destroy, embarrass, detain, enroll, illuminate: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from SAT Vocabulary Level 1 set 209. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. destroy · verb/dɪˈstrɔɪ/

   to completely put an end to the existence of something

   The wildfire threatened to destroy the entire forest, leaving nothing but ashes in its wake.

   Synonyms: devastate, annihilate, obliterate

   Origin: From Middle French 'destruire', from Latin 'destruere', meaning 'to unbuild'

2. embarrass · verb/ɪmˈbɛrəs/

   to cause someone to feel awkward, self-conscious, or ashamed

   I didn't mean to embarrass you in front of your friends when I brought up your childhood stories.

   Synonyms: humiliate, disconcert, abash

   Origin: from the French 'embarrasser', which derives from the Latin 'in-' (in) + 'barra' (bar), meaning to obstruct or hinder.

3. detain · verb/dɪˈteɪn/

   to hold someone in custody or keep them from leaving

   The police had to detain the suspect for questioning after the robbery was reported.

   Synonyms: hold, confine, restrict

   Origin: from Old French 'detenir', based on Latin 'detinere', which means 'to hold back'

4. enroll · verb/ɪnˈroʊl/

   to register or sign up for a course, program, or membership

   She decided to enroll in a summer photography course to improve her skills.

   Synonyms: register, sign up, enlist

   Origin: originates from the Old French 'enroller', meaning to register, which comes from 'en-', a prefix meaning 'to make or cause to be', and 'rolle', a roll or list.

5. illuminate · verb/ɪˈluː.mə.neɪt/

   to light up or make something visible

   The streetlights illuminate the pathway, making it safer for pedestrians at night.

   Synonyms: light up, brighten, clarify

   Origin: from the Latin 'illuminare', meaning 'to light up' or 'to make light'