Gre Wordlist 16 : duration - encroachment

1.duration	length of time something lasts	Function: noun 1 : continuance in time 2 : the time during which something exists or lasts
2.duress	forcible restraint, especially unlawfully; coercion by threat; illegal coercion; Ex. a promise made under duress	Function: noun Etymology: Middle English duresse, from Middle French duresce hardness, severity, from Latin duritia, from durus 1 : forcible restraint or restriction 2 : compulsion by threat; specifically : unlawful constraint
3.dutiful	(duteous) (of people or their behavior) respectful; obedient (filled with a sense of duty)	Function: adjective 1 : filled with or motivated by a sense of duty 2 : proceeding from or expressive of a sense of duty - du·ti·ful·ly /-f(&-)lE/ adverb - du·ti·ful·ness /-f&l-n&s/ noun
4.dwindle	shrink; reduce gradually	Function: verb Inflected Form(s): dwin·dled; dwin·dling /-(d)li[ng], -d&l-i[ng]/ Etymology: probably frequentative of dwine to waste away, from Middle English, from Old English dwInan; akin to Old Norse dvIna to pine away, deyja to die -- more at DIE intransitive senses : to become steadily less : SHRINK transitive senses : to make steadily less synonym see DECREASE
5.dynamic	energetic; vigorously active	Function: adjective Etymology: French dynamique, from Greek dynamikos powerful, from dynamis power, from dynasthai to be able 1 also dy·nam·i·cal /-mi-k&l/ a : of or relating to physical force or energy b : of or relating to dynamics 2 a : marked by usually continuous and productive activity or change <a dynamic city> b : ENERGETIC, FORCEFUL <a dynamic personality> 3 of random-access memory : requiring periodic refreshment of charge in order to retain data - dy·nam·i·cal·ly /-mi-k(&-)lE/ adverb
6.dyspeptic	suffering from indigestion; N. dyspepsia: indigestion; difficulty in digesting food	Function: noun Etymology: Latin, from Greek, from dys- + pepsis digestion, from peptein, pessein to cook, digest -- more at COOK 1 : INDIGESTION 2 : ill humor : DISGRUNTLEMENT - dys·pep·tic /-'pep-tik/ adjective or noun - dys·pep·ti·cal·ly /-ti-k(&-)lE/ adverb
7.earthy	unrefined; coarse; of earth; Ex. earthy remarks; OP. ethereal	Function: adjective Inflected Form(s): earth·i·er; -est 1 a : of, relating to, or consisting of earth <earthy creatures like worms> b : suggestive of earth (as in texture, odor, or color) <an earthy yellow> c : rough, coarse, or plain in taste <earthy flavors> 2 a archaic : EARTHLY, WORLDLY b : characteristic of or associated with mortal life on the earth <prefers earthy to ethereal themes> 3 : suggestive of plain or poor people or their ways: as a : PRACTICAL, DOWN-TO-EARTH <earthy problems of daily life> b : CRUDE, GROSS <earthy humor> c : plain and simple in style : UNSOPHISTICATED <earthy peasant cookery> <earthy decor> <earthy clothes> - earth·i·ness noun
8.ebb	(of the tide) recede; lessen; diminish; N. OP. flow: rise of tide	Function: noun Etymology: Middle English ebbe, from Old English ebba; akin to Middle Dutch ebbe ebb, Old English of from -- more at OF 1 : the reflux of the tide toward the sea 2 : a point or condition of decline <our spirits were at a low ebb>
9.ebullient	showing excitement; overflowing with enthusiasm; boiling; N. ebullience; N. ebullition: state of boiling	Function: adjective Etymology: Latin ebullient-, ebulliens, present participle of ebullire to bubble out, from e- + bullire to bubble, boil -- more at BOIL 1 : BOILING, AGITATED 2 : characterized by ebullience - ebul·lient·ly adverb
10.eccentric	irregular; odd; unconventional; whimsical; bizarre; not concentric	Function: adjective Etymology: Middle English, from Medieval Latin eccentricus, from Greek ekkentros, from ex out of + kentron center 1 a : deviating from an established or usual pattern or style b : deviating from conventional or accepted usage or conduct especially in odd or whimsical ways 2 a : deviating from a circular path; especially : ELLIPTICAL 1 <an eccentric orbit> b : located elsewhere than at the geometrical center; also : having the axis or support so located <an eccentric wheel> synonym see STRANGE - ec·cen·tri·cal·ly /-tri-k(&-)lE/ adverb
