regulate, motivate, freeze, impair, compose: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from SAT Vocabulary Level 1 set 168. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. regulate · verb/ˈrɛɡjʊˌleɪt/

   to control or maintain the rate or speed of a machine or process

   The thermostat is designed to regulate the temperature of the room automatically.

   Synonyms: control, manage, adjust

   Origin: Late Latin 'regulatum', from Latin 'regula' meaning 'a rule, guide, or pattern'

2. motivate · verb/ˈmoʊtɪveɪt/

   to provide someone with a reason for doing something

   The coach worked hard to motivate his players to give their best during the championship game.

   Synonyms: inspire, encourage, stimulate

   Origin: late 19th century: from Latin motivare 'to move, motivate', from motivus 'moving' (from movere 'to move')

3. freeze · verb/friz/

   to become hard or solid due to low temperature

   If you leave water outside in winter, it will freeze into solid ice.

   Synonyms: solidify, congeal, harden

   Origin: Middle English 'fressen', from Old English 'frēosan', meaning 'to freeze, become hard or solid', related to Old Norse 'frjósa'.

4. impair · verb/ɪmˈpɛr/

   to weaken or damage something

   Excessive alcohol consumption can impair your ability to think clearly and make rational decisions.

   Synonyms: damage, weaken, harm

   Origin: Middle English 'empeiren', from Old French 'empeirer', from Latin 'impairare', meaning to impair or weaken.

5. compose · verb/kəmˈpoʊz/

   to create or form by putting together parts or elements

   The committee will compose a new set of guidelines for the project next week.

   Synonyms: create, construct, assemble

   Origin: from Latin 'componere', meaning 'to put together'