debilitate
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C2 verb /dɪˈbɪlɪteɪt/

debilitate

Meaning
to weaken or make someone or something infirm
Example
The long illness debilitated his strength.
C2 noun /rɪˈsɪʒən/

rescission

Meaning
the cancellation or annulment of a law, contract, or agreement
Example
The rescission of the contract left both parties disappointed.
C2 adjective /ɪˈkwɪvəkəl/

equivocal

Meaning
Open to more than one interpretation; ambiguous.
Example
His equivocal answer confused everyone.
C2 noun brəˈvɑː.dəʊ

bravado

Meaning
Show of courage or confidence that is not real.
Example
His bravado masked his nervousness before the performance.
C2 adjective /əˈbɔːrtɪv/

abortive

Meaning
Failing to produce the intended result; unsuccessful.
Example
Their abortive attempt to climb the mountain ended in retreat.
C2 noun /əˈnjuː.ɪ.ti/

annuity

Meaning
a fixed sum of money paid to someone each year, typically for the rest of their life
Example
She receives an annuity from her late husband's insurance policy.
C2 noun /məˈlɑː.ti/

Malati

Meaning
a fragrant climbing plant with small white flowers, commonly known as jasmine
Example
The malati vine covered the garden wall with sweet-smelling flowers.
C2 adjective /ˌsæsərˈdoʊtl/

sacerdotal

Meaning
Relating to priests or the priesthood.
Example
The ritual had a distinctly sacerdotal character.
C2 noun /dɪˈbɛntʃər/

debenture

Meaning
a type of debt instrument not secured by physical assets or collateral
Example
The company raised capital by issuing debentures to investors.
C2 noun /ˌæv.oʊˈkeɪ.ʃən/

avocation

Meaning
a hobby or minor occupation pursued in addition to one's main work
Example
Painting is his avocation after office hours.
C2 noun /wiːl/

weal

Meaning
A raised mark on the skin left after a blow; or general well-being and prosperity.
Example
The charity worked for the common weal of the community.
C2 noun /ˈɔːldər/

alder

Meaning
A type of tree from the birch family that typically grows in wet ground and has simple, serrated leaves.
Example
The alder trees grew thick along the riverbank.
C2 adjective /ˈkæloʊ/

callow

Meaning
Inexperienced and immature.
Example
The callow intern made several mistakes on his first day.
C2 noun /kænt/

cant

Meaning
Hypocritical and insincere talk, especially about moral or religious principles.
Example
The politician's speech was filled with cant about honesty and integrity.
C2 verb /ˈdɛpɪleɪt/

depilate

Meaning
to remove hair from the skin, especially by mechanical or chemical means
Example
She decided to depilate her legs before the event.
C2 noun/adjective /ˈlæpɪˌdɛri/

lapidary

Meaning
As noun: a person who cuts, polishes, or engraves precious stones; As adjective: relating to such work.
Example
The museum displayed lapidary tools used in ancient times.
C2 noun /ˌmænjəˈmɪʃən/

manumission

Meaning
The act of a slave owner freeing their slaves.
Example
The manumission of the slaves marked a turning point in history.
C2 verb /ɛnˈdʒɔɪn/

enjoin

Meaning
to instruct or urge someone to do something; to prohibit legally
Example
The judge enjoined the company from continuing its activities.
C2 verb /ˈsɜːrkəmskraɪb/

circumscribe

Meaning
to limit or restrict something within boundaries
Example
The rules circumscribe the powers of the committee.
C2 adjective /əˈstrɪndʒənt/

astringent

Meaning
sharp or severe in manner or style; also describes a substance that contracts skin or body tissues
Example
Her astringent tone silenced the noisy class.
C2 adjective /ˈmʌltɪfɔːrm/

multiform

Meaning
Having many different forms or appearances.
Example
The festival was a multiform celebration of art, music, and culture.
C2 verb /sweɪð/

swathe

Meaning
To wrap or cover closely or completely.
Example
She swathed the baby in a soft blanket.
C2 verb /ˌmɪskənˈstruː/

misconstrue

Meaning
To interpret something wrongly or misunderstand the meaning.
Example
She misconstrued his silence as anger.
C2 verb /ˌʌndərˈɡɜːrd/

undergird

Meaning
to provide support or foundation for; to strengthen
Example
Strong values undergird a healthy society.
C2 adjective /ˌæntɪməˈrɪdiən/

antemeridian

Meaning
Relating to the time before noon; occurring in the morning.
Example
She scheduled all her important meetings during the antemeridian hours.
C2 adjective /ˈhʌmdrʌm/