11.eccentricity	oddity; idiosyncrasy	Function: noun Inflected Form(s): plural -ties 1 a : the quality or state of being eccentric b : deviation from an established pattern or norm; especially : odd or whimsical behavior 2 a : a mathematical constant that for a given conic section is the ratio of the distances from any point of the conic section to a focus and the corresponding directrix b : the eccentricity of an astronomical orbit used as a measure of its deviation from circularity
12.ecclesiastic	ecclesiastical; pertaining to the church; N: minister; priest; cleric; clergyman	Function: adjective : ECCLESIASTICAL
13.eclectic	selective; composed of elements drawn from disparate sources; selecting individual elements from a variety of sources; N. eclecticism	Function: adjective Etymology: Greek eklektikos, from eklegein to select, from ex- out + legein to gather -- more at LEGEND 1 : selecting what appears to be best in various doctrines, methods, or styles 2 : composed of elements drawn from various sources; also : HETEROGENEOUS - eclec·ti·cal·ly /-ti-k(&-)lE/ adverb
14.eclipse	darken; extinguish; outshine; surpass; cause an eclipse	Function: noun Etymology: Middle English, from Old French, from Latin eclipsis, from Greek ekleipsis, from ekleipein to omit, fail, suffer eclipse, from ex- + leipein to leave -- more at LOAN 1 a : the total or partial obscuring of one celestial body by another b : the passing into the shadow of a celestial body -- compare OCCULTATION, TRANSIT 2 : a falling into obscurity or decline; also : the state of being eclipsed 3 : the state of being in eclipse plumage [eclipse illustration]
15.ecologist	person concerned with the interrelationship between living organisms and their environment; person concerned with the detrimental effects of human civilization on the environment; CF. ecology	Function: noun Inflected Form(s): plural -gies Etymology: German Ökologie, from öko- eco- + -logie -logy 1 : a branch of science concerned with the interrelationship of organisms and their environments 2 : the totality or pattern of relations between organisms and their environment 3 : HUMAN ECOLOGY - eco·log·i·cal /"E-k&-'lä-ji-k&l, "e-k&-/ also eco·log·ic /-jik/ adjective - eco·log·i·cal·ly /-ji-k(&-)lE/ adverb - ecol·o·gist /i-'kä-l&-jist, e-/ noun
16.economy	efficiency or conciseness in using something; thrifty management of resources	Function: noun Inflected Form(s): plural -mies Etymology: Middle French yconomie, from Medieval Latin oeconomia, from Greek oikonomia, from oikonomos household manager, from oikos house + nemein to manage -- more at VICINITY, NIMBLE 1 archaic : the management of household or private affairs and especially expenses 2 a : thrifty and efficient use of material resources : frugality in expenditures; also : an instance or a means of economizing : SAVING b : efficient and concise use of nonmaterial resources (as effort, language, or motion) 3 : the arrangement or mode of operation of something : ORGANIZATION 4 : the structure of economic life in a country, area, or period; specifically : an economic system
17.ecstasy	rapture; very strong feeling of joy and happiness; any overpowering emotion; ADJ. ecstatic: causing or experiencing ecstasy	Function: noun Inflected Form(s): plural -sies Etymology: Middle English extasie, from Middle French, from Late Latin ecstasis, from Greek ekstasis, from existanai to derange, from ex- out + histanai to cause to stand -- more at EX-, STAND 1 a : a state of being beyond reason and self-control b archaic : SWOON 2 : a state of overwhelming emotion; especially : rapturous delight 3 : TRANCE; especially : a mystic or prophetic trance 4 : a synthetic amphetamine analogue C11H15NO2 used illicitly for its mood-enhancing and hallucinogenic properties synonyms ECSTASY, RAPTURE, TRANSPORT mean intense exaltation of mind and feelings. ECSTASY and RAPTURE both suggest a state of trance or near immobility produced by an overpowering emotion. ECSTASY may apply to any strong emotion (as joy, fear, rage, adoration) <religious ecstasy>. RAPTURE usually implies intense bliss or beatitude <in speechless rapture>. TRANSPORT applies to any powerful emotion that lifts one out of oneself and may provoke frenzied action <in a transport of rage>.
