1. Unit 4 Vocabulary
The Four Horsemen

2. 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The state legislators voted by an overwhelming majority to annul the out-of-date law.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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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

15. 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

16. 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

17. 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

18. 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

19. 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

20. 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

21. 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