lurch, imbue, ogle, infuriate, iterate: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from SAT Vocabulary Level 2 set 298. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. lurch · verb/lɝːtʃ/

   to make an abrupt, unsteady, or uncontrolled movement

   The boat began to lurch violently as the storm hit, tossing the passengers from side to side.

   Synonyms: swerve, stagger, stumble

   Origin: of uncertain origin; possibly from the Middle English 'lurchen' meaning to sway or to lean.

2. imbue · verb/ɪmˈbju/

   to deeply influence or permeate with a quality or feeling

   Her passion for teaching seemed to imbue the classroom with a sense of enthusiasm that inspired her students.

   Synonyms: saturate, infuse, permeate

   Origin: from Middle French 'embuer', which comes from the Latin 'imbuere' meaning to wet or moisten

3. ogle · verb/ˈoʊɡl/

   to stare at someone in a lecherous or lustful way

   He couldn't help but ogle the attractive new waitress as she made her way through the crowded restaurant.

   Synonyms: leer, gaze, gawk

   Origin: The word 'ogle' is thought to originate from the late 16th century, possibly derived from the dialectal 'oggle', meaning to squint or to look at with a sideways glance.

4. infuriate · verb/ɪnˈfjʊr.i.eɪt/

   to make someone extremely angry

   His constant interruptions during the meeting began to infuriate everyone present.

   Synonyms: enrage, irritate, provoke

   Origin: The word 'infuriate' comes from the Latin 'infuriatus,' which means 'enraged,' derived from 'in-' (not) and 'furiatus' (furious).

5. iterate · verb/ˈɪtəreɪt/

   to perform or repeat a process or procedure multiple times

   In order to improve the software, the development team must iterate the design based on user feedback.

   Synonyms: repeat, rehearse, redo

   Origin: from Latin 'iterare', meaning 'to repeat', from 'iter' meaning 'way' or 'journey'