18.eddy	swirling current of water, air, etc.; V.	Function: noun Inflected Form(s): plural eddies Etymology: Middle English (Scots dialect) ydy, probably from Old Norse itha 1 a : a current of water or air running contrary to the main current; especially : a circular current : WHIRLPOOL b : something moving similarly 2 : a contrary or circular current (as of thought or policy)
19.edict	decree (especially one issued by a sovereign); official command	Function: noun Etymology: Middle English, from Latin edictum, from neuter of edictus, past participle of edicere to decree, from e- + dicere to say -- more at DICTION 1 : a proclamation having the force of law 2 : ORDER, COMMAND <we held firm to Grandmother's edict -- M. F. K. Fisher> - edic·tal /i-'dik-t&l/ adjective
20.edify	instruct; correct morally	Function: transitive verb Inflected Form(s): -fied; -fy·ing Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French edifier, from Late Latin & Latin; Late Latin aedificare to instruct or improve spiritually, from Latin, to erect a house, from aedes temple, house; akin to Old English Ad funeral pyre, Latin aestas summer 1 archaic a : BUILD b : ESTABLISH 2 : to instruct and improve especially in moral and religious knowledge; also : ENLIGHTEN, INFORM
21.eerie	weird; causing fear because strange	Function: adjective Inflected Form(s): ee·ri·er; -est Etymology: Middle English (northern dialect) eri 1 chiefly Scottish : affected with fright : SCARED 2 : so mysterious, strange, or unexpected as to send a chill up the spine <a coyote's eerie howl> <the similarities were eerie>; also : seemingly not of earthly origin <the flames cast an eerie glow> synonym see WEIRD - ee·ri·ly /'ir-&-lE, 'Er-/ adverb - ee·ri·ness /'ir-E-n&s, 'Er-/ noun
22.efface	rub out; remove the surface of	Function: transitive verb Inflected Form(s): ef·faced; ef·fac·ing Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French effacer, from Old French esfacier, from e- + face face 1 : to eliminate or make indistinct by or as if by wearing away a surface <coins with dates effaced by wear>; also : to cause to vanish <daylight effaced the stars> 2 : to make (oneself) modestly or shyly inconspicuous - ef·face·able /-'fA-s&-b&l/ adjective - ef·face·ment /-'fA-sm&nt/ noun - ef·fac·er noun
23.effectual	able to produce a desired effect; valid	Function: adjective : producing or able to produce a desired effect synonym see EFFECTIVE - ef·fec·tu·al·i·ty /-"fek-ch&-'wa-l&-tE/ noun - ef·fec·tu·al·ness /-'fek-ch&(-w&)l-n&s, -'feksh-w&l-/ noun
24.effeminate	having womanly traits	Function: adjective Etymology: Middle English, from Latin effeminatus, from past participle of effeminare to make effeminate, from ex- + femina woman -- more at FEMININE 1 : having feminine qualities untypical of a man : not manly in appearance or manner 2 : marked by an unbecoming delicacy or overrefinement <effeminate art> <an effeminate civilization>
25.effervescence	inner excitement or exuberance; showing high spirits; emitting bubbles forming inside; bubbling from fermentation or carbonation; ADJ. effervescent; V. effervesce	Function: intransitive verb Inflected Form(s): -vesced; -vesc·ing Etymology: Latin effervescere, from ex- + fervescere to begin to boil, inchoative of fervEre to boil -- more at BREW 1 : to bubble, hiss, and foam as gas escapes 2 : to show liveliness or exhilaration - ef·fer·ves·cence /-'ve-s&n(t)s/ noun - ef·fer·ves·cent /-s&nt/ adjective - ef·fer·ves·cent·ly adverb
26.effete	having lost one's original power; barren; worn out; exhausted	Function: adjective Etymology: Latin effetus, from ex- + fetus fruitful -- more at FEMININE 1 : no longer fertile 2 a : having lost character, vitality, or strength <the effete monarchies ... of feudal Europe -- G. M. Trevelyan> b : marked by weakness or decadence <the effete East> c : soft or delicate from or as if from a pampered existence <peddled ... trendy tweeds to effete Easterners -- William Helmer> <effete tenderfeet>; also : characteristic of an effete person <a wool scarf ... a bit effete on an outdoorsman -- Nelson Bryant> 3 : EFFEMINATE 1 <a good-humored, effete boy brought up by maiden aunts -- Herman Wouk> - ef·fete·ly adverb - ef·fete·ness noun
