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stultify

verb/ˈstʌltɪˌfaɪ/

definition

to cause to lose enthusiasm and initiative especially as a result of a tedious or restrictive routine

example

The boring routine at work began to stultify my creativity and made every day feel the same.

synonyms
dumb downdullappall
word origin — From Latin 'stultificare', meaning 'to make foolish'

Proficient — Set 71

Set 71 of Proficient covers 5 words: stultify, undulate, upsurge, exult, peeve. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

  1. stultify · verb/ˈstʌltɪˌfaɪ/

    to cause to lose enthusiasm and initiative especially as a result of a tedious or restrictive routine

    The boring routine at work began to stultify my creativity and made every day feel the same.

    Synonyms: dumb down, dull, appall

    Origin: From Latin 'stultificare', meaning 'to make foolish'

  2. undulate · verb/ˈʌn.dʒə.leɪt/

    to move in a wavelike motion or to vary in a smooth, wave-like manner

    The ocean waves undulate gently against the shore.

    Synonyms: wave, fluctuate, ripple

    Origin: from Latin 'undulatus', meaning 'to wave'

  3. upsurge · noun/ˈʌp.sɜrdʒ/

    a sudden strong increase or rise

    There was an upsurge in donations to the local charity after the news story aired.

    Synonyms: increase, rise, spike

    Origin: The word 'upsurge' is formed from the prefix 'up-' meaning 'higher' and 'surge' which originates from the Latin 'surgere' meaning 'to rise.'

  4. exult · verb/ɪɡˈzʌlt/

    to show or feel lively or triumphant joy

    When the team won the championship, the fans began to exult in the streets.

    Synonyms: rejoice, celebrate, delight

    Origin: from Latin 'exultare', meaning 'to leap up' or 'to rejoice greatly'

  5. peeve · noun/piːv/

    a annoyance or grievance

    It really is a pet peeve of mine when people chew with their mouths open.

    Synonyms: irritation, annoyance, grievance

    Origin: The word 'peeve' comes from the dialectal term 'peevish', meaning to be irritable or easily annoyed, which originated in the early 19th century.