repress, redress, attenuate, oust, procure: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from SAT Vocabulary Level 2 set 311. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. repress · verb/rɪˈprɛs/

   to hold back or restrain from action or expression

   She tried to repress her emotions during the meeting, knowing it wasn't the right time to express her feelings.

   Synonyms: suppress, restrain, stifle

   Origin: from Latin 'reprimere', meaning 'to press again, hold back'

2. redress · verb/rɪˈdrɛs/

   to remedy or set right a wrong or grievance

   The organization took steps to redress the grievances of the employees who felt their voices were not heard.

   Synonyms: remedy, rectify, correct

   Origin: Middle English 'redressen', from Old French 'redresser' (to set upright), from re- (again) + dresser (to set) from Latin 'directus' (to make straight)

3. attenuate · verb/əˈtɛn.juˌeɪt/

   to reduce the force, effect, or severity of something

   The new regulations were implemented to attenuate the impact of climate change on local ecosystems.

   Synonyms: diminish, weaken, lessen

   Origin: From Latin 'attenuare', which means 'to make thin', from 'ad-' (to) + 'tenuare' (to make thin, from tenuis, thin).

4. oust · verb/aʊst/

   to remove or expel from a position or place

   The board of directors voted to oust the CEO due to his poor performance.

   Synonyms: remove, expel, depose

   Origin: Middle English, from Anglo-French 'oster', from Latin 'off-stare' meaning to stand off

5. procure · verb/prəˈkjʊr/

   to obtain something, especially with care or effort

   The organization worked hard to procure necessary supplies for the disaster relief effort.

   Synonyms: obtain, acquire, secure

   Origin: The word 'procure' originates from the Latin word 'procurare', which means 'to take care of' or 'to manage'.