humdrum

Meaning
Lacking excitement or variety; dull and monotonous.
Example
She grew tired of the humdrum routine of office life.
C2 noun /ˈnaɪsəti/

nicety

Meaning
a fine or subtle detail, or a refined, delicate aspect of something
Example
The lawyer explained the legal niceties of the case.
C2 adjective /ɪnˈsuːpərəbl/

insuperable

Meaning
Impossible to overcome or surpass.
Example
The team faced insuperable challenges during the expedition.
C2 noun /prəˈfʌn.dɪ.ti/

profundity

Meaning
Deep insight; great depth of knowledge or thought.
Example
The profundity of his words left a lasting impact.
C2 adjective ˌmɛɡəˈlɪθɪk

megalithic

Meaning
Relating to or denoting prehistoric monuments made of or containing large stones.
Example
The megalithic structures in ancient civilizations are fascinating.
C2 noun /ˈswɑːvɪti/

suavity

Meaning
smoothness and charm in manner
Example
His suavity made him popular in social gatherings.
C2 verb /ˈæmərˌtaɪz/

amortize

Meaning
To gradually reduce or pay off a debt with regular payments.
Example
They plan to amortize the mortgage over 20 years.
C2 noun /ˈlʊŋ.gi/

Lungi

Meaning
a traditional garment worn around the waist in South Asia
Example
He wore a comfortable lungi while relaxing at home.
C2 noun /ˈseɪ.ɡoʊ/

Sago

Meaning
starchy foodstuff obtained from the pith of various tropical palm stems
Example
She prepared sago pudding for dessert.
C2 adjective /dɪˈdjuːsəbl/

deducible

Meaning
able to be deduced; possible to be inferred
Example
The solution is deducible from the data provided.
C2 verb /bɪˈfɒɡ/

befog

Meaning
to confuse or make unclear; to cover with fog or mist
Example
His mind was befogged by exhaustion.
C2 adjective /ˈtɪd.li/

Tiddley

Meaning
slightly drunk; small or tiny
Example
After a few drinks, he felt a bit tiddley.
C2 noun /dɪˈsɛnʃən/

dissension

Meaning
Strong disagreement or difference of opinion, especially leading to discord within a group.
Example
The meeting ended in dissension among the committee members.
C2 adjective /ˌvælɪˈdɪktəri/

valedictory

Meaning
Serving as a farewell or parting; relating to a valediction.
Example
He delivered a valedictory speech at the conference.
C2 adjective/verb /ɪnˈkɑːrneɪt/

incarnate

Meaning
to embody or represent in human form; in flesh
Example
She is kindness incarnate.
C2 noun /ˈɪndɪkənt/

indicant

Meaning
Something that indicates or points to a fact or condition.
Example
High fever is often an indicant of infection.
C2 verb /ˈɑːbdʒərˌɡeɪt/

objurgate

Meaning
to scold or rebuke severely
Example
The teacher objurgated the student for being dishonest.
C2 adjective /ˌsuːprəˈmʌndeɪn/

supramundane

Meaning
beyond the physical or ordinary world; transcendent
Example
The monk spoke of supramundane peace beyond material life.
C2 verb /skʌlk/

skulk

Meaning
to move or hide secretly, often because you are planning something bad or are feeling guilty
Example
He tried to skulk in the shadows to avoid being seen.
C2 adjective ˌlæb.əˈrɪn.θaɪn

labyrinthine

Meaning
Like a labyrinth; complicated and confusing; having many interconnected paths or passages.
Example
The old city streets were labyrinthine.
C2 noun /boʊl/

bole

Meaning
the trunk of a tree
Example
The bole of the tree was thick and strong.
C2 adjective /ˌprɒfɪˈlæktɪk/

prophylactic

Meaning
intended to prevent disease or an unwanted outcome; protective
Example
The doctor prescribed a prophylactic treatment to prevent infection.
C2 noun /ˈhɑːtʃ.pɑːtʃ/

Hotchpotch

Meaning
a confused mixture; a jumbled assortment of things
Example
The room was a hotchpotch of old furniture, books, and random decorations.
C2 noun /ˈɡlʌt.ən/

Glutton

Meaning
a person who regularly eats or drinks more than is necessary; someone who has an excessive appetite
Example
He was known as a glutton who could finish three large pizzas in one sitting.
C2 noun /ˈsɛpəlˌtʃər/

