

Meaning
a heavy knife with a broad blade used for chopping meat or vegetables
Example
The chef used a cleaver to chop the chicken bones.
C1 noun /ˈkleɪmənt/

claimant

Meaning
a person who makes a claim, especially in a legal or financial context
Example
The claimant filed for compensation after the accident.
C1 noun /ˈkɒnstənsi/

constancy

Meaning
the quality of being faithful and dependable
Example
Her constancy in friendship is admirable.
C1 noun ˌkʌl.mɪˈneɪ.ʃən

culmination

Meaning
The highest or climactic point of something, especially as attained after a long time.
Example
The project reached its culmination after years of effort.
C1 noun /ˈtʃʌk.əl/

Chuckle

Meaning
a quiet or suppressed laugh; to laugh quietly or with amusement
Example
He gave a soft chuckle when he heard the funny joke.
C1 verb /ˈkriːmeɪt/

cremate

Meaning
to burn a dead body to ashes as a funeral rite
Example
According to his wishes, they cremated his body after the funeral.
C1 noun /kənˈtɪn.ju.əns/

continuance

Meaning
the state of continuing or being prolonged; persistence
Example
The continuance of the project depended on securing additional funding.
C1 noun /ˈkæviˌæt/

caveat

Meaning
a warning or condition to be considered before taking action
Example
The proposal was accepted with one caveat.
C1 noun /ˈkɔːkəs/

caucus

Meaning
A meeting of members of a political party to select candidates or decide policy.
Example
The party held a caucus to nominate their candidate for president.
C1 noun /krʌks/

crux

Meaning
the most important or decisive point of an issue
Example
The crux of the problem lies in poor communication.
C1 noun /kənˈsɜːvəˌtɪzəm/

conservatism

Meaning
A political or social philosophy promoting traditional institutions and resistance to change.
Example
Conservatism values tradition and gradual development.
C1 noun /kənˈspɪrə.tər/

conspirator

Meaning
a person who secretly plans with others to do something unlawful or harmful
Example
The conspirator was arrested before the plan could be carried out.
C1 verb /tʃaɪd/

chide

Meaning
to scold or rebuke; to express disapproval
Example
The teacher chided the student for being late.
C1 adjective /kənˈspɪkjuəs/

conspicuous

Meaning
Easily noticeable; attracting attention due to being unusual or prominent.
Example
Her red dress made her conspicuous at the party.
C1 verb /klɪntʃ/

clinch

Meaning
To secure or settle something decisively; to grasp tightly.
Example
The team clinched the championship with a last-minute goal.
C1 noun /ˈkɜːrlər/

curler

Meaning
A small roller used for curling hair.
Example
She used a curler to style her hair for the party.
C1 noun, verb /ˈkɒmjuːn/

commune

Meaning
Noun: a group of people living together and sharing possessions; Verb: to share one's thoughts or feelings intimately.
Example
She went to the countryside to commune with nature.
C1 verb /tʃæsˈtaɪz/

chastise

Meaning
to criticize or punish severely
Example
The teacher chastised the student for being late.
C1 verb /kənˈspaɪər/

conspire

Meaning
to secretly plan with others to do something harmful or illegal
Example
They conspired to overthrow the government.
C1 noun /ˌkɒn.təmˈpleɪ.ʃən/

contemplation

Meaning
The action of looking thoughtfully at something for a long time; deep reflective thought.
Example
She sat in contemplation before making her decision.
C1 noun kənˈsɔː.ti.əm

consortium

Meaning
An association of several companies or organizations formed to undertake an enterprise beyond the resources of any one member.
Example
The consortium worked collaboratively to build the cable.
C1 phrase ˌkæt.əˈɡɒr.ɪ.kəl.i rɪˈfjuː.tɪd

categorically refuted

Meaning
Completely and absolutely denied or disproved.
Example
The claims were categorically refuted by officials.
C1 verb /kəmˈpjuːt/

compute

Meaning
To calculate or determine by using a computer or mathematical methods.
Example
The software can compute the total cost in seconds.
C1 noun, adjective /ˈsɛntənəri/ or /sɛnˈtɛnəri/

centenary

Meaning
The hundredth anniversary of a significant event; relating to a period of 100 years.
Example
The school celebrated its centenary with a grand event.
C1 adjective /klænˈdɛstaɪn/

clandestine

Meaning
kept secret or done secretly, especially for illicit purposes
Example
They held a clandestine meeting late at night.
C1 verb /ˈkʌl.mɪ.neɪt/

culminate

Meaning
To reach the final or climactic stage of a process or activity.
Example
Years of hard work culminated in his success.
C1 noun /kənˈtɛnʃən/

