doff, mar, traverse, conscript, beguile: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from Word Master set 44. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. doff · verb/dɔf/

   to take off or remove an article of clothing or a hat

   He decided to doff his hat when he entered the room.

   Synonyms: remove, take off, shed

   Origin: Middle English, from the phrase 'do of', meaning 'to take off'

2. mar · verb/mɑr/

   to damage or spoil the appearance or quality of something

   The stain on the wall will mar the beauty of the room.

   Synonyms: damage, spoil, ruin

   Origin: Middle English 'marren' from Old French 'marrer' or 'marier', meaning to damage or injure.

3. traverse · verb/trəˈvɜrs/

   to travel across or through

   We will traverse the mountain path to reach the top.

   Synonyms: cross, pass, journey

   Origin: From Middle English 'traversen,' from Old French 'traverser,' from Latin 'traversare,' meaning to turn across.

4. conscript · noun/kənˈskrɪpt/

   a person who is compulsorily enrolled for military service

   The government announced that all young men must become a conscript for the army this year.

   Synonyms: draftee, recruit, levy

   Origin: from Latin 'conscriptus', meaning 'to enroll, to enlist'

5. beguile · verb/bɪˈɡaɪl/

   to charm or enchant someone in a deceptive way

   The magician tried to beguile the audience with his tricks and illusions.

   Synonyms: charm, deceive, enchant

   Origin: The word originates from the Middle English 'beguile', meaning to deceive or lead astray, derived from the Old French 'guile', meaning to cheat or deceive.