Word Master — Set 58

Set 58 of Word Master covers 5 words: despoil, shudder, refurbish, slake, harry. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. despoil · verb/dɪˈspɔɪl/

   to violently remove or destroy valuable possessions or resources

   The soldiers came to despoil the village, taking all the valuable items and leaving nothing behind.

   Synonyms: plunder, rob, loot

   Origin: From Middle English 'despoilen', derived from Old French 'despoillier', which comes from Latin 'despoliare' (to strip of belongings).

2. shudder · verb/ˈʃʌdər/

   to shake or tremble suddenly from fear or disgust

   She shuddered at the thought of walking alone in the dark.

   Synonyms: tremble, shake, shiver

   Origin: Middle English 'schudden', from Old English 'sceotan' meaning 'to shake'

3. refurbish · verb/rɪˈfɜrˌbɪʃ/

   to restore or renovate something to a good condition

   We decided to refurbish the old school building to make it more welcoming for students.

   Synonyms: renovate, restore, refresh

   Origin: from Latin 'refurbire', meaning to 'polish again' or 'to freshen up'

4. slake · verb/sleɪk/

   to satisfy or quench a desire or thirst

   After the long hike, I drank water to slake my thirst.

   Synonyms: satisfy, quench, relieve

   Origin: Origin from Middle English 'slaken', meaning to lessen or to become less.

5. harry · verb/ˈhæri/

   to harass or annoy persistently

   The children harried the teacher with many questions all at once.

   Synonyms: harass, bother, annoy

   Origin: Middle English 'herien', from Old French 'harier', meaning 'to set upon, attack'.