Proficient Plus — Set 54

Set 54 of Proficient Plus covers 5 words: squelch, dissemble, ostracize, gasp, waddle. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. squelch · verb/skwɛlʧ/

   to suppress or silence something forcibly

   The teacher tried to squelch the noise from the students by raising her voice.

   Synonyms: suppress, silence, quash

   Origin: The word 'squelch' originated in the early 18th century, possibly imitating the sound it describes or from the Old English 'squeltian,' meaning to make a squelching sound.

2. dissemble · verb/dɪˈsɛm.bəl/

   to conceal one's true motives, feelings, or beliefs

   He tried to dissemble his true feelings about the move, saying he was excited when he was really sad.

   Synonyms: hide, disguise, conceal

   Origin: from Old French 'dessempler', meaning 'to take apart, dissemble'; from Latin 'dissemble' meaning 'to disjoin, separate'.

3. ostracize · verb/ˈɑstrəˌsaɪz/

   to exclude someone from a group or society

   The students chose to ostracize the boy because he was different from them.

   Synonyms: exclude, shun, banish

   Origin: from Greek 'ostrakizein', meaning 'to banish by voting with potsherds'

4. gasp · noun/gæsp/

   a sudden intake of breath due to shock or surprise

   When she opened the surprise gift, there was a loud gasp from the crowd.

   Synonyms: breath, intake, exhale

   Origin: Middle English 'gaspien', from Old Norse 'gáp' meaning 'to open wide'.

5. waddle · verb/ˈwɑːdəl/

   to walk with short steps while swaying from side to side

   The little penguin began to waddle across the ice, trying to keep its balance.

   Synonyms: waddle, waver, wobble

   Origin: Middle English waddle, possibly from a variant of 'wade'