B2 Verbs
B2 verb vocabulary in alphabetical order with definitions and example sentences.
abandon
To leave somebody, especially somebody you are responsible for, with no intention of returning.
Example
The baby had been abandoned by its mother.
absorb
To take in a liquid, gas or other substance from the surface or space around.
Example
Plants absorb carbon dioxide from the air.
accommodate
To provide somebody with a room or place to sleep, live or sit.
Example
The hotel can accommodate up to 500 guests.
accompany
To travel or go somewhere with somebody/something.
Example
His wife accompanied him on the trip.
accomplish
To succeed in doing or completing something.
Example
The first part of the plan has been safely accomplished.
accuse
To say that somebody has done something wrong or is guilty of something.
Example
The police accused him of stealing the car.
acknowledge
To accept that something is true.
Example
She refuses to acknowledge the need for reform.
acquire
To gain something by your own efforts, ability or behaviour.
Example
She has acquired a good knowledge of English.
activate
To make something such as a device or chemical process start working.
Example
The burglar alarm is activated by movement.
adapt
To change your behaviour in order to deal more successfully with a new situation.
Example
It's amazing how soon you adapt.
adjust
To change something slightly to make it more suitable for a new set of conditions or to make it work better.
Example
Watch out for sharp bends and adjust your speed accordingly.
advance
If knowledge, technology, etc. advances, it develops and improves.
Example
Technology is advancing at an incredibly rapid pace.
aid
To help somebody/something to do something, especially by making it easier.
Example
The test is designed to aid in the diagnosis of various diseases.
alter
To become different; to make somebody/something different.
Example
Prices did not alter significantly during 2019.
anger
To make someone feel angry.
Example
The decision angered local residents.
anticipate
To expect something.
Example
We don't anticipate any major problems.
approach
To come near to somebody/something in distance or time.
Example
We could hear the train approaching.
approve
To think that somebody/something is good, acceptable or suitable.
Example
I told my mother I wanted to leave school but she didn't approve.
arise
To happen; to start to exist.
Example
An opportunity arose to work in the United States.
assign
To give somebody something that they can use, or some work or responsibility.
Example
The teacher assigned a different task to each of the children.
assume
To think or accept that something is true but without having proof of it.
Example
It is reasonable to assume (that) the economy will continue to improve.
assure
To tell somebody that something is definitely true or is definitely going to happen, especially when they have doubts about it.
Example
You think I did it deliberately, but I assure you (that) I did not.
attempt
To make an effort or try to do something, especially something difficult.
Example
I will attempt to answer all your questions.
bargain
To discuss prices or conditions in order to reach an agreement that both sides accept.
Example
She bargained with the seller and got the price down.
beg
To ask somebody for something especially in an anxious way because you want or need it very much.
Example
Now you have to beg and plead.
bid
To offer to pay a particular price for something, especially at an auction.
Example
I bid £2 000 for the painting.
border
To share a border with another country or area.
Example
the countries bordering the Baltic
broadcast
To send out programmes on television or radio.
Example
The concert will be broadcast live (= at the same time as it takes place) tomorrow evening.
budget
To plan carefully how much money you can spend on something over a period of time.
Example
We budgeted £100 a month for groceries.
bunch
To form into a tight group, or to make something form a tight group.
Example
The runners bunched together as they came around the final bend.
calculate
To use numbers to find out a total number, amount, distance, etc.
Example
An independent valuer will calculate the value of your property.
cancel
To decide that something that has been arranged will not now take place.
Example
All flights have been cancelled because of bad weather.
cast
To look, smile, etc. in a particular direction.
Example
She cast a welcoming smile in his direction.
chase
To run, drive, etc. after somebody/something in order to catch them or it.
Example
My dog likes chasing rabbits.
cheer
To shout loudly, in order to show support or praise for somebody, or to encourage them.
Example
We all cheered as the team came on to the field.
chop
To cut something into pieces with a sharp tool such as a knife.
Example
He was chopping logs for firewood.
cite
To mention something as a reason or an example, or in order to support what you are saying.
