adjure, ingratiate, perseverate, eviscerate, disconcert: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from Word Master set 89. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. adjure · verb/əˈdʒʊr/

   to command solemnly or earnestly

   The teacher adjured the students to study hard for their exams.

   Synonyms: urge, beseech, implore

   Origin: from Old French 'adjurer', from Latin 'adjurare', meaning 'to swear to' or 'to entreat solemnly'

2. ingratiate · verb/ɪnˈɡreɪʃiˌeɪt/

   to bring oneself into favor with someone by flattering or trying to please them

   He tried to ingratiate himself with the boss by bringing her coffee every morning.

   Synonyms: curry favor, flatter, wheedle

   Origin: The word comes from the Latin 'ingratiari', meaning 'to bring into favor'.

3. perseverate · verb/pərˈsɛv.ə.reɪt/

   to repeat or prolong an action, thought, or utterance after the stimulus that prompted it has ceased

   She began to perseverate on her mistake, thinking about it again and again even after the meeting was over.

   Synonyms: repeat, reiterate, endure

   Origin: from Latin 'perseverare', meaning 'to persist'

4. eviscerate · verb/ɪˈvɪs.ə.reɪt/

   to remove the internal organs of a creature

   The chef decided to eviscerate the fish before cooking it.

   Synonyms: disembowel, gut, remove

   Origin: Latin 'eviscerare', from 'e-' (out of) and 'viscera' (internal organs)

5. disconcert · verb/dɪsˈkənˌsɜrt/

   to disturb the composure of someone

   The loud noise outside disconcerted the children during their exam.

   Synonyms: upset, confuse, disturb

   Origin: from French 'déconcerto', meaning 'to unnerve', from Latin 'dis-' meaning 'apart' + 'concertare' meaning 'to bring together'