27.efficacy	power to produce desired effect; ADJ. efficacious: effectual	Function: noun Inflected Form(s): plural -cies : the power to produce an effect
28.effigy	dummy; likeness of a person made of wood, paper, or stone; Ex. burn an effigy of the President	Function: noun Inflected Form(s): plural -gies Etymology: Middle French effigie, from Latin effigies, from effingere to form, from ex- + fingere to shape -- more at DOUGH : an image or representation especially of a person; especially : a crude figure representing a hated person - in effigy : publicly in the form of an effigy <the football coach was burned in effigy>
29.effluvium	noxious(harmful) smell	Function: noun Inflected Form(s): plural -via or -vi·ums Etymology: Latin effluvium act of flowing out, from effluere 1 : an invisible emanation; especially : an offensive exhalation or smell 2 : a by-product especially in the form of waste
30.effrontery	rudeness without any sense of shame; shameless boldness; presumptousness; nerve; cheek	Function: noun Inflected Form(s): plural -ter·ies Etymology: French effronterie, ultimately from Medieval Latin effront-, effrons shameless, from Latin ex- + front-, frons forehead : shameless boldness : INSOLENCE synonym see TEMERITY
31.effusion	pouring forth; unrestrained outpouring of feeling; V. effuse: pour out; ADJ. effusive: pouring forth; gushing	Function: noun 1 : an act of effusing 2 : unrestrained expression of words or feelings <greeted her with great effusion -- Olive H. Prouty> 3 a (1) : the escape of a fluid from anatomical vessels by rupture or exudation (2) : the flow of a gas through an aperture whose diameter is small as compared with the distance between the molecules of the gas b : the fluid that escapes
32.egoism	excessive interest in one's self; belief that one should be interested in one's self rather than in others; selfishness; ADJ. egoistic, egoistical	Function: noun 1 a : a doctrine that individual self-interest is the actual motive of all conscious action b : a doctrine that individual self-interest is the valid end of all actions 2 : excessive concern for oneself with or without exaggerated feelings of self-importance -- compare EGOTISM 2
33.egotistical	egotistic; excessively self-centered(egocentric); self-important; conceited	Function: noun Etymology: Latin ego + English -tism (as in idiotism) 1 a : excessive use of the first person singular personal pronoun b : the practice of talking about oneself too much 2 : an exaggerated sense of self-importance : CONCEIT -- compare EGOISM 2 - ego·tist /-tist/ noun - ego·tis·tic /"E-g&-'tis-tik also "e-/ or ego·tis·ti·cal /-'tis-ti-k&l/ adjective - ego·tis·ti·cal·ly /-k(&-)lE/ adverb
34.egregious	notorious; conspicuously bad or shocking	Function: adjective Etymology: Latin egregius, from e- + greg-, grex herd -- more at GREGARIOUS 1 archaic : DISTINGUISHED 2 : CONSPICUOUS; especially : conspicuously bad : FLAGRANT <an egregious mistake> - egre·gious·ly adverb - egre·gious·ness noun
35.egress	exit; opening for going out; act of going out; OP. ingress	Function: noun Etymology: Latin egressus, from egressus, past participle of egredi to go out, from e- + gradi to go -- more at GRADE 1 : the action or right of going or coming out 2 : a place or means of going out : EXIT
36.ejaculation	exclamation; abrupt ejection (to discharge sperm); V. ejaculate	Function: noun 1 : an act of ejaculating; specifically : a sudden discharging of a fluid from a duct 2 : something ejaculated; especially : a short sudden emotional utterance
37.elaboration	addition of details; intricacy	Function: verb Inflected Form(s): -rat·ed; -rat·ing transitive senses 1 : to produce by labor 2 : to build up (as complex organic compounds) from simple ingredients 3 : to work out in detail : DEVELOP intransitive senses 1 : to become elaborate 2 : to expand something in detail <would you care to elaborate on that statement> - elab·o·ra·tion /-"la-b&-'rA-sh&n/ noun - elab·o·ra·tive /-'la-b&-"rA-tiv/ adjective
