Advanced Plus — Set 18

Set 18 of Advanced Plus covers 5 words: strain, exacerbate, curb, turmoil, cripple. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. strain · noun/streɪn/

   a force tending to change the shape or size of an object

   The metal bar showed signs of strain when too much weight was added to it.

   Synonyms: stress, tension, pressure

   Origin: Middle English 'strein', from Old French 'estrain' (to stretch), from Latin 'stringere' (to draw tight)

2. exacerbate · verb/ɪɡˈzæs.ɚ.beɪt/

   to make a problem, situation, or feeling worse

   The loud music will exacerbate my headache.

   Synonyms: aggravate, worsen, intensify

   Origin: From Latin 'exacerbat-', the past participle of 'exacerbare', meaning to irritate or make harsh.

3. curb · noun/kɜrb/

   a limit or control on something

   The city put a curb on loud music after 10 PM to help people sleep.

   Synonyms: limit, restriction, control

   Origin: from Old French 'curbe', meaning 'to bend', originating from Latin 'curvatura', meaning 'a bending'

4. turmoil · noun/tɜrˈmɔɪl/

   a state of confusion, disorder, or uncertainty

   The country was in a state of turmoil after the sudden change in government.

   Synonyms: confusion, disorder, chaos

   Origin: from Middle English 'turmoyl', from Old French 'tourmoil', from Latin 'turrim' meaning 'tower'

5. cripple · verb/ˈkrɪp.əl/

   to cause someone to be unable to walk or move normally

   The accident will cripple him for life, making it hard for him to walk again.

   Synonyms: disable, incapacitate, harm

   Origin: Middle English 'cripplen' from Old English 'cryppian', meaning 'to creep or limp'