exalt, decimate, disseminate, rue, pillage: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from Word Master set 47. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. exalt · verb/ɪɡˈzɔlt/

   to raise in rank, dignity, or importance

   The school decided to exalt the best students by giving them special awards.

   Synonyms: elevate, uplift, raise

   Origin: from Latin 'exaltare', meaning 'to raise high'

2. decimate · verb/ˈdɛs.ɪ.meɪt/

   to destroy a large part of something

   The hurricane will decimate the small town, leaving many homes in ruins.

   Synonyms: destroy, devastate, ruin

   Origin: from Latin 'decimare', meaning to take a tenth part; originally referred to the Roman practice of killing one in every ten soldiers as a punishment

3. disseminate · verb/dɪˈsɛməˌneɪt/

   to spread or disperse information or knowledge widely

   The school plans to disseminate information about the new health program to all parents.

   Synonyms: spread, distribute, circulate

   Origin: from Latin 'dissēmināre', meaning to sow widely

4. rue · verb/ru/

   to feel regret or remorse for something

   She will rue the day she ignored my advice.

   Synonyms: regret, lament, sorrow

   Origin: from Middle English 'ruen', from Old French 'ruer', from Latin 'rugere' meaning 'to roar, groan'.

5. pillage · verb/ˈpɪl.ɪdʒ/

   to rob a place using violence, especially during war

   The soldiers decided to pillage the village after the battle, taking all the food and valuables they could find.

   Synonyms: looting, plundering, ransacking

   Origin: Middle English from the Old French word 'piller' meaning 'to rob' or 'to plunder,' which originates from Latin 'pīlagere' meaning 'to plunder.'