Vocabularies

English Vocabulary Dictionary | Word Meanings, Definitions & Examples

deface definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
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deface

verb C1
/dɪˈfeɪs/

to spoil the surface or appearance of something, especially by writing or drawing on it

"The vandals defaced the wall with graffiti."

defamation definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
noun C1
/ˌdɛfəˈmeɪʃən/

the act of damaging someone's reputation by making false statements

"The newspaper was sued for defamation of character."

defame definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
verb C1
/dɪˈfeɪm/

to harm someone's reputation by spreading false information

"He was defamed by malicious rumors."

defeatist definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
noun, adjective C1
/dɪˈfiːtɪst/

A person who expects or is excessively ready to accept failure; showing a tendency to expect defeat.

"His defeatist attitude discouraged the rest of the team."

defection definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
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defection

noun C1
/dɪˈfɛkʃən/

The act of abandoning one’s country, cause, or group in favor of another.

"The politician’s defection shocked his supporters."

Defendant definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
noun C1
/dɪˈfɛndənt/

An individual, company, or institution sued or accused in a court of law.

"The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges."

defensible definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
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defensible

adjective C1
/dɪˈfɛnsəbəl/

Capable of being protected against attack or criticism; justifiable.

"Her decision was legally defensible."

deference definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
noun C1
/ˈdɛfərəns/

Polite submission or respect for someone else's opinion or judgment.

"She showed great deference to her elders."

defiance definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
noun C1
/dɪˈfaɪəns/

Open resistance or bold disobedience.

"The protest was an act of defiance against injustice."

Defiant definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
adjective C1
/dɪˈfaɪ.ənt/

showing open resistance or bold disobedience

"The child was defiant when told to clean his room."

Deficiency definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
noun C1
/dɪˈfɪʃ.ən.si/

a lack or shortage of something that is necessary

"The doctor diagnosed him with a vitamin D deficiency."

Deficient definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
adjective C1
/dɪˈfɪʃ.ənt/

not having enough of something that is essential

"The soil is deficient in nutrients."

defile definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
verb C1
/dɪˈfaɪl/

to pollute, corrupt, or make dirty

"The river was defiled by industrial waste."

deflation definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
noun C1
dɪˈfleɪʃən

Reduction of the general level of prices in an economy.

"Deflation often leads to decreased consumer spending."

deflect definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
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deflect

verb C1
/dɪˈflɛkt/

to cause something to change direction; to avoid answering directly

"The shield deflected the incoming arrow."

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deforest

verb C1
/diːˈfɒrɪst/

to clear an area of trees, usually on a large scale

"The region has been heavily deforested for agriculture."

deform definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
verb C1
/dɪˈfɔːrm/

to change the normal shape or structure of something by twisting or distorting it

"Excessive heat can deform plastic containers."

Deformity definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
noun C1
/dɪˈfɔːrməti/

an abnormality or distortion in the shape or structure of a body part

"The child was born with a minor hand deformity."

defraud definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
verb C1
/dɪˈfrɔːd/

to illegally take money or valuables from someone by deception

"The company was accused of trying to defraud investors."

deft definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
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deft

adjective C1
/dɛft/

Demonstrating skill and cleverness in movement or action.

"The pianist's deft fingers moved across the keys with ease."

defunct definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
adjective C1
/dɪˈfʌŋkt/

No longer existing, operating, or functioning.

"The company became defunct after the financial crisis."

defuse definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
verb C1
/diːˈfjuːz/

To make a situation less dangerous, tense, or explosive; to remove a fuse from a bomb.

"The negotiator helped defuse the tense situation."

degenerate definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
verb/adjective C1
/dɪˈdʒɛnəreɪt/

To decline or deteriorate in quality, character, or condition; or someone with low moral standards.

"The once thriving empire began to degenerate into chaos."

degeneration definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
noun C1
ˌdɪdʒɪˈnɛəreɪʃən

The process of decline or deterioration in structure or function.

"The degeneration of brain cells leads to cognitive decline."

degenerative diseases definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
noun C1
dɪˈdʒɛnəˌreɪtɪv dɪˈzizɪz

Medical conditions that involve the deterioration or progressive decline of tissues, organs, or functions

"Degenerative diseases are common in an aging population."

degradation definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
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degradation

noun C1
/ˌdɛɡrəˈdeɪʃən/

The process of being degraded, declined, or reduced in quality, dignity, or value.

