waylay

Main Entry: way·lay 

Pronunciation: \ˈwā-ˌlā\

Function: transitive verb

Inflected Form(s): way·laid \-ˌlād\; way·lay·ing

Date: 1513

: to lie in wait for or attack from ambush

riddle

Main Entry: ¹rid·dle 

Pronunciation: \ˈri-d^əl\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English redels, ridel, from Old English rǣdelse opinion, conjecture, riddle; akin to Old English rǣdan to interpret — more at read

Date: before 12th century

1 : a mystifying, misleading, or puzzling question posed as a problem to be solved or guessed : conundrum, enigma
2 : something or someone difficult to understand

synonyms see mystery

tick

Main Entry: ³tick

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English tek pat, light stroke; akin to Middle High German zic light push

Date: 1680

1 a : a light rhythmic audible tap or beat; also : a series of such ticks b : the time taken by the tick of a clock : moment
2 : a small spot or mark; especially : one used to direct attention to something, to check an item on a list, or to represent a point on a scale

notwithstanding

Main Entry: ¹not·with·stand·ing 

Pronunciation: \ˌnät-with-ˈstan-diŋ, -with-\

Function: preposition

Etymology: Middle English notwithstonding, from not + withstonding, present participle of withstonden to withstand

Date: 14th century

: despite {notwithstanding their inexperience, they were an immediate success} —often used after its object {the motion passed, our objection notwithstanding}

jejune

Main Entry: je·june 

Pronunciation: \ji-ˈjün\

Function: adjective

Etymology: Latin jejunus empty of food, hungry, meager

Date: 1646

1 : lacking nutritive value {jejune diets}
2 : devoid of significance or interest : dull {jejune lectures}
3 : juvenile, puerile {jejune reflections on life and art}

synonyms see insipid

— je·june·ly adverb

— je·june·ness \-ˈjün-nəs\ noun

slap

Main Entry: ³slap

Function: noun

Date: 1606

1 a : a quick sharp blow b : a blow with the open hand
2 : a noise like that of a slap
3 : rebuff, insult

— slap on the wrist : a gentle usually ineffectual reprimand

comprehensive

Main Entry: com·pre·hen·sive 

Pronunciation: \-ˈhen(t)-siv\

Function: adjective

Date: 1614

1 : covering completely or broadly : inclusive {comprehensive examinations} {comprehensive insurance}
2 : having or exhibiting wide mental grasp {comprehensive knowledge}

— com·pre·hen·sive·ly adverb

— com·pre·hen·sive·ness noun

depict

Main Entry: de·pict 

Pronunciation: \di-ˈpikt, dē-\

Function: transitive verb

Etymology: Latin depictus, past participle of depingere, from de- + pingere to paint — more at paint

Date: 15th century

1 : to represent by or as if by a picture {a mural depicting a famous battle}
2 : describe 1

— de·pic·ter \-ˈpik-tər\ noun

— de·pic·tion \-ˈpik-shən\ noun

slaughter

Main Entry: ¹slaugh·ter 

Pronunciation: \ˈslȯ-tər\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English, of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse slātra to slaughter; akin to Old English sleaht slaughter, slēan to slay — more at slay

Date: 14th century

1 : the act of killing; specifically : the butchering of livestock for market
2 : killing of great numbers of human beings (as in battle or a massacre) : carnage

dude

Main Entry: ¹dude 

Pronunciation: \ˈdüd also ˈdyüd\

Function: noun

Etymology: origin unknown

Date: 1883

1 : a man extremely fastidious in dress and manner : dandy
2 : a city dweller unfamiliar with life on the range; especially : an Easterner in the West
3 : fellow, guy —sometimes used informally as a term of address {hey, dude, what's up}

— dud·ish \ˈd(y)üd-ish\ adjective

— dud·ish·ly adverb

poignant

Main Entry: poi·gnant 

Pronunciation: \ˈpȯi-nyənt sometimes ˈpȯi(g)-nənt\

Function: adjective

Etymology: Middle English poynaunt, from Anglo-French poinant, poignant, present participle of poindre to prick, sting, from Latin pungere — more at pungent

Date: 14th century

1 : pungently pervasive {a poignant perfume}
2 a (1) : painfully affecting the feelings : piercing (2) : deeply affecting : touching b : designed to make an impression : cutting {poignant satire}
3 a : pleasurably stimulating b : being to the point : apt

synonyms see pungent, moving

— poi·gnant·ly adverb

perky

Main Entry: perky 

Pronunciation: \ˈpər-kē\

Function: adjective

Inflected Form(s): perk·i·er; perk·i·est

Date: 1855

1 : briskly self-assured : cocky
2 : jaunty {a perky…waltz — New Yorker}

— perk·i·ly \-kə-lē\ adverb

— perk·i·ness \-kē-nəs\ noun

grumble

Main Entry: grum·ble 

Pronunciation: \ˈgrəm-bəl\

Function: verb

Inflected Form(s): grum·bled; grum·bling \-b(ə-)liŋ\

Etymology: probably from Middle French grommeler, ultimately from Middle Dutch grommen; akin to Old High German grimm grim

