1. Lesson 8 Vocabulary
Set A

2. (adj) not usual, not typical, strange
abnormal
(adj) not usual, not typical, strange
For my sister, who is always late, being early for class would be an abnormal situation.

3. (n) a large-scale disaster, misfortune, or failure
catastrophe
(n) a large-scale disaster, misfortune, or failure
During the Cold War, the United States did everything possible to avoid a nuclear catastrophe.

4. (v) to become or make less
decrease
(v) to become or make less
(n) a lessening
The manager hopes that theft will decrease once the new security system is installed.
Because of s sharp decrease in sales, the company had to lay off two-thirds of its workers.

5. flourish (v) to grow, thrive, be prosperous; to wave in the air
(n) a dramatic gesture; a fanfare of horns
It is fortunate for lovers of the arts that painting and opera still flourish in Italy.
Actors often enter the stage with a flourish.

6. (adj) disobedient, rebellious
insubordinate
(adj) disobedient, rebellious
The insubordinate soldier repeatedly interrupted his commanding officer.

7. (n) a violent attack; a sudden rush of something
onslaught
(n) a violent attack; a sudden rush of something
To prepare for the onslaught of winter, we replenished our supply of firewood and rock salt.

8. (v) to get ahead of, do better than, exceed
outstrip
(v) to get ahead of, do better than, exceed
By offering customers low prices and good terms, the new store hopes to outstrip the competition.

9. prudent (adj) cautious, careful, showing good sense
It pays to make prudent investments.

10. quench (v) to put out, extinguish, end
The firefighters will quench the flames with water.

11. swerve (v) to turn aside sharply (n) a sharp or sudden turn
Be aware that if you swerve too sharply, you may lose control of the car.
The sudden swerve of the bus caused some passengers to fall out of their seats.