Example
She cited examples of companies the city has helped relocate or expand.
clarify
To make something clearer or easier to understand.
Example
Could you clarify what you mean by that?
classify
To arrange something in groups according to features that they have in common.
Example
The books in the library are classified according to subject.
clip
To cut something with scissors or shears, or to fasten something in place using a clip.
Example
She clipped the article from the newspaper to keep for later.
collapse
To fall down or fall in suddenly, often after breaking apart.
Example
The roof collapsed under the weight of snow.
command
To tell somebody to do something.
Example
He commanded his men to retreat.
commission
To officially ask somebody to write, make or create something or to do a task for you.
Example
She has been commissioned to write a new national anthem.
comprise
To have somebody/something as parts or members.
Example
The collection comprises 327 paintings.
concern
To affect somebody/something; to involve somebody/something.
Example
Don't interfere in what doesn't concern you.
conduct
To organize and/or do a particular activity.
Example
to conduct an experiment/inquiry/investigation/interview
conflict
If two ideas, beliefs, stories, etc. conflict, it is not possible for them to exist together or for them both to be true.
Example
Reports conflicted on how much of the aid was reaching the famine victims.
construct
To build or make something such as a road, building or machine.
Example
The building was constructed in 1993.
consult
To go to somebody for information or advice.
Example
If the pain continues, consult your doctor.
contest
To take part in a competition, election, etc. and try to win it.
Example
Three candidates contested the leadership.
contribute
To give something, especially money or goods, to help achieve or provide something.
Example
Do you wish to contribute?
convey
To make ideas, feelings, etc. known to somebody.
Example
Colours like red convey a sense of energy and strength.
cope
To deal successfully with something difficult.
Example
I got to the stage where I wasn't coping any more.
crack
To break without dividing into separate parts; to break something in this way.
Example
The ice cracked as I stepped onto it.
crash
If a vehicle crashes or the driver crashes it, it hits an object or another vehicle, causing damage.
Example
I was terrified that the plane would crash.
credit
To add an amount of money to somebody’s bank account.
Example
They credited my account two days later.
cruise
To travel in a ship or boat visiting different places, especially as a holiday.
Example
They cruised down the Nile.
cue
To give someone a signal that tells them when to begin, especially in performance or speech.
Example
The director cued the actor to enter the stage.
cure
To make a person or an animal healthy again after an illness.
Example
Will you be able to cure him, Doctor?
curve
To move or make something move in the shape of a curve; to be in the shape of a curve.
Example
a curving staircase
date
To write or print the date on something.
Example
Thank you for your letter dated 24th March.
debate
To discuss something, especially formally, before making a decision or finding a solution.
Example
Politicians will be debating the bill later this week.
declare
To say something officially or publicly.
Example
The government has declared a state of emergency.
decrease
To become smaller in size, number, etc.; to make something smaller in size, number, etc.
Example
Donations have decreased significantly over the past few years.
defeat
To win against somebody in a war, competition, sports game, etc.
Example
He defeated the champion in three sets.
defend
To protect somebody/something from attack.
Example
The role of the military is to defend the country.
delay
To make somebody/something late or force them to do something more slowly.
Example
My flight was delayed.
demand
To make a very strong request for something.
Example
They are demanding the release of all political prisoners.
demonstrate
To show something clearly by giving proof or evidence.
Example
New research convincingly demonstrates that age-related memory loss is not inevitable.
deny
To say that something is not true.
Example
He denied all the accusations against him.
depart
To leave a place, especially to start a trip.
Example
depart (for…) (from…), Flights for Rome depart from Terminal 3.
derive
To get something from a particular source, or to obtain a feeling or quality from something.
Example
She derives great pleasure from gardening.
deserve
To do something or show qualities that mean a particular reaction, reward or punishment is appropriate.
Example
You deserve a rest after all that hard work.
desire
To want something; to wish for something.
Example
We all desire health and happiness.
detect
To discover or notice something, especially something that is not easy to see, hear, etc.
Example
The tests are designed to detect the disease early.
differ
To be different from somebody/something.
