disobey, capture, exploit, sustain, penalize: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from Advanced set 66. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. disobey · verb/ˌdɪsəˈbeɪ/

   not follow the rules established by an authority

   Although several soldiers questioned the orders, they felt they couldn't disobey commands from a superior officer.

   Synonyms: violate, defy, ignore

   Origin: late Middle English: from Old French desobeir, based on Latin oboedire ‘obey’ (see obey)

2. capture · verb/ˈkæp(t)ʃər/

   catch and arrest a suspect; acquire something desired

   The detective was known for figuring out the hiding places of criminals that were the most difficult to capture.

   Synonyms: arrest, imprison, catch, acquire

   Origin: mid 16th century (as a noun): from French, from Latin captura, from capt- ‘seized, taken’, from the verb capere

3. exploit · verb/ɪkˈsplɔɪt/

   make use of something fully, often unfairly for one's own gain

   Research assistants often feel exploited when working on studies with professors, as they do most of the work and rarely get credited.

   Synonyms: profit from, take advantage of, utilize dishonestly

   Origin: Middle English: from Old French esploit (noun), based on Latin explicare ‘unfold’ (see explicate). The early notion of ‘success, progress’ gave rise to the sense ‘attempt to capture’, ‘military expedition’, hence the current sense of the noun. Verb senses (mid 19th century) are from modern French exploiter

4. sustain · verb/səˈsteɪn/

   keep something going in a fundamental way

   Studies show that the planet is simply not able to sustain infinite economic growth due to its limited resources.

   Synonyms: maintain, keep up

   Origin: Middle English: from Old French soustenir, from Latin sustinere, from sub- ‘from below’ + tenere ‘hold’

5. penalize · verb/ˈpɛnlˌaɪz/

   give a punishment

   The driver was penalized not only for going above the speed limit but also for driving with several beers in his system.

   Synonyms: punish, give a penalty