a loud or rude remark made to a person in public, often as a form of verbal harassment
example
She decided to ignore the catcall from the construction workers as she walked by, focusing instead on getting to her destination.
synonyms
hollershoutjeer
word origin — The term 'catcall' originates from the early 17th century, where 'cat' referred to a hooting or yowling sound, and 'call' refers to calling out. The phrase was used to describe a noise made by a person to express disapproval or mockery.
SAT Vocabulary Level 3 — Set 263
Set 263 of SAT Vocabulary Level 3 covers 5 words: catcall, abasement, whinny, turncoat, duress. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.
catcall · noun/ˈkætkɔl/
a loud or rude remark made to a person in public, often as a form of verbal harassment
She decided to ignore the catcall from the construction workers as she walked by, focusing instead on getting to her destination.
Synonyms: holler, shout, jeer
Origin: The term 'catcall' originates from the early 17th century, where 'cat' referred to a hooting or yowling sound, and 'call' refers to calling out. The phrase was used to describe a noise made by a person to express disapproval or mockery.
abasement · noun/əˈbeɪsmənt/
the action or effect of lowering one's rank or esteem
Her consistent self-criticism led to a deep feeling of abasement that affected her confidence and social interactions.
Synonyms: humiliation, degradation, disgrace
Origin: from Old French 'abaisser' meaning 'to lower', from the Latin 'abāssāre', from 'ab-' meaning 'down' + 'āssāre' meaning 'to step'.
whinny · noun/ˈwɪni/
a quiet, high-pitched sound made by a horse
The soft whinny of the mare signaled her foal to come closer.
Synonyms: neigh, whicker, nicker
Origin: The word 'whinny' originates from Middle English 'whinynge', which is imitative of the sound made by a horse.
turncoat · noun/ˈtɜrnˌkoʊt/
a person who betrays their country, party, or cause and switches allegiance
The general was labeled a **turncoat** when he defected to the enemy's side during the war.
Synonyms: traitor, defector, renegade
Origin: The term 'turncoat' dates back to the 16th century, derived from the practice of shifting one's coat to display a different allegiance, particularly during the English Civil War.
duress · noun/duˈrɛs/
compulsion by threat or force
The confession was obtained under duress, making it inadmissible in court.
Synonyms: coercion, compulsion, intimidation
Origin: From Middle English 'duresse', derived from Old French 'duresse', based on Latin 'duritia' meaning 'hardness' or 'hardship'.