sever, abrade, putrefy, flounder, surfeit: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from Word Master set 74. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. sever · verb/ˈsɛv.ər/

   to cut off or break apart

   The strong storm could sever the power lines, leaving the town in darkness.

   Synonyms: cut, split, detach

   Origin: from Old French 'severer', from Latin 'separare', meaning 'to separate'.

2. abrade · verb/əˈbreɪd/

   to scrape or wear away the surface of something

   The rough surface of the sandpaper will abrade the wood until it is smooth.

   Synonyms: scrape, wear, erode

   Origin: from Latin 'abradere', which means 'to scrape off'

3. putrefy · verb/ˈpjuːtəˌfraɪ/

   to decay or rot, producing a foul smell

   The leftover food began to putrefy in the warm kitchen, releasing a terrible smell.

   Synonyms: decay, rot, decompose

   Origin: from Latin 'putrefacere', meaning 'to make rotten'

4. flounder · verb/ˈflaʊndər/

   to struggle or move clumsily in water or mud

   The fish began to flounder in the shallow water as it tried to escape.

   Synonyms: struggle, stumble, flail

   Origin: Middle English 'floundren', from 'flounder' (fish) due to the way the fish moves clumsily.

5. surfeit · noun/ˈsɜrɪfɪt/

   an excessive amount of something

   After the party, there was a surfeit of food that we couldn't finish.

   Synonyms: excess, surplus, overabundance

   Origin: from Middle English 'surfeiten', which comes from Old French 'surfaire' meaning 'to do excessively'