June 14, 2002
Abuse Victims Lay Blame at Feet of Catholic Bishops
clergy
plural noun
priests, esp. in the Christian Church
The clergy remain divided on the issue of women priests.
We were surprised when he announced he wanted to join the clergy (=become a priest).
clergyman
noun [C]
Thomas has decided to become a clergyman (=a priest).
denounce (CRITICIZE)
verb [T]
to criticize strongly and publicly
The government's economic policy has been denounced on all sides.
We must denounce injustice and oppression.
He denounced President Eisenhower as "Dopey Dwight".
denunciation
noun
The minister's speech contained a strong denunciation (=public criticism) of the policies of the opposing parties. [C]
Denunciation of the government's failure to help lower-paid workers is not enough - we need to take action. [U]
denounce (ACCUSE)
verb [T]
to accuse (someone) publicly of being (something bad); to give information against
His former colleagues have denounced him as a spy.
denunciation
noun
Their denunciation of him as (=saying that he was) a traitor was well rewarded. [U]
The denunciation came as a great shock to everyone. [C]
trauma
noun
severe emotional shock and pain caused by an extremely upsetting experience
Five years of psychotherapy helped him to deal with his childhood traumas. [C]
These people are experiencing the trauma of military defeat and foreign occupation. [U]
(medical) (A) trauma is also a severe injury, esp. caused by violence or in an accident.
traumatic
adjective
Some of the most disturbed children had witnessed really traumatic things, such as rape and murder.
Don't you find exams traumatic (=frightening and difficult to be calm about)?
traumatize, British and Australian usually -ise
verb [T]
She was completely traumatized by the death of her mother.
The whole experience left him traumatized.
like (SIMILAR TO)
preposition, conjunction
similar to; in the same way or manner as
He looks like his brother/He's like his brother to look at.
Is Japanese food like Chinese?
She is very like her father in looks.
It's silly to buy a jumper when you've already got one that's just like it.
Her hair was so soft it was like silk.
You're acting like a complete idiot!
She sings like an angel!
You laugh just like your brother does.
Like I said (=As I have already said), I don't even wear perfume myself.
What's their new flat like/What was your holiday like/What does it taste like? (=Describe their new flat/the holiday/the taste.)
"I met Carla's new boyfriend." "What's he like?" (=Describe his character/physical appearance.)
"I met Carla's new boyfriend." "What does he look like?" (=Describe his physical appearance.)
Like most people (=As most people would), I'd prefer to have enough money not to work
It feels/seems like (=as if it was) ages since we last spoke and yet it was only last week.
What colour did you want - is it anything like this?
He's nothing like as/so fat as his father (=his father is much fatter than him)!
Instant coffee is all right but it's nothing like as/so good as the real thing (=real coffee is much better).
There's nothing like enough (=not nearly enough) food for fifty people.
There's nothing like a good cup of coffee (=it's better than anything)!
There are something like (=approximately) 6 million people living in the capital.
She's working like crazy/mad (=working extremely hard) to get the job finished.
like
adjective [not gradable]
FORMAL Certainly on this point we are of like mind (=we agree).
The twins are as like as/like two peas in a pod (=very similar to each other).
People who are described as like-minded share the same opinions, ideas or interests.
A dedicated football-fan herself, she started the magazine for like-minded women.
like
noun [U]
INFORMAL There's a big sports hall for tennis and badminton and the/and such like (=similar things).
He was a very great actor - we won't see his like/INFORMAL see the like (also likes) of him again (=there will not be anyone as good as him).
INFORMAL First-class travel is not for the like (also likes) of us (=people such as us).
-like
combining form
The paper criticized what it described as the animal-like behaviour of the football fans.
There was a large, ball-like structure on top of the building.
liken someone to something
phrasal verb [+ obj + obj]
She likened the experience to (=said it was like) sinking into a warm bath. [+ v-ing]
She's been likened to a young Elizabeth Taylor.
likeness
noun [C]
She bears a much stronger likeness (=similarity) to her mother than to her father.
There's a definite family likeness around the eyes.
A painting or other representation of a person can be described as a good likeness if it looks very like them.
(dated) A likeness is also a painting or other representation of a person.
likes, like
plural noun
INFORMAL OFTEN HUMOROUS
First-class travel is for posh people - it's not for the likes of us (=people such as us).
incest
noun [U]
sexual activity involving people who are closely related and not legally permitted to marry
They oppose abortion even when pregnancy has resulted from rape or incest.
incestuous
adjective
The film is about Auteil's incestuous love for his sister.
FIGURATIVE DISAPPROVING Journalists and politicians often have a rather incestuous (=too close) relationship with each other.
incestuously
adverb
incestuousness
noun [U]
hammer (TOOL)
noun [C]
a tool consisting of a piece of metal with a flattened end which is fixed onto the end of a long thin usually wooden handle, used for hitting things
Hammers are used for hitting nails into wood.
To sound the fire alarm, break the glass with the hammer.
Fortunately her revolver didn't go off because the hammer (=part which hits the bullet) jammed.
A private collection of her early paintings is expected to come/go under the hammer (=be sold) at an auction early next year.
The hammer and sickle is a symbol of Communism, which was based on tools used by workers in factories and on farms.
The Italian Communist Party has changed its name and replaced the red flag and hammer and sickle with a new symbol, an oak tree.
Hammer-throwing is a sport in which a heavy metal ball joined by a wire to a handle is thrown as far as possible.
hammer
verb [usually + adv/prep]
Can you hold this nail in position while I hammer it into the door/hammer it in? [T]
The blacksmith hammers the horseshoes into shape on an anvil. [T]
Ask them to stop that noisy hammering next door.
My car's got a dent, and I was hoping you'd be able to hammer it out (=remove it by hammering). [T]
I was woken up suddenly by the sound of someone hammering on/at (=hitting loudly and repeatedly) the front door. [I]
FIGURATIVE Poor Mark's been hammering away (at his homework) (=working without stopping and with a lot of effort) all weekend and he still hasn't finished. [I]
FIGURATIVE He hammered (=kicked with a lot of force) the ball into the net, giving France a 3-2 win over Italy. [T]
If you hammer something home you make certain it is understood by expressing it clearly and strongly.
The advertising campaign will try to hammer home the message that excessive drinking is a health risk.
If you hammer something in or if you hammer something into someone, you force someone to understand something by repeating it a lot.
I always had it hammered into me that you shouldn't lie or steal.
hammer (DEFEAT)
verb [T]
INFORMAL
to defeat (someone) completely in a game or a fight, or to damage (something) badly
France hammered Italy 6-1 in the European Championships.
They'll be hammered to a pulp (=defeated completely) if they declare war on China.
Share prices have been hammered (=caused to fall a lot in value) by the latest batch of disappointing economic statistics.
FIGURATIVE Her new film has been hammered (=strongly criticized) by the critics for its gratuitous violence.