Example
They hold differing views.
dig
To make a hole in the ground or to move soil from one place to another using your hands, a tool or a machine.
Example
I think I'll do some digging in the garden.
disappoint
To make somebody feel sad because something that they hope for or expect to happen does not happen or is not as good as they hoped.
Example
Her decision to cancel the concert is bound to disappoint her fans.
discipline
To train someone to behave in a controlled way, or to punish someone for breaking a rule.
Example
The teacher disciplined the students who arrived late.
dismiss
To decide that somebody/something is not important and not worth thinking or talking about.
Example
The manager dismissed the complaint as unimportant.
display
To put something in a place where people can see it easily; to show something to people.
Example
The exhibition gives local artists an opportunity to display their work.
distinguish
To recognize the difference between two people or things.
Example
distinguish between A and B, At what age are children able to distinguish between right and wrong?
distract
To take somebody’s attention away from what they are trying to do.
Example
You're distracting me from my work.
distribute
To give things to a large number of people; to share something between a number of people.
Example
The leaflets have been widely distributed.
disturb
To interrupt somebody when they are trying to work, sleep, etc.
Example
I'm sorry to disturb you, but can I talk to you for a moment?
dive
To jump into water with your head and arms going in first.
Example
We dived into the river to cool off.
dominate
To control or have a lot of influence over somebody/something, especially in an unpleasant way.
Example
She always says a lot in meetings, but she doesn't dominate.
draft
To write the first rough version of something such as a letter, speech, book or law.
Example
I'll draft a letter for you.
drag
To pull somebody/something along with effort and difficulty.
Example
The sack is too heavy to lift—you’ll have to drag it.
dump
To get rid of something you do not want, especially in a place that is not suitable.
Example
Too much toxic waste is being dumped at sea.
edit
To prepare a piece of writing, a book, etc. to be published by correcting the mistakes, making improvements to it, etc.
Example
This draft text will need to be edited.
elect
To choose somebody to do a particular job by voting for them.
Example
Voters will elect a new president on 30 March next year.
eliminate
To remove or get rid of something.
Example
Credit cards eliminate the need to carry a lot of cash.
emerge
To move out of or away from something and become possible to see.
Example
The crabs emerge at low tide to look for food.
emphasize
To give special importance to something.
Example
His speech emphasized the importance of attracting industry to the town.
enable
To make it possible for somebody/something to do something.
Example
This new programme will enable older people to study at college.
encounter
To experience something, especially something unpleasant or difficult, while you are trying to do something else.
Example
We encountered a number of difficulties in the first week.
enhance
To increase or further improve the good quality, value or status of somebody/something.
Example
This is an opportunity to enhance the reputation of the company.
ensure
To make sure that something happens or is definite.
Example
We are working to ensure the safety of people in the city.
equip
To provide yourself/somebody/something with the things that are needed for a particular purpose or activity.
Example
to be fully/poorly equipped
erupt
When a volcano erupts or burning rocks, smoke, etc. erupt or are erupted, the burning rocks, etc. are thrown out from the volcano.
Example
The volcano could erupt at any time.
establish
To start or create an organization, a system, etc. that is meant to last for a long time.
Example
The committee was established in 1912.
estimate
To form an idea of the cost, size, value etc. of something, but without calculating it exactly.
Example
We estimate that the work will take about two weeks.
evolve
To develop gradually, especially from a simple to a more complicated form; to develop something in this way.
Example
The idea evolved from a drawing I discovered in the attic.
exceed
To be greater than a particular number or amount.
Example
The price will not exceed £100.
exclude
To deliberately not include something in what you are doing or considering.
Example
The cost of borrowing has been excluded from the inflation figures.
exhibit
To show something in a public place for people to enjoy or to give them information.
Example
They will be exhibiting their new designs at the trade fairs.
exploit
To treat a person or situation as an opportunity to gain an advantage for yourself.
Example
He exploited his father's name to get himself a job.
expose
To show something that is usually hidden.
Example
He smiled suddenly, exposing a set of amazingly white teeth.
extend
To make something longer or larger.
