splurge, debilitating, contemptuous, remorse, relinquish: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from Advanced Plus set 34. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. splurge · verb/splɜrdʒ/

   to spend money freely or extravagantly

   I decided to splurge on a nice dinner for my birthday.

   Synonyms: spend freely, indulge

   Origin: The word 'splurge' originated in the early 19th century, possibly from the Scottish word 'splurge' meaning to make a noise or to splash.

2. debilitating · adjective/dɪˈbɪlɪˌteɪtɪŋ/

   causing a serious reduction in strength or energy

   The athlete suffered from a debilitating injury that made it hard for him to play.

   Synonyms: weakening, draining

   Origin: from Latin 'debilitare', meaning 'to weaken'

3. contemptuous · adjective/kənˈtɛmpʧuəs/

   showing or expressing disdain or scorn

   She gave a contemptuous laugh when she heard his silly idea.

   Synonyms: scornful, disdainful, derisive

   Origin: from Latin 'contemptuosus', which comes from 'contemptus' meaning 'scorn' or 'disdain'

4. remorse · noun/rɪˈmɔrs/

   a deep feeling of regret or guilt for a wrong committed

   After realizing his mistake, he felt deep remorse for hurting his friend.

   Synonyms: regret, guilt, shame

   Origin: From Old French 'remors' meaning 'bitterness' or 'rebellion', from Latin 'remorsu(m)' meaning 'biting back'.

5. relinquish · verb/rɪˈlɪŋkwɪʃ/

   to give up possession or control of something

   She decided to relinquish control of the project to her team members.

   Synonyms: give up, surrender, let go

   Origin: from Latin 'relinquere', which means 'to leave behind' or 'to give up'.