consecrate, defalcate, objurgate, disavow, impute: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from Word Master set 3. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. consecrate · verb/ˈkɑːn.sə.kreɪt/

   to make or declare something sacred or holy

   The priest will consecrate the new church during the ceremony.

   Synonyms: dedicate, sanctify, bless

   Origin: from Latin 'consecratus', past participle of 'consecrāre', meaning 'to make sacred'

2. defalcate · verb/ˌdiːˈfɔl.keɪt/

   to embezzle or misuse funds entrusted to one's care

   The accountant was caught trying to defalcate funds from the company's account.

   Synonyms: embezzle, misappropriate, misuse

   Origin: The word 'defalcate' comes from the Latin 'defalcare,' which means 'to deduct' or 'to fail to pay.'

3. objurgate · verb/ˈɑb.dʒɚ.ɡeɪt/

   to scold or rebuke sharply

   The teacher had to objurgate the students for not doing their homework on time.

   Synonyms: rebuke, scold, reprimand

   Origin: from Latin 'objurgare', meaning 'to chide or rebuke'

4. disavow · verb/ˌdɪs.əˈvaʊ/

   to deny any responsibility for or connection with

   The politician had to disavow any connection to the scandal to protect his image.

   Synonyms: deny, reject, disown

   Origin: from Latin 'disavoware', meaning 'to deny' (dis- meaning 'not' + avoware meaning 'to declare openly')

5. impute · verb/ɪmˈpjuːt/

   to attribute or assign a quality or responsibility to someone or something

   Many people impute blame to the teacher when students fail.

   Synonyms: attribute, ascribe, assign

   Origin: from Latin 'imputare', meaning 'to reckon, charge, or attribute' which is a combination of 'in-' (into) and 'putare' (to reckon).