GRE Vocabulary — Set 197

Set 197 of GRE Vocabulary covers 5 words: subdue, suborn, tamp, tantalize, tarnish. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. subdue · verb/səbˈdu/

   to bring under control or to reduce the intensity of something

   The police were called in to subdue the escalating violence during the protest.

   Synonyms: overcome, conquer, suppress

   Origin: from the Latin 'subducere', meaning 'to lead away' or 'to take away'

2. suborn · verb/səˈbɔrn/

   to bribe or induce someone to commit an unlawful act

   The lawyer was accused of trying to suborn a witness to lie during the trial.

   Synonyms: bribe, induce, corrupt

   Origin: Originating from the Latin word 'subornare,' meaning to secretly furnish or equip, composed of 'sub-' meaning 'under' and 'ornare' meaning 'to equip or furnish.'

3. tamp · verb/tæmp/

   to pack or press down firmly

   To ensure a strong foundation, the workers had to tamp the soil down before laying the concrete.

   Synonyms: pack, compact, flatten

   Origin: Origin unknown; possibly from Middle English 'tampen', meaning to stamp or press.

4. tantalize · verb/ˈtænəˌlaɪz/

   to tease or torment by presenting something desirable while keeping it out of reach

   The scent of freshly baked cookies began to tantalize the children, making their mouths water as they waited for dessert.

   Synonyms: tease, torment, entice

   Origin: The word 'tantalize' comes from the Greek myth of Tantalus, who was punished by being made to stand in water and under fruit trees, with both remaining just out of reach.

5. tarnish · verb/ˈtɑrnɪʃ/

   to lose luster or shine especially due to exposure to air or moisture

   The silver necklace began to tarnish after being left out in the open air for too long.

   Synonyms: dull, tarn, fade

   Origin: Middle English 'ternisshen', from Old French 'ternir' meaning 'to make dull, dullness', from Latin 'ternire' meaning 'to make dark'.