rush, exhibit, abate, settle, restrain: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from IELTS Vocabulary set 198. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. rush · verb/rʌʃ/

   to move or act with great speed

   As the deadline approached, she had to rush to complete her project on time.

   Synonyms: hasten, hurry, sprint

   Origin: Middle English 'russhen', possibly from Old Norse 'rūask', meaning 'to push or rush'.

2. exhibit · verb/ɪɡˈzɪbɪt/

   to display or show something for others to see

   The museum will exhibit a collection of ancient artifacts starting next month.

   Synonyms: display, show, present

   Origin: from Latin 'exhibere', meaning 'to hold out or display'

3. abate · verb/əˈbeɪt/

   to reduce in degree or intensity

   The storm began to abate, allowing the rescue teams to proceed with their operations safely.

   Synonyms: diminish, lessen, reduce

   Origin: from Middle English abaten, from Old French abattre 'to beat down', from à- 'to' + battre 'to beat'

4. settle · verb/ˈsɛt.əl/

   to resolve or reach an agreement on a matter

   After several hours of negotiation, the two parties were finally able to settle the dispute amicably.

   Synonyms: resolve, determine, conclude

   Origin: Old English 'setlan', meaning to cause to stand or place.

5. restrain · verb/rɪˈstreɪn/

   to hold back or limit in action or movement

   He had to restrain his anger during the meeting to maintain professionalism.

   Synonyms: hold back, curb, check

   Origin: Middle English restrainen, from Latin restrainere, meaning to hold back