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Definition
1. A spiral motion of fluid within a limited area, especially a whirling mass of water or air that sucks everything near it toward its center.
2. A place or situation regarded as drawing into its center all that surrounds it: "As happened with so many theater actors, he was swept up in the vortex of Hollywood" (New York Times). |
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1. To assume an exaggerated or unnatural pose or mental attitude; attitudinize.
2. To assume a pose.
v.tr.
To put into a specific posture; pose. |
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Definition
1. Unreasonably irritable or ill-tempered; peevish.
2. Contemptuous in speech or behavior. |
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1. Dismal; bleak.
2. Boring; dull: dreary tasks. |
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Definition
1. Not clearly or sharply delineated: an indistinct pattern; indistinct shapes in the gloom.
2. Faint; dim: indistinct stars.
3.
a. Hazy; vague: an indistinct memory; an indistinct notion of how to proceed.
b. Difficult to understand or make out: indistinct speech. |
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Definition
1. Marked by or given to artful subtlety and deceptiveness.
2. Executed with or exhibiting ingenuity.
3. Delicately pleasing; pretty or cute: a cunning pet.
n.
1. Skill in deception; guile.
2. Skill or adeptness in execution or performance; dexterity. |
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Definition
| Resembling waves in occurrence, appearance, or motion. |
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Definition
1. To make the shrill cry characteristic of a hen after laying an egg.
2. To laugh or talk in a shrill manner. |
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Definition
1. Very great in size, number, amount, or quantity.
2. Very great in area or extent; immense.
3. Very great in degree or intensity. See Synonyms at enormous.
n. Archaic
An immense space. |
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Term
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Definition
1.
a. An empty space.
b. A vacuum.
2. An open space or a break in continuity; a gap.
3. A feeling or state of emptiness, loneliness, or loss.
4. Games Absence of cards of a particular suit in a dealt hand: a void in hearts. |
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Term
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Definition
1. Having a dull edge or end; not sharp.
2. Abrupt and often disconcertingly frank in speech: "Onscreen, John Wayne was a blunt talker and straight shooter" (Time). See Synonyms at gruff.
3. Slow to understand or perceive; dull.
4. Lacking in feeling; insensitive. |
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Term
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Definition
1.
a. Contempt or disdain felt toward a person or object considered despicable or unworthy.
b. The expression of such an attitude in behavior or speech; derision.
2. One spoken of or treated with contempt.
v. scorned, scorn•ing, scorns
v.tr.
1. To consider or treat as contemptible or unworthy.
2. To reject or refuse with derision. See Synonyms at despise.
v.intr.
To express contempt; scoff. |
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Definition
| Having the quality or tendency to pervade or permeate: the pervasive odor of garlic. |
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Term
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Definition
1. An invisible breath, emanation, or radiation.
2. A distinctive but intangible quality that seems to surround a person or thing; atmosphere: An aura of defeat pervaded the candidate's headquarters.
3. Pathology A sensation, as of a cold breeze or a bright light, that precedes the onset of certain disorders, such as an epileptic seizure or an attack of migraine. |
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Definition
1. Unpleasantly sharp, pungent, or bitter to the taste or smell. See Synonyms at bitter.
2. Caustic in language or tone. |
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Definition
1. To reproach in a mocking, insulting, or contemptuous manner. See Synonyms at ridicule.
2. To drive or incite (a person) by taunting.
n.
A scornful remark or tirade; a jeer. |
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Definition
1. Immune to attack; impregnable.
2. Impossible to damage, injure, or wound. |
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Term
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Definition
1.
a. To defeat or conquer in battle; subjugate.
b. To defeat in a contest, conflict, or competition.
2. To overcome or subdue (an emotion, for example); suppress: "She had had to wrench herself forcibly away from Katharine, and every step vanquished her desire" (Virginia Woolf). See Synonyms at defeat. |
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Term
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Definition
1. Characterized by excessive self-esteem or exaggerated dignity; pretentious: pompous officials who enjoy giving orders.
2. Full of high-sounding phrases; bombastic: a pompous proclamation.
3. Chracterized by pomp or stately display; ceremonious: a pompous occasion. |
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