Example
to extend a fence/road/house
fare
To progress, succeed, or be in a particular condition during an event or process.
Example
How did you fare in the exam?
fault
To find a mistake or weakness in someone or something.
Example
I couldn't fault her performance — it was nearly perfect.
file
To put and keep paper documents in a particular place and in a particular order so that you can find them easily; to put a paper document in a box, file, etc.
Example
The forms should be filed alphabetically.
finance
To provide money for a project.
Example
He took a job to finance his stay in Germany.
flame
To burn with flames, or for a face or sky to turn red because of strong feeling or sunset.
Example
Her cheeks flamed with embarrassment.
flash
To shine very brightly for a short time; to make something shine in this way.
Example
Lightning flashed in the distance.
flavor
Give flavor to (food or drink) by adding herbs, spices, or other ingredients.
Example
The article captured the flavor of the city.
float
To move slowly on water or in the air.
Example
A group of swans floated by.
forbid
To order somebody not to do something; to order that something must not be done.
Example
He forbade them from mentioning the subject again.
forecast
To say what you think will happen in the future based on information that you have now.
Example
Experts are forecasting a recovery in the economy.
format
To organize the design or layout of a document, or to prepare a digital storage device for use.
Example
She formatted the report so the headings stood out clearly.
founder
To fail because of a problem or difficulty; (of a ship) to fill with water and sink.
Example
The peace talks foundered over disagreements about borders.
fragment
To break into small pieces, or to cause something to break into small pieces.
Example
The plate fragmented when it hit the tiled floor.
fuel
To supply something with material that can be burnt to produce heat or power.
Example
Uranium is used to fuel nuclear plants.
fulfill
Achieve or realize (something desired, promised, or predicted). Satisfy (a condition) or meet (a requirement).
Example
He finally fulfilled his dream of traveling the world.
function
To work in the correct way.
Example
We now have a functioning shower.
fund
To provide money for something, usually something official.
Example
Who is funding this research?
gain
To obtain or win something, especially something that you need or want.
Example
They managed to gain access to secret files.
generate
To produce energy, especially electricity.
Example
The wind turbines are used to generate electricity.
gesture
To make a movement with your hand, head, or body to communicate a meaning.
Example
He gestured towards the door, asking us to leave.
govern
To legally control a country or its people and be responsible for introducing new laws, organizing public services, etc.
Example
The country is governed by elected representatives of the people.
grab
To take or hold somebody/something with your hand suddenly or roughly.
Example
She grabbed his arm as he got up to leave.
grade
To give a grade to a student or to a piece of their written work.
Example
I spent all weekend grading papers.
grant
To agree to give somebody what they ask for, especially formal or legal permission to do something.
Example
My request was granted.
guarantee
To promise to do something; to promise something will happen.
Example
Basic human rights, including freedom of speech, are now guaranteed.
handle
To deal with a situation, a person, an area of work or a strong emotion.
Example
A new man was appointed to handle the crisis.
harm
To hurt or injure somebody or to damage something.
Example
He would never harm anyone.
hesitate
To be slow to speak or act because you feel uncertain or nervous.
Example
She hesitated before replying.
honor
Regard with great respect. Fulfill (an obligation) or keep (an agreement).
Example
He acted out of a sense of honor.
host
To organize an event to which others are invited and make all the arrangements for them.
Example
to host an event/a conference/a meeting
illustrate
To use pictures, photographs, diagrams, etc. in a book, etc.
Example
She illustrated her own books.
implement
To make something that has been officially decided start to happen or be used.
Example
to implement changes/decisions/policies/reforms
imply
To suggest that something is true or that you feel or think something, without saying so directly.
Example
Are you implying (that) I am wrong?
impose
To introduce a new law, rule, tax, etc.; to order that a rule, punishment, etc. be used.
Example
The UN Security Council imposed sanctions in 1992.
inch
To move very slowly and carefully in a particular direction.
Example
The car inched forward through the heavy traffic.
incorporate
To include something so that it forms a part of something.
Example
The new car design incorporates all the latest safety features.
index
To make a list of the items in a book or document so that information can be found quickly.
