falter, incapacitate, deface, beset, infiltrate: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from SAT Vocabulary Level 2 set 162. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. falter · verb/ˈfɔltər/

   to hesitate or waver in action or intent

   During her speech, she began to falter, searching for the right words to convey her emotions.

   Synonyms: hesitate, waver

   Origin: Middle English, from Old French 'falter', of uncertain origin, possibly from 'falter' meaning 'to trip' or 'to stumble'

2. incapacitate · verb/ɪnˈkæp.əˌseɪt/

   to deprive of the ability or strength to do something

   The injury incapacitated him for several weeks, preventing him from participating in any physical activities.

   Synonyms: disable, paralyze

   Origin: The word 'incapacitate' originates from the Latin 'incapacitare', where 'in-' means 'not' and 'capacitas' means 'capacity' or 'ability'.

3. deface · verb/dɪˈfeɪs/

   to spoil the surface or appearance of something

   Vandalism can easily deface public property, leaving ugly marks and graffiti on buildings.

   Synonyms: vandalize, ruin, mar

   Origin: late Middle English: from de- 'down, away' + face.

4. beset · verb/bɪˈsɛt/

   to surround or attack on all sides

   The small village was beset by countless challenges, including poor infrastructure and a lack of resources.

   Synonyms: assail, besiege, surround

   Origin: Middle English 'besetten', from 'be-' (about, around) + 'setten' (to set or place).

5. infiltrate · verb/ˈɪnfəltreɪt/

   to enter or gain access to an organization or system gradually and secretly

   The undercover agent was able to infiltrate the criminal organization without raising any suspicions.

   Synonyms: penetrate, invade

   Origin: from Latin 'infīltrāre', meaning 'to filter in', composed of 'in-' (in) + 'fīltrāre' (to filter)