38.elated	filled with excited joy and pride; overjoyed; in high spirits; joyful and proud; Ex. elated crowd; V. elate; N. elation	Function: transitive verb Inflected Form(s): elat·ed; elat·ing Etymology: Latin elatus (pp. of efferre to carry out, elevate), from e- + latus, past participle of ferre to carry -- more at TOLERATE, BEAR : to fill with joy or pride
39.elegy	poem or song expressing lamentation (for the dead); ADJ. elegiacal, elegiac	Function: noun Inflected Form(s): plural -gies Etymology: Latin elegia poem in elegiac couplets, from Greek elegeia, elegeion, from elegos song of mourning 1 : a poem in elegiac couplets 2 a : a song or poem expressing sorrow or lamentation especially for one who is dead b : something (as a speech) resembling such a song or poem 3 a : a pensive or reflective poem that is usually nostalgic or melancholy b : a short pensive musical composition
40.elicit	draw out fact or information (by discussion or from someone)	Function: transitive verb Etymology: Latin elicitus, past participle of elicere, from e- + lacere to allure 1 : to draw forth or bring out (something latent or potential) <hypnotism elicited his hidden fears> 2 : to call forth or draw out (as information or a response) <her remarks elicited cheers> synonym see EDUCE - elic·i·ta·tion /i-"li-s&-'tA-sh&n, "E-/ noun - elic·i·tor /i-'li-s&-t&r/ noun
41.elixir	cure-all; panacea; something invigorating	Function: noun Etymology: Middle English, from Medieval Latin, from Arabic al-iksIr the elixir, from al the + iksIr elixir, probably from Greek xErion desiccative powder, from xEros dry 1 a (1) : a substance held capable of changing base metals into gold (2) : a substance held capable of prolonging life indefinitely b (1) : CURE-ALL (2) : a medicinal concoction 2 : a sweetened liquid usually containing alcohol that is used in medication either for its medicinal ingredients or as a flavoring 3 : the essential principle
42.ellipsis	omission of words from a text; mark used to indicate an omission (when the meaning can be understood without them); PL. ellipses	Function: noun Inflected Form(s): plural el·lip·ses /-"sEz/ Etymology: Latin, from Greek elleipsis ellipsis, ellipse, from elleipein to leave out, fall short, from en in + leipein to leave -- more at IN, LOAN 1 a : the omission of one or more words that are obviously understood but that must be supplied to make a construction grammatically complete b : a sudden leap from one topic to another 2 : marks or a mark (as ... or · or --) indicating an omission (as of words) or a pause
43.elliptical	elliptic; oval; of an ellipse; containing an ellipsis; ambiguous either purposely or because key words have been left out	Function: adjective Etymology: Greek elleiptikos defective, marked by ellipsis, from elleipein 1 : of, relating to, or shaped like an ellipse 2 a : of, relating to, or marked by ellipsis or an ellipsis b (1) : of, relating to, or marked by extreme economy of speech or writing (2) : of or relating to deliberate obscurity (as of literary or conversational style) - el·lip·ti·cal·ly /-ti-k(&-)lE/ adverb
44.eloquence	expressiveness; persuasive speech; ADJ. eloquent: movingly expressive; expressing ideas well so that the hearers can be influeneced	Function: noun 1 : discourse marked by force and persuasiveness; also : the art or power of using such discourse 2 : the quality of forceful or persuasive expressiveness
45.elucidate	explain; make clear; clarify; enlighten; CF. lucid	Function: verb Inflected Form(s): -dat·ed; -dat·ing Etymology: Late Latin elucidatus, past participle of elucidare, from Latin e- + lucidus lucid transitive senses : to make lucid especially by explanation or analysis intransitive senses : to give a clarifying explanation synonym see EXPLAIN - elu·ci·da·tion /-"lü-s&-'dA-sh&n/ noun - elu·ci·da·tive /-'lü-s&-"dA-tiv/ adjective - elu·ci·da·tor /-"dA-t&r/ noun
46.elusive	evasive; not frank; baffling; hard to grasp, catch, or understand; V. elude: escape from; escape the understanding or grasp of; Ex. elude the hunter; Ex. His name eludes me.	Function: adjective : tending to elude: as a : tending to evade grasp or pursuit b : hard to comprehend or define <an elusive concept> c : hard to isolate or identify <a haunting elusive aroma> - elu·sive·ly adverb - elu·sive·ness noun
