diminish, refuse, swivel, enforce, unify: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from SAT Vocabulary Level 1 set 45. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. diminish · verb/dɪˈmɪnɪʃ/

   to make or become less in size, amount, or intensity

   The new policies are designed to diminish the risks associated with climate change.

   Synonyms: reduce, decrease, lessen

   Origin: from Middle English 'diminishen', from Old French 'diminuer', from Latin 'dēminuere', meaning 'to lessen' or 'reduce'.

2. refuse · verb/rɪˈfjuz/

   to indicate that one does not want to do or accept something

   She decided to refuse the job offer because it didn't align with her career goals.

   Synonyms: decline, reject, deny

   Origin: Middle English 'refusen', from Old French 'refuser', from Latin 'refutare', meaning to drive back, repel.

3. swivel · verb/ˈswɪvəl/

   to turn or rotate around a fixed point

   She had to swivel her chair to face the projector screen during the presentation.

   Synonyms: rotate, pivot, turn

   Origin: The word 'swivel' originates from the late Middle English, derived from the Old Norse 'sveifla', meaning 'to swing or turn'.

4. enforce · verb/ɪnˈfɔrs/

   to compel obedience to rules or laws

   The police are responsible for enforcing the law to ensure public safety.

   Synonyms: impose, compel

   Origin: from Old French 'enforcier', from 'en-' (in) + 'forcier' (to strengthen, to make strong), from Latin 'fortis' (strong)

5. unify · verb/ˈjunɪfaɪ/

   to make or become united, uniform, or whole

   The new policy aims to unify the diverse groups within the organization to create a more cohesive team.

   Synonyms: combine, merge, consolidate

   Origin: From Latin 'unificare', from 'uni-' meaning 'one' and 'facere' meaning 'to make'.