Sepulture

Meaning
the act of burying a dead body; burial; a grave or tomb
Example
The ancient king's sepulture was discovered by archaeologists.
C2 verb /ˈbɜːrdʒən/

burgeon

Meaning
To grow or develop rapidly; to flourish.
Example
The city's population began to burgeon after the new factory opened.
C2 verb /ˈɑːskjʊleɪt/

osculate

Meaning
To kiss.
Example
They osculated under the mistletoe during the party.
C2 noun /ˌbaɪ.oʊ.rɪˌmiː.diˈeɪ.ʃən/

bioremediation

Meaning
The use of living organisms to neutralize or remove environmental contaminants.
Example
Bioremediation helps remove toxins from polluted soil.
C2 noun /ˈfoʊ.li.oʊ/

folio

Meaning
A sheet of paper folded once to form two leaves (four pages) of a book; also a term for a large book or manuscript.
Example
The library houses an ancient Shakespeare folio.
C2 adjective /ˈnjuːbaɪl/

nubile

Meaning
of a young woman, sexually mature and suitable for marriage
Example
The village was celebrating the festival with its nubile maidens dancing.
C2 noun /ˌfoʊ.nəˈlɑː.dʒi/

phonology

Meaning
the study of the sound system of a language
Example
She is studying phonology to understand how sounds function in English.
C2 verb /ˈʌndərˌraɪt/

underwrite

Meaning
To guarantee financial support, especially by agreeing to cover losses or risks; in insurance, to assess and accept risks.
Example
The bank agreed to underwrite the company's new bond issue.
C2 verb /əˈsweɪdʒ/

assuage

Meaning
To make an unpleasant feeling less intense; to ease or relieve.
Example
The kind words helped assuage her anxiety.
C2 verb /ˈvɪvɪfaɪ/

vivify

Meaning
to give life or energy to something; to animate or enliven
Example
The teacher’s enthusiasm helped vivify the boring lecture.
C2 adjective /fɪˈdjuːʃəl/

fiducial

Meaning
based on trust or confidence; serving as a standard of reference
Example
The fiducial point on the map ensures accurate measurements.
C2 verb /beɪt/

bate

Meaning
to lessen or restrain; to diminish the force or intensity of something
Example
He spoke with bated breath as he waited for the result.
C2 noun /ˈɒlɪv brɑːntʃ/

olive-branch

Meaning
A symbol of peace or reconciliation; an offer to end conflict.
Example
He extended an olive-branch to his rival after years of hostility.
C2 noun /ˈmædrɪɡəl/

madrigal

Meaning
A short, lyrical poem set to music, typically from the Renaissance period.
Example
The choir performed a beautiful madrigal from the 16th century.
C2 noun /ˌmɪsˈruːl/

misrule

Meaning
bad or poor governance
Example
The kingdom suffered for decades under misrule.
C2 noun /pəˈruːzl/

perusal

Meaning
The action of reading or examining something carefully.
Example
The contract was given to the lawyer for perusal.
C2 verb /dɪˈkæmp/

decamp

Meaning
To depart suddenly or secretly, often to avoid trouble or escape.
Example
The thief decamped before the police arrived.
C2 noun /ˌæɡ.rəˈdeɪ.ʃən/

aggradation

Meaning
The process of land being built up by sediment deposition.
Example
Aggradation helps in the natural expansion of riverbanks.
C2 verb /fɔɪst/

foist

Meaning
To impose something unwelcome or unnecessary on someone.
Example
He tried to foist his old books onto his friends.
C2 noun /əˌpɒθiˈoʊsɪs/

apotheosis

Meaning
The highest point of development; the perfect example of something; the elevation of someone to divine status.
Example
Many see the Renaissance as the apotheosis of art and culture in Europe.
C2 noun /ˈæn.oʊd/

anode

Meaning
The positive electrode in a device such as a battery, where current flows into a polarized electrical device.
Example
The anode of the battery was corroded after long use.
C2 adjective /ˈvɒl.jʊ.bəl/

