indictment, venom, fanatic, fad, bereavement: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from SAT Vocabulary Level 2 set 260. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. indictment · noun/ɪnˈdaɪtmənt/

   a formal charge or accusation of a serious crime

   The grand jury issued a formal indictment against the suspect after reviewing the evidence presented by the prosecutor.

   Synonyms: accusation, charge, allegation

   Origin: from Old French 'indictement', from Latin 'indictare', meaning 'to proclaim or announce' (from 'in-' + 'dicere' meaning 'to say').

2. venom · noun/ˈvɛn.əm/

   a toxic substance produced by certain animals for predation or defense

   The snake injected its venom into the prey, quickly paralyzing it for easier consumption.

   Synonyms: poison, toxin, harmful secretion

   Origin: from Middle English 'venim', from Old French 'venin', from Latin 'venenum' meaning 'poison, drug, charm, spell'

3. fanatic · noun/fəˈnætɪk/

   a person with excessive and uncritical zeal or enthusiasm for a particular cause or idea

   The environmental fanatic spent countless hours organizing protests to raise awareness about climate change.

   Synonyms: zealot, extreme, enthusiast

   Origin: The word 'fanatic' originates from the Latin 'fanaticus', meaning 'of or belonging to a temple', which came from 'fanum', meaning 'temple'. It was used to describe someone with excessive devotion to a cause.

4. fad · noun/fæd/

   a temporary popular trend or craze

   The latest fitness fad has everyone signing up for dance classes to get in shape.

   Synonyms: fashion, craze, trend

   Origin: The word 'fad' originated from the late 19th century, possibly as a variation of 'faddy', influenced by the Old English 'fēad', which meant to be inclined or to show a liking.

5. bereavement · noun/bɪˈriːv.mənt/

   the state of having lost someone close, especially through death

   After the sudden bereavement of her father, she found it difficult to cope with her emotions.

   Synonyms: grief, sorrow, loss

   Origin: Middle English 'beriue' (meaning 'to bereave') from Old French 'berever' and Latin 'bereavere', meaning 'to take away'.