FIGURATIVE INFORMAL He got completely hammered on (=got very drunk by drinking) whisky.
hammering
noun [C]
You should have seen the hammering I gave her in the second game.
Both countries took a tremendous hammering in the war.
The English sausage has come in for a bit of a hammering (=criticism) recently because of its low meat content.
hammer out
phrasal verb [M]
to arrive at (an agreement or solution) after a lot of argument or discussion
Three years after the accident my lawyer has finally managed to hammer out a settlement with the insurance company.
A private collection of her early paintings is expected to come/go under the hammer (=be sold) at an auction early next year.
The hammer and sickle is a symbol of Communism, which was based on tools used by workers in factories and on farms.
The Italian Communist Party has changed its name and replaced the red flag and hammer and sickle with a new symbol, an oak tree.
Hammer-throwing is a sport in which a heavy metal ball joined by a wire to a handle is thrown as far as possible.
If you hammer something home you make certain it is understood by expressing it clearly and strongly.
The advertising campaign will try to hammer home the message that excessive drinking is a health risk.
If you hammer something in or if you hammer something into someone, you force someone to understand something by repeating it a lot.
I always had it hammered into me that you shouldn't lie or steal.
vigilant
adjective
always being careful to notice things, esp. possible danger
Following the bomb scare at the airport, the staff have been warned to be extra vigilant.
Teachers have been told to be more vigilant in spotting signs of drug abuse among their students.
The break-in was discovered by a vigilant police officer.
Somehow, the children managed to escape the vigilant eye of their mother, and run off.
vigilantly
adverb
Passengers are advised to watch their belongings vigilantly at all times.
vigilance
noun [U]
Increased vigilance (=more careful attention) among doctors has led to the disease being more frequently diagnosed in its early stages.
The police said that it was thanks to the vigilance of a neighbour that the fire was discovered before it could spread.
The minister warned that vigilance against terrorism must not be relaxed.
open (NOT SECRET)
adjective
not secret
There has been open hostility between them ever since they had that argument last summer.
A person who is open is honest and not secretive.
He is quite open about his weaknesses.
I wish you'd be more open with me, and tell me what you're feeling.
She has an honest, open face/nature.
(especially American) Open adoption is an arrangement by which a child legally goes to live with a person or people who are not the parents who caused him or her to be born, but still continues to communicate with these parents.
If a person is an open book, it is easy to tell what they are thinking and feeling. If something is an open book, it is easy to understand.
Sarah is an open book, so you'll know right away if she doesn't like the present you've bought her.
I've never been able to understand computers, but they're an open book to Andrew.
Someone who is open-hearted is kind, caring and honest.
An open letter is a letter intended to be read by a lot of people, not just the person it is addressed to.
An open letter to the prime minister, signed by several MPs, appeared in today's papers.
If a fact or situation is an open secret, it should be a secret but in reality many people know about it.
It's an open secret around the office that they're having an affair.
open up
phrasal verb [I]
The child won't open up (=speak honestly) (to anyone) about what happened to her. [I]
open
noun [U]
If something is in the open, people are aware of it.
I hope this meeting will provide us all with the opportunity of getting our feelings out into the open.
openly
adverb
They were openly contemptuous of my suggestions.
We discussed our reservations about the contract quite openly.
openness
noun [U]
If these discussions are to succeed, we'll need openness from/on both sides.
simple (EASY)
adjective
easy to understand or do; not difficult
The instructions were written in simple English.
If you go by train, the journey is very simple.
It's simple to find our house.
I wish I could buy a new car, but it's not as simple as that.
There is no simple solution to the problem.
That's a simple question to answer.
I want an explanation, but keep/make it simple.
Riding a bicycle is simple when you know how.
The deceptively simple idea proved to be hugely successful.
The installation is a relatively simple and inexpensive procedure.
simplicity
noun [U]
The advantage of the plan is its simplicity.
For the sake of simplicity (=to make things easy), we will take the questions one at a time.
The examination was simplicity itself (=very easy).
simplify
verb [T]
Could you simplify (=make easier) what you've just said?
simplification
noun
The newspaper report of the politician's speech was a simplification (=a more simple description) of what he really said. [C]
The teacher's simplification of the argument helped the students to understand it. [U]
simplistic
adjective
DISAPPROVING
The scientist's explanation of the results of the study was considered to be simplistic (=made the results seem simpler than they really were).
simply
adverb
The teacher explained the point as simply as she could (=in as easy a way as she could), but the students still did not understand it.
The book was simply written (=written in a way that was easy to understand).
stance (WAY OF STANDING)
noun [C]
a particular way of standing
Jenny took up a stance with her feet slightly apart, ready to catch the ball.
stance (OPINION)
noun [C]
a way of thinking about something, esp. expressed in a publicly stated opinion
He found that a tough negotiating stance paid off.
The doctor's stance on the issue of abortion is well known.
egregious
adjective
FORMAL DISAPPROVING
(often of mistakes) extremely and noticeably bad
It was an egregious error for a statesman to show such ignorance.
predator
noun [C]
an animal that hunts, kills and eats other animals
The antelopes are on their guard against lions and other predators.
(disapproving) If a person is described as a predator, they try to obtain other people's money or possessions.
In court, he was accused of being a merciless predator who had tricked his grandmother out of her savings.
predatory
adjective
The owl is a predatory bird which kills its prey with its claws.
The game involves hunting down your opponents and shooting them with paint, and is designed to appeal to people's predatory instincts.
(especially disapproving) If a person or organization is predatory, they try to obtain something that belongs to someone else.
The company spent much effort in avoiding takeover bids from predatory competitors.
(disapproving) A predatory person can also be someone who expresses sexual interest in a very obvious way.
I hate going to bars on my own because men look at you in such a predatory way.
(specialized) If a company uses predatory pricing, it offers goods at such a low price that other companies cannot compete with it.
The airline has reduced its prices so sharply that it has been accused of predatory pricing.
defrock
verb [T]
OLD USE OR HUMOROUS
to dismiss (a priest), usually because of bad behaviour
(humorous) Defrock can also be used more generally to mean dismiss.
The former England captain has been defrocked.
harsh
adjective
unpleasant, unkind, cruel or unnecessarily severe
The children had had a harsh upbringing/life/father.
We thought the punishment was rather harsh for such a minor offence.
"There is no alternative," she said in a harsh voice.
He said some harsh words (=spoke unkindly) about his brother.
A harsh light or colour is one that is unpleasantly bright and strong.
harshly
adverb
Don't treat him/speak to him too harshly.
harshness
noun [C]
betray (NOT LOYAL)
verb [T]
to not be loyal to your country or a person who thinks you love or support them, often by doing something harmful such as helping their enemies
He was accused of betraying his country during the war.
She felt betrayed by her mother because she couldn't talk to her about her problems.
