SAT Vocabulary Level 2 — Set 120

Set 120 of SAT Vocabulary Level 2 covers 5 words: astound, lurk, rejuvenate, flounder, extinguish. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. astound · verb/əˈstaʊnd/

   to shock or greatly surprise someone

   The magician's incredible tricks never fail to astound the audience during his performances.

   Synonyms: astonish, amaze, stun

   Origin: originates from the Middle English word 'astounden,' which is derived from Old French 'estoundre,' meaning to strike down or stun, based on Latin 'stupere' meaning to be stunned or amazed.

2. lurk · verb/lɜrk/

   to remain hidden or concealed in order to observe or wait for an opportunity

   The cat would often lurk in the bushes, waiting for an unsuspecting bird to come close.

   Synonyms: sneak, skulk, lie in wait

   Origin: Middle English 'lurken', of unknown origin

3. rejuvenate · verb/rɪˈdʒuː.vəˌneɪt/

   to make someone or something look or feel younger, fresher, or more lively

   The new skincare routine helped to rejuvenate her tired skin, making her look years younger.

   Synonyms: revitalize, renew, restore

   Origin: from the Latin 'juvenis' meaning 'young' combined with the prefix 're-' meaning 'again'.

4. flounder · verb/ˈflaʊndər/

   to struggle or stagger clumsily in movement or action

   After losing his balance on the slippery ice, he began to flounder across the surface, trying to regain his footing.

   Synonyms: stumble, flail, struggle

   Origin: From Middle English 'floundren', probably from 'flounder' (the fish), from Old Norse 'flundra'.

5. extinguish · verb/ɪkˈstɪŋɡwɪʃ/

   to put out a fire or to cause something to stop burning

   The firefighters quickly worked to extinguish the flames engulfing the building.

   Synonyms: quench, snuff out, put out

   Origin: from Middle English 'extinguisshen', from Latin 'extinguere', meaning 'to extinguish, quench, or destroy' (ex- 'out' + tangere 'to touch')