enervate, bilk, deploy, recoil, commingle: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from Word Master set 12. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. enervate · verb/ˈɛn.ɚ.veɪt/

   to weaken or drain of vitality

   The hot sun can enervate anyone working outside for too long.

   Synonyms: weaken, drain, debilitate

   Origin: from Latin 'enervare', meaning 'to weaken, to weaken by removing the nerves'

2. bilk · verb/bɪlk/

   to cheat or defraud someone of money or goods

   The con artist tried to bilk the old woman out of her savings.

   Synonyms: defraud, cheat, swindle

   Origin: The word 'bilk' originated in the early 17th century, possibly from the dialectal term 'bilk,' meaning to cheat or to thwart, which may have roots in the Old Norse word 'bilka,' meaning to deceive.

3. deploy · verb/dɪˈplɔɪ/

   to position or arrange strategically for a specific purpose

   The team will deploy extra resources to help with the project.

   Synonyms: position, arrange, station

   Origin: from French 'déployer', meaning to unfold or spread out

4. recoil · verb/rɪˈkɔɪl/

   to spring back or react in horror or disgust

   When she saw the spider, she couldn't help but recoil in fear.

   Synonyms: flinch, withdraw, shrink

   Origin: from Middle French 'reculer', meaning 'to fall back', from 're-' (back) + 'cul' (behind)

5. commingle · verb/kəˈmɪŋɡl/

   to mix or combine together

   In the summer, we like to commingle our fruit salad with yogurt for a tasty treat.

   Synonyms: mix, combine, blend

   Origin: from Latin 'com-,' meaning 'together,' and 'minglere,' meaning 'to mix.'