For years they betrayed Britain's secrets to Russia. [T]
FORMAL He promised never to betray her (=never to leave her for another person).
(formal) If someone betrays something such as a promise, they do not do what they said they would.
The government has been accused of betraying its election promises.
He claims that by signing the treaty, the group has betrayed (=not followed) its ideals. [T]
If someone betrays your trust, they make you question your confidence in them.
By staying out so late, they have betrayed my trust.
betrayal
noun
I felt a sense of betrayal when my friends refused to support me. [U]
It was an act of betrayal which, according to the law, was punishable by death. [U]
This was the first in a series of betrayals. [C]
fidelity
noun [U]
FORMAL
honest or lasting support; loyalty
They had shown great fidelity to Brighton, spending their holidays there for twenty years.
FIGURATIVE Her paintings show her remarkable fidelity to detail (=the careful attention that she gives to detail).
The play was Somerset Maugham's 1920s comedy of marital fidelity, 'The Constant Wife'.
How important do you think sexual fidelity (=having a sexual relationship only with your partner) is in a marriage?
hi-fi, high fidelity
noun [C]
abbreviation for a set of electronic equipment which is used to play recorded sound, esp. music
I've just bought a new hi-fi.
She works in a shop selling hi-fi equipment.
hi-fi
adjective [not gradable]
Hi-fi is used to refer to broadcast or recorded sound of a high quality that is as similar as possible to the original sound.
The new television system offers wider pictures and hi-fi sound.
length (TIME)
noun [C]
an amount of time
He is unable to concentrate on his work for any length of time (=for anything more than a short time).
The length of a film, book, etc. is the amount of time it lasts or material it contains.
In an article of this length I cannot discuss all the issues involved.
If you do something at length you either do it for a long time, or formal you do it after a long period of time.
George went on at great length about his various illnesses.
FORMAL At length the authorities allowed her to go home.
If you say that someone would go to great/any lengths to do something, you mean that they would make a great deal of effort to achieve this thing.
Some people go to great lengths to make their homes attractive.
lengthen
verb
If you lengthen something, or it lengthens, it takes longer to happen.
There is a plan to lengthen the three-year course to four years. [T]
The minutes lengthened into hours. [I]
lengthy
adjective
Many airline passengers face lengthy (=long) delays because of overcrowded airports.
-length
combining form
A full-length movie (=one which has not been shortened) lasts about two hours.
implement (TOOL)
noun [C]
a tool which works by being moved by hand or by being pulled across a surface, but which is not powered directly by electricity or fuel
gardening/farming/household implements
Ploughs and other agricultural implements were on display at the exhibition.
Shopkeepers should not be allowed to sell knives and other sharp implements to children.
implement (USE)
verb [T]
to put (a plan or system) into operation
The changes to the national health system will be implemented next year. [T]
implementation
noun [U]
The effective implementation of the policy will depend heavily on the police force.
reinforce
verb [T]
to make (something) stronger
The pockets on my jeans are reinforced with double stitching.
His behaviour merely reinforced my dislike of him.
One of the unforeseen consequences of the reforms was that they reinforced differences between the north and south of the country. [T]
If something reinforces an idea or opinion, it provides more proof or support for it and makes it seem true.
Official denials just reinforced the impression that some huge fraud was being kept secret.
The final technical report into the accident reinforces the findings of initial investigations.
To reinforce an army is to provide it with more soldiers or weapons to make it stronger.
The UN is sending 800 troops to reinforce the army patrolling the border area.
The defence minister has announced that the garrison is to be reinforced with another battalion of soldiers.
Reinforced concrete is concrete that contains metal rods inside it to make it stronger.
reinforcement
noun [U]
The harbour walls need urgent reinforcement (=They need strengthening).
The report stated that the highway collapsed because it was supported by columns that lacked steel reinforcement (=they contained no steel to strengthen them).
The government's latest economic policy is a reinforcement of (=a way to strengthen) their earlier attempts to conquer inflation.
The government has agreed to the reinforcement of UN troops in (=to send in more soldiers and weapons to) the war zone.
reinforcements
plural noun
Reinforcements are soldiers sent to join an army to make it stronger.
More reinforcements have been sent to the border area.
fallout
noun [U]
the radioactive dust in the air after a nuclear explosion
Fallout from the Chernobyl accident caused contamination thousands of kilometres away from the site of the explosion.
Experts say that the number of cancer deaths caused by the fallout from weapons testing could rise to 2.4 million over the next few centuries.
Fallout is also the unpleasant results or effects of an action or event.
The political fallout of the revelations has been immense.
His fortune will largely depend on the legal fallout from the scandal in New York.
A fallout shelter is a strong building, usually under the ground, intended to keep people safe from the dust in the air after a nuclear explosion.
plea (REQUEST)
noun [C]
FORMAL
an urgent and emotional request
He made a plea for help/mercy.
The Archbishop today made an emotional plea for peace.
Her plea that she be allowed to keep the house she was living in went unanswered. [+ that clause]
plea (STATEMENT)
noun [C]
LAW
the answer that a person gives in court to the accusation that they have committed a crime
Mr Wilson entered a plea of not guilty.
Plea bargaining is the making of an agreement in which a person accused of a crime admits that they are guilty of a less serious crime, so that they will not be charged with a more serious one.
(American) To cop a plea is to admit to having committed a crime in order to avoid being brought to trial for a more serious crime.
Plea bargaining is the making of an agreement in which a person accused of a crime admits that they are guilty of a less serious crime, so that they will not be charged with a more serious one.
To come forward is to offer to give help.
No witnesses to the accident have come forward yet, despite the police's appeal.
If someone would like to come forward to help with the school trip we should be extremely grateful.
Nobody has yet come forward with any information relating to the girl's death.
layperson, male layman, female laywoman (NOT TRAINED)
noun [C]
a person who is not trained in or does not have a detailed knowledge of a particular subject
The book is supposed to be the layperson's guide to home repairs.
Specialists and lay people alike will be able to enjoy the programme.
See also lay (NOT TRAINED).
layperson, male layman, female laywoman (CHURCH)
noun [C]
a person who is part of a religious organization but who is not paid or specially trained
See also lay (CHURCH).
lay (CHURCH)
adjective [before n, not gradable]
having a position in an organization, esp. a religious one, that is not a full-time job and is not paid
a lay preacher
See also layperson (CHURCH).
A lay brother or lay sister is someone who belongs to a religious group, esp. one living together in a monastery or convent, but is at a low level in it and usually does simple work for the organization, such as preparing food.
laity
noun [U + sing/pl v]
The laity are all the people who are involved with a church but are not priests.
lever
noun [C]
a bar or handle which moves around a fixed point, so that one end of it can be pushed or pulled in order to control the operation of a machine or move a heavy or stiff object
She balanced an iron bar on a stone and used it as a lever to lift open the drain cover.
A door handle is a type of lever.
