Word Ultra — Set 256

Set 256 of Word Ultra covers 5 words: vituperate, cosset, prognosticate, vesicate, gorgonize. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. vituperate · verb/vaɪˈtjuːpəreɪt/

   to blame or insult someone in a harsh or abusive way

   The politician took to social media to vituperate his opponents, unleashing a barrage of insults during the heated campaign.

   Synonyms: berate, rebuke, scold

   Origin: Latin 'vituperare', from 'vitium' meaning fault and 'parare' meaning to prepare or make ready

2. cosset · verb/ˈkɑː.sɪt/

   to treat with excessive care and attention

   The parents decided to cosset their only child, showering him with so many gifts that he became spoiled.

   Synonyms: pamper, coddle, indulge

   Origin: Originated in the late 16th century, from the dialect word 'cosset' meaning a young lamb, itself from the Middle English 'cosset', of uncertain origin.

3. prognosticate · verb/prɑɡˈnɑstɪˌkeɪt/

   to predict or forecast an event or outcome

   Meteorologists can often prognosticate the likelihood of severe weather based on atmospheric data.

   Synonyms: predict, foresee, forecast

   Origin: from Latin 'prognosticare', meaning 'to foretell', from 'pro-' (before) and 'gnosticus' (able to tell, knowing)

4. vesicate · verb/ˈvɛsɪkeɪt/

   to cause the formation of blisters on the skin

   The chemicals spilled on my skin began to vesicate, leaving painful blisters that required medical attention.

   Synonyms: blister, bubble, vesicle

   Origin: from Latin 'vesicare', meaning 'to blister'

5. gorgonize · verb/ˈɡɔrgəˌnaɪz/

   to have a mesmerizing or paralyzing effect on someone

   The magician's performance was so captivating that it seemed to gorgonize the entire audience, leaving them in a state of awe.

   Synonyms: stun, mesmerize, paralyze

   Origin: The word 'gorgonize' is derived from the word 'gorgon', which refers to a mythical creature in Greek mythology that could turn people to stone, particularly the Gorgons like Medusa. The verb form emphasizes a mesmerizing or paralyzing effect.