besmirch, contrive, irk, thaw, genuflect: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from Proficient Plus set 77. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. besmirch · verb/bɪˈsmɜrtʃ/

   to tarnish or damage the purity or honor of someone or something

   The rumors began to besmirch her reputation at work, making it hard for her to get promoted.

   Synonyms: sully, tarnish, stain

   Origin: The word 'besmirch' originates from the prefix 'be-' meaning 'to cause to be in a certain state' and 'smirch', which comes from the Middle English 'smirchen' meaning 'to smear or soil'.

2. contrive · verb/kənˈtraɪv/

   to devise or plan cleverly or inventively

   They had to contrive a plan to win the game even though they were behind.

   Synonyms: devise, invent, plan

   Origin: Middle French 'contriv-,' from Latin 'contrivere,' meaning 'to rub together' or 'to devise'

3. irk · verb/ɜrk/

   to irritate or annoy someone

   It really irks me when people talk loudly in the library.

   Synonyms: bother, annoy, irritate

   Origin: Middle English 'yrken' meaning 'to make weary or tired'

4. thaw · verb/θɔ/

   to cause to melt or become liquid after being frozen

   We need to thaw the chicken before cooking it.

   Synonyms: melt, unfreeze, defrost

   Origin: Old English 'þawian', meaning to become liquid

5. genuflect · verb/ˈdʒɛn.jə.flɛkt/

   to bend one knee to the ground as a gesture of respect or submission

   Before entering the church, she had to genuflect in front of the altar.

   Synonyms: kneel, bow, submit

   Origin: From Latin 'genuflectere', meaning 'to bend the knee'