FIGURATIVE The blackmailer used the threat of scandal as a lever to get money from his victims.
a gear lever in a car
BRITISH a brake lever (AM AND AUS handbrake) on a bicycle
A lever arch file is a type of large container used to hold paper, in which paper is held on two big curved pieces of metal which are opened or closed using a metal bar.
lever
verb [T usually + adv/prep]
She levered up the drain cover. [M]
The old man levered himself (up) out of the armchair (=used his arms to push himself out of it with a lot of effort).
leverage
noun [U]
Leverage is the action or advantage of using a lever.
With a longer handle you get more leverage.
FIGURATIVE If the United Nations had more troops in the area, it would have greater leverage (=power to influence people and get desired results).
leverage
noun [U]
SPECIALIZED
the use of borrowed money to buy a company
leveraged
adjective
SPECIALIZED
A leveraged buyout is an attempt to buy a company using borrowed money.
The airline was bought in a leveraged buyout.
force (INFLUENCE)
noun
(a person or thing with a lot of) influence and energy
Everyone who worked with her was struck by the sheer force of her personality. [U]
He was a powerful force in British politics during the war years. [C]
A united Europe, he said, would be a great force in world affairs. [C]
LITERARY Fishermen are always at the mercy of the forces of nature (=bad weather conditions).
If an organization or a person is described as a force to be reckoned with it means that they are powerful and have a lot of influence.
The United Nations is now a force to be reckoned with.
Poverty and ignorance, the bishop said, were the forces of evil in our society today.
I always check that I've got money with me when I leave home - just from force of habit really (=it is something that I do because I've always done it).
forceful
adjective
The opposition leader led a very forceful attack on the government in parliament this morning.
She has a very forceful personality which will serve her well in politics.
forcefully
adverb
He argued forcefully that stricter laws were necessary to deal with the problem.
forcefulness
noun [U]
They were persuaded by the forcefulness of his argument.
forcible
adjective
An upturned car by the roadside served as a forcible (=effective) reminder to me not to drive fast on country roads.
reconcile
verb [T]
to find a way in which (two situations or beliefs that are opposed to each other) are in agreement, or to become friendly with (someone) after you have argued with them
It's difficult to reconcile different points of view.
How can you reconcile your fur coat and your love of animals?
My brother and I were finally reconciled with/to each other, after not speaking for over five years.
If you reconcile yourself to something unpleasant, you accept it although you do not like it.
She must reconcile herself to the fact that she must do some work if she wants to pass her exams.
He was reconciled to living a solitary life.
reconciliation
noun [C]
Reconciliation is the process of making two people or groups of people friendly again after they have argued.
It took hours of negotiations to bring about a reconciliation between the two sides.
Reconciliation is also the process of making two things in agreement which seem to be opposed.
The reconciliation of the facts with the theory is not always easy.
compel
verb [T]
to force (someone) to do something
As a school boy he was compelled to wear shorts even in winter. [+ obj + to infinitive]
He didn't want to visit her but conscience compelled him (to). [+ obj (+ to infinitive)]
FORMAL The new circumstances compelled a change in policy. [T]
See also compulsion (FORCE).
(formal) To compel also means to produce a strong feeling or reaction, sometimes unwillingly.
Over the years her work has compelled universal admiration and trust.
compelled
adjective [after v]
He felt compelled to report the incident. [+ to infinitive]
She didn't want to make the visit but she felt compelled (to). [(+ to infinitive)]
compelling
adjective
It's a compelling argument (=forceful and able to persuade).
A performance, painting, film, etc. is compelling if it gets your attention because of its strength and power.
muster (PRODUCE)
verb [T]
to produce or encourage (esp. an emotion or support)
She managed to muster (up) (the/enough) courage to ask him to the cinema.
For this venture to be really successful we must start by mustering the enthusiasm of parents, teachers and pupils.
The team will need all the strength they can muster to win this game.
He mounted a series of successful exhibitions, but was unable to muster the necessary financial support.
Opponents are unlikely to be able to muster enough votes to override the veto.
muster (GATHER)
verb
(esp. of soldiers) to (cause to) gather together, esp. in preparation for fighting
The twelfth division mustered on the hill. [I]
The general mustered his troops. [T]
FIGURATIVE The Welsh National Opera has mustered its forces (=made great preparations and efforts to) to mount its second production of Tristan in only 14 years.
muster
noun [C]
A muster of soldiers is a group of soldiers.
A muster point/muster station is the place where everyone in a place or on a boat has to meet when there is an emergency.
A muster point/muster station is the place where everyone in a place or on a boat has to meet when there is an emergency.
To pass muster is to reach an acceptable standard.
New teams won't be admitted to the league if their stadiums don't pass muster.
shatter
verb
to (cause to) break suddenly into very small pieces
The glass shattered into a thousand tiny pieces. [I]
A stone thrown up from the road by the wheel of a passing car shattered the windscreen. [T]
His leg was shattered in the accident. [T]
Shatter can also mean to end or damage.
The book shattered all her illusions about the Romans.
All his dreams have been shattered.
Noisy motorbikes shattered the peace.
shattered
adjective
The family were shattered (=extremely upset) at the news of Annabel's suicide.
I am shattered that this decision has been made without any consultation or discussion.
-shattering
combining form
a record-shattering movie (=one which breaks previous records)
a confidence-shattering defeat (=one which destroys confidence)
See also earth-shattering at earth (planet).
devout
adjective
(of people) believing in a religion in a strong manner and obeying all the rules or principles of that religion
a devout Buddhist/Christian/churchgoer/Muslim
devoutly
adverb
She came from a devoutly Catholic family
(formal) Devoutly also means sincerely and strongly.
He said that he devoutly hoped that an agreement could be reached peacefully.
devoutness
noun [U]
perpetrate
verb [T]
FORMAL
to commit (a crime, or a violent or harmful act)
In Britain, half of all violent crime is perpetrated by people who have been drinking alcohol.
Three businessmen have been charged with perpetrating a massive insurance fraud.
Federal soldiers have been accused of perpetrating atrocities against innocent people.
perpetration
noun [U]
FORMAL
Human rights activists have accused the country's government of a systematic perpetration of violence against minority groups.
perpetrator, American dated slang perp
noun [C]
FORMAL
A perpetrator is someone who has committed a crime, or a violent or harmful act.
The perpetrators of the massacre must be brought to justice as war criminals.
June 15, 2002
Bishops set policy to remove priests in sex abuse cases.
bar (PREVENT)
verb [T]
to prevent (something or someone) from doing something or going somewhere, or to forbid (something)
The centre of the town was barred to/AM USUALLY barred off to football supporters.
The incident led to him being barred from the country/barred from playing for England.
The government has acted to bar this kind of tobacco (=make using, selling or producing it illegal).
