annul

Unit 4

to reduce to nothing; to declare invalid or void (verb)

The state legislators voted to annul the out-of-date law.

blase

Unit 4

indifferent; apathetic (adj)

Soldiers may tend to become a bit blase about the dnagers they face.

bolster

Unit 4

to support; give a boost (verb)

a long pillow or cushion; a supporting post (noun)

You should always use facts to bolster your case in a research paper.

The sofa has four comfortable bolsters.

deplore

Unit 4

to feel or express regret/disapproval (verb)

Social critics deplore what they believe is a widespread decline in good manners.

frivolous

Unit 4

of little importance; not worthy of serious attention (adj)

I'll ignore your frivolous suggestion.

muster

Unit 4

to bring together for service/battle; to gather or summon (verb)

a list of men for military service (noun)

You will need to muster up your courage.

The sleepy recruits assembled for the early morning muster.

nonentity

Unit 4

a person or thing of no importance (noun)

We did not need to be treated as a nonentity by the waiter.

obsess

Unit 4

to trouble/haunt or fill the mind (verb)

If you allow failure to obsess you, you will find it difficult to achieve your goals.

ornate

Unit 4

elaborately decorated; showily splendid (adj)

The furnishings in their house are so ornate that the place looks like a museum.

oust

Unit 4

to remove; to drive out of position/place (verb)

Her public statements were so embarrassing the club members tried to oust her from the presidency.

peruse

Unit 4

to read thoroughly and carefully (verb)

It is wise to have a lawyer peruse the document before you sign.

porous

Unit 4

full of tiny holes; able to be penetrated by air/water (adj)

Synthetic materials are as porous and strong as natural sponges.

qualm

Unit 4

a pang of conscience; uneasiness; a doubt (noun)

Don't you have serious qualms about voting for such an unknown candidate?

promontory

Unit 4

a high point of land extending into water (noun)

We chose a high promontory overlooking the sea for our picnic.

prone

Unit 4

lying face down; inclined; likely (adj)

Unfortunately, I am prone to earaches and sinus infections.

recourse

Unit 4

a person/thing turned to for help/advice (noun)

If my letter of complaint fails to get results, I will still have recourse to a higher authority.

residue

Unit 4

a remainder, that which remains when a part has been used up/removed (noun)

A residue of sticky taffy made the pan difficult to clean.

staid

Unit 4

serious, dignified; quiet/subdued in character and conduct (adj)

Many companies require that all employees wear staid colors such as gray or navy blue.

sustain

Unit 4

to support, nourish; to keep up; withstand (verb)

You may sustain a serious eye injury if you don't wear safety goggles in the factory.

solicitous

Unit 4

showing concern/care; fearful/anxious about something/someone (adj)

Neighbors made solicitous inquires about the elderly man's health.