disconcert, begrudge, placate, sunder, chastise: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from SAT Vocabulary Level 3 set 150. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. disconcert · verb/dɪs.kənˈsɝːt/

   to disturb the self-possession or confidence of someone

   The unexpected question from the audience managed to disconcert the speaker, momentarily disrupting his flow of thoughts.

   Synonyms: unsettle, disturb, discompose

   Origin: from French 'disconcerto', from Latin 'disconcertare', meaning 'to distract or confuse'.

2. begrudge · verb/bɪˈɡrʌdʒ/

   to envy or resent the pleasure or good fortune of someone

   Although she was happy for her friend's success, she couldn't help but begrudge her the fortune that came with it.

   Synonyms: envy, resent

   Origin: Middle English, from the Old French 'begrugier', which means to grudge or hold something against someone.

3. placate · verb/pləˈkeɪt/

   to calm or appease someone, often by making concessions

   The manager tried to placate the unhappy customers by offering them discounts on their next purchase.

   Synonyms: appease, pacify, soothe

   Origin: from Latin 'placare', meaning 'to calm or appease'

4. sunder · verb/ˈsʌndɚ/

   to break or divide into parts

   The fierce storm threatened to sunder the old tree from its roots, leaving it precariously balanced on the edge of the cliff.

   Synonyms: divide, split, separate

   Origin: Middle English sonden, from Old English sundor, meaning 'apart' or 'asunder'.

5. chastise · verb/tʃæsˈtaɪz/

   to reprimand or punish severely

   The teacher decided to chastise the student for repeatedly arriving late to class.

   Synonyms: rebuke, reprimand, scold

   Origin: from Latin 'castigare', meaning 'to correct' or 'to punish'.