I tried to push past her but she barred my way/path (=stood in front of me and prevented me from getting past).
bar
noun [C]
A lack of formal education is no bar to becoming rich (=does not make it impossible to become rich).
anguish
noun [U]
extreme unhappiness caused by physical or mental suffering
His anguish at the outcome of the court case was very clear.
She spoke to him in great anguish.
In her anguish she forgot to leave a message.
anguished
adjective
an anguished cry
an anguished letter to the newspapers
Politicians entered into two days of anguished debate following the release of this month's crime figures.
chaplain
noun [C]
a Christian official who is responsible for the religious needs of an organization
the college/hospital/prison/military chaplain
chaplaincy
noun [C]
A chaplaincy is either the position of chaplain or the building or office in which a chaplain works.
Several groups joined together to fund an airport chaplaincy.
The building plans included a new university chaplaincy.
retain
verb [T]
SLIGHTLY FORMAL
to keep or continue to have (something)
She has lost her battle to retain control of the company.
He managed to retain his dignity throughout the performance.
She succeeded in retaining her lead in the second half of the race.
He is hoping to retain his title for the 800m (=to win the race again) in the Commonwealth Games.
The British Library retains the right to a copy of every new book published in the UK.
I have a good memory and am able to retain (=remember) facts easily.
The wall of this dam retains (=holds in place) 5 000 000 cubic metres of water. [T]
(slightly formal) If a substance retains something, such as heat or water, it continues to hold or contain it.
The sea retains the sun's warmth longer than the land.
(law) To retain a lawyer is to obtain their services by paying them in advance.
retainer
noun [C]
SPECIALIZED
A retainer is an amount of money which you pay to someone in advance so that they will work for you when you need them to.
I pay my lawyer a retainer every month so that she's always available if I need her.
(old use) A retainer is a servant who has usually been with the same family for a long time.
retention
noun [U]
SLIGHTLY FORMAL
Retention is the continued use, existence or possession of something or someone.
The retention of old technology has slowed the company's growth.
Two influential senators have argued for the retention of the unpopular tax.
To aid staff recruitment and retention, the education authority has increased the number of nursery places available for teachers' children.
The sea's retention of heat is greater than the land's.
She suffers from water retention (=the continued presence of too much water in the body).
retentive
adjective
SLIGHTLY FORMAL
She has a retentive memory (=She is able to remember things easily).
garb
noun [U]
LITERARY
clothes that are in a particular style
She wore the usual garb of the office worker - smart suit and high heels.
He was dressed in nun's garb.
punitive
adjective
intended as a punishment
The teacher has taken punitive action against the children who broke the rules.
The UN has imposed punitive sanctions on the invading country.
LAW She is suing the newspaper for $5 million punitive damages claiming they knew the article about her was untrue.
FIGURATIVE The President has threatened to impose punitive (=severe and so causing difficult conditions) import duties/tariffs on a range of foreign goods.
punitively
adverb
The men were given a punitively heavy sentence by the judge.
FIGURATIVE Rents in the city are punitively high (=so high they cause difficulty).
cumbersome
adjective
awkward because of being large, heavy or difficult to use
a cumbersome uniform/overcoat
cumbersome luggage
a cumbersome style of writing
He's got a cumbersome old computer - it's slow and complicated to use.
It's rather cumbersome having to carry all these cases around.
invoke
verb [T]
FORMAL
to request or use (a power outside yourself, esp. a law or a god) to help when you want to improve a situation
Police can invoke the law of trespass to regulate access to these places.
Mr. Pierce invoked the Fifth Amendment, which states that you do not have to be a witness against yourself, and refused to testify.
Invoking morality on this occasion would not be appropriate.
Their sacred dance is performed to invoke ancient gods.
(formal) If something invokes a memory it makes you remember something.
The song invoked memories of that wonderful summer.
invocation
noun
FORMAL
On May Day young men sing invocations for good weather, good harvest and spiritual blessings. [C]
Invocation of obscure rules won't help you. [U]
coerce
verb [T]
FORMAL
to persuade (someone) forcefully to do something which they are unwilling to do
The courts heard that the six defendants had been coerced into making a confession.
coercion
noun [U]
FORMAL
He claimed the police had used coercion, threats and promises to illegally obtain the statement.
She said that she had signed the contract under coercion (=she had been forced to sign it).
coercive
adjective
Something that is coercive uses force to persuade people to do things which they are unwilling to do.
The president relied on the coercive powers of the military and the police to enforce law and order.
endorse (SUPPORT)
verb [T]
to make a public statement of your approval or support for (something or someone)
The National Executive is expected to endorse these recommendations.
Several senior ministers will be at the meeting, to endorse the party's candidate in the by-election.
FORMAL I fully endorse (=agree with) everything the Chairperson has said.
They paid $2 million to the World Champion to endorse their new aftershave (=say that it is good) on television, and watched their sales double.
endorsement
noun [C/U]
These latest proposals have failed to achieve the Cabinet's endorsement. Endorsements from central party officials have helped the local campaign.
endorse (GIVE PERMISSION)
verb [T]
to write something, esp. your signature, on the back of (esp. a cheque), in order to make it payable to someone else
endorsement
noun [U]
endorse (PUNISH)
verb [T]
BRITISH
(of a law court) to record (on a driving licence) that the driver has been found guilty of driving in an illegal way
She was fined £300 and her licence was endorsed.
endorsement
noun
He's got a couple of endorsements on his licence already. [C]
One of the things that can happen if you get caught speeding is the endorsement of your licence. [U]
comply
verb [I]
FORMAL
to act according to an order, set of rules or request
He's been ordered to have the dog destroyed because it's dangerous, but he refuses to comply.
It's difficult to teach if the students won't comply.
There are serious penalties for failure to comply with the regulations.
compliance
noun [U]
FORMAL
It is the job of the inspectors to enforce compliance with the regulations.
The company said that it had always acted in compliance with environmental laws.
(especially disapproving) Compliance is also the tendency to be (too) willing to do what other people want you to do.
I don't think punishment is always a good way of getting children's compliance.
compliant
adjective
FORMAL
Compliant means (too) willing to do what other people want you to do.
She's a very compliant child, who always does as she's told.
thorough (CAREFUL)
adjective [not gradable]
detailed, careful
a thorough revision of the manuscript
thorough plans
She's very thorough in her preparation for her lessons.
They did a thorough search of the area but found nothing.
thoroughly
adverb [not gradable]
We went through the report thoroughly but the information we wanted wasn't given anywhere.
thoroughness
noun [U]
I was impressed by his thoroughness.
thorough (COMPLETE)
adjective
complete, very great, very much
It was a thorough waste of time.
thoroughly
adverb
I was thoroughly exhausted after walking ten miles.
I went to the opera for the first time and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
lenient
adjective
not as severe or strong in punishment or judgment as would be expected
They believe that judges are too lenient with terrorist suspects.
The referee took a surprisingly lenient view of the foul and did not even punish the player.