47.elysian	relating to paradise; blissful	Function: adjective Usage: often capitalized 1 : of or relating to Elysium 2 : BLISSFUL, DELIGHTFUL
48.emaciated	thin and wasted (from hunger or illness)	Function: verb Inflected Form(s): -at·ed; -at·ing Etymology: Latin emaciatus, past participle of emaciare, from e- + macies leanness, from macer lean -- more at MEAGER intransitive senses : to waste away physically transitive senses 1 : to cause to lose flesh so as to become very thin 2 : to make feeble - ema·ci·a·tion /-"mA-s(h)E-'A-sh&n/ noun
49.emanate	issue forth; come out	Function: verb Inflected Form(s): -nat·ed; -nat·ing Etymology: Latin emanatus, past participle of emanare, from e- + manare to flow intransitive senses : to come out from a source transitive senses : EMIT synonym see SPRING
50.emancipate	set free; liberate	Function: transitive verb Inflected Form(s): -pat·ed; -pat·ing Etymology: Latin emancipatus, past participle of emancipare, from e- + mancipare to transfer ownership of, from mancip-, manceps contractor, from manus hand + capere to take -- more at MANUAL, HEAVE 1 : to free from restraint, control, or the power of another; especially : to free from bondage 2 : to release from paternal care and responsibility and make sui juris 3 : to free from any controlling influence (as traditional mores or beliefs) synonym see FREE - eman·ci·pa·tor /-"pA-t&r/ noun
51.embargo	ban on commerce or other activity	Function: noun Inflected Form(s): plural -goes Etymology: Spanish, from embargar to bar, from (assumed) Vulgar Latin imbarricare, from Latin in- + (assumed) Vulgar Latin barra bar 1 : an order of a government prohibiting the departure of commercial ships from its ports 2 : a legal prohibition on commerce <an embargo on arms shipments> 3 : STOPPAGE, IMPEDIMENT; especially : PROHIBITION <I lay no embargo on anybody's words -- Jane Austen> 4 : an order by a common carrier or public regulatory agency prohibiting or restricting freight transportation
52.embark	commence; go on board a boat; begin a journey	Function: verb Etymology: Middle French embarquer, from Old Provençal embarcar, from em- (from Latin in-) + barca bark intransitive senses 1 : to go on board a vehicle for transportation 2 : to make a start <embarked on a new career> transitive senses 1 : to cause to go on board (as a boat or airplane) 2 : to engage, enlist, or invest in an enterprise - em·bar·ka·tion /"em-"bär-'kA-sh&n, -b&r-/ noun - em·bark·ment /im-'bärk-m&nt/ noun
53.embed	(imbed) enclose; place in something; fix firmly in a surrounding mass	Function: verb Inflected Form(s): em·bed·ded; em·bed·ding transitive senses 1 a : to enclose closely in or as if in a matrix <fossils embedded in stone> b : to make something an integral part of <the prejudices embedded in our language> c : to prepare (a microscopy specimen) for sectioning by infiltrating with and enclosing in a supporting substance 2 : to surround closely <a sweet pulp embeds the plum seed> intransitive senses : to become embedded - em·bed·ment /-'bed-m&nt/ noun
54.embellish	adorn; ornament; enhance as a story (by adding fictitious details)	Function: transitive verb Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French embeliss-, stem of embelir, from en- + bel beautiful -- more at BEAUTY 1 : to make beautiful with ornamentation : DECORATE 2 : to heighten the attractiveness of by adding ornamental details : ENHANCE <embellished our account of the trip> synonym see ADORN - em·bel·lish·er noun
55.embezzlement	taking for one's own use in violation of trust; stealing (of money placed in one's care)	Function: transitive verb Inflected Form(s): em·bez·zled; em·bez·zling /-(&-)li[ng]/ Etymology: Middle English embesilen, from Anglo-French embeseiller, from Middle French en- + besillier to destroy : to appropriate (as property entrusted to one's care) fraudulently to one's own use - em·bez·zle·ment /-z&l-m&nt/ noun - em·bez·zler /-z(&-)l&r/ noun