Date: 1580

intransitive verb 

1 : to mutter in discontent
2 : growl, rumble

transitive verb : to express with grumbling

— grumble noun

— grum·bler \-b(ə-)lər\ noun

— grum·bling·ly \-b(ə-)liŋ-lē\ adverb

— grum·bly \-b(ə-)lē\ adjective

marshmallow

Main Entry: marsh·mal·low 

Pronunciation: \ˈmärsh-ˌme-lō, -ˌma-\

Function: noun

Date: before 12th century

1 : a pink-flowered European perennial herb (Althaea officinalis) of the mallow family that is naturalized in the eastern United States and has flowers, leaves, and roots used in herbal remedies
2 : a sweet white confection usually in the form of a spread or small spongy cylindrical pieces now usually made from corn syrup, sugar, albumen, and gelatin but formerly from the marshmallow's root; also : one of these spongy pieces {toasted marshmallows on sticks over a campfire}

— marsh·mal·lowy \-ˌme-lə-wē, -ˌma-\ adjective

impromptu

Main Entry: ²impromptu

Function: adjective

Date: 1764

1 : made, done, or formed on or as if on the spur of the moment : improvised
2 : composed or uttered without previous preparation : extemporaneous

— impromptu adverb

raccoon

Main Entry: rac·coon 

Variant(s): also ra·coon \ra-ˈkün also rə-\

Function: noun

Inflected Form(s): plural raccoon or raccoons also racoon or racoons

Etymology: Virginia Algonquian raugroughcun, arocoun

Date: 1608

1 a : a small nocturnal carnivore (Procyon lotor) of North America that is chiefly gray, has a black mask and bushy ringed tail, lives chiefly in trees, and has a varied diet including small animals, fruits, and nuts b : the pelt of this animal
2 : any of several animals resembling or related to the raccoon

nibble

Main Entry: ¹nib·ble 

Pronunciation: \ˈni-bəl\

Function: verb

Inflected Form(s): nib·bled; nib·bling \-b(ə-)liŋ\

Etymology: origin unknown

Date: circa 1512

transitive verb 

1 a : to bite gently b : to eat or chew in small bits
2 : to take away bit by bit {waves nibbling the shore}

 intransitive verb  

1 : to take gentle, small, or cautious bites; also : snack
2 : to deal with something as if by nibbling

— nib·bler \-b(ə-)lər\ noun

dowry

Main Entry: dow·ry 

Pronunciation: \ˈdau̇(-ə)-rē\

Function: noun

Inflected Form(s): plural dowries

Etymology: Middle English dowarie, from Anglo-French, alteration of dower, douaire — more at dower

Date: 14th century

1 archaic : dower 1
2 : the money, goods, or estate that a woman brings to her husband in marriage
3 : a gift of money or property by a man to or for his bride
4 : a natural talent

ambush

Main Entry: ¹am·bush 

Pronunciation: \ˈam-ˌbu̇sh\

Function: verb

Etymology: Middle English embushen, from Anglo-French embuscher, from en in (from Latin in) + busche log, firewood

Date: 14th century

transitive verb 

1 : to station in ambush
2 : to attack from an ambush : waylay 

intransitive verb : to lie in wait : lurk

— am·bush·er noun

— am·bush·ment \-mənt\ noun

puzzle

Main Entry: ¹puz·zle 

Pronunciation: \ˈpə-zəl\

Function: verb

Inflected Form(s): puz·zled; puz·zling \ˈpə-zə-liŋ, ˈpəz-liŋ\

Etymology: origin unknown

Date: 1582

transitive verb 

1 : to offer or represent to (as a person) a problem difficult to solve or a situation difficult to resolve : challenge mentally; also : to exert (as oneself) over such a problem or situation {they puzzled their wits to find a solution}
2 archaic : complicate, entangle
3 : to solve with difficulty or ingenuity {puzzle out an answer to a riddle}

intransitive verb 

1 : to be uncertain as to action or choice
2 : to attempt a solution of a puzzle by guesswork or experiment {puzzle over the mystery}

— puz·zler \ˈpə-zə-lər, ˈpəz-lər\ noun

outfit

Main Entry: ¹out·fit 

Pronunciation: \ˈau̇t-ˌfit\

Function: noun

Date: circa 1769

1 : the act of fitting out or equipping (as for a voyage or expedition)
2 a : a set of tools or equipment especially for the practice of a trade b : a clothing ensemble often for a special occasion or activity c : physical, mental, or moral endowments or resources
3 : a group that works as a team : organization; especially : a military unit

involve

Main Entry: in·volve 

Pronunciation: \in-ˈvälv, -ˈvȯlv also -ˈväv or -ˈvȯv\

Function: transitive verb

Inflected Form(s): in·volved; in·volv·ing

Etymology: Middle English, to roll up, wrap, from Latin involvere, from in- + volvere to roll — more at voluble

