Lesson 35

a mistake caused by a brief period of inattention or failure to focus

His lapse in concentration during the test led to several simple mistakes.

to become less in size or width, creating a sensation of tightness

His chest constricts when he experiences high levels of anxiety.

to publicly state that something is the case

The politician avowed their commitment to transparency and accountability in government.

to officially ban the existence or practice of something

The government decided to proscribe the use of certain chemicals due to environmental concerns.

to stop the expression of thoughts, feelings, or actions

He had to repress his anger when his team lost the game.

a solid wall or barrier built along the shore to protect land or beaches from erosion and strong waves

A massive stone bulwark protected the harbor from storms.

money, especially cash, often implies earnings or resources gained

The sudden influx of loot from the unexpected bonus surprised him.

to force someone to act in a certain way

The tight deadline constrained the team to work late nights to complete the project on time.

an error in card play where a player does not play a card of the suit they are legally required to play

His renege cost the team the trick.

to make a solution or mixture weaker or less concentrated by adding more liquid

To make it more palatable, you can dilute the juice with water.

to come to a conclusion without enough evidence

Unable to find the missing document, he could only surmise that it might have been misplaced.

to make someone react in a certain way or reveal information

The detective skillfully posed questions to elicit a confession from the suspect.

to express mild disapproval, often in a gentle or corrective manner

The teacher chided the student for talking loudly during the exam.

to remove or release from a restraint or burden

The farmer unyokes the oxen after they finish plowing the field.

to adjoin or border upon something, typically in a direct manner

The fence abuts the property line, marking the boundary of the yard.

to stop sleeping and become aware

The gentle sunrise helped her awaken peacefully.

to upset one by saying disrespectful things to them or constantly making fun of them

The bullies taunted the new student about his clothes.

to utilize borrowed funds or financial resources to increase one's capacity for investment or acquisition

The ambitious entrepreneur leveraged capital from investors to fund the expansion of the startup.

to deliberately throw cargo, equipment, or other items from a vessel or aircraft in an emergency or to lighten the load

The crew had to jettison excess fuel to stabilize the aircraft.

to greatly shock or surprise someone

The magician's tricks astounded the audience, leaving them speechless.