Vocabulary Building: Key Words and Definitions for Advanced Learners

Fathom

To understand something deeply or fully.

Thwart

To prevent someone from accomplishing something.

Cacophony

A harsh, discordant mixture of sounds.

Sanctuary

A place of refuge or safety.

Baffle

To confuse or puzzle someone.

External

Relating to the outside or outer part.

Statistic

A numerical fact or datum.

Sustain

To support, keep going, or maintain. Especially damage or loss.

Utilize

To make practical use of something.

Encroach

To intrude on someone's space or rights; to take something without permission.

Extricate

To free someone or something from a constraint or messy situation.

Constrict

To make something narrower or tighter; to impede growth.

Comply

To obey an instruction or command.

Tentative

With caution and without confidence.

Reprieve

A cancellation or postponement of a punishment.

Emaciated

Abnormally thin or weak, especially because of illness or lack of food.

Execute

To carry out or put into effect.

Decisive

Settling an issue; producing a definite result.

Din

A loud, unpleasant noise.

Dimension

A measurement of something in a particular direction; a level of existence.