Date: 14th century

1 archaic : to enfold or envelop so as to encumber
2 a : to engage as a participant {workers involved in building a house} b : to oblige to take part {right of Congress to involve the nation in war} c : to occupy (as oneself) absorbingly; especially : to commit (as oneself) emotionally {was involved with a married man}
3 : to surround as if with a wrapping : envelop
4 a archaic : to wind, coil, or wreathe about b : to relate closely : connect
5 a : to have within or as part of itself : include b : to require as a necessary accompaniment : entail c : ³affect {the cancer involved the lymph nodes}

synonyms see include

— in·volve·ment \-ˈvälv-mənt, -ˈvȯlv-\ noun

— in·volv·er noun

rejoice

Main Entry: re·joice 

Pronunciation: \ri-ˈjȯis\

Function: verb

Inflected Form(s): re·joiced; re·joic·ing

Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French rejois-, stem of rejoier, rejoir, from re- + joir to welcome, enjoy, from Latin gaudēre to be glad — more at joy

Date: 14th century

transitive verb : to give joy to : gladden

 intransitive verb : to feel joy or great delight

— re·joic·er noun

— re·joic·ing·ly \-ˈjȯi-siŋ-lē\ adverb

— rejoice in : have, possess

bewilder

Main Entry: be·wil·der 

Pronunciation: \bi-ˈwil-dər, bē-\

Function: transitive verb

Inflected Form(s): be·wil·dered; be·wil·der·ing \-d(ə-)riŋ\

Date: 1684

1 : to cause to lose one's bearings
2 : to perplex or confuse especially by a complexity, variety, or multitude of objects or considerations

synonyms see puzzle

— be·wil·dered·ly adverb

— be·wil·dered·ness noun

— be·wil·der·ing·ly \-d(ə-)riŋ-lē\ adverb

thump

Main Entry: ¹thump 

Pronunciation: \ˈthəmp\

Function: verb

Etymology: imitative

Date: 1548

transitive verb  

1 : to strike or beat with or as if with something thick or heavy so as to cause a dull sound
2 : pound, knock
3 : whip, thrash
4 : to produce (music) mechanically or in a mechanical manner —usually used with out {thumped out a tune on the piano}

intransitive verb 

1 a : to inflict a thump b : to make or move with a thumping sound
2 : to make a vigorous endorsement {got a couple of…senators to thump for him — New York Herald Tribune}

— thump·er noun

flicker

Main Entry: ²flicker

Function: noun

Date: 1822

1 a : an act of flickering b : a sudden brief movement c : a momentary quickening {a flicker of anger} d : a slight indication : hint {a flicker of recognition}
2 a : a wavering light b : a repeated momentary defect in a cathode-ray tube image caused especially by slow scanning of the screen
3 : movie —often used in plural

— flick·ery \ˈfli-k(ə-)rē\ adjective

wiggle

Main Entry: ¹wig·gle 

Pronunciation: \ˈwi-gəl\

Function: verb

Inflected Form(s): wig·gled; wig·gling \-g(ə-)liŋ\

Etymology: Middle English wiglen, from or akin to Middle Dutch or Middle Low German wiggelen to totter; akin to Old English wegan to move — more at way

Date: 13th century

intransitive verb  

1 : to move to and fro with quick jerky or shaking motions : jiggle
2 : to proceed with or as if with twisting and turning movements : wriggle

 transitive verb : to cause to wiggle

boast

Main Entry: ¹boast 

Pronunciation: \ˈbōst\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English boost

Date: 14th century

1 : the act or an instance of boasting : brag
2 : a cause for pride

— boast·ful \ˈbōst-fəl\ adjective

— boast·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adverb

— boast·ful·ness noun

glee

Main Entry: glee 

Pronunciation: \ˈglē\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English, from Old English glēo entertainment, music; akin to Old Norse glȳ joy, and perhaps to Greek chleuē joke

Date: before 12th century

1 : exultant high-spirited joy : merriment
2 : a part-song for usually male voices

sleaze

Main Entry: sleaze 

Pronunciation: \ˈslēz also ˈslāz\

Function: noun

Etymology: back-formation from sleazy

Date: 1954

1 : sleazy quality, appearance, or behavior; also : sleazy material
2 : a sleazy person

muddle

Main Entry: ¹mud·dle 

Pronunciation: \ˈmə-d^əl\

Function: verb

Inflected Form(s): mud·dled; mud·dling \ˈməd-liŋ, ˈmə-d^əl-iŋ\

Etymology: probably from obsolete Dutch moddelen, from Middle Dutch, from modde mud; akin to Middle Low German mudde

