l   stark/stɑː(r)k/

Definition1: used for describing a building or scene that is very clear and plain to look at, often in a slightly unpleasant or frightening way

Example: She disliked the stark brick walls and the steel window frames.

Definition2: used for describing an unpleasant fact or situation that is very obvious or impossible to avoid

Example1: The stark choice is between moving out or staying here and paying more.

Example2: Too many community leaders seem unable to grasp this stark reality.

l   thwart/θwɔː(r)t/ 

Definition: to prevent someone from doing something that they want to do

Example: The leaders were determined to thwart her.

l   docile/ˈdəʊsaɪl/

Definition: well-behaved, quiet, and easy to control

Example: Ann was a shy docile child.

l   inflict/ɪnˈflɪkt/

Definition: to cause something unpleasant to happen

Example: Such a policy would inflict severe hardship and suffering.

l   encroach/ɪnˈkrəʊtʃ/

Definition1to gradually take something such as power or authority from someone else:

Example: The federal government is encroaching on a state issue.

Definition2: to cover more land gradually

Example: Housing developments continue to encroach on wildlife habitats.

Definition3: to gradually reduce the amount of time that someone has available to do what they want to do

Example: I didn't want work to encroach any more on my spare time.

l   grandeur/ˈɡrændʒə(r)/

Definition: an impressive quality that a place, object, or occasion has

Example: a landscape of breathtaking grandeur

l   dislocate/ˈdɪsləkeɪt/

Definition: to do something that forces a bone out of its normal position in its socket

Example: He had dislocated his shoulder in training.

l   bulk/bʌlk/

Definition1: something that is very large, wide, and solid

Example: She heaved her formidable bulk off the frail chair.

Definition2: the fact of being large

Example: Despite its bulk and weight, the Mercedes handles like a small car.

l   discrepancy/dɪsˈkrepənsi/ 

Definition: a difference between things that should be the same

Example: There were some discrepancies in the statement he gave to police.

l   clergy/ˈklɜː(r)dʒi/

Definition: the people who lead religious services, especially Christian priests. A man who leads religious services is sometimes called a clergyman and a woman who leads religious services is sometimes called a clergywoman

Example: Over 50 clergy marched to Government House to register their protest.

l   languid/ˈlæŋɡwɪd/

Definition: very slow and relaxed

Example: He lifted his hand in a languid fashion and pushed back his blond curls.

l   irreverent/ɪˈrevərənt/

Definition: showing no respect for traditions, the rules of society, or religious beliefs

Example: irreverent humour

l   dismiss/dɪsˈmɪs/ 

Definition: to refuse to accept that something might be true or important

Example: The minister dismissed claims that he had accepted bribes.

l   pivotal/ˈpɪvət(ə)l/

Definition: extremely important and affecting how something develops

Example: He played a pivotal role in the negotiations.

l   loom/luːm/

Definition1: to appear as a large shape that is not clear, usually in a threatening way       

Example: Suddenly the mountains loomed up out of the mist.

Definition2: if something unpleasant or difficult looms, it seems likely to happen soon

Example: The government is denying that a crisis is looming.

l   compulsory /kəmˈpʌlsəri/

Definition: something that is compulsory must be done because of a rule or law

Example: School uniform is no longer compulsory in many British schools.

l   prosperous/ˈprɒsp(ə)rəs/

Definition: rich and successful

Example: With economic expansion comes the promise of a more prosperous future.

l   decay /dɪˈkeɪ/

Definition: to be gradually destroyed as a result of a natural process of change

Example: As dead plants decay, they release mineral salts into the soil.

l   exhilarate/ɪɡˈzɪləreɪt/ 

Definition: to make someone feel extremely happy, excited, and full of energy

Example: The risk exhilarated him.

l   heyday /ˈheɪdeɪ/

Definition: the period of time when a person, idea, or object is most successful or popular

Example: In his heyday his face was on every magazine cover.

l   annex /əˈneks/

Definition: to take control of a country or region by force

Example: In 1521, the state fell to Cortés, and Mexico was annexed by Spain.

l   demolish/dɪˈmɒlɪʃ/

Definition1: to deliberately destroy a building

Example: Disused factories were being demolished, and the whole site redeveloped.

Definition2: to have a bad effect on someone's feelings, or to spoil their plans

Example: It was an experience that completely demolished her confidence.

l   snap /snæp/

Definition1: to suddenly break something with a short loud noise, or to be broken in this way

Example: When the rope snapped, Davis fell into the water.

Definition2: to quickly move something such as a light switch so that it makes a short sound, or to be moved quickly in this way

Example: She quickly snapped her handbag shut.

Definition3: if an animal such as a dog snaps you or snaps at you, it bites you or tries to bite you

Example: A terrier was snapping at his heels.

Definition4: to suddenly lose control and become extremely angry or upset because a situation has become too annoying or difficult

Example: She was bound to snap under all that pressure.

Definition5: to take a photograph of someone or something

Example: He worked as a photographer, snapping the young Brigitte Bardot.

l   conspicuous/kənˈspɪkjʊəs/

Definition1: very noticeable or easy to see, especially because of being unusual or different

Example: She might have felt less conspicuous if there had been other women there too.

l   strenuous/ˈstrenjuəs/

Definition: a strenuous activity is one in which it is necessary for you to use a lot of effort, energy, or strength

Example: The job involves strenuous work and long hours.