laud, fend, derail, botch, burgeon: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from SAT Vocabulary Level 2 set 293. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. laud · verb/lɔd/

   to praise highly especially in a public context

   The director was lauded for her innovative approach to filmmaking during the awards ceremony.

   Synonyms: praise, commend, acclaim

   Origin: from Latin 'laudare', meaning 'to praise'

2. fend · verb/fɛnd/

   to defend or protect oneself from something

   She had to fend off the aggressive dog that approached her during her evening walk.

   Synonyms: shield, guard, protect

   Origin: from Middle English 'fenden', from Old French 'defendre', from Latin 'defendere', meaning to ward off.

3. derail · verb/dɪˈreɪl/

   to cause to leave the tracks or to go off course

   The sudden financial crisis could derail the company's expansion plans entirely.

   Synonyms: disrupt, deviate, obstruct

   Origin: Late 19th century, from the prefix 'de-' meaning 'away from' + 'rail', referring to the tracks of a train.

4. botch · verb/bɑtʃ/

   to carry out a task badly or carelessly

   He really botched the presentation by forgetting all the key points.

   Synonyms: bungle, mishandle, botch up

   Origin: The word 'botch' originates from the Middle English 'bocchen', which means to mend, repair, or make clumsy. It may also be derived from the Old French 'baccher', which means to make a mess.

5. burgeon · verb/ˈbɜr.dʒən/

   to begin to grow or increase rapidly

   As the weather warmed up, the flowers began to burgeon in the garden, creating a vibrant display of colors.

   Synonyms: flourish, thrive, expand

   Origin: Middle English burjon, from Old French bourgeon, meaning 'a bud or shoot'