Lesson 20

to make a quick and involuntary movement in response to a surprise, pain, or fear

She often flinches at sudden loud noises.

to ward off or prevent something undesirable from happening

She forfended against potential burglars by installing a sophisticated security system in her home.

to reject or dismiss someone or something in an abrupt or blunt manner

She felt hurt when he rebuffed her offer to help with the project.

to make a book, play, etc. short by omitting the details and including the main parts

The play was abridged for the school performance, focusing on the key scenes.

engage or hire for work

to provide a gift or quality, to someone or something, often implying a permanent gift or quality

The billionaire decided to endow the hospital with a generous donation to fund new medical research.

to cut something using a sharp tool, often with precision and accuracy

The chef deftly cleaved the meat with a sharp knife for precise portions.

to officially cancel a law, decision, agreement, etc.

The board is currently rescinding the previous decision due to new evidence.

to indicate or make something known

A sudden change in behavior can denote underlying emotional distress that may not be immediately apparent.

to require or involve certain actions, conditions, or consequences as a necessary part of a situation or decision

Completing the project on time entails working overtime if necessary.

to bring up a topic or question for discussion

The team decided to moot the idea of a flexible work schedule during the next staff meeting.

a coarse woodworking tool with a series of individually cut teeth or ridges, used for shaping and smoothing wood or other materials by abrasion

to mock with contempt

He scoffed at the idea of ghosts.

to express great regret or sorrow for something

She bemoaned the loss of her favorite book.

to create a humorous or exaggerated representation of someone or something by distorting their features or characteristics

The artist caricatures politicians by exaggerating their facial features in his illustrations.

to overrun in large numbers

Last summer, the picnic area was infested with mosquitoes, forcing us to cut our outing short.

to give personal property to someone through a legal instrument, typically after one's death

She decided to bequeath her family heirlooms to her grandchildren, ensuring they would stay within the family.

a periodic count of the population