SAT Vocabulary Level 3 — Set 127

Set 127 of SAT Vocabulary Level 3 covers 5 words: incriminate, protract, flail, embitter, vaporize. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. incriminate · verb/ɪnˈkrɪmɪˌneɪt/

   to make someone appear guilty of a crime or wrongdoing

   The evidence found at the crime scene could incriminate the suspect and lead to his arrest.

   Synonyms: implicate, accuse, blame

   Origin: from Latin 'incriminare', which means 'to accuse' (from 'in-' meaning 'in' or 'upon' and 'criminare' meaning 'to accuse, from 'crimen' meaning 'crime').

2. protract · verb/proʊˈtrækt/

   to prolong in time or space

   The negotiations were protracted over several months, leaving everyone in a state of uncertainty.

   Synonyms: extend, prolong, lengthen

   Origin: early 17th century, from Latin 'protractus', past participle of 'protrahere', from 'pro-' meaning 'forward' and 'tractus' meaning 'pulled'.

3. flail · verb/fleɪl/

   to wave or swing wildly; to flounder or struggle

   As the storm intensified, the trees began to flail violently in the wind.

   Synonyms: thrash, flounder, wrestle

   Origin: Middle English 'flaylen', from Old English 'flēosan' meaning to flap or flutter.

4. embitter · verb/ɪmˈbɪtər/

   to make someone feel bitter or resentful

   Years of neglect and unfair treatment began to embitter her toward her colleagues.

   Synonyms: antagonize, irritate, vex

   Origin: The word 'embitter' comes from the prefix 'em-' meaning to cause to become, combined with 'bitter', from Old English 'bitre', which means having a sharp taste or being spiteful.

5. vaporize · verb/ˈveɪpəˌraɪz/

   to convert into vapor or gas

   The intense heat from the fire can vaporize any nearby liquid within seconds.

   Synonyms: evaporate, vapor, steam

   Origin: The word 'vaporize' originates from the late 19th century, derived from 'vapor' which is from the Latin 'vaporare', meaning 'to be moist, to steam'.