"Pollution leads to the degradation of the environment."

degrade definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
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degrade

verb C1
/dɪˈɡreɪd/

To lower in dignity, quality, or value; to treat with disrespect or to deteriorate.

"Harsh words can degrade a person's confidence."

degraded definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
adjective C1
/dɪˈɡreɪdɪd/

Reduced in quality, dignity, or condition.

"The villagers were forced to live in degraded conditions."

dehydrate definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
verb C1
/diːˈhaɪdreɪt/

to remove water from something; to lose water or body fluids

"Running in the heat can quickly dehydrate you."

deity definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
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deity

noun C1
/ˈdeɪ.ə.ti/

a god or goddess

"The temple is dedicated to a Hindu deity."

deliberation definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
noun C1
dɪˌlɪb.əˈreɪ.ʃən

Long and careful consideration or discussion of a matter.

"The committee engaged in thorough deliberation."

deliberations definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
noun C1
dɪˌlɪb.əˈreɪ.ʃənz

Long and careful consideration or discussion

"Deliberations on AI governance are ongoing."

Delicacy definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
noun C1
/ˈdɛlɪkəsi/

a rare or expensive food item; fineness or sensitivity

"Caviar is considered a delicacy in many countries."

delineate definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
verb C1
/dɪˈlɪnieɪt/

to describe, portray, or define something precisely and clearly

"The contract clearly delineates the responsibilities of each party."

delirious definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
adjective C1
/dɪˈlɪriəs/

in an extremely disturbed or excited state of mind, often due to illness or emotion

"He was delirious with fever and kept muttering nonsense."

delirium definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
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delirium

noun C1
/dɪˈlɪriəm/

An acutely disturbed state of mind characterized by restlessness, illusions, and incoherence.

"The patient experienced delirium after the surgery due to the strong medication."

deltaic landscape definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
noun C1
delˈteɪɪk ˈlændskeɪp

A geographical area formed by sediment deposits at the mouth of a river, creating a triangular land formation.

"Bangladesh has a unique deltaic landscape."

delude definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
verb C1
/dɪˈluːd/

To mislead someone into believing something that is not true.

"He deluded himself into thinking he could win the race without training."

deluge definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
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deluge

noun C1
/ˈdɛljuːdʒ/

A severe flood; an overwhelming quantity of something.

"The town was hit by a deluge of rain in just a few hours."

delusion definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
noun C1
/dɪˈluːʒən/

A false belief or impression maintained despite being contradicted by reality.

"He lived under the delusion that he was invincible."

delve definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
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delve

verb C1
/dɛlv/

To investigate deeply; to dig into a subject or area.

"The researcher delved into ancient manuscripts to find clues."

noun C1
/ˈdɛməɡɒɡ/

A political leader who seeks support by appealing to popular desires and prejudices rather than by using rational argument.

"The crowd was swayed by the fiery speeches of the demagogue."

demarcate definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
verb C1
/ˈdiːmɑːrˌkeɪt/

to set the boundaries or limits of something

"The land was demarcated with fences to avoid disputes."

Demarcation definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
noun C1
/ˌdiː.mɑːˈkeɪ.ʃən/

the action of fixing the boundary or limits of something; separation or division

"The demarcation between public and private land was clearly marked."

demean definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
verb C1
/dɪˈmiːn/

to cause someone to lose dignity or respect

"The manager demeaned his employees with rude remarks."

demeanor definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
noun C1
/dɪˈmiːnər/

a person's outward behavior or appearance

"Her calm demeanor impressed everyone at the meeting."

noun C1
/dɪˈmiːnər/

a person's outward behavior or appearance

"Her calm demeanour impressed everyone during the meeting."

demented definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
adjective C1
/dɪˈmɛntɪd/

behaving irrationally due to mental illness or extreme excitement

"He looked demented after hearing the shocking news."

Demerit definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
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Demerit

noun C1
/dɪˈmɛrɪt/

A fault or disadvantage; a mark against a person for misconduct.

"He received a demerit for being late to class."

demise definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
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demise

noun C1
/dɪˈmaɪz/

Death or end of something, especially the end of an institution or system.

"The sudden demise of the company shocked investors."