confiscate, germinate, relinquish, startle, transcend: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from SAT Vocabulary Level 2 set 326. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. confiscate · verb/ˈkɑnfəˌskeɪt/

   to take possession of something, often by legal authority

   The police had to confiscate the illegal fireworks during the annual celebration.

   Synonyms: seize, confiscatory, appropriated

   Origin: from Latin 'confiscare', meaning 'to appropriate, to seize', from 'con-' (completely) + 'fiscus' (treasury)

2. germinate · verb/ˈdʒɜr.mə.neɪt/

   to develop from a seed or spore into a new plant

   After a week of soaking in water, the seeds began to germinate, signaling the start of spring.

   Synonyms: sprout, bud, develop

   Origin: from Latin 'germinat-', the present participle of 'germinare', meaning 'to sprout, to bud'

3. relinquish · verb/rɪˈlɪŋkwɪʃ/

   to voluntarily give up or let go of something

   After years of hard work, she decided to relinquish her role as team leader to focus on her personal projects.

   Synonyms: surrender, yield, abdicate

   Origin: From Latin 'relinquere', meaning 'to leave behind' or 'to abandon'.

4. startle · verb/ˈstɑr.təl/

   to cause someone to feel sudden shock or surprise

   The loud crash from the kitchen was enough to startle her, making her jump in her seat.

   Synonyms: surprise, shock, alarm

   Origin: Middle English 'startlen', probably from the Old English 'styrtan' meaning 'to jump up, to leap'.

5. transcend · verb/trænˈsɛnd/

   to go beyond the limits of or rise above something

   Her artistic talent transcends traditional boundaries, making her work truly unique.

   Synonyms: surpass, exceed, go beyond

   Origin: from Latin 'transcendere' meaning 'to climb over or beyond'.