contention

Meaning
heated disagreement or argument; a point asserted in debate
Example
The main contention between the two parties was over tax reform.
C1 noun /ˌkɒnfɪˈdɑːnt/

confidante

Meaning
A woman with whom one shares a secret or private matter, trusting her not to repeat it.
Example
The queen’s maid became her most trusted confidante.
C1 adjective /kəˈlæpsəbl̩/

collapsible

Meaning
able to be folded down or reduced in size
Example
She bought a collapsible chair for camping.
C1 verb ˌsɝː.kəmˈvent

circumvent

Meaning
To cleverly avoid or find a way around obstacles or rules.
Example
He tried to circumvent the security system.
C1 noun /kæsˈkeɪd/

Cascade

Meaning
a waterfall; a succession of stages or operations
Example
The mountain cascade created a beautiful natural swimming pool below.
C1 noun /ˈkɜːr.i liːvz/

Curry Leaves

Meaning
aromatic leaves from the curry tree used in South Asian cooking
Example
Fresh curry leaves add authentic flavor to Indian dishes.
C1 noun /tʃæmp/

champ

Meaning
an informal word for champion or winner.
Example
He is the new champ of the boxing tournament.
C1 adjective /ˈkɒn.ɪ.fər.əs/

coniferous

Meaning
Relating to cone-bearing trees that usually have needle-like leaves and remain green year-round.
Example
Pine trees are coniferous and grow in colder climates.
C1 adjective /ˈkrɛdɪtəbl/

creditable

Meaning
Deserving praise or acknowledgment, though not necessarily outstanding.
Example
She made a creditable effort in completing the project on time.
C1 verb /ˈkɒnsɔːrt/

consort

Meaning
To associate with someone, typically with disapproval; also, a spouse of a reigning monarch.
Example
He was criticized for consorting with criminals.
C1 noun /ˌkɒnfləˈɡreɪʃən/

conflagration

Meaning
A large, destructive fire that destroys a great deal of land or property.
Example
The forest was devastated by a massive conflagration that lasted for days.
C1 adjective /kənˈstreɪnd/

constrained

Meaning
appearing forced, unnatural, or restricted
Example
He gave a constrained smile during the awkward meeting.
C1 noun /ˈkeɪ.sɪŋ/

Casing

Meaning
a cover or shell that protects or encloses something
Example
The mechanic removed the engine casing to examine the internal parts.
C1 adjective /ˈkjuːmjələtɪv/

cumulative

Meaning
Increasing gradually by addition; growing in quantity, force, or effect.
Example
The cumulative effect of stress can harm your health.
C1 noun /ˈkʌl.ən.dər/

Colander

Meaning
a bowl-shaped kitchen utensil with holes in it used for draining food such as pasta or rice
Example
She drained the pasta using a colander.
C1 verb /kənˈstrɪkt/

constrict

Meaning
to make narrower or tighter; to shrink or compress
Example
The snake constricted its prey before swallowing.
C1 noun /ˈkɒl.ə.bəʊn/

Collar-bone

Meaning
either of the pair of bones joining the breastbone to the shoulder blades; clavicle
Example
He broke his collar-bone in the accident.
C1 noun /ˈkɑːrtrɪdʒ/

cartridge

Meaning
A container holding a substance or device, such as ink for printers or bullets for firearms.
Example
The printer stopped working because the ink cartridge was empty.
C1 adjective /kɑːrˈnɪv.ər.əs/

Carnivorous

Meaning
feeding on other animals; meat-eating
Example
Lions are carnivorous animals that hunt other animals for food.
C1 noun /ˈkæn.ɪ.bəl/

Cannibal

Meaning
a person who eats the flesh of other human beings
Example
The explorer's journal described rumors of cannibals living on the remote island.
C1 verb /ˈkæptɪveɪt/

captivate

Meaning
to attract and hold the interest of; to charm or fascinate
Example
Her beautiful voice captivated the audience.
C1 verb /kʌl/

cull

Meaning
to select or remove from a larger group, often to reduce numbers
Example
The farmers decided to cull the sick animals from the herd.
C1 verb, noun /klɑːɡ/

clog

Meaning
to block or become blocked; a type of heavy wooden shoe
Example
The sink was clogged with food waste.
C1 verb /ˌkɒntrəˈviːn/

contravene

Meaning
to go against or act in opposition to a law, rule, or agreement
Example
He contravened the safety regulations and was fined.
C1 noun /ˈkɒnsəl/