In view of the quantity of drugs involved, 16 years was the most lenient sentence (=punishment) the judge could impose.
leniently
adverb
He was dealt with much more leniently than we expected.
leniency
noun [U]
The defending lawyer asked for leniency on the grounds of her client's youth.
June 16, 2002
US Bishops let public opinion …
stake (STICK)
noun [C]
a thick strong stick or metal bar with a pointed end
Stakes are pushed or hammered into the ground and can be used to mark an area, support a plant or form part of a fence.
The area of land on which the house was to be built was marked out with thick wooden stakes.
When planting a young tree, fasten it to a short stake to support it.
According to popular legend, a vampire can be killed by driving a stake through its heart.
In the past, the stake was the wooden post to which people were tied before being burned to death as a punishment.
In medieval Europe, many women were accused of being witches and were burnt at the stake.
The priest went to the stake for his heretical beliefs.
FIGURATIVE She passionately believed that the company was being mismanaged and was prepared to go to the stake for (=defend despite the risks) her views.
stake
verb [T]
Tomato plants should be staked (=fastened to a wooden stick) when they are planted to stop the fruit from ripening on the ground and rotting.
They staked their tent on the riverbank.
If you stake a claim to something, you state that you have a right to it and that it should belong to you.
He marked the spot on his map where he had seen the gold and returned later that month to stake his claim.
stake (SHARE)
noun [C]
a share or a financial involvement in something such as a business
The government is encouraging employees to own a stake in the company they work for.
He holds a 40% stake in the company.
She has just sold her minority stake in the television company.
Foreign investors control a majority stake in the firm.
If you have a stake in something which is important to you, you have a personal interest or involvement in it.
The government wants parents to have a bigger stake in their children's education.
Employers have a stake in the training of their staff.
stakeholder
noun [C]
A stakeholder is a person or group of people who have a share or a personal or financial involvement in a business.
Due to the losses the bank has made, almost all of its stakeholders will suffer - some staff will lose their jobs, customers will have higher charges and shareholders will see the price of their shares fall.
stake (RISK)
noun [C]
the amount of money which you risk on the result of something such as a game or competition
He loved gambling and each time he lost he would double his stakes.
She spent two weeks in Las Vegas playing high-stakes blackjack at the casinos.
In an activity or competition, the stakes are the reward for the person who wins or succeeds in it.
The team is playing for enormous stakes - the chance to play in the final.
The Stakes is/are a horse race in which the prize money is provided by all the owners of the horses which are competing in the race.
The horse will be running in the International Stakes at York.
The stakes-winning horse will be retiring from racing at the end of this season.
The stakes also refers to a competitive activity when you consider how well or badly a person does in it.
The prime minister is not very high in the popularity stakes (=he is not very popular) at the moment.
Her years spent as an editor in the firm give her a definite advantage in the management stakes.
If you raise/up the stakes in an activity or competition, you increase the prize or reward for which you are competing.
As soon as I looked at my cards, I thought I'd better up the stakes.
FIGURATIVE The UN deadline for the withdrawal of troops has raised the stakes (=made the situation more urgent) in the conflict.
FIGURATIVE They are trying to raise the stakes (=make people take notice of the situation) by refusing to let the boat dock until they are given money and aid.
If something that is valuable is at stake, it is in a situation where it might be lost.
Thousands of lives will be at stake if emergency aid does not arrive in the city soon.
This race was her last chance to win a place on the national team so everything was at stake. [after v; after n]
The real issue at stake (=to be discussed) is not how much the painting should be sold for but whether it should be sold at all.
stake
verb [T]
At the roulette table, he staked $10 000 on number 21. [T]
The company was taking a huge gamble by staking (=risking) its future on expensive new technology. [T]
She'll be head of this company in five year's time - I'd stake (=risk) my reputation on it. [T]
(American) If you stake someone to something, you provide them with it or with what they need to obtain it.
The governor has promised to stake the city's homeless to what they need for a fresh start.
George Bush's father staked him to a start in the oil business by providing him with several oil wells.
stakeholder
noun [C]
A stakeholder is a person who is in charge of the prize money of people risking money on the result of a game or competition and who gives it to the winner.
stake out
to mark the limits of (an area or a piece of land) in order to claim ownership of it
Each gang in the city has staked out its territory and defends it ruthlessly from other gangs.
They arrived several hours early for the concert and staked out a place at the front. [M]
If you stake out an opinion or position, you establish it or make it clear.
Two of the president's chief advisors have staked out opposite positions on this issue.
The software company is going to find it hard staking out a position in an already crowded market.
(especially American informal) If the police stake out a building or area, they watch it continuously in secret.
The police staked out the hotel where the two terrorists were reported to be staying.
In the 14th century women thought to be witches were burnt at the stake (=killed by being kept in a fire).
In the past, the stake was the wooden post to which people were tied before being burned to death as a punishment.
In medieval Europe, many women were accused of being witches and were burnt at the stake.
The priest went to the stake for his heretical beliefs.
FIGURATIVE She passionately believed that the company was being mismanaged and was prepared to go to the stake for (=defend despite the risks) her views.
If you stake a claim to something, you state that you have a right to it and that it should belong to you.
He marked the spot on his map where he had seen the gold and returned later that month to stake his claim.
If you have a stake in something which is important to you, you have a personal interest or involvement in it.
The government wants parents to have a bigger stake in their children's education.
Employers have a stake in the training of their staff.
If something that is valuable is at stake, it is in a situation where it might be lost.
Thousands of lives will be at stake if emergency aid does not arrive in the city soon.
This race was her last chance to win a place on the national team so everything was at stake. [after v; after n]
The real issue at stake (=to be discussed) is not how much the painting should be sold for but whether it should be sold at all.
(American) If you stake someone to something, you provide them with it or with what they need to obtain it.
The governor has promised to stake the city's homeless to what they need for a fresh start.
George Bush's father staked him to a start in the oil business by providing him with several oil wells.
decided
adjective
FORMAL
clear; certain
There was a decided need for a change.
She holds a very decided view of the world.
decidedly
adverb
He was decidedly (=very obviously) careful about what he told me.
An agreement is looking decidedly difficult according to the newspapers.
poll (OPINION)
noun [C]
a study in which people are asked for their opinions about a subject or person
A recent poll shows that 70% of British children are regular TV viewers by the age of three.
A new nationwide poll suggests there is widespread support for the proposal.
We're carrying out/conducting a poll to find out what people think about abortion.
The latest opinion poll gives the Democrats a clear lead (=shows that they are the most popular political party).
poll
verb [T]
When you poll a person, you ask them for their opinion as part of a general study of what people think about a subject.
Half the people polled said they would pay more for environmentally-friendly food.
poll (ELECTION)
verb [T]
(of a person or a political party) to receive (a particular number of votes) in an election
With nearly all the votes counted, Mr Soto had polled 67% of the vote.
polls
plural noun
The polls are the places where people vote in a political election.