Date: 1676

transitive verb 

1 : to make turbid or muddy
2 : to befog or stupefy especially with liquor
3 : to mix confusedly
4 : to make a mess of : bungle 

intransitive verb 

: to think or act in a confused aimless way

— mud·dler \ˈməd-lər, ˈmə-d^əl-ər\ noun

revelry

Main Entry: rev·el·ry 

Pronunciation: \ˈre-vəl-rē\

Function: noun

Date: 15th century

: noisy partying or merrymaking

babbler

Main Entry: bab·ble 

Pronunciation: \ˈba-bəl\

Function: verb

Inflected Form(s): bab·bled; bab·bling \-b(ə-)liŋ\

Etymology: Middle English babelen, probably of imitative origin

Date: 13th century

intransitive verb 1 a : to talk enthusiastically or excessively b : to utter meaningless or unintelligible sounds
2 : to make sounds as though babblingtransitive verb 1 : to utter in an incoherently or meaninglessly repetitious manner
2 : to reveal by talk that is too free

— babble noun

— bab·ble·ment \-bəl-mənt\ noun

— bab·bler \-b(ə-)lər\ noun

spurious

Main Entry: spu·ri·ous 

Pronunciation: \ˈspyu̇r-ē-əs\

Function: adjective

Etymology: Late Latin & Latin; Late Latin spurius false, from Latin, of illegitimate birth, from spurius, noun, bastard

Date: 1598

1 : of illegitimate birth : bastard
2 : outwardly similar or corresponding to something without having its genuine qualities : false {the spurious eminence of the pop celebrity}
3 a : of falsified or erroneously attributed origin : forged b : of a deceitful nature or quality {spurious excuses}

— spu·ri·ous·ly adverb

— spu·ri·ous·ness noun

awesome

Main Entry: awe·some 

Pronunciation: \ˈȯ-səm\

Function: adjective

Date: 1598

1 : expressive of awe {awesome tribute}
2 a : inspiring awe {an awesome task} b : terrific, extraordinary {had an awesome time}

— awe·some·ly adverb

— awe·some·ness noun

clock

Main Entry: ¹clock 

Pronunciation: \ˈkläk\

Function: noun

Usage: often attributive

Etymology: Middle English clok, from Middle Dutch clocke bell, clock, from Old French or Medieval Latin; Old French dial. (Picard) cloque bell, from Medieval Latin clocca, of Celtic origin; akin to Middle Irish clocc bell

Date: 14th century

1 : a device other than a watch for indicating or measuring time commonly by means of hands moving on a dial; broadly : any periodic system by which time is measured
2 : a registering device usually with a dial; specifically : odometer
3 : time clock
4 : a synchronizing device (as in a computer) that produces pulses at regular intervals
5 : biological clock

— against the clock 1 : with or within a time constraint {working against the clock}
2 : with clocked speed rather than the order of finish as the criterion for placement {trial races against the clock}

— around the clock also round the clock 1 : continuously for 24 hours : day and night without cessation
2 : without relaxation and heedless of time

— kill the clock or run out the clock : to use up as much as possible of the playing time remaining in a game (as football) while retaining possession of the ball or puck especially to protect a lead

wordsmithery

Main Entry: word·smith 

Pronunciation: \ˈwərd-ˌsmith\

Function: noun

Date: 1873

: a person who works with words; especially : a skillful writer

— word·smith·ery \-ˌsmi-thə-rē\ noun

roar

Main Entry: ¹roar 

Pronunciation: \ˈrȯr\

Function: verb

Etymology: Middle English roren, from Old English rārian; akin to Old High German rērēn to bleat

Date: before 12th century

intransitive verb 1 a : to utter or emit a full loud prolonged sound b : to sing or shout with full force
2 a : to make or emit a loud confused sound (as background reverberation or rumbling) b : to laugh loudly
3 a : to be boisterous or disorderly b : to proceed or rush with great noise or commotion
4 : to make a loud noise during inhalation (as that of a horse affected with roaring)transitive verb 1 : to utter or proclaim with a roar
2 : to cause to roar

cough

Main Entry: ¹cough 

Pronunciation: \ˈkȯf\

Function: verb

Etymology: Middle English, from Old English *cohhian; akin to Middle High German kūchen to breathe heavily

Date: 14th century

intransitive verb 1 : to expel air from the lungs suddenly with an explosive noise
2 : to make a noise like that of coughingtransitive verb : to expel by coughing —often used with up {cough up mucus}

bookkeeper

Main Entry: book·keep·er 

Pronunciation: \ˈbu̇k-ˌkē-pər\

Function: noun

Date: 1555

: a person who records the accounts or transactions of a business

— book·keep·ing \-piŋ\ noun

soupspoon

Main Entry: soup·spoon 

Pronunciation: \ˈsüp-ˌspün\

Function: noun

Date: 1705

: a spoon with a large or rounded bowl for eating soup

rhythm

Main Entry: rhythm 

Pronunciation: \ˈri-thəm\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle French & Latin; Middle French rhythme, from Latin rhythmus, from Greek rhythmos, probably from rhein to flow — more at stream

