1.horde (n.) [hɔː(r)d]

a large number of people

Ex: Hordes of tourists arrive in Italy every June.

 

2.drastic (adj.) [ˈdræstɪk]

a drastic action or change has a very big effect

Ex: The company will be taking drastic measures to reduce its debt.

 

3.nosy ((adj.) [ˈnəʊzi]

wanting to know about things that involve other people but not you

Ex: Don't be so nosy!

 

4.strenuous (adj.) [ˈstrenjuəs]

a strenuous activity is one in which it is necessary for you to use a lot of effort, energy, or strength

Ex: The job involves strenuous work and long hours.

 

5.comprehend (v.) [ˌkɒmprɪˈhend]

to understand something

Ex: How could you possibly comprehend the difficulties of my situation?

 

6.complement (v.) [ˈkɒmplɪment]

to combine well with something, often something that has different qualities

Ex: The plants are chosen to complement each other.

 

7.bandwagon (n.) [ˈbændˌwæɡən]

an idea or activity, especially in politics or business, that suddenly becomes very popular or fashionable, so that a lot of people want to be involved in it

Ex: His recent poll victory could start an ultra-nationalist bandwagon rolling.

 

8.humanitarian (adj.) [hjuːˌmænɪˈteəriən]

relating to efforts to help people who are living in very bad conditions and are suffering because of a war, flood, earthquake etc

Ex: Humanitarian relief efforts have been stopped by the attacks.

 

9.traumatize (v.) [ˈtrɔːmətaɪz]

to make someone feel very upset, afraid, or shocked

Ex: Many children are traumatized by their parents' divorce.

 

10.garner (v.) [ˈɡɑː(r)nə(r)]

to collect or obtain a large amount of something useful or important

Ex: His lawyer has garnered considerable evidence in his defence.

 

11.cope (v.) [kəʊp]

to deal successfully with a difficult situation or job

Ex: Considering how bad her injuries are, she's coping very well.

12.exploit (v.) [ɪkˈsplɔɪt]

to treat someone unfairly in order to get some benefit for yourself

Ex: Children are being exploited in many of these factories.

 

13.overstep (v.) [ˌəʊvə(r)ˈstep]

to do something that is considered rude or is not allowed

Ex: The committee had overstepped the bounds of its authority.

 

14.stake (n.) [steɪk]

business the part of a business that you own because you have invested money in it

Ex: They took a 40% stake in the company last year.

 

15.explicit (adj.) [ɪkˈsplɪsɪt]

said or explained in an extremely clear way, so that you cannot doubt what is meant

Ex: Possible side effects should be made explicit.

 

16.surge (n.) [sɜː(r)dʒ]

a sudden increase in something such as price, value, or interest

Ex: Forecasters are predicting a pre-Christmas surge in spending.

 

17.segregation (n.) [ˌseɡrɪˈɡeɪʃ(ə)n]

the policy of keeping people from different groups, especially different races, separate. Integration is the policy of bringing these groups together

Ex: Racial segregation in schools is no longer legal in the US.

 

18.sabotage (n.) [ˈsæbətɑːʒ]

deliberate damage that is done to the property of an enemy or opponent

Ex: Was the explosion an act of sabotage?

 

19.suppress (v.) [səˈpres]

to stop opposition or protest using military force or strict laws

Ex: Pro-independence demonstrations were ruthlessly suppressed.

 

20.incriminate (v.) [ɪnˈkrɪmɪneɪt]

to show or make you think that someone is guilty of a crime

Ex: Be careful you don't say anything to incriminate yourself.

 

21.cuddle (v.) [ˈkʌd(ə)l]

if you cuddle someone, you put your arms round them and hold them close to show that you like or love them

Ex: He took her in his arms and cuddled her.

 

22.burglary (n.) [ˈbɜː(r)ɡləri]

the crime of entering a building illegally in order to steal things

Ex: He was jailed for 12 months for burglary.

 

23.disgrace (n.) [dɪsˈɡreɪs]

the loss of other people's respect because of something bad that you have done

Ex: Holman was sent home in disgrace after assaulting one of the other players.

 

24.nurture (v.) [ˈnɜː(r)tʃə(r)]

to help someone or something to develop

Ex: The magazine had a reputation for nurturing young writers.

 

25.confide (v.) [kənˈfaɪd]

to tell someone a secret or discuss your private feelings with them

Ex: I hope you know that you can always confide in me.