Example
The librarian indexed the new collection.
infer
To reach an opinion or decide that something is true on the basis of information that is available.
Example
Much of the meaning must be inferred from the context.
inform
To tell somebody about something, especially in an official way.
Example
The government took this decision without consulting Parliament or informing the public.
insert
To put something into something else or between two things.
Example
Insert coins into the slot and press for a ticket.
insist
To demand that something happen or that somebody agree to do something.
Example
I didn't really want to go but he insisted.
inspire
To give somebody the desire, confidence or enthusiasm to do something well.
Example
The actors' enthusiasm inspired the kids.
install
To fix equipment or furniture into position so that it can be used.
Example
They're planning to install a new drainage system.
institute
To start or introduce a system, rule, inquiry, or set of legal proceedings.
Example
The school instituted a new attendance policy this year.
integrate
To combine two or more things so that they work together; to combine with something else in this way.
Example
These programs will integrate with your existing software.
interact
To communicate with somebody, especially while you work, play or spend time with them.
Example
Teachers have a limited amount of time to interact with each child.
invade
To enter a country, town, etc. using military force in order to take control of it.
Example
Troops invaded on August 9th that year.
isolate
To separate somebody/something physically or socially from other people or things.
Example
Patients with the disease should be isolated.
issue
To make something known formally.
Example
They issued a joint statement denying the charges.
jet
To travel somewhere by jet aircraft, often quickly or for a short visit.
Example
The CEO jets between London and New York every week.
justify
To show that somebody/something is right or reasonable.
Example
How can they justify paying such huge salaries?
labor
Work hard; make great effort.
Example
The company negotiated a new contract with labor.
launch
To start an activity, especially an organized one.
Example
The government recently launched a national road safety campaign.
lean
To bend or move from a straight position to a sloping position.
Example
I leaned back in my chair.
litter
Small pieces of rubbish such as paper, cans and bottles, that people have left lying in a public place.
Example
There will be fines for people who drop litter.
load
To put a large quantity of things or people onto or into something.
Example
We loaded the car in ten minutes.
lower
To reduce something or to become less in value, quality, etc.
Example
He lowered his voice to a whisper.
maintain
To make something continue at the same level, standard, etc.
Example
to maintain law and order/standards/a balance/control
manufacture
To make goods in large quantities, using machines.
Example
manufactured goods
master
To learn or understand something completely.
Example
She never completely mastered the art of lip-reading.
mate
To have sex in order to produce young.
Example
Do foxes ever mate with dogs?
melt
To become or make something become liquid as a result of heating.
Example
The snow showed no sign of melting.
minister
To attend to the needs of someone, especially by providing care, help, or religious service.
Example
Volunteers ministered to the wounded soldiers.
modify
To change something slightly, especially in order to make it more suitable for a particular purpose.
Example
Patients are taught how to modify their diet.
monitor
To watch and check something over a period of time in order to see how it develops, so that you can make any necessary changes.
Example
Each student's progress is closely monitored.
mortgage
To use a property as security in order to borrow money from a bank.
Example
They mortgaged their house to start the business.
motion
To direct someone to move in a particular direction using a movement of your hand or head.
Example
The guard motioned us to step back from the gate.
mount
To organize and begin something.
Example
Residents mounted a campaign to fight the plans.
multiply
To add a number to itself a particular number of times.
Example
The children are already learning to multiply and divide.
negotiate
To try to reach an agreement by formal discussion.
Example
The government will not negotiate with terrorists.
nerve
Any of the long fibres that carry messages between the brain and parts of the body, enabling you to move, feel pain, etc.
Example
the optic nerve
obey
To do what you are told or expected to do.
Example
All citizens must obey the law.
observe
To see or notice somebody/something.
Example
Have you observed any changes lately?
obtain
To get something, especially by making an effort.
Example
to obtain information/data/results
offend
To make somebody feel upset because of something you say or do that is rude or embarrassing.
Example
They'll be offended if you don't go to their wedding.
operate
To work in a particular way.