Date: 1560

1 a : an ordered recurrent alternation of strong and weak elements in the flow of sound and silence in speech b : a particular example or form of rhythm {iambic rhythm}
2 a : the aspect of music comprising all the elements (as accent, meter, and tempo) that relate to forward movement b : a characteristic rhythmic pattern {rumba rhythm}; also : ¹meter 2 c : the group of instruments in a band supplying the rhythm —called also rhythm section
3 a : movement, fluctuation, or variation marked by the regular recurrence or natural flow of related elements {the rhythms of country life} b : the repetition in a literary work of phrase, incident, character type, or symbol
4 : a regularly recurrent quantitative change in a variable biological process {a circadian rhythm} — compare biorhythm
5 : the effect created by the elements in a play, movie, or novel that relate to the temporal development of the action
6 : rhythm method

sharp

Main Entry: ¹sharp 

Pronunciation: \ˈshärp\

Function: adjective

Etymology: Middle English, from Old English scearp; akin to Old High German scarf sharp and perhaps to Old English scrapian to scrape — more at scrape

Date: before 12th century

1 : adapted to cutting or piercing: as a : having a thin keen edge or fine point b : briskly or bitingly cold : nipping {a sharp wind}
2 a : keen in intellect : quick-witted b : keen in perception : acute {sharp sight} c : keen in attention : vigilant {keep a sharp lookout} d : keen in attention to one's own interest sometimes to the point of being unethical {a sharp trader}; also : corrupt, unethical {sharp business practices}
3 : keen in spirit or action: as a : full of activity or energy : brisk b : capable of acting or reacting strongly; especially : caustic
4 : severe, harsh: as a : inclined to or marked by irritability or anger {a sharp temper} b : causing intense mental or physical distress {a sharp pain} c : cutting in language or import {a sharp rebuke}
5 : affecting the senses or sense organs intensely: as a (1) : having a strong odor or flavor {sharp cheese} (2) : acrid b : having a strong piercing sound c : having the effect of or involving a sudden brilliant display of light {a sharp flash}
6 a : terminating in a point or edge {sharp features} b : involving an abrupt or marked change especially in direction {a sharp turn} c : clear in outline or detail : distinct {a sharp image} d : set forth with clarity and distinctness{sharp contrast}
7 a of a tone : raised a half step in pitch b : higher than the proper pitch c : major, augmented —used of an interval in music
8 : stylish, dressy

— sharp·ly adverb

— sharp·ness noun

synonyms sharp, keen, acute mean having or showing alert competence and clear understanding. sharp implies quick perception, clever resourcefulness, or sometimes questionable trickiness {sharp enough to spot a confidence game}. keen suggests quickness, enthusiasm, and a penetrating mind {a keen observer of the political scene}. acute implies a power to penetrate and may suggest subtlety and sharpness of discrimination {an acute sense of style}.

ultimate

Main Entry: ¹ul·ti·mate 

Pronunciation: \ˈəl-tə-mət\

Function: adjective

Etymology: Medieval Latin ultimatus last, final, from Late Latin, past participle of ultimare to come to an end, be last, from Latin ultimus farthest, last, final, superl. of Latin *ulter situated beyond

Date: 1640

1 a : most remote in space or time : farthest b : last in a progression or series : final }their ultimate destination was Paris} c : eventual 2 {they hoped for ultimate success} d : the best or most extreme of its kind : utmost {the ultimate sacrifice}
2 : arrived at as the last result {the ultimate question}
3 a : basic, fundamental {the ultimate nature of things — A. N. Whitehead} b : original 1 {the ultimate source} c : incapable of further analysis, division, or separation

synonyms see last

— ul·ti·mate·ness noun

halt

Main Entry: ³halt

Function: noun

Etymology: German, from Middle High German, from halt, imperative of halten to hold, from Old High German haltan — more at hold

Date: circa 1598

: stop

motorman

Main Entry: mo·tor·man 

Pronunciation: \ˈmō-tər-mən\

Function: noun

Date: 1890

: an operator of a motor-driven vehicle (as a streetcar or subway train)

ooze

Main Entry: ²ooze

Function: verb

Inflected Form(s): oozed; ooz·ing

Etymology: Middle English wosen, from wose sap

Date: 14th century

intransitive verb  

1 : to pass or flow slowly through or as if through small openings or interstices
2 : to move slowly or imperceptibly {the crowd began to ooze forward — Bruce Marshall}
3 a : to exude moisture b : to exude something often in a faintly repellent manner {ooze with sympathy}

transitive verb 

1 : to emit slowly
2 : exude 2 {ooze confidence}

thrive

Main Entry: thrive 

Pronunciation: \ˈthrīv\

Function: intransitive verb

Inflected Form(s): thrived or throve \ˈthrōv\; thrived also thriv·en \ˈthri-vən\; thriv·ing \ˈthrī-viŋ\

