enjoin, germinate, squander, denote, dissipate: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from Proficient Plus set 23. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. enjoin · verb/ɪnˈdʒɔɪn/

   to direct or impose with authority or emphasis

   The teacher will enjoin us to complete our homework on time.

   Synonyms: order, command, instruct

   Origin: The word 'enjoin' comes from the Latin word 'injungere', which means 'to join or attach'.

2. germinate · verb/ˈdʒɜːr.mɪ.neɪt/

   to begin to grow or develop from a seed or spore

   The seeds will germinate in a warm and moist environment.

   Synonyms: sprout, grow, develop

   Origin: from Latin 'germinare', meaning 'to sprout or bud'

3. squander · verb/ˈskwɑːndər/

   to waste something, especially money or time, in a reckless or foolish manner

   He decided to squander his money on expensive toys instead of saving for the future.

   Synonyms: waste, misuse, blow

   Origin: The word 'squander' comes from the late Middle English 'squandren', from the 16th century, influenced by the word 'ponder', meaning to waste or disperse.

4. denote · verb/dɪˈnoʊt/

   to indicate or represent something explicitly

   The red light on the traffic signal denotes that cars must stop.

   Synonyms: indicate, specify, represent

   Origin: From Latin 'denotare', meaning 'to mark out, to denote'

5. dissipate · verb/ˈdɪs.ɪ.peɪt/

   to cause to disappear or become less intense

   The heat from the fire will slowly dissipate into the air.

   Synonyms: disperse, dissolve, vanish

   Origin: From Latin 'dissipare', meaning 'to scatter, squander'