The TV stations agreed not to announce the projected winner until after the polls closed.
If people go to the polls, they vote.
The country will go to the polls on September 13th.
polling
adjective [before n, not gradable]
BRITISH AND AUSTRALIAN
Polling day (Am usually Election day) is the day when people vote in an election.
(British and Australian) A polling booth is a small partly enclosed area in a polling station where you can vote in private.
(British and Australian) A polling station (Am polling place) is a public building where people go to vote in an election.
An exit poll is the organized questioning of people as they leave a polling station place at which people vote about how they voted, to try to discover who will win the election.
In an opinion poll, people are asked what they think about a particular subject.
If people go to the polls, they vote.
The country will go to the polls on September 13th.
A straw poll is an unofficial vote which is taken to discover what people think about an idea or problem or how they intend to vote in an election.
A straw poll of local inhabitants in Mediterranean resorts concluded that British tourists were the worst dressed and Italians the most stylish.
She overhauled her election campaign when she was placed third in a straw poll.
clamour British and Australian, American and Australian clamor
verb [I]
to make a loud complaint or demand
Please don't all clamour for attention at once! [I]
The residents are clamouring against the dumping of chemical waste near their houses. [I]
She always clamours to go home as soon as she gets to school. [+ to infinitive]
clamour British and Australian, American and Australian clamor
noun [U]
Clamour is a loud complaint about something or a demand for something.
After the bombing, there was a public clamour for vengeance.
Clamour is also loud noise, esp. made by people's voices.
He preferred solitary walks in the wilderness to the clamour of the city.
There was a clamour of voices outside the office, all demanding to see the manager.
clamorous
adjective
Clamorous means making loud demands or complaints.
The newspaper devoted seven pages to a clamorous call for independence.
Clamorous also means making a lot of noise.
The air was filled with clamorous, excited voices.
fester
verb [I]
(of an injury such as a cut) to become infected and form pus, or fig. (of an argument or bad feeling) to continue so that feelings of hate or dissatisfaction increase
a festering sore
FIGURATIVE It was better that she expressed her anger than let it fester inside her.
FIGURATIVE The talks are aimed at resolving the festering conflict between the two countries.
villain
noun [C]
a bad person who harms other people or breaks the law
Some people believe that Richard III did not murder his nephews and was not the villain he is generally thought to have been.
He's either a hero or a villain, depending on your point of view.
The union has been cast as a villain standing in the way of progress.
Bert's just a small-time villain (=criminal) - he'd never get involved in a major crime of this type.
FIGURATIVE The major villain (=thing that causes harm) in causing lung cancer is smoking.
A villain is also a character in a book, play, film, etc. who harms other people.
He made his reputation as an actor playing villains.
Again, Superman overpowered the villain, Lex Luthor.
(informal) The villain of the piece is someone or something which is seen as being the cause of trouble on a particular occasion.
When the minister was forced to resign, the press was generally seen as the villain of the piece.
villainous
adjective
Villainous means evil.
a villainous dictator
a villainous regime
villainous behaviour
a villainous character
a villainous role
In Shakespeare's 'Othello', Othello is deceived by the villainous Iago.
villainy
noun [U]
I wouldn't have thought she was capable of such villainy.
Charlie strongly denied the acts of villainy of which he was accused, such as forcing people to watch while he smashed up their homes.
being the cause of trouble on a particular occasion.
When the minister was forced to resign, the press was generally seen as the villain of the piece.
debacle
noun [C]
a complete failure, esp. because of bad planning and organization
The collapse of the company was described as the greatest financial debacle in US history.
relent
verb [I]
SLIGHTLY FORMAL
to act in a less severe way towards someone and allow something that you had refused to allow before
Her parents had initially refused to let her go to the party, but eventually they relented (=they allowed her to go).
There is no sign of the warring parties relenting (=stopping the fighting) on the ground, whatever assurances they gave during the negotiations.
relentless
adjective
Relentless means continuing in a severe or determined way.
He believes that the relentless push for economic growth is deeply damaging to the environment.
The main symptom of anorexia is a relentless pursuit of thinness by starving yourself.
With all the money and glamour of a film career in Hollywood comes the relentless pressure to succeed.
The pool was a delightfully cool spot in the relentless summer heat.
relentlessly
adverb
She has campaigned relentlessly to secure her husband's release from prison.
Demand for places in the college has been rising relentlessly over the past few years.
decide
verb
to (cause to) choose, esp. after careful thought about several possibilities
They have to decide by next Friday. [I]
I don't mind which one we have - you decide. [I]
We decided on a beige carpet for the dining room. [I]
In the end, we decided to go to the theatre. [+ to infinitive]
She decided (that) she would retire to the country. [+ (that) clause]
I can't decide what to do. [+ wh- word]
He can't decide whether to buy it. [+ wh- word]
The committee decided on/for/in favour of (=made a formal judgment to choose) the cheapest option. [I]
The weather decided the outcome of the cricket match (=the weather had an effect on the result). [T]
The mistake decided the game (=caused the person or side which made the mistake to lose). [T]
The environmental argument was the deciding factor (=the most important matter in choosing a plan of action).
The chairperson always has the deciding vote (=the vote which chooses the winner when the other votes have not made this clear).
decision
noun [C]
We have some difficult decisions to make.
The company will reach/come to/make a decision shortly.
Let me have a/your decision (=Tell me what you have decided) by next week.
Their decision not to take part baffled everyone. [+ to infinitive]
The decision about/on whether he is innocent or guilty rests with the jury.
The decision whether he is innocent or guilty rests with the jury. [+ wh- word]
We need to take a lot of factors into account in our decision-making.
The decision-making process can take several weeks.
I accepted his decision that he wished to die with dignity. [+ that clause]
See also decision.
decisive
adjective
a decisive role/test (=one which is important in deciding)
These results could prove decisive in establishing the criminal's identity.
decisively
adverb
decision
noun [U]
APPROVING
the ability to decide quickly and positively, with a clear result
She acted with decision, closing the bank account and phoning the police.
"I certainly won't," he replied with decision.
See also decision at decide.
decisive
adjective
a decisive reply
decisive action/progress/intervention
decisively
adverb
If we had acted earlier and more decisively it might not have come to this.
decisiveness
noun [U]
During his 29 years in power he has shown a decisiveness and far-sightedness that puts most other politicians, anywhere, to shame.
wiggle
verb
INFORMAL
to (cause to) move up and down and/or from side to side with small quick movements
He tried wiggling the control stick but nothing happened. [T]
She wiggled her toes in the water. [T]
Her hips wiggle as she walks. [I]
wiggle
noun [C]
INFORMAL
With a wiggle of his hips, he pulled up the trousers.
