TOEFL Vocabulary — Set 64

Set 64 of TOEFL Vocabulary covers 5 words: corrode, palliate, attain, intimidate, liquidate. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. corrode · verb/kəˈroʊd/

   to gradually wear away or destroy a material, especially metal, through chemical reactions

   The salty water began to corrode the metal structure of the ship over time.

   Synonyms: erode, deteriorate, rust

   Origin: from Latin 'corrodere', where 'cor-' means 'together' and 'rodere' means 'to gnaw'.

2. palliate · verb/ˈpæl.i.eɪt/

   to make a disease or its symptoms less severe without removing the cause

   The doctor prescribed medication to palliate the patient's pain while they continue to seek a cure for the underlying condition.

   Synonyms: alleviate, mitigate, soothe

   Origin: from the Latin 'palliare', meaning 'to cloak' or 'to cover'

3. attain · verb/əˈteɪn/

   to achieve or reach a goal, desired result, or level

   She worked hard to attain her goal of becoming a doctor.

   Synonyms: achieve, reach, accomplish

   Origin: Middle English 'attaigne', from Old French 'ateindre', from Latin 'attingere' which means 'to touch, reach'.

4. intimidate · verb/ɪnˈtɪ.mɪˌdeɪt/

   to frighten or make someone feel afraid

   The bully tried to intimidate his classmates into giving him their lunch money.

   Synonyms: frighten, scare, daunt

   Origin: from the Latin 'intimidare', which means 'to frighten' or 'to make timid'

5. liquidate · verb/ˈlɪkwəˌdeɪt/

   to convert assets into cash or to settle debts by selling off assets

   After the business failed, the owners had no choice but to liquidate their assets to pay off creditors.

   Synonyms: sell off, clear, dispose

   Origin: The word 'liquidate' comes from the Latin 'liquidare', which means 'to make liquid'. It entered English in the mid-19th century, taking on the financial meaning of converting assets to cash.