Example
Most domestic freezers operate at below −18°C.
oppose
To disagree strongly with somebody’s plan, policy, etc. and try to change it or prevent it from succeeding.
Example
This party would bitterly oppose the re-introduction of the death penalty.
outfit
To provide someone with the clothes or equipment needed for a particular purpose.
Example
The school outfitted every new student with a uniform and books.
outline
To give a description of the main facts or points involved in something.
Example
He outlined his plan to leave St. Petersburg.
overcome
To succeed in dealing with or controlling a problem that has been preventing you from achieving something.
Example
She overcame injury to win the Olympic gold medal.
owe
To have to pay somebody for something that you have already received or return money that you have borrowed.
Example
She still owes her father £3 000.
pace
To walk up and down in a small area many times, especially because you are feeling nervous or angry.
Example
She paced up and down outside the room.
package
To put something into a box, bag, etc. to be sold or transported.
Example
packaged food/goods
parade
To walk or march in public, often as part of a celebration or to show something off.
Example
The winning team paraded through the streets with the trophy.
pause
To stop talking or doing something for a short time before continuing.
Example
Anita paused for a moment, then said: ‘All right’.
peer
To look very carefully at something, especially because it is difficult to see clearly.
Example
She peered at the small print on the back of the bottle.
perceive
To understand or think of somebody/something in a particular way.
Example
This discovery was perceived as a major breakthrough.
permit
To allow somebody to do something or to allow something to happen.
Example
be permitted, Mobile phones are not permitted in the examination room.
phase
To introduce or remove something gradually over a period of time.
Example
The new system will be phased in over the next six months.
pile
To put things one on top of another; to form a pile.
Example
She piled the boxes one on top of the other.
pitch
To throw something with force, or to set something at a particular level, tone, or difficulty.
Example
She pitched the ball straight to the catcher.
plot
To make a secret plan to harm somebody, especially a government or its leader.
Example
It is claimed he plotted with the country's enemies.
pose
To create a threat, problem, etc. that has to be dealt with.
Example
to pose a threat/risk/challenge/danger
possess
To have or own something.
Example
He was charged with possessing a shotgun without a licence.
precede
To happen before something or come before something/somebody in order.
Example
the years preceding the war
preserve
To keep a particular quality, feature, etc.; to make sure that something is kept.
Example
He was anxious to preserve his reputation.
prohibit
To stop something from being done or used especially by law.
Example
a law prohibiting the sale of alcohol
project
To estimate what the size, cost or amount of something will be in the future based on what is happening now.
Example
be projected, A growth rate of 4 per cent is projected for next year.
prompt
To make somebody decide to do something; to cause something to happen.
Example
The discovery of the bomb prompted an increase in security.
propose
To suggest a plan, an idea, etc. for people to think about and decide on.
Example
The government proposed changes to the voting system.
prospect
To search an area for valuable minerals, especially gold or oil.
Example
They went prospecting for gold in the mountains.
purchase
To buy something.
Example
Please ensure that you purchase your ticket in advance.
pursue
To do something or try to achieve something over a period of time.
Example
to pursue a goal
puzzle
To make someone feel confused because they cannot understand or explain something.
Example
His sudden change of mood puzzled everyone in the room.
rail
To complain or protest strongly and angrily about something.
Example
He railed against the new policy at the meeting.
rank
To give somebody/something a particular position on a scale according to quality, importance, success, etc.; to have a position of this kind.
Example
In most Australian elections, electors are required to rank all candidates.
rebuild
To build or put something together again.
Example
After the earthquake, the people set about rebuilding their homes.
reckon
To think something or have an opinion about something.
Example
I reckon (that) I’m going to get that job.
recruit
To find new people to join a company, an organization, the armed forces, etc.
Example
We are trying to recruit officers from more diverse backgrounds.
referee
To act as the official who controls play in a sports match.
Example
She has refereed several international matches this season.
regard
To think about somebody/something in a particular way.
Example
They regarded people outside their own town with suspicion.
register
To record your/somebody’s/something’s name on an official list.
Example
You can also register online.
regret
To feel sorry about something you have done or about something that you have not been able to do.