(informal) A wiggle is also a line with many short curves in it.
wiggly
adjective
INFORMAL
a wiggly country road
Is that wiggly line you've drawn supposed to be a snake?
misconduct (BEHAVIOUR)
noun [U]
wrong or immoral behaviour of someone in a position of authority or responsibility
The psychiatrist was found guilty of professional misconduct after she persuaded a patient to give money to a non-existent charity.
A former priest has denied allegations of sexual misconduct with his children's babysitter.
misconduct (MANAGE)
verb [T]
to manage (the activities of an organization) badly
The aid programme has been misconducted, resulting in large quantities of food failing to reach the famine victims.
misconduct
noun [U]
Two directors have resigned following accusations of misconduct of the company's financial affairs.
confine
verb [T]
to limit (someone or something)
I don't like a job in which I'm confined to doing only one thing. [T]
You are asked to confine your use of the telephone to business calls alone.
Could you confine your discussion to the matter in question, please! [T]
By closing the infected farms we're hoping to confine the disease (=stop it from spreading). [T]
Something might be confined to a particular area or group of people if it appears only to exist there.
It is now known that the illness is not confined to any one group in society. [T]
It's an attitude which seems to be confined to the upper classes. [T]
If a person is confined, they are kept, often by force, in an enclosed place.
He had been confined for so long that he couldn't cope with the outside world.
mandatory
adjective [not gradable]
FORMAL
which must be done, or which is demanded by law
The minister is calling for mandatory prison sentences for people who assault police officers.
Athletes must undergo a mandatory drugs test before competing in the championship.
In 1991, the British government made it mandatory to wear rear seat belts in cars.
relish (ENJOY)
verb
SLIGHTLY FORMAL
to like or enjoy (something)
I always relish a challenge. [T]
I don't relish telling her that her son has been arrested. [+ v-ing]
(slightly formal) If you relish the idea or thought of something, you feel pleasure that it is going to happen.
I had enjoyed writing the first book, and relished the thought of working on the second.
She's relishing the prospect of studying in Bologna for six months.
relish
noun [U]
SLIGHTLY FORMAL
Relish is the enjoyment you get from doing something.
She ate her cake slowly and with relish.
I have no relish for hunting and killing animals.
relish (SAUCE)
noun
a type of sauce which is eaten with food to add flavour to it
Ann made a tomato and onion relish. [C]
Would you like some relish on your burger? [U]
feeble
adjective
weak; without energy, strength or power, or not effective or good
He was a feeble, helpless old man.
The little lamp gave only a feeble light.
The opposition to the plan has been rather feeble.
Martin told me a really feeble joke.
She had another feeble excuse for being late.
Someone who is feeble-minded has less than ordinary intelligence or behaves stupidly and without thinking.
Some feeble-minded idiot thought it was funny to put salt in the sugar bowl.
feebly
adverb
The dog whimpered feebly and held up its injured paw.
Feebly written and directed, this is one film everybody can afford to miss.
Someone who is feeble-minded has less than ordinary intelligence or behaves stupidly and without thinking.
Some feeble-minded idiot thought it was funny to put salt in the sugar bowl.
prosecute (LEGAL)
verb
to officially accuse (someone) of committing a crime in a court of law, or (of a lawyer) to try to prove that a person accused of committing a crime is guilty of that crime
Shoplifters will be prosecuted. [T]
Most of the civil servants involved in the affair have been successfully prosecuted and dismissed. [T]
He was prosecuted for fraud. [T]
Any manufacturer who does not conform to the standards could be prosecuted under the Consumers Protection Act, 1987. [T]
The victim has said that she will not prosecute. [I]
Compare defend.
prosecution
noun [U]
A number of the cases have resulted in successful prosecution.
Doctors guilty of neglect are liable to prosecution.
The proprietor has been given until the end of the week to clean his kitchens or he will face prosecution.
The prosecution refers to the lawyers in a trial who try to prove that a person accused of committing a crime is guilty of that crime.
His plea of guilty to manslaughter was not accepted by the prosecution. [U]
The prosecution alleged that he lured the officer to his death by making an emergency call. [U]
There have been a large number of fraud prosecutions recently. [C]
prosecutor
noun [C]
A prosecutor is a legal representative who officially accuses someone of committing a crime, esp. in a court of law.
prosecute (CONTINUE)
verb [T]
FORMAL
to continue to take part in a planned group of activities, esp. a war
He seemed convinced that the US would prosecute the war to its end. [T]
prosecution
noun [U]
FORMAL
account for (EXPLAIN)
phrasal verb [T]
to explain (something or the cause of something)
Can you account for your absence last Friday?
She was unable to account for over $5 000 (=she could not explain where the money was).
He has to account to his boss for (=tell his boss about and explain) all his movements.
Can you account for how the money got into your bag? [+ wh- word]
(saying) 'There's no accounting for taste' means that it is difficult to explain why different people like different things, esp. things which you do not like.
"I love working at weekends." "Well, there's no accounting for taste, is there!"
accountable
adjective
Someone who is accountable is completely responsible for what they do and must be able to give a satisfactory reason for it.
She is accountable only to the managing director.
The recent tax reforms have made government more accountable for its spending.
The project was started in an effort to hold local school districts more accountable for what their students learn.
Politicians should be accountable to the public who elected them.
accountability
noun [U]
There were furious demands for greater police accountability (=for the police to be made to explain their actions to the public).
resolve (SOLVE)
verb [T]
to solve or end (a problem or difficulty)
We need to resolve this dispute quickly.
Have you resolved the problem of transport yet?
The crisis resolved itself when the unions saw they couldn't win.
The couple resolved their differences and made an effort to get along.
resolution
noun [U]
FORMAL
Your information has made the resolution of this problem possible.
resolve (DECIDE)
verb
FORMAL
to make a decision formally or with determination
She resolved that she would never speak to him again. [+ that clause]
After an hour of argument they resolved on/against going to the party. [I usually + adv/prep]
The company resolved to take no further action against the thieves. [+ to infinitive]
See also resolute.
resolve
noun [U]
FORMAL
Resolve is strong decision or determination.
The experience increased her resolve to change her job.
resolved
adjective [after v]
FORMAL
He was resolved to ask her to marry him the next day. [+ to infinitive]
resolution
noun [C]
If a group of people passes/rejects a resolution, it agrees/disagrees with a suggested course of action or statement of opinion.
The United Nations passed a resolution to increase aid to the Third World. [+ to infinitive]
The member nations voted on the resolution banning whaling. [+ v-ing]
I proposed the resolution that military spending (should) be cut. [+ that clause]
If you make a resolution, you make a promise to yourself to do or to not do something.
I made a resolution to give up chocolate. [+ to infinitive]
resolve something into something
phrasal verb [+ obj + obj]
SPECIALIZED
to separate into parts
There was a blur of sound, which slowly resolved itself into different words. [T]
The computer program resolves sentences into their component parts. [T]