Unit 4 Vocabulary The Four Horsemen

annul Definition Sentence (v) to reduce to nothing; to make ineffective or inoperative Sentence The state legislators voted by an overwhelming majority to annul the out-of-date law. Antonym(s) Validate, authorize, ratify Synonym(s) Cancel, abolish, invalidate, nullify annul

blasé Definition Sentence (adj) indifferent, bored as a result of having enjoyed many pleasures; apathetic Sentence Battle-hardened soldiers may tend to become a bit blasé about the dangers they face. Antonym(s) Enthusiastic, passionate, fervent Synonym(s) blasé

bolster Definition Sentence (v) to support, give a boost to (n) a long pillow or cushion; a supporting post Sentence When you write a research paper, you should always use appropriate facts to bolster your case. Antonym(s) Undermine, weaken, impair Synonym(s) Strengthen, reinforce, buttress, validate bolster

deplore Definition Sentence (v) to feel or express regret or disapproval Sentence Social critics deplore what they believe is a widespread decline in good manners. Antonym(s) Approve, commend, extol Synonym(s) Lament, bemoan, bewail deplore

frivolous Definition Sentence (adj) of little importance, not worthy of serious attention; not meant seriously Sentence I’ll ignore your frivolous suggestion. Antonym(s) Serious, important, significant Synonym(s) Silly, foolish, inane, petty, trifling frivolous

muster Definition Sentence (v) to bring together for service or battle; to gather or summon; to amount to, comprise, include (n) a list of men for military service Sentence You will need to muster up your courage to face the bully who has been tormenting you. Antonym(s) Disband, dismiss, disperse Synonym(s) Mobilize, marshal, roster, inventory muster

nonentity Definition Sentence (n) a person or thing of no importance We may not be movie stars, but we did not deserve to be treated as nonentities by the presumptous headwaiter. Antonym(s) Celebrity, superstar Synonym(s) nobody nonentity

obsess Definition Sentence (v) to trouble, haunt, or fill the mind If you allow fear of failure to obsess you, you will find it difficult or even impossible to achieve your goals in life. Antonym(s) Synonym(s) preoccupy obsess

ornate Definition Sentence (adj) elaborately decorated; showily splendid Sentence If you ask me, an ornate gilded frame distracts the viewer’s eye from a simple drawing. Antonym(s) Simple, plain, stark, austere Synonym(s) Fancy, elaborate, flashy, flamboyant ornate

oust Definition Sentence (v) to remove, drive out of a position or place Sentence Military leaders ousted the duly elected president and took over the government. Antonym(s) Admit, welcome Synonym(s) Expel, eject oust

peruse Definition Sentence (v) to read thoroughly and carefully It is wise to have a lawyer peruse an agreement before you sign it. Antonym(s) Synonym(s) Study, pore over, scrutinize peruse

porous Definition Sentence (adj) full of tiny holes; able to be penetrated by air or water Sentence Some synthetic materials are as porous and strong as natural sponges. Antonym(s) Airtight, waterproof, impermeable Synonym(s) Leaky, permeable porous

promontory Definition Sentence (n) a high point of land extending into water Sentence We choose a high promontory overlooking the sea as the perfect spot for our picnic lunch. Antonym(s) Synonym(s) Cliff, headland promontory

prone Definition Sentence (adj) lying face down; inclined, likely Unfortunately, I am prone to earaches and sinus infections. Antonym(s) Standing upright, unlikely Synonym(s) Prostrate, liable, apt prone

qualm Definition Sentence (n) a pang of conscience, uneasiness, misgiving, or doubt; a feeling of faintness or nausea Sentence Don’t you have serious qualms about voting for such a relatively unknown and inexperienced candidate? Antonym(s) Synonym(s) Regret, second thought, scruple qualm

recourse Definition Sentence (n) a person or thing turned to for help or advice; the act of seeking help or protection Sentence If my letter of complaint fails to get results, I will still have recourse to a higher authority. Antonym(s) Synonym(s) Redress, remedy, resort recourse

residue Definition Sentence (n) a remainder, that which remains when a part has been used up or removed Sentence A residue of sticky taffy made the pan difficult to clean. Antonym(s) Synonym(s) Remnant, remains, leavings residue

solicitous Definition Sentence (adj) showing concern or care; fearful or anxious about someone or something Sentence Neighbors made solicitous inquiries about the state of the elderly couple’s health. Antonym(s) Unconcerned, indifferent, apathetic Synonym(s) concerned solicitous

staid Definition Sentence (adj) serious and dignified; quiet or subdued in character or conduct Sentence Many companies have a dress code which requires that all employees wear staid colors such as navy or gray. Antonym(s) Gaudy, jaunty, uncoventional Synonym(s) Sedate, sober, prim staid

sustain Definition Sentence (v) to support, nourish, keep up; to suffer, undergo; to bear up under, withstand; to affirm the validity of Sentence You may sustain a serious eye injury if you forget to wear your safety goggles when you work with chemicals or power tools. Antonym(s) Synonym(s) Foster, maintain sustain