SAT Vocabulary Level 3 — Set 18

Set 18 of SAT Vocabulary Level 3 covers 5 words: claustrophobia, reprimand, despot, subterfuge, rivulet. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. claustrophobia · noun/klɔstrəˈfoʊbiə/

   an irrational fear of confined spaces

   Her claustrophobia made it difficult for her to enjoy the elevator ride to the top of the skyscraper.

   Synonyms: agoraphobia, confinement anxiety, enclosed space anxiety

   Origin: derived from the Latin 'claustrum' meaning 'enclosure' and 'phobia' from Greek 'phobos' meaning 'fear'

2. reprimand · noun/ˈrɛprɪˌmænd/

   a formal expression of disapproval

   The manager issued a formal reprimand to the employee for consistently arriving late to work.

   Synonyms: rebuke, admonishment, chastisement

   Origin: Late Middle English, from the Latin 'reprimandare' meaning 'to rebuke, check'

3. despot · noun/ˈdɛspət/

   a ruler who holds absolute power and exercises it in a cruel or oppressive way

   The people lived in fear under the rule of the despot, whose tyranny seemed unending.

   Synonyms: tyrant, oppressor, autocrat

   Origin: From Middle French 'despot', from Latin 'despota', from Greek 'despotes', meaning 'master, lord'.

4. subterfuge · noun/ˌsʌbtərˈfjuːdʒ/

   deceit used in order to achieve one's goal

   The politician employed subterfuge to mislead voters about his true intentions.

   Synonyms: deception, trickery, ruse

   Origin: From Latin 'subterfugere', meaning 'to flee secretly', from 'sub-' (under) + 'fugere' (to flee)

5. rivulet · noun/ˈrɪv.jə.lɛt/

   a small stream or brook

   The gentle rain created a small rivulet that flowed through the garden, nourishing the flowers.

   Synonyms: brook, creek, stream

   Origin: Late Latin 'rivuletus', diminutive of 'rivus' meaning 'stream' or 'brook'