Example
If you don't do it now, you'll only regret it.
regulate
To control something by means of rules.
Example
The department is responsible for regulating the insurance industry.
reinforce
To make a feeling, an idea, etc. stronger.
Example
The experience reinforced my sense of loss.
relieve
To remove or reduce an unpleasant feeling or pain.
Example
to relieve the symptoms of a cold
rely
To need or depend on someone or something for help or support.
Example
You can rely on me to keep your secret.
remark
To say or write a comment about something/somebody.
Example
Sport, George Orwell once remarked, is like war.
rescue
To save somebody/something from a dangerous or harmful situation.
Example
The coastguard rescued six people from the sinking boat.
reserve
To ask for a seat, table, room, etc. to be available for you or somebody else at a future time.
Example
I'd like to reserve a table for three for eight o'clock.
resign
To officially tell somebody that you are leaving your job, an organization, etc.
Example
She was forced to resign due to ill health.
resist
To refuse to accept something and try to stop it from happening.
Example
They are determined to resist pressure to change the law.
resolve
To find an acceptable solution to a problem or difficulty.
Example
The two countries managed to resolve their differences peacefully.
resort
To use or do something, often something undesirable, because no other choice is available.
Example
They had to resort to legal action to get their money back.
restore
To bring back a situation or feeling that existed before.
Example
The measures are intended to restore public confidence in the economy.
restrict
To limit the size, amount or range of something.
Example
Speed is restricted to 30 mph in towns.
retail
To sell goods to the public, usually through shops; or to be sold for a particular price.
Example
The new phone retails at around £800.
retain
To keep something; to continue to have something.
Example
to retain your independence
reveal
To make something known to somebody.
Example
The report revealed some surprising facts about the company.
reward
To give something to somebody because they have done something good, worked hard, etc.
Example
She was rewarded for her efforts with a cash bonus.
rival
Competing with another person, company, thing, etc.
Example
a rival bid/claim/offer
rob
To steal money or property from a person or place.
Example
to rob a bank
rocket
To rise or increase very quickly and steeply.
Example
House prices have rocketed in the past two years.
romance
To try to develop a romantic relationship with someone by paying them special attention.
Example
He romanced her with flowers and candlelit dinners.
root
To send out roots and start to grow into the soil; or to search for something by moving things around.
Example
She rooted through her bag for her keys.
ruin
To damage something so badly that it loses all its value, pleasure, etc.
Example
The bad weather ruined our trip.
sample
To try a small amount of a particular food to see what it is like; to experience something for a short time to see what it is like.
Example
I sampled the delights of Greek cooking for the first time.
satisfy
To make somebody pleased by doing or giving them what they want.
Example
Nothing satisfies him—he's always complaining.
scare
To frighten somebody.
Example
You scared me.
scream
To give a loud, high shout, because you are hurt, frightened, excited, etc.
Example
There was a bang and I heard someone scream.
seek
To look for something/somebody.
Example
Drivers are advised to seek alternative routes.
select
To choose somebody/something from a group of people or things, usually according to a system.
Example
He hasn't been selected for the team.
settle
To put an end to an argument or a disagreement.
Example
They finally settled their disagreement through mediation.
slide
To move easily over a smooth or wet surface; to make something move in this way.
Example
As I turned left on a bend, my car started to slide.
slip
To slide a short distance by accident so that you fall or nearly fall.
Example
She slipped and landed flat on her back.
specialize
To become an expert in a particular area of work, study or business; to spend more time on one area of work, etc. than on others.
Example
Many students prefer not to specialize too soon.
specify
To state something, especially by giving an exact measurement, time, exact instructions, etc.
Example
Remember to specify your size when ordering clothes.
speculate
To form an opinion about something without knowing all the details or facts.
Example
We all speculated about the reasons for her resignation.
spill
To flow over the edge of a container by accident; to make liquid do this.
Example
Water had spilled out of the bucket onto the floor.
split
To divide, or to make something divide, into two or more parts.
Example
He was a member of the team that split the atom in 1932.
spoil
To change something good into something bad, unpleasant, etc.