consul

Meaning
an official appointed by a government to live in a foreign city and protect its citizens and interests there
Example
The consul assisted travelers who lost their passports.
C1 noun /ˈkɔːrdən/

cordon

Meaning
a line or circle of police, soldiers, or guards preventing access
Example
The police set up a cordon around the crime scene.
C1 adjective /kɜːrt/

curt

Meaning
Rudely brief in speech or manner.
Example
His curt reply made everyone uncomfortable.
C1 adjective /klaɪˈmæktɪk/

climactic

Meaning
Relating to the most exciting or important moment of something.
Example
The film ended with a climactic battle scene.
C1 adjective /koʊˈɜːrsɪv/

coercive

Meaning
Relating to or using force or threats to make someone do something.
Example
The government faced criticism for adopting coercive measures against protestors.
C1 adjective /kəmˈpʌlsɪv/

compulsive

Meaning
Resulting from or acting on an irresistible urge, especially one that is against one's conscious wishes.
Example
He is a compulsive gambler who cannot stop placing bets.
C1 adjective /kəˈnɒnɪkəl/

canonical

Meaning
Conforming to a general rule or accepted standard; officially recognized.
Example
Shakespeare’s works are considered canonical in English literature.
C1 noun /ˈkæpɪˌlɛri/

capillary

Meaning
a very thin blood vessel that connects arteries and veins
Example
Oxygen passes from the blood into tissues through capillaries.
C1 adjective ˌkɒn.ʃiˈen.ʃəs

conscientious

Meaning
Wishing to do what is right, especially to do one's work or duty well and thoroughly.
Example
A conscientious worker always delivers high-quality results.
C1 noun /kənˈsɜːvəˌtɔːri/

conservatory

Meaning
A greenhouse for growing plants or a school for music and the arts.
Example
They grew exotic plants in the conservatory.
C1 verb /ˈkɒŋɡrɪɡeɪt/

congregate

Meaning
to gather together in a group; to assemble
Example
People congregate in the town square every evening.
C1 adjective /ˌkætəˈklɪzmɪk/

cataclysmic

Meaning
Relating to or denoting a violent natural event or upheaval.
Example
The war had cataclysmic effects on the nation's economy.
C1 verb /ˈkrɪsən/

christen

Meaning
to give a name to someone at baptism or to name something officially
Example
They christened the ship after the queen.
C1 adjective /ˈkrɪm.zən/

Crimson

Meaning
a deep purplish-red color
Example
The crimson sunset painted the sky with beautiful shades.
C1 noun /ˈʃæsi/

chassis

Meaning
the base frame of a vehicle or other wheeled machine
Example
The mechanic examined the car's chassis for damage.
C1 verb kəˈrɒb.ə.reɪt

corroborate

Meaning
Confirm or give support to a statement, theory, or finding.
Example
The witness corroborated the defendant's testimony.
C1 verb /ˌkɒm.pɑːtˈmen.təl.aɪz/

compartmentalize

Meaning
To divide into sections or categories; to separate things into compartments.
Example
To increase efficiency, he compartmentalized his work tasks.
C1 adjective /ˌkætəˈɡɒrɪkəl/

categorical

Meaning
Absolute and without exception; expressed clearly and directly.
Example
She gave a categorical denial of the allegations.
C1 noun kəˈrəʊ.ʒən

corrosion

Meaning
The gradual destruction of materials by chemical or electrochemical reaction, especially of metals by oxidation.
Example
Corrosion in pipes leads to leakage.
C1 adjective /kənˈdʒenɪtl/

congenital

Meaning
existing from birth, usually describing a disease or condition
Example
The child was born with a congenital heart defect.
C1 noun /kənˈteɪdʒən/

contagion

Meaning
The communication of disease from one person to another by close contact; also the spread of harmful ideas or behaviors.
Example
Fear spread like a contagion through the crowd.
C1 verb /kənˈfaʊnd/

confound

Meaning
to confuse or surprise someone, often by acting against their expectations
Example
The magician's trick seemed to confound the entire audience.
C1 noun /ˈkroʊniˌɪzəm/

cronyism

Meaning
The practice of favoring friends or associates, especially in political appointments or business deals.
Example
The company was accused of cronyism in hiring practices.
C1 adjective /ˈkɔːrdiəl/

Cordial

Meaning
warmly friendly; sincere; heartfelt
Example
She gave us a cordial welcome at the front door.
C1 noun ˈkəmˌpaʊndɪŋ

compounding

Meaning
The process whereby interest is added to an amount of money and future interest is calculated on the total.
Example
Compounding interest increases the value of investments over time.
C1 adjective /ˌkɒmprɪˈhɛnsəbl/

comprehensible

Meaning
able to be understood; intelligible
Example
The teacher explained the topic in a comprehensible way.
C1 noun /ˈkʌn.stə.bəl/

constable

Meaning
a police officer of the lowest rank
Example
The constable directed traffic at the busy intersection.
C1 noun /ˈkjuːmɪn/

