Proficient Plus — Set 34

Set 34 of Proficient Plus covers 5 words: proscribe, desiccate, parry, flout, cavil. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. proscribe · verb/proʊˈskaɪb/

   to prohibit or forbid by law or authority

   The school will proscribe any behavior that disrupts the class.

   Synonyms: forbid, ban, prohibit

   Origin: from Latin 'proscribere', meaning 'to write before, to publish, to outlaw'

2. desiccate · verb/ˈdɛsɪkeɪt/

   to remove moisture from something to preserve it or make it dry

   The farmer decided to desiccate the fruits to make them last longer in storage.

   Synonyms: dry, dehydrate, preserve

   Origin: From Latin 'desiccare', meaning 'to dry up', combining 'de-' (down from) and 'siccus' (dry).

3. parry · verb/ˈperɪ/

   to deflect or ward off a blow or attack

   She was able to parry the attack with her strong sword.

   Synonyms: deflect, ward off, repel

   Origin: Middle English from Old French 'parer', meaning to prepare or defend

4. flout · verb/flaʊt/

   to openly disregard a rule or law

   Many students choose to flout school rules by using their phones in class.

   Synonyms: disobey, disregard, defy

   Origin: Middle English flouten, meaning to treat with contempt or scorn; possibly related to 'flute' and the idea of mockery.

5. cavil · verb/ˈkæv.əl/

   to raise trivial or petty objections

   She began to cavil at the small details of the project instead of focusing on the main goal.

   Synonyms: quibble, nitpick, complain

   Origin: From Latin 'cavillari', meaning 'to make a petty objection'