demonstrate, persuade, dismiss, hang, disrupt: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from IELTS Vocabulary set 205. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. demonstrate · verb/ˈdɛmənˌstreɪt/

   to show or prove something clearly through evidence or examples

   The scientist was able to demonstrate the effectiveness of the new drug through a series of rigorous tests.

   Synonyms: show, illustrate, exhibit

   Origin: from Middle English 'demonstraten', from Latin 'demonstrāre' meaning 'to point out, show' (composed of 'de-' meaning 'down, from' and 'monstrare' meaning 'to show')

2. persuade · verb/pərˈsweɪd/

   to cause someone to do something through reasoning or argument

   She was able to persuade her friend to join the club by highlighting its benefits.

   Synonyms: convince, influence, sway

   Origin: from Latin 'persuadere', meaning 'to persuade, to convince'; composed of 'per-' (through) + 'suadere' (to advise, recommend)

3. dismiss · verb/dɪsˈmɪs/

   to send away or allow to leave

   The teacher decided to dismiss the students early due to the incoming storm.

   Synonyms: discharge, let go, release

   Origin: from Latin 'dmissus', past participle of 'dmittere', meaning 'to send away'

4. hang · verb/hæŋ/

   to suspend or be suspended from a point without support

   We decided to hang the picture on the wall to brighten up the room.

   Synonyms: suspend, dangle, lower

   Origin: From Old English 'hanga', related to the Proto-Germanic '*hangan', meaning 'to hang'.

5. disrupt · verb/dɪsˈrʌpt/

   to interrupt the normal progress or functioning of something

   The construction noise from the nearby site can disrupt the concentration of the students during their exams.

   Synonyms: interrupt, disturb, obstruct

   Origin: from Latin 'disruptus', past participle of 'disrumpere', meaning 'to break apart'