Voluble

Meaning
speaking fluently and readily; talkative; having a continuous flow of words
Example
The voluble salesman talked for hours about his products.
C2 noun /spjuːm/

spume

Meaning
Froth or foam, especially found on waves or liquids.
Example
The waves crashed against the rocks, leaving spume in the air.
C2 verb ˈlev.ɪ.teɪ.tɪŋ

levitating

Meaning
Rising and hovering in the air, especially as a result of supernatural or magical power.
Example
The levitating structure is an engineering marvel.
C2 adjective, noun /ˈænθrəpɔɪd/

anthropoid

Meaning
Resembling a human being in form; a primate such as apes and monkeys.
Example
The gorilla is considered an anthropoid ape.
C2 noun /ɪnˈkwɪzɪtər/

inquisitor

Meaning
A person who asks many questions, often in an official or harsh manner.
Example
The inquisitor demanded detailed answers from the witness.
C2 noun /ɪnˈsɪpiəns/

incipience

Meaning
the beginning or initial stage of something
Example
The project was still in its incipience when funding was approved.
C2 verb /əˈdʒʌdʒ/

adjudge

Meaning
to consider or declare officially in a legal or formal manner
Example
He was adjudged guilty by the court.
C2 verb /foʊˈmɛnt/

foment

Meaning
To instigate or stir up (an undesirable or violent sentiment or course of action).
Example
The rebel leader tried to foment unrest among the people.
C2 verb /əˈkuːtə/

accoutre

Meaning
to dress or equip, especially in something impressive or elaborate
Example
The knight was accoutred in shining armor.
C2 adjective /ˌɑːrbəˈrɛsənt/

arborescent

Meaning
having the appearance or characteristics of a tree; tree-like
Example
The coral had an arborescent form that resembled a miniature forest.
C2 noun /ˌriːkəˌpɪtjʊˈleɪʃən/

recapitulation

Meaning
The act of summarizing or repeating the main points of something.
Example
The professor gave a brief recapitulation of the lecture before ending the class.
C2 noun /ˈɪŋkjʊbəs/

incubus

Meaning
An oppressive or nightmarish burden; in folklore, an evil spirit that lies upon sleeping people.
Example
Debt became an incubus that weighed heavily on the family.
C2 noun /ˈɛpɪˌsaɪkl/

epicycle

Meaning
a small circle whose center moves around the circumference of a larger one, used in ancient astronomy
Example
The concept of the epicycle was used to explain planetary motion.
C2 verb /ˌækwiˈɛs/

acquiesce

Meaning
to accept something reluctantly but without protest
Example
She decided to acquiesce to her parents’ wishes.
C2 adjective /ˌdaɪəˈlɛktɪkəl/

dialectical

Meaning
Relating to the logical discussion of ideas and opinions.
Example
She took a dialectical approach to solve the complex issue.
C2 noun /ˈbɪɡ.ə.mi/

bigamy

Meaning
The act of marrying one person while still legally married to another.
Example
He was charged with bigamy after his second marriage was discovered.
C2 adjective /æmˈbroʊʒiəl/

ambrosial

Meaning
Exceptionally pleasing to taste or smell; divine.
Example
The aroma of freshly baked bread was simply ambrosial.
C2 noun /kwɑːˈfjʊr/

coiffure

Meaning
A person's hairstyle, typically an elaborate one.
Example
Her elegant coiffure impressed everyone at the party.
C2 noun /krəˈnɒmɪtər/

chronometer

Meaning
An instrument for measuring time precisely, especially used in navigation.
Example
The sailor relied on the chronometer to determine his position at sea.
C2 noun /ˈɒnwiː/ or /ˈɑːnwiː/

ennui

Meaning
A feeling of boredom, listlessness, or dissatisfaction arising from lack of excitement.
Example
After weeks of doing nothing, he sank into a deep sense of ennui.
C2 verb /səˈfjuːz/

suffuse

Meaning
to gradually spread through or over something
Example
A warm glow suffused her face as she smiled.
C2 adjective /ˈʃɑːpwɔːrn/

shopworn

Meaning
worn or faded from being displayed in a shop; no longer fresh or original
Example
The shopworn shoes were sold at a discount.
C2 noun /ˌpriːɪɡˈzɪstəns/

preexistence

Meaning
the state of existing before something else
Example
Philosophers often debated the preexistence of the soul.
C2 adjective /ɪmˈprɒvɪdənt/

improvident

Meaning
Not having or showing foresight; spending wastefully or without thought for the future.
Example
His improvident habits left him with no savings.
C2 adjective /ˈɡlʌt.ən.əs/

gluttonous

Meaning
Excessively greedy in eating or consuming.
Example
His gluttonous appetite shocked everyone at the dinner table.
C2 adjective /ˌʌnəˈʃʊəd/

unassured

Meaning
Lacking confidence or certainty.
Example
She gave an unassured answer during the interview.
C2 adjective /ˈkrɒtʃ.ə.ti/

crotchety

Meaning
bad-tempered, easily annoyed, and often complaining
Example
The crotchety old man yelled at the children for playing near his house.
C2 noun /ˈdɒɡ roʊz/

