disbar, militate, collude, recuperate, disabuse: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from Proficient set 92. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. disbar · verb/dɪsˈbɑr/

   to expel a lawyer from the practice of law

   The lawyer was disbarred for stealing money from clients.

   Synonyms: expel, remove, dismiss

   Origin: The word 'disbar' is formed from the prefix 'dis-' meaning 'opposite of' and 'bar,' referring to the legal profession or the barriers established to entry.

2. militate · verb/ˈmɪlɪˌteɪt/

   to have a significant effect or influence in preventing or promoting something

   His lack of experience may militate against his chances of getting the job.

   Synonyms: influence, affect, impact

   Origin: from Latin 'militare' meaning 'to serve as a soldier'

3. collude · verb/kəˈluːd/

   to cooperate secretly or unlawfully for a deceitful purpose

   The two companies decided to collude to raise prices and cheat customers.

   Synonyms: conspire, plot, scheme

   Origin: from Latin 'colludere', meaning 'to play together'

4. recuperate · verb/rɪˈkuː.pə.reɪt/

   to recover one's health or strength

   After the surgery, Maria needs to recuperate at home for a few weeks.

   Synonyms: recover, restore, convalesce

   Origin: from Latin 'recuperare', meaning 'to get back' or 'recover'

5. disabuse · verb/ˌdɪs.əˈbjuːz/

   to free someone from a mistaken belief or idea

   I had to disabuse my friend of the idea that money can buy happiness.

   Synonyms: correct, inform, set right

   Origin: from 'dis-' meaning 'not' and 'abuse' meaning 'to use wrongly'