Etymology: Middle English, from Old Norse thrīfask, probably reflexive of thrīfa to grasp

Date: 13th century

1 : to grow vigorously : flourish
2 : to gain in wealth or possessions : prosper
3 : to progress toward or realize a goal despite or because of circumstances —often used with on {thrives on conflict}

— thriv·er \ˈthrī-vər\ noun

mnemonic

Main Entry: ¹mne·mon·ic 

Pronunciation: \ni-ˈmä-nik\

Function: adjective

Etymology: Greek mnēmonikos, from mnēmōn mindful, from mimnēskesthai to remember — more at mind

Date: 1753

1 : assisting or intended to assist memory; also : of or relating to mnemonics
2 : of or relating to memory

— mne·mon·i·cal·ly \-ni-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

gloat

Main Entry: ¹gloat 

Pronunciation: \ˈglōt\

Function: intransitive verb

Etymology: akin to Middle English glouten to scowl and perhaps to Old Norse glotta to grin scornfully

Date: 1605

1 obsolete : to look or glance admiringly or amorously
2 : to observe or think about something with triumphant and often malicious satisfaction, gratification, or delight {gloat over an enemy's misfortune}

— gloat·er noun

— gloat·ing·ly adverb

notch

Main Entry: ¹notch 

Pronunciation: \ˈnäch\

Function: noun

Etymology: perhaps alteration (from misdivision of an otch) of *otch, from Middle French oche

Date: 1577

1 a : a V-shaped indentation b : a slit made to serve as a record c : a rounded indentation cut into the pages of a book on the edge opposite the spine
2 : a deep close pass : gap
3 : degree, step

— notched \ˈnächt\ adjective

dumbfound

Main Entry: dumb·found 

Variant(s): also dum·found \ˌdəm-ˈfau̇nd, ˈdəm-ˌ\

Function: transitive verb

Etymology: dumb + -found (as in confound)

Date: 1653

: to confound briefly and usually with astonishment

synonyms see puzzle

— dumb·found·ing·ly \ˌdəm-ˈfau̇n-diŋ-lē, ˈdəm-ˌfau̇n-\ adverb

shenanigan

Main Entry: she·nan·i·gan 

Pronunciation: \shə-ˈna-ni-gən\

Function: noun

Etymology: origin unknown

Date: 1855

1 : a devious trick used especially for an underhand purpose
2 a : tricky or questionable practices or conduct —usually used in plural b : high-spirited or mischievous activity —usually used in plural

hereby

Main Entry: here·by 

Pronunciation: \hir-ˈbī, ˈhir-ˌ\

Function: adverb

Date: 13th century

: by this means

cutthroat

Main Entry: ²cutthroat

Function: adjective

Date: 1565

1 : murderous, cruel
2 : marked by unprincipled practices : ruthless {cutthroat competition}
3 : characterized by each player playing independently rather than having a permanent partner —used especially of partnership games adapted for three players {cutthroat bridge}

couscous

Main Entry: cous·cous 

Pronunciation: \ˈküs-ˌküs\

Function: noun

Etymology: French couscous, couscoussou, from Arabic kuskus, kuskusū

Date: 1738

: a North African dish of steamed semolina usually served with meat or vegetables; also : the semolina itself

swagger

Main Entry: ¹swag·ger 

Pronunciation: \ˈswa-gər\

Function: verb

Inflected Form(s): swag·gered; swag·ger·ing \-g(ə-)riŋ\

Etymology: probably from ¹swag + -er (as in chatter)

Date: circa 1596

intransitive verb
1 : to conduct oneself in an arrogant or superciliously pompous manner; especially : to walk with an air of overbearing self-confidence
2 : boast, brag 
transitive verb : to force by argument or threat : bully

— swag·ger·er \-gər-ər\ noun

— swag·ger·ing·ly \-g(ə-)riŋ-lē\ adverb

apoplectic

Main Entry: ap·o·plec·tic 

Pronunciation: \ˌa-pə-ˈplek-tik\

Function: adjective

Etymology: French or Late Latin; French apoplectique, from Late Latin apoplecticus, from Greek apoplēktikos, from apoplēssein

Date: 1611

1 : of, relating to, or causing stroke
2 : affected with, inclined to, or showing symptoms of stroke
3 : of a kind to cause or apparently cause stroke {an apoplectic rage}; also : greatly excited or angered {was apoplectic over the news}

— ap·o·plec·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

next

Main Entry: ¹next 

Pronunciation: \ˈnekst\

Function: adjective

Etymology: Middle English, from Old English nīehst, superl. of nēah nigh — more at nigh