Dog-rose

Meaning
A wild rose species with pink or white flowers and thorny stems, common in hedgerows
Example
The dog-rose bush grew wild along the countryside path.
C2 noun /ˌdɪfəˈrɛnʃə/

differentia

Meaning
A distinguishing characteristic that sets one thing apart from another.
Example
The differentia of humans is their ability to reason abstractly.
C2 adjective /ˈhaɪdrəs/

hydrous

Meaning
Containing water, especially water of crystallization.
Example
The mineral is hydrous because it contains water molecules in its structure.
C2 noun /ˈbʊlwərk/

bulwark

Meaning
A strong wall or defensive structure; something that provides protection or support.
Example
The fortress walls served as a bulwark against enemy attacks.
C2 noun /ˈkærɪlɒn/

carillon

Meaning
A set of bells played using a keyboard, usually in a tower.
Example
The carillon bells rang across the town square.
C2 adjective /rɪˈdjuːsəbl̩/

reducible

Meaning
capable of being simplified, lessened, or made smaller
Example
The problem is complex but reducible to a few basic principles.
C2 noun /kəˈbɑːdi/

kabadi

Meaning
a person who collects and sells scrap or recyclable materials, especially in South Asia
Example
The kabadi came every week to collect old newspapers and bottles.
C2 verb /ˈpɜːrdʒər/

perjure

Meaning
To knowingly tell a lie in a court of law after swearing to tell the truth.
Example
He was accused of trying to perjure himself during the trial.
C2 verb /ɛmˈbɔs/

emboss

Meaning
to decorate a surface with a raised design or pattern
Example
The invitation card was embossed with golden letters.
C2 adjective /ˈæsɪnaɪn/

asinine

Meaning
Extremely foolish or stupid.
Example
It was an asinine idea to drive into the storm without checking the weather.
C2 verb /boʊd/

bode

Meaning
to be an omen of a particular outcome, often something bad
Example
The dark clouds bode a heavy storm.
C2 noun /kənˈtɔːrʃən/

contortion

Meaning
a twisted or bent shape; the act of twisting out of the normal shape
Example
The gymnast's contortion amazed the audience.
C2 verb /ˌdɪskəmˈpoʊz/

discompose

Meaning
To disturb the order or calmness of something or someone.
Example
The unexpected question seemed to discompose her.
C2 adjective /ˈprɑːflɪɡət/

profligate

Meaning
recklessly extravagant or wasteful in resources
Example
The king was known for his profligate lifestyle.
C2 noun /ˌmæskəˈreɪd/

masquerade

Meaning
a party or gathering where people wear masks and costumes; a false outward show
Example
The charity event was held as a grand masquerade.
C2 noun /ˌdɛrɪˈlɪkʃən/

dereliction

Meaning
the state of being abandoned; neglect of duty
Example
The officer was charged with dereliction of duty.
C2 adjective /ˈlæŋɡwɪd/

Languid

Meaning
lacking energy or vitality; slow and relaxed; weak or faint
Example
After the long journey, she felt languid and needed to rest.
C2 noun /ʃiːf/

sheaf

Meaning
a bundle of grain stalks laid lengthwise and tied together after reaping; a bundle of objects tied together
Example
The farmer carried a sheaf of wheat on his shoulder.
C2 adjective /spæzˈmɒdɪk/

spasmodic

Meaning
occurring irregularly or in sudden bursts
Example
The patient experienced spasmodic coughing during the night.
C2 noun /ˌɪməʊˈbɪləti/

immobility

Meaning
The state of being unable to move.
Example
After the accident, she suffered from immobility in her legs.
C2 noun /ænˈtɪpəθi/

antipathy

Meaning
a deep-seated feeling of dislike or aversion toward something or someone
Example
There was a mutual antipathy between the two rival companies.
C2 verb /səˈbɔːrn/

suborn

Meaning
to bribe or induce someone unlawfully to perform an act, especially to commit perjury
Example
The lawyer was accused of trying to suborn a witness.
C2 adjective /rɪˈfrɪndʒənt/

refringent

Meaning
Capable of refracting light or other waves.
Example
The refringent properties of the crystal bent the light into a spectrum.
C2 noun /ˈæpəplɛksi/

apoplexy

Meaning
A sudden loss of consciousness or control due to stroke or extreme anger.
Example
The old man nearly had apoplexy when he heard the shocking news.