2013.12.16 word (week15-1)

1.dissolve (v.)1) of something solid : to mix with a liquid and become part of the liquid [no obj] ▪ Sugar/salt dissolves in water. [+ obj] ▪ Dissolve the tablet in water.

2) [+ obj] formal : to officially end (something, such as a marriage, organization, or agreement)
▪ She dissolved [=terminated] their partnership.
— often used as (be) dissolved

▪ The marriage/business/government was dissolved.

3) somewhat formal : to end or disappear or cause (something) to end or disappear
[no obj] ▪ His smile dissolved [=disappeared] when I told him the news.
[+ obj] ▪ His kind words dissolved her sadness.

 

 

2.diminish(v.)1) : to become or to cause (something) to become less in size, importance, etc.
 [+ obj] ▪ The passing years did nothing to diminish [=decrease, lessen] their friendship.
[no obj] ▪ My interest in the subject has steadily diminished. [=dwindled]

2) [+ obj] : to lessen the authority or reputation of (someone or something)
▪ Nothing could diminish the importance of his contributions. : to describe (something) as having little value or importance

3.discard(v.)[+ obj] 1) : to throw (something) away because it is useless or unwanted
▪ Remove and discard the stems.
— often used figuratively

▪ Many of his original theories have been discarded [=rejected] in recent years.

2) : to remove (a playing card) from your hand in a card game

▪ She discarded the six of hearts.

4.deteriorate(v.)1) [no obj] : to become worse as time passes
▪ The weather gradually deteriorated [=worsened] as the day went on. fight]

2) [+ obj] : to make (something) worse

▪ Exposure to rain and sun will gradually deteriorate the paint.

5.deter(v.)

[+ obj] 1) : to cause (someone) to decide not to do something
▪ Some potential buyers will be deterred by the price. — often + from

▪ They hoped that the new law would deter advertisers from making false claims.

2) : to prevent (something) from happening
▪ He