Lesson 25

a country that aids another country, particularly if a war breaks out

During the war, each nation relied heavily on its allies for resources and support.

to consider or regard someone or something the same rank as God

Ancient cultures often deified natural elements, such as the sun and the moon, attributing divine qualities to them.

to see or notice something, often from a distance or with some difficulty

She descrys distant ships on the horizon from her beach house.

to cause someone to feel extreme embarrassment or shame

His insensitive remark mortified her in front of the whole class.

to make someone lose interest or motivation, typically due to a boring or restrictive routine

The monotonous job stultified his creativity.

to do something that lessens someone's anger or sadness

She mollified her upset friend by apologizing sincerely.

to openly express one's extreme disapproval or criticism

The activist decried the new policy as harmful to the community.

to formally approve a decision, action, etc., typically through an official process or legal means

The members of the parliament convened to ratify the newly proposed constitution for the country.

to harden and turn into bone

Over time, the cartilage will ossify, becoming a solid bone structure.

to cause extreme fear in someone

The sight of the enormous spider lurking in the corner terrified the arachnophobe.

to put people or things in different categories or groups

The scientist classified the organisms into different species based on their genetic traits and physical features.

to disagree or deny that something is true

No one could gainsay the evidence presented by the prosecution; it was indisputable.

a sudden short attack

something to which a mountain climber's rope can be secured

to wait in a hiding spot in order to attack

the formal act of freeing someone from confinement or punishment

The government declared an amnesty for all political prisoners.

to degrade or tarnish something pure and perfect, especially the reputation of someone

to toss something, especially a ball, back and forth, as in a game or casual exchange

They bandied the tennis ball across the net for hours.

to see something or someone unexpectedly, often from a distance or after careful observation

I often espy rabbits in the field while walking my dog.