stultify, undulate, peeve, exult, upsurge: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from Word Master set 26. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. stultify · verb/ˈstʌltɪˌfaɪ/

   to make something ineffective or prevent it from developing

   The teacher's strict rules can stultify a child's creativity in class.

   Synonyms: fool, mock, ridicule

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

2. undulate · verb/ˈʌndʒəˌleɪt/

   to move in a smooth wavelike motion

   The ocean waves undulate gently against the shore.

   Synonyms: wave, fluctuate, ripple

   Origin: from Latin 'undulatus', meaning 'to flow like a wave'

3. peeve · noun/ˌɪrɪˈteɪʃən, əˈnɔɪəns, ˈbɑːðər/

   a minor annoyance or irritation

   My biggest peeve is when people chew loudly at the dinner table.

   Synonyms: irritation, annoyance, bother

   Origin: The word 'peeve' is derived from the noun 'peevish,' which dates back to the late 19th century, originally meaning to complain or to fret.

4. exult · verb/ɪɡˈzʌlt/

   to show or feel a lively or triumphant joy

   The team members exulted in their victory after winning the championship.

   Synonyms: rejoice, celebrate, delight

   Origin: from Latin 'exultare', meaning 'to jump up' or 'to leap up'.

5. upsurge · noun/ˈʌp.sɜrdʒ/

   a sudden increase or rise in something

   There was an upsurge in the number of visitors at the park this summer.

   Synonyms: increase, rise, jump

   Origin: Originates from the prefix 'up-' meaning 'higher' combined with 'surge', which comes from the Latin 'surgere', meaning 'to rise'.