56.emboss	produce a design in raised relief; decorate with a raised design	Function: transitive verb Etymology: Middle English embosen to become exhausted from being hunted, ultimately from Middle French bois woods archaic : to drive (as a hunted animal) to bay or to exhaustion
57.embrace	hug; clasp with the arms; adopt or espouse; accept readily; encircle; include; Ex. embrace the cause/socialism; Ex. all-embracing; CF. brace; CF. bracelet	Function: verb Inflected Form(s): em·braced; em·brac·ing Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French embracer, from Old French embracier, from en- + brace two arms -- more at BRACE transitive senses 1 a : to clasp in the arms : HUG b : CHERISH, LOVE 2 : ENCIRCLE, ENCLOSE 3 a : to take up especially readily or gladly <embrace a cause> b : to avail oneself of : WELCOME <embraced the opportunity to study further> 4 a : to take in or include as a part, item, or element of a more inclusive whole <charity embraces all acts that contribute to human welfare> b : to be equal or equivalent to <his assets embraced $10> intransitive senses : to participate in an embrace synonym see ADOPT, INCLUDE - em·brace·able /-'brA-s&-b&l/ adjective - em·brace·ment /-'brA-sm&nt/ noun - em·brac·er noun - em·brac·ing·ly /-'brA-si[ng]-lE/ adverb
58.embroider	decorate with needlework; ornament (a story) with fancy or fictitious details; embellish	Function: verb Inflected Form(s): em·broi·dered; em·broi·der·ing /-d(&-)ri[ng]/ Etymology: Middle English embroderen, from Middle French embroder, from en- + broder to embroider, of Germanic origin; akin to Old English brord point, byrst bristle transitive senses 1 a : to ornament with needlework b : to form with needlework 2 : to elaborate on : EMBELLISH intransitive senses 1 : to make embroidery 2 : to provide embellishments : ELABORATE - em·broi·der·er /-'broi-d&r-&r/ noun
59.embroil	throw into confusion; involve in strife, dispute, or quarrel; entangle; CF. imbroglio	Function: transitive verb Etymology: French embrouiller, from Middle French, from en- + brouiller to broil 1 : to throw into disorder or confusion 2 : to involve in conflict or difficulties - em·broil·ment /-m&nt/ noun
60.embryonic	undeveloped; rudimentary; N. embryo: organism in the early stage of development	Function: adjective 1 : of or relating to an embryo 2 : being in an early stage of development : INCIPIENT, RUDIMENTARY - em·bry·on·i·cal·ly /-ni-k(&-)lE/ adverb
61.emend	correct (usually a text); N. emendation: correction of errors; improvement	Function: transitive verb Etymology: Middle English, from Latin emendare -- more at AMEND : to correct usually by textual alterations synonym see CORRECT - emend·able /-'men-d&-b&l/ adjective - emend·er noun
62.emetic	substance causing vomiting; ADJ.	Function: noun Etymology: Latin emetica, from Greek emetikE, from feminine of emetikos causing vomiting, from emein to vomit -- more at VOMIT : an agent that induces vomiting - emetic adjective - emet·i·cal·ly /-ti-k(&-)lE/ adverb
63.eminent	rising above others; high; lofty; distinguished; Ex. eminent position	Function: adjective Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French or Latin; Middle French, from Latin eminent-, eminens, present participle of eminEre to stand out, from e- + -minEre; akin to Latin mont-, mons mountain -- more at MOUNT 1 : standing out so as to be readily perceived or noted : CONSPICUOUS 2 : jutting out : PROJECTING 3 : exhibiting eminence especially in standing above others in some quality or position : PROMINENT synonym see FAMOUS
64.emissary	agent (sent on a mission to represent another); messenger	Function: noun Inflected Form(s): plural -sar·ies Etymology: Latin emissarius, from emissus, past participle of emittere 1 : one designated as the agent of another : REPRESENTATIVE 2 : a secret agent
65.emollient	soothing or softening remedy (for the skin); ADJ.	Function: adjective Etymology: Latin emollient-, emolliens, present participle of emollire to soften, from e- + mollis soft -- more at MOLLIFY 1 : making soft or supple; also : soothing especially to the skin or mucous membrane 2 : making less intense or harsh : MOLLIFYING <soothe us in our agonies with emollient words -- H. L. Mencken>
