to create or invent something, often with the intent to deceive
example
The journalist was caught trying to fabricate evidence to support her controversial article.
synonyms
manufacturecontriveconcoct
word origin — The word 'fabricate' originates from the Latin 'fabricari', meaning 'to make or to construct', derived from 'faber' meaning 'craftsman'.
fabricate, deprive, decipher, bewilder, languish: meanings and examples
Learn these 5 words from TOEFL Vocabulary set 175. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.
fabricate · verb/ˈfæbrɪkeɪt/
to create or invent something, often with the intent to deceive
The journalist was caught trying to fabricate evidence to support her controversial article.
Synonyms: manufacture, contrive, concoct
Origin: The word 'fabricate' originates from the Latin 'fabricari', meaning 'to make or to construct', derived from 'faber' meaning 'craftsman'.
deprive · verb/dɪˈpraɪv/
to take away or deny something from someone
The new policy aims to deprive inmates of certain privileges in order to maintain order in the prison.
Synonyms: strip, remove, deny
Origin: From Latin 'deprivare', from 'de-' meaning 'away' + 'privare' meaning 'to seize, take away'
decipher · verb/dɪˈsaɪfər/
to convert a text written in code or a different language into understandable language
The cryptographer was able to decipher the ancient manuscript after years of intense study.
Synonyms: decode, interpret, translate
Origin: from Old French 'decipher' and Latin 'decipherare', where 'de-' means 'from' and 'cipher' meaning 'a code'.
bewilder · verb/bɪˈwɪldər/
to confuse or perplex someone
The complex instructions for assembling the furniture completely bewildered me, leaving me unsure of where to start.
Synonyms: confuse, perplex, baffle
Origin: The word 'bewilder' originates from the prefix 'be-' (meaning 'to make') combined with 'wilder' (meaning 'to lead astray'). The term has been in use since the early 17th century.
languish · verb/ˈlæŋɡwɪʃ/
to become weak or suffer decline
After being neglected for years, the once-thriving community center began to languish under the weight of disrepair.
Synonyms: fade, weaken, deteriorate
Origin: Middle English 'languisshen', from Old French 'languir', from Latin 'languere' meaning 'to be faint, to be weak'