Cumin

Meaning
A spice made from the dried seeds of a plant in the parsley family, with a warm earthy flavor
Example
Cumin is an essential spice in Indian and Middle Eastern cooking.
C1 noun /ˈkærət/

carat

Meaning
a unit of weight for precious stones, equal to 200 milligrams
Example
She received a two-carat diamond ring for her engagement.
C1 verb /kənˈviːn/

convene

Meaning
to come together or assemble, especially for a meeting or formal gathering
Example
The board will convene tomorrow to discuss the new policy.
C1 adjective, noun /ˈkɔːrpərəl/

corporal

Meaning
relating to the body; a low-ranking officer in the military
Example
He suffered a corporal punishment for his mistake.
C1 adjective /kənˈtraɪvd/

contrived

Meaning
artificial or forced; not natural or spontaneous
Example
The ending of the movie felt contrived and unrealistic.
C1 noun /ˈkæmi.oʊ/

cameo

Meaning
a small but significant role in a play, film, or show, often performed by a well-known person
Example
The actor made a surprise cameo in the movie.
C1 verb /ˈkæp.saɪz/

capsize

Meaning
to overturn in the water
Example
The small fishing boat capsized during the storm.
C1 noun /kriːd/

creed

Meaning
A system of religious or spiritual beliefs or a guiding principle.
Example
Freedom of speech is part of his personal creed.
C1 noun /ˈklæmər/

clamor

Meaning
a loud and confused noise, especially of people shouting insistently
Example
The clamor of the protesting crowd filled the square.
C1 noun /kəˈmændər ɪn tʃiːf/

Commander-in-chief

Meaning
the supreme leader of a nation's armed forces
Example
The president serves as the commander-in-chief of the military.
C1 noun /kənˈtentmənt/

contentment

Meaning
a state of happiness and satisfaction with what one has
Example
She felt a deep sense of contentment after helping others.
C1 noun /kənˈkʌrəns/

concurrence

Meaning
Agreement or union in action, opinion, or occurrence; simultaneous happening of events.
Example
The project was completed with the concurrence of all departments.
C1 verb /kənˈkɒkt/

concoct

Meaning
to make something, especially food or a story, by mixing or inventing
Example
He concocted a story to explain his absence.
C1 noun /ˈkæv.əl.ri/

Cavalry

Meaning
soldiers who fight on horseback; the part of an army formerly composed of troops on horseback
Example
The cavalry charged across the field with great speed.
C1 noun /kənˈsiːt/

conceit

Meaning
excessive pride in oneself; vanity
Example
His conceit made him unpopular among his colleagues.
C1 adjective /kənˈtɛmptʃuəs/

contemptuous

Meaning
showing or expressing contempt; scornful
Example
She gave him a contemptuous glance.
C1 adjective kəʊˈhiː.sɪv

cohesive

Meaning
Characterized by or causing cohesion; forming a united whole.
Example
The team displayed a cohesive strategy.
C1 noun /ˈkɒləmnɪst/

columnist

Meaning
a journalist who regularly writes articles or opinions for a newspaper or magazine
Example
The columnist wrote an article about climate change.
C1 noun /kənˈtɪnjuəm/

continuum

Meaning
A continuous sequence in which adjacent elements are not perceptibly different from each other, but the extremes are quite distinct.
Example
Life and death are often seen as part of the same continuum.
C1 noun /kɔːrs flaʊər/

Course flour

Meaning
coarsely ground flour with larger particles, typically used for baking bread
Example
She used course flour to make homemade bread with a rustic texture.
C1 noun /kənˈvʌl.ʃən/

convulsion

Meaning
a sudden, violent, involuntary contraction of muscles; a seizure
Example
The medicine helped prevent convulsions in children.
C1 noun sɜːrˈkeɪdiən ˈrɪðəm

circadian rhythm

Meaning
The body's natural sleep-wake cycle that occurs within 24 hours
Example
Exposure to natural light regulates the circadian rhythm.
C1 verb /kənˈstruː/

construe

Meaning
to interpret or understand the meaning of something in a particular way
Example
His words could be construed as a threat.
C1 noun /ˈtʃæplɪn/

chaplain

Meaning
A member of the clergy attached to a private chapel, institution, hospital, or military unit.
Example
The army chaplain offered prayers before the battle.