engender, denounce, deplete, venerate, obstruct: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from Proficient set 1. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. engender · verb/ɪnˈdʒɛndər/

   to cause or give rise to a feeling, situation, or condition

   The new policy will engender a sense of community among the people.

   Synonyms: create, generate, produce

   Origin: from Middle English 'engenderen', originating from Latin 'ingenerare', meaning to generate or produce

2. denounce · verb/dɪˈnaʊns/

   to publicly declare something to be wrong or evil

   The teacher decided to denounce cheating in her classroom to help students understand it is wrong.

   Synonyms: condemn, criticize, blame

   Origin: from Old French 'denoncer', based on Latin 'denuntiare' meaning 'to announce' or 'to proclaim'

3. deplete · verb/dɪˈpliːt/

   to reduce the quantity or availability of something

   If we keep using water this way, we will deplete our supplies in no time.

   Synonyms: reduce, diminish, drain

   Origin: from Latin 'deplere', meaning 'to empty out or exhaust'

4. venerate · verb/ˈvɛnəˌreɪt/

   to regard with great respect or reverence

   Many people venerate their parents for all the hard work they do.

   Synonyms: revere, honor, worship

   Origin: from Latin 'venerari', meaning 'to regard with reverence'

5. obstruct · verb/əb'strʌkt/

   to block or impede the progress or movement of something

   The fallen tree can obstruct the road, making it hard for cars to pass.

   Synonyms: block, hinder, impede

   Origin: from Latin 'obstructus', meaning 'to obstruct or block'