Date: before 12th century

1 : immediately adjacent (as in place, rank, or time)
2 : any other considered hypothetically {knew it as well as the next man}

catch

Main Entry: ¹catch 

Pronunciation: \ˈkach, ˈkech\

Function: verb

Inflected Form(s): caught \ˈkȯt also ˈkät\; catch·ing

Etymology: Middle English cacchen, from Anglo-French cacher, chacher, chacer to hunt, from Vulgar Latin *captiare, alteration of Latin captare to chase, frequentative of capere to take — more at heave

Date: 13th century

 

transitive verb  

1 a : to capture or seize especially after pursuit {catch a thief} b : to take or entangle in or as if in a snare c : deceive d : to discover unexpectedly : find {caught in the act} e : to check (oneself) suddenly or momentarily f : to become suddenly aware of {caught me looking at him}
2 a : to take hold of : seize b : to affect suddenly c : to grasp and hold on to (something in motion) {catch a fly ball} d : to avail oneself of : take {caught the first opportunity to leave} e : to obtain through effort : get {catch a ride} f : to overtake unexpectedly —usually used in the passive {was caught in a storm} g : to get entangled {catch a sleeve on a nail}
3 : to become affected by: as a : contract {catch a cold} b : to respond sympathetically to the point of being imbued with {catch the spirit of an occasion} c : to be struck by {he caught a bullet in the leg} d : to be subjected to : receive {catch hell}
4 a : to take in and retain {a barrel to catch rainwater} b : fasten
5 : to take or get usually momentarily or quickly {catch a glimpse of a friend} {catch a nap}
6 a : overtake {catch the leader in a race} b : to get aboard in time {catch the bus}
7 : to attract and hold : arrest, engage {caught my attention} {caught her eye}
8 : to make contact with : strike {the pitch caught him in the back}
9 a : to grasp by the senses or the mind {you catch what I mean?} {didn't catch the name} b : to apprehend and fix by artistic means {catch a person's likeness}
10 a : see, watch {catch a game on TV} b : to listen to
11 : to serve as a catcher for in baseball
12 : to meet with {catch you later}

intransitive verb  

1 : to grasp hastily or try to grasp
2 : to become caught
3 : to catch fire
4 : to play the position of catcher on a baseball team
5 : kick over {the engine caught}

— catch·able \ˈka-chə-bəl, ˈke-\ adjective

— catch a crab : to fail to raise an oar clear of the water on recovery of a stroke

— catch dead : to find or see at any time —used in strongly negative constructions {wouldn't be caught dead in that shirt}

— catch fire 1 : to become ignited
2 : to become fired with enthusiasm
3 : to increase greatly in scope, popularity, interest, or effectiveness {this stock has not caught fire—yet — Forbes}

— catch it : to incur blame, reprimand, or punishment {he'll really catch it from the boss if he's late again}

— catch one's breath : to rest long enough to restore normal breathing; broadly : to rest after a period of intense activity

synonyms catch, capture, trap, snare, entrap, ensnare, bag mean to come to possess or control by or as if by seizing. catch implies the seizing of something in motion or in flight or in hiding {caught the dog as it ran by}. capture suggests taking by overcoming resistance or difficulty {capture an enemy stronghold}. trap, snare, entrap, ensnare imply seizing by some device that holds the one caught at the mercy of the captor. trap and snare apply more commonly to physical seizing {trap animals} {snared butterflies with a net}. entrap and ensnare more often are figurative {entrapped the witness with a trick question} {a sting operation that ensnared burglars}. bag implies shooting down a fleeing or distant prey {bagged a brace of pheasants}.

snap

Main Entry: ¹snap 

Pronunciation: \ˈsnap\

Function: verb

Inflected Form(s): snapped; snap·ping

Etymology: Dutch or Low German snappen; akin to Middle High German snappen to snap

Date: 1530

intransitive verb 1 a : to make a sudden closing of the jaws : seize something sharply with the mouth {fish snapping at the bait} b : to grasp at something eagerly : make a pounce or snatch {snap at any chance}
2 : to utter sharp biting words : bark out irritable or peevish retorts
3 a : to break suddenly with a sharp sound {the twig snapped} b : to give way suddenly under strain
4 : to make a sharp or crackling sound
5 : to close or fit in place with an abrupt movement or sharp sound {the lock snapped shut}
6 a : to move briskly or sharply {snaps to attention} b : to undergo a sudden and rapid change (as from one condition to another) {snap out of it} {snapped awake}
7 : sparkle, flash {eyes snapping with fury} transitive verb 1 : to seize with or as if with a snap of the jaws
2 : to take possession or advantage of suddenly or eagerly —usually used with up {shoppers snapping up bargains}
3 a : to retort to or interrupt curtly and irritably b : to utter curtly or abruptly
4 : to break suddenly : break short or in two
5 a : to cause to make a snapping sound {snap a whip} b : to put into or remove from a particular position by a sudden movement or with a sharp sound {snap the lock shut}
6 a : to project with a snap b : to put (a football) in play with a snap c (1) : to take photographically {snapping exclusive news pictures — Current Biography} (2) : to take a snapshot of

