1. Lesson 8

2. Lesson 8 #1 WordPart of Speech DefinitionSentence blighta)Verb b)noun a)To have a negative effect on; to ruin b)Something that ruins or greatly harms; a terrible condition, environment, or process a)News reports of a past personal scandal blighted the candidate’s hopes of becoming governor. b)The United Nations leader called war “a blight on humanity.”

3. Lesson 8 #2 WordPart of Speech DefinitionSentence cataclysmNounAn intense violent disaster or change To many Florida residents, the 2004 hurricane season must have killed thousands of people in Iran.

4. Lesson 8 #3 WordPart of Speech DefinitionSentence decompositionNounThe process of rotting, breaking down, or disintegration. The sulfur released during the decomposition of eggs has a foul stench.

5. Lesson 8 #4 WordPart of Speech DefinitionSentence eradicationNounThe act of tearing out by the roots, or of eliminating as if tearing out by the roots Their goal was the eradication of world hunger.

6. Lesson 8 #5 WordPart of Speech DefinitionSentence havocNouna)Widespread destruction and devastation b)Chaos and disorder a)Nature occasionally wreaks havoc even on the largest, most modern cities. b)The escaped bull created havoc at the ranch.

7. Lesson 8 #6 WordPart of Speech DefinitionSentence marVerbTo inflict damage or spoil the quality of “Don’t spray that on the table—you’ll mar the finish!”

8. Lesson 8 #7 WordPart of Speech DefinitionSentence obliterateVerbTo wipe out completely; to do away with, leaving no trace The storm obliterated not only the village but the small sandy islands nearby.

9. Lesson 8 #8 WordPart of Speech DefinitionSentence pugnaciousAdjectiveCombative; eager for a fight “Road rage” often results in tragedy when pugnacious drivers lose control of their emotions.

10. Lesson 8 #9 WordPart of Speech DefinitionSentence pulverizeTo pound, crush, or grind into powder or dust The food processor pulverized the nuts into a fine powder.

11. Lesson 8 #10 WordPart of Speech DefinitionSentence stagnantadjectivea)Stale and foul because of lack of movement b)Lacking progress or vitality a)A greasy film covered the dark water of the stagnant pond. b)The high unemployment figures hinted at a stagnant economy.