SAT Vocabulary Level 3 — Set 188

Set 188 of SAT Vocabulary Level 3 covers 5 words: ransack, disavow, parch, shirk, smolder. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. ransack · verb/ˈræn.sæk/

   to search thoroughly and often violently for something

   The thieves ransacked the house, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake.

   Synonyms: loot, plunder, pillage

   Origin: from Middle English 'ransacken', from the Old Norse 'rannsaka', meaning 'to search a house (for something)', composed of 'rann' (house) + 'saka' (to search).

2. disavow · verb/ˌdɪs.əˈvaʊ/

   to deny any responsibility or support for something

   After the scandal broke, the politician was quick to disavow any connection to the controversial group.

   Synonyms: deny, reject, disown

   Origin: from Middle French 'dissavouer', from Latin 'disavolare', where 'dis-' means 'apart' and 'avow' means 'to acknowledge or affirm'.

3. parch · verb/pɑrtʃ/

   to make dry and thirsty usually by exposure to heat

   The relentless sun continued to parch the earth, leaving the crops withering under its harsh rays.

   Synonyms: wither, singe, scorch

   Origin: Middle English 'parchen', from Old French 'parchier', from Latin 'percapere' meaning 'to seize' or 'take by the hand'

4. shirk · verb/ʃɝk/

   to avoid or neglect a duty or responsibility

   He tends to shirk his responsibilities at work, leaving his teammates with extra tasks.

   Synonyms: evade, dodge, neglect

   Origin: originates from the late Middle English 'shirke,' which means to shirk responsibility or duty.

5. smolder · verb/ˈsmoʊldər/

   to burn slowly with smoke but no flame

   The campfire had long since died down, but the coals continued to smolder, releasing wisps of smoke into the chilly night air.

   Synonyms: simmer, fester, smoulder

   Origin: Middle English smolderen, from Old English smoldra; akin to Old Norse smulda to smolder