bode, petrify, sate, ignite, defile: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from Word Master set 84. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. bode · verb/boʊd/

   to indicate or predict a future event or outcome

   The dark clouds bode a storm coming our way.

   Synonyms: predict, foretell, signify

   Origin: From Old English 'bōdian' meaning to announce or proclaim

2. petrify · verb/ˈpɛtrəˌfaɪ/

   to convert organic material into stone or a stony substance

   The old tree was petrified over many years, turning into beautiful stone.

   Synonyms: turn to stone, fossilize, mineralize

   Origin: The word derives from the Latin 'petra', meaning 'stone', combined with the Greek 'petrify', meaning 'to make stone'.

3. sate · verb/seɪt/

   to satisfy fully or to excess

   The large meal helped to sate my hunger completely.

   Synonyms: satisfy, fill, quench

   Origin: Middle English 'saten', from Old English 'sætian', meaning to satisfy or to fill.

4. ignite · verb/ɪɡ'naɪt/

   to set on fire or cause to burn

   The campers needed to ignite the wood to start a fire for cooking.

   Synonyms: light, kindle, spark

   Origin: from Latin 'ignīte', which is the past participle of 'ignīre', meaning to set on fire.

5. defile · verb/dɪˈfaɪl/

   to make something dirty, impure, or unworthy of respect

   The spilled paint will defile the beautiful garden, making it look messy.

   Synonyms: pollute, tarnish, contaminate

   Origin: from Old French 'defiler', meaning 'to violate' or 'to make filthy'