slay, coalesce, quench, deflect, seclude: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from SAT Vocabulary Level 2 set 286. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. slay · verb/sleɪ/

   to kill or destroy in a violent manner

   The knight vowed to slay the dragon that had been terrorizing the village for years.

   Synonyms: murder, kill, destroy

   Origin: Middle English 'slāen', from Old English 'slēan', meaning to strike, to kill.

2. coalesce · verb/koʊəˈlɛs/

   to come together and form one mass or whole

   The different factions in the community eventually coalesced around a shared vision for the future.

   Synonyms: merge, unite, combine

   Origin: from Latin 'coalescere', meaning 'to grow together'; composed of 'co-' (together) + 'alescere' (to grow).

3. quench · verb/kwɛntʃ/

   to satisfy thirst or extinguish a fire

   After a long hike under the sun, I needed a cold drink to quench my thirst.

   Synonyms: satisfy, extinguish, douse

   Origin: Old English 'cwenchan', meaning to quench or to diminish

4. deflect · verb/dɪˈflɛkt/

   to cause something to change direction or turn aside

   The shield was designed to deflect bullets, ensuring the soldier's safety during combat.

   Synonyms: divert, redirect, turn aside

   Origin: from Latin 'deflectere', meaning 'to bend downwards' and from 'de-' (down, away) and 'flectere' (to bend)

5. seclude · verb/sɪˈklud/

   to isolate or shut away from others

   During the holiday, she decided to seclude herself in a cozy cabin in the woods to enjoy some peace and quiet.

   Synonyms: isolate, hide, withdraw

   Origin: From Latin 'secludere', meaning 'to shut off' (from 'se-' meaning 'apart' and 'claudere' meaning 'to shut').