dazzle, suspend, frustrate, cleave, comprehend: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from SAT Vocabulary Level 1 set 277. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. dazzle · verb/ˈdæzl/

   to impress someone deeply or overwhelm with brightness

   The magician's performance managed to dazzle the audience with its stunning illusions and tricks.

   Synonyms: astonish, amaze, overwhelm

   Origin: Middle English 'dazlen', likely of uncertain origin but possibly related to the Old Norse word 'döska', meaning 'to be dull'.

2. suspend · verb/səˈspɛnd/

   to temporarily prevent from continuing or being in force or effect

   The school decided to suspend classes for a week due to the severe weather conditions.

   Synonyms: halt, defer

   Origin: from Latin 'suspendere', meaning 'to hang up, to hold up', from 'sub-' (up from below) and 'pendere' (to hang)

3. frustrate · verb/frʌˈstreɪt/

   to prevent someone from achieving a goal or to cause feelings of annoyance or disappointment

   The unexpected delay in the delivery of the materials will frustrate our plans for completing the project on time.

   Synonyms: thwart, obstruct, foil

   Origin: from Latin 'frustratus', past participle of 'frustrare' which means to deceive or disappoint

4. cleave · verb/kliv/

   to split or sever something or to adhere firmly and loyally to something

   The lumberjack used a heavy axe to cleave the thick log into manageable pieces.

   Synonyms: split, sever, adhere

   Origin: Old English 'cleofan', meaning 'to split or divide'

5. comprehend · verb/ˌkɑːmprɪˈhɛnd/

   to understand or grasp the meaning of something

   It took her a while to fully comprehend the complex theories presented in the lecture.

   Synonyms: understand, grasp, perceive

   Origin: Middle English 'comprehenden', from Latin 'comprehendere', meaning 'to seize or grasp' (com- 'together' + prehendere 'to grasp')