swell, defend, excise, annex, bolster: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from SAT Vocabulary Level 1 set 104. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. swell · verb/swɛl/

   to increase in size or volume, often due to pressure or internal changes

   As the balloon was filled with air, it began to swell and take on its round shape.

   Synonyms: expand, increase, inflate

   Origin: Middle English swellen, from Old English swellan; akin to Old Norse svella to swell

2. defend · verb/dɪˈfɛnd/

   to protect from harm or attack

   The lawyer had to defend her client against serious allegations in court.

   Synonyms: protect, guard, shield

   Origin: From Old French 'defendre', from Latin 'defendere', meaning 'to ward off or protect'.

3. excise · verb/ˈɛk.saɪz/

   to remove by cutting out

   The surgeon had to excise the tumor from the patient's abdomen to ensure complete removal of the cancerous tissue.

   Synonyms: cut out, remove, delete

   Origin: from Latin 'excisus', past participle of 'excidere', meaning 'to cut out or away'

4. annex · verb/əˈnɛks/

   to append or add an extra part to something

   The architect decided to annex a new balcony to the existing structure to provide better views.

   Synonyms: add, attach, supplement

   Origin: Late Latin 'annexus', from 'annectere' meaning to tie or bind to

5. bolster · verb/ˈboʊlstər/

   to support or strengthen

   The new marketing strategy is designed to bolster sales during the holiday season.

   Synonyms: support, strengthen, reinforce

   Origin: Middle English, from Old French 'booster', from Latin 'baustare' meaning to support or strengthen.