GRE Vocabulary — Set 77

Set 77 of GRE Vocabulary covers 5 words: bilk, broach, circumscribe, coerce, defile. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. bilk · verb/bɪlk/

   to cheat or defraud someone of money or property

   The con artist attempted to bilk unsuspecting investors out of their life savings.

   Synonyms: defraud, swindle, con

   Origin: The word 'bilk' originated in the late 17th century from the dialectal term 'bilken,' which means to cheat or deceive. Its usage in the context of defrauding appears to have developed in the 18th century.

2. broach · verb/broʊtʃ/

   to raise a sensitive topic for discussion

   During the meeting, Sarah decided to broach the sensitive topic of budget cuts, knowing it would be a difficult conversation.

   Synonyms: introduce, bring up, raise

   Origin: Middle English 'broche', from Old French 'brocher', meaning 'to pierce' or 'to project'

3. circumscribe · verb/ˌsɜr.kəmˈskraɪb/

   to restrict something within limits

   The new regulations will circumscribe the amount of waste that companies can produce each year.

   Synonyms: limit, confine, restrict

   Origin: From Latin 'circumscribere', meaning 'to draw a line around'.

4. coerce · verb/koʊˈɝːs/

   to compel someone to act in a certain way by use of pressure or intimidation

   The detective had to coerce the suspect into confessing by applying psychological pressure during the interrogation.

   Synonyms: compel, force, pressure

   Origin: from Latin 'coercere', meaning 'to confine, restrain, check', from 'com-' (together) + 'arcere' (to confine, restrain)

5. defile · verb/dɪˈfaɪl/

   to make dirty or unclean especially in a moral sense

   The scandal defiled the reputation of the once-respected politician, leaving a stain on his career.

   Synonyms: desecrate, tarnish, pollute

   Origin: from Middle English defilen, from Old French defiler 'to make foul', from de- (away, from) + filer (to fil, thread)