Example
Our camping trip was spoilt by bad weather.
spot
To see or notice a person or thing, especially suddenly or when it is not easy to do so.
Example
Can you spot the difference between these two pictures?
spring
To move suddenly and with one quick movement in a particular direction.
Example
The cat crouched ready to spring.
stall
To stop functioning, especially of a vehicle's engine; or to deliberately delay something or someone.
Example
The car stalled at the traffic lights and would not start again.
starve
To suffer or die because you do not have enough food to eat; to make somebody suffer or die in this way.
Example
The animals were left to starve to death.
stimulate
To make something develop or become more active; to encourage something.
Example
The exhibition has stimulated interest in her work.
strengthen
To become more powerful or effective; to make somebody/something more powerful or effective.
Example
Her position in the party has strengthened in recent weeks.
strike
To hit somebody/something hard or with force.
Example
The ship struck a rock.
struggle
To try very hard to do something when it is difficult or when there are a lot of problems.
Example
life as a struggling artist (= one who is very poor)
stuff
To fill a space or container tightly with something.
Example
stuff A with B, She had 500 envelopes to stuff with leaflets.
submit
To give a document, proposal, etc. to somebody in authority so that they can study or consider it.
Example
You need to submit your application before the deadline.
surround
To be all around something/somebody.
Example
Tall trees surround the lake.
suspect
To have an idea that something is probably true or likely to happen, especially something bad, but without having definite proof.
Example
As I had suspected all along, he was not a real policeman.
suspend
To hang something from something else.
Example
A lamp was suspended from the ceiling.
swallow
To make food, drink, etc. go down your throat into your stomach.
Example
Always chew food well before swallowing it.
sweep
To clean a room, surface, etc. using a broom (= a type of brush on a long handle).
Example
She swept the kitchen floor after dinner.
tackle
To make a determined effort to deal with a difficult problem or situation.
Example
The government is determined to tackle inflation.
tap
To hit somebody/something quickly and lightly.
Example
Someone tapped at the door.
tear
To damage something by pulling it apart or into pieces or by cutting it on something sharp; to become damaged in this way.
Example
I tore my jeans on the fence.
terrify
To make somebody feel extremely frightened.
Example
Flying terrifies her.
threaten
To say that you will cause trouble, hurt somebody, etc. if you do not get what you want.
Example
They broke my windows and threatened me.
trace
To find or discover somebody/something by looking carefully for them/it.
Example
We finally traced him to an address in Chicago.
transfer
To move from one place to another; to move something/somebody from one place to another.
Example
The film studio is transferring to Hollywood.
transform
To change the form of something; to change in form.
Example
The photochemical reactions transform the light into electrical impulses.
transmit
To send an electronic signal, radio or television broadcast, etc.
Example
signals transmitted from a satellite
trap
To put somebody in a dangerous place that they cannot get out of.
Example
be trapped, Help! I'm trapped!
trigger
To make something happen suddenly.
Example
Nuts can trigger off a violent allergic reaction.
undergo
To experience something, especially a change or something unpleasant.
Example
to undergo tests/trials/repairs
undertake
To make yourself responsible for something and start doing it.
Example
to undertake a task/project
unfold
To spread open or flat something that has previously been folded; to become open and flat.
Example
to unfold a map
unite
To join together with other people in order to do something as a group.
Example
Nationalist parties united to oppose the government's plans.
urge
To advise or try hard to persuade somebody to do something.
Example
If you ever get the chance to visit this place, I strongly urge you to do so.
value
To think that somebody/something is important.
Example
He has come to value her advice and support.
vary
To be different from each other in size, shape, etc.
Example
New techniques were introduced with varying degrees of success.
wander
To walk slowly around or to a place, often without any particular sense of purpose or direction.
Example
She wandered aimlessly around the streets.
withdraw
To take money out of a bank account.
Example
With this account, you can withdraw up to £300 a day.
wrap
To cover something completely in paper or other material, for example when you are giving it as a present.
Example
He spent the evening wrapping up the Christmas presents.