66.emolument	salary; payment for an office; compensation	Function: noun Etymology: Middle English, from Latin emolumentum advantage, from emolere to produce by grinding, from e- + molere to grind -- more at MEAL 1 : the returns arising from office or employment usually in the form of compensation or perquisites 2 archaic : ADVANTAGE
67.empathy	ability to identify with another's feelings, ideas, etc.; identification with and understanding of another's feelings; V. empathize; CF. sympathy	Function: noun Etymology: Greek empatheia, literally, passion, from empathEs emotional, from em- + pathos feelings, emotion -- more at PATHOS 1 : the imaginative projection of a subjective state into an object so that the object appears to be infused with it 2 : the action of understanding, being aware of, being sensitive to, and vicariously experiencing the feelings, thoughts, and experience of another of either the past or present without having the feelings, thoughts, and experience fully communicated in an objectively explicit manner; also : the capacity for this
68.empirical	based on experience	Function: adjective 1 : originating in or based on observation or experience <empirical data> 2 : relying on experience or observation alone often without due regard for system and theory 3 : capable of being verified or disproved by observation or experiment <empirical laws> 4 : of or relating to empiricism - em·pir·i·cal·ly /-i-k(&-)lE/ adverb
69.emulate	imitate; rival; try to equal or excel (through imitation)	Function: transitive verb Inflected Form(s): -lat·ed; -lat·ing Etymology: Latin aemulatus, past participle of aemulari, from aemulus rivaling 1 a : to strive to equal or excel b : IMITATE; especially : to imitate by means of an emulator 2 : to equal or approach equality with
70.enamored	in love; Ex. enamored of his own beauty; V. enamor: inspire with love	Function: transitive verb Inflected Form(s): -ored; en·am·or·ing /-m&-ri[ng], -'nam-ri[ng]/ Etymology: Middle English enamouren, from Middle French enamourer, from en- + amour love -- more at AMOUR 1 : to inflame with love -- usually used in the passive with of 2 : FASCINATE 2b -- usually used in the passive with of or with
71.encipher	encode; convert a message into code; put into cipher	Function: transitive verb : to convert (a message) into cipher - en·ci·pher·er /-f&r-&r/ noun - en·ci·pher·ment /-f&r-m&nt/ noun
72.enclave	territory enclosed within an alien land	Function: noun Etymology: French, from Middle French, from enclaver to enclose, from (assumed) Vulgar Latin inclavare to lock up, from Latin in- + clavis key -- more at CLAVICLE : a distinct territorial, cultural, or social unit enclosed within or as if within foreign territory <ethnic enclaves>
73.encomiastic	praising; eulogistic; N. encomium: very high praise; eulogy	Function: noun Etymology: Greek enkOmiastEs, from enkOmiazein to praise, from enkOmion : one that praises : EULOGIST - en·co·mi·as·tic /-"kO-mE-'as-tik/ adjective
74.encompass	surround; include; Ex. His activities encompass publishing and computers.	Function: transitive verb Etymology: Middle English 1 a : to form a circle about : ENCLOSE b obsolete : to go completely around 2 a : ENVELOP b : INCLUDE <a plan that encompasses a number of aims> 3 : BRING ABOUT, ACCOMPLISH <encompass a task> - en·com·pass·ment /-p&-sm&nt/ noun
75.encroachment	gradual intrusion; Ex. I resent all these encroachments on my valuable time; V. encroach: take another's possessions or right gradually or stealthily; intrude; Ex. encroach on/upon	Function: intransitive verb Etymology: Middle English encrochen to get, seize, from Middle French encrochier, from Old French, from en- + croc, croche hook -- more at CROCHET 1 : to enter by gradual steps or by stealth into the possessions or rights of another 2 : to advance beyond the usual or proper limits <the gradually encroaching sea> synonym see TRESPASS - en·croach·er noun - en·croach·ment /-'krOch-m&nt/ noun