invigorate, cull, inhale, wreak, intertwine: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from SAT Vocabulary Level 2 set 186. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. invigorate · verb/ɪnˈvɪɡəreɪt/

   to give energy or strength to something or someone

   A brisk morning walk can invigorate your body and mind, setting a positive tone for the day.

   Synonyms: energize, rejuvenate, refresh

   Origin: from Latin 'invigorare', from 'in-' (into) + 'vigor' (strength)

2. cull · verb/kʌl/

   to select and remove from a group or collection

   The team decided to cull the outdated files from the database to improve efficiency.

   Synonyms: select, choose, pick

   Origin: Middle English 'cullen', from Old French 'culer', meaning 'to pick or choose'.

3. inhale · verb/ɪnˈheɪl/

   to draw air or another substance into the lungs

   When the therapist instructed me to inhale deeply, I felt more relaxed than ever before.

   Synonyms: breath in, draw in, gasp

   Origin: from Latin ' inhalare', meaning 'to breathe in', from 'in-' meaning 'in' and 'halare' meaning 'to breathe'.

4. wreak · verb/rik/

   to cause or inflict harm or damage

   The storm will wreak havoc on the coastal towns, causing significant damage to homes and infrastructure.

   Synonyms: inflict, direct, bring

   Origin: Middle English 'wreken', from Old English 'wrecan', meaning to take vengeance or avenge.

5. intertwine · verb/ˌɪn.tɚˈtwaɪn/

   to twist or weave together so that they are closely connected

   The vines began to intertwine around the trellis, creating a beautiful natural canopy.

   Synonyms: interlace, intertwist, intertwist

   Origin: Middle English 'entrewinen', from Old English 'intertwīnan', from 'inter-' + 'twīnan' (to twine)