SAT Vocabulary Level 3 — Set 218

Set 218 of SAT Vocabulary Level 3 covers 5 words: embroil, preempt, inure, scald, presage. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. embroil · verb/ɪmˈbrɔɪl/

   to involve someone deeply in a conflict or difficult situation

   The scandal embroiled the politician in numerous controversies that ultimately affected his career.

   Synonyms: entangle, implicate, involve

   Origin: The word 'embroil' comes from the Middle French 'embrouiller', which means 'to mix up' or 'to confuse'.

2. preempt · verb/priˈɛmpt/

   to take action in order to prevent something from happening

   The company decided to preempt any potential product recalls by implementing stricter quality control measures.

   Synonyms: forestall, prevent, avert

   Origin: from Latin 'praeemptio', meaning 'to take before' or 'to buy before'

3. inure · verb/ɪˈnʊr/

   to become accustomed to something unpleasant

   Over time, the soldiers began to inure themselves to the harsh conditions of war.

   Synonyms: accustom, habituate, desensitize

   Origin: Middle English 'inuren', from Old French 'enorier', which means to harden or make used to.

4. scald · verb/skɔld/

   to burn the skin with hot liquid or steam

   Be careful when pouring the hot water; you don't want to scald yourself.

   Synonyms: burn, sear, scorch

   Origin: Middle English 'scaldien' from Old French 'escalder' meaning 'to pour out hot liquid'

5. presage · verb/ˈprɛs.eɪdʒ/

   to foreshadow or warn of a future event

   The dark clouds on the horizon seem to presage a stormy night ahead.

   Synonyms: portend, predict, foretell

   Origin: from Latin 'praesagire', meaning 'to foretell' or 'to warn in advance'.