Important Vocabulary Words and Definitions

Essential Vocabulary

• EMERGE: To appear by coming out of something. He emerged from the sea, blue with cold.
• ENABLE: To make someone able to do something. I'm looking for a job which will enable me to develop my skills.
• BUILDING: A structure with walls and a roof. The once-empty site was now covered with buildings.
• LED: To control a group of people, a country, or a situation. I've asked Gemma to lead the discussion.
• DEADLY: Likely to cause death. A deadly weapon.
• ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Something that is successful. Getting the two leaders to sign a peace treaty was his greatest accomplishment.
• BELONGED TO: To be someone's property. You shouldn't take what doesn't belong to you.
• STRUGGLE: To move somewhere with great effort. He struggled along the rough road holding his son.
• SURROUND: To be everywhere around something. Snow-capped mountains surround the city.
• LINK: A connection between two people, things, or ideas. Their links with Mexico are still strong.
• BEGIN: To start to happen or exist. The film they want to watch begins at seven.
• ENJOYABLE: An enjoyable event or experience gives you pleasure. Thank you for a most enjoyable evening.
• REMAIN: To stay in the same place. He remained silent.
• DEFEAT: To win against someone in a competition. They defeated the Italian team and reached the final.
• GRASP: To take hold of something or someone firmly. Rosie suddenly grasped my hand.
• THROUGH: From the start to the end of something. They walked slowly through the woods.
• CLAIM: To say that something is true or is a fact. All parties have claimed success in yesterday's elections.
• RULE: A period of time during which a particular person or group is in control of a country. The period of Fascist rule is one people try to forget.
• FRIGHTENED: Feeling fear or worry. She gets frightened when he shouts at her.
• THRONG: A crowd or large group of people. A huge throng had gathered around the speaker.
• STAGGERING: Very shocking and surprising. It costs a staggering $50,000 per week to keep the museum open to the public.
• SLAUGHTER: The killing of many people cruelly and unfairly, especially in a war. Hardly anyone in the town escaped the slaughter when the rebels were defeated.
• WICKED: Morally wrong and bad. It was a wicked thing to do.
• BLOODSHED: Killing and violence. The army was brought in to try to prevent further bloodshed.
• CROWD: A large group of people who have come together. A crowd of about 15,000 attended the concert.