deplore, distend, dwindle, flout, mollify: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from GRE Vocabulary set 82. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. deplore · verb/dɪˈplɔr/

   to express strong disapproval of something

   Many environmentalists deplore the destruction of natural habitats for urban development.

   Synonyms: condemn, criticize, lament

   Origin: from Middle French 'déplorer', from Latin 'deplorare', meaning 'to bewail' or 'to lament'.

2. distend · verb/dɪˈstɛnd/

   to swell or expand by pressure from inside

   After the heavy rain, the river began to distend, overflowing its banks and flooding the surrounding area.

   Synonyms: swell, expand, bulge

   Origin: from Latin 'distendere' meaning 'to stretch out' (dis- 'apart' + tendere 'to stretch')

3. dwindle · verb/ˈdwɪn.dəl/

   to gradually decrease in size, amount, or strength

   As the summer progressed, the number of tourists began to dwindle, leaving the once-bustling town quiet and peaceful.

   Synonyms: decrease, diminish, shrink

   Origin: Middle English 'dwynlen', from Old English 'dwynlan', meaning 'to waste away, diminish'

4. flout · verb/flaʊt/

   to openly disregard a rule, law, or convention

   The company decided to flout the environmental regulations, believing they wouldn't get caught.

   Synonyms: scorn, defy, contempt

   Origin: Middle English 'flouten', from Old Norse 'flúta', meaning to mock or scoff.

5. mollify · verb/ˈmɑːlɪfaɪ/

   to soothe in temper or disposition

   To mollify his angry daughter, he bought her favorite ice cream as a peace offering.

   Synonyms: appease, pacify, calm

   Origin: from Latin 'mollificare', meaning 'to soften'.