switcheroo

Main Entry: switch·er·oo 

Pronunciation: \ˌswi-chə-ˈrü\

Function: noun

Inflected Form(s): plural switch·er·oos

Etymology: alteration of switch

Date: 1933

: a surprising variation : reversal

succinct

Main Entry: suc·cinct 

Pronunciation: \(ˌ)sək-ˈsiŋ(k)t, sə-ˈsiŋ(k)t\

Function: adjective

Etymology: Middle English, from Latin succinctus having one's clothes gathered up by a belt, tightly wrapped, concise, from sub- + cinctus, past participle of cingere to gird — more at cincture

Date: 15th century

1 archaic a : being girded b : close-fitting
2 : marked by compact precise expression without wasted words {a succinct description}

synonyms see concise

— suc·cinct·ly \-ˈsiŋ(k)t-lē, -ˈsiŋ-klē\ adverb

— suc·cinct·ness \-ˈsiŋt-nəs, -ˈsiŋk-nəs\ noun

feisty

Main Entry: feisty 

Pronunciation: \ˈfī-stē\

Function: adjective

Inflected Form(s): feist·i·er; feist·i·est

Date: 1896

1 chiefly Southern & Midland a : full of nervous energy : fidgety b : touchy, quarrelsome c : exuberantly frisky
2 : having or showing a lively aggressiveness : spunky {the movie's feisty heroine}

— feist·i·ness noun

pinpoint

Main Entry: ³pinpoint

Function: transitive verb

Date: 1917

1 : to locate or aim with great precision or accuracy {pinpoint a source}
2 a : to fix, determine, or identify with precision {pinpoint the cause} b : to cause to stand out conspicuously : highlight

daft

Main Entry: daft 

Pronunciation: \ˈdaft also ˈdäft\

Function: adjective

Etymology: Middle English dafte gentle, stupid; akin to Old English gedæfte mild, gentle, Middle English defte deft, Old Church Slavic podobati to be fitting

Date: 14th century

1 a : silly, foolish b : mad, insane
2 Scottish : frivolously merry

— daft·ly adverb

— daft·ness \ˈdaf(t)-nəs\ noun

eschew

Main Entry: es·chew 

Pronunciation: \e-ˈshü, i-; es-ˈchü, is-; also e-ˈskyü\

Function: transitive verb

Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French eschiver (3d present eschiu) of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German sciuhen to frighten off — more at shy

Date: 14th century

: to avoid habitually especially on moral or practical grounds : shun

synonyms see escape

— es·chew·al \-əl\ noun

knock

Main Entry: ¹knock 

Pronunciation: \ˈnäk\

Function: verb

Etymology: Middle English knoken, from Old English cnocian; akin to Middle High German knochen to press

Date: before 12th century

intransitive verb 1 : to strike something with a sharp blow
2 : to collide with something
3 a : bustle {heard them knocking around in the kitchen} b : wander {knocked about Europe all summer}
4 a : to make a pounding noise b : to have engine knock
5 : to find faulttransitive verb 1 a (1) : to strike sharply (2) : to drive, force, or make by or as if by so striking {was knocked out of the campaign} b : to set forcibly in motion with a blow
2 : to cause to collide
3 : to find fault with {always knocking those in authority}

— knock cold : knock out 2a(1)

— knock dead : to move strongly especially to admiration or applause {a comedian who really knocks them dead}

— knock for a loop 1 a : overcome {knocked my opponent for a loop} b : demolish {knocked our idea for a loop}
2 : dumbfound, amaze {the news knocked them for a loop}

— knock one's socks off : to overwhelm or amaze one {a performance that will knock your socks off}

— knock on wood —used interjectionally to ward off misfortune

— knock together : to make or assemble especially hurriedly or in a makeshift way {knocked together my own bookcase}

soothe

Main Entry: soothe 

Pronunciation: \ˈsüth\

Function: verb

Inflected Form(s): soothed; sooth·ing

Etymology: Middle English sothen to verify, from Old English sōthian, from sōth

Date: 1657

transitive verb 1 : to please by or as if by attention or concern : placate
2 : relieve, alleviate {soothe a cough}
3 : to bring comfort, solace, or reassurance to {music soothes the soul} intransitive verb : to bring peace, composure, or quietude

— sooth·er noun

flabbergasted

Main Entry: flab·ber·gast 

Pronunciation: \ˈfla-bər-ˌgast\

Function: transitive verb

Etymology: origin unknown

Date: 1772

: to overwhelm with shock, surprise, or wonder : dumbfound

synonyms see surprise

— flab·ber·gast·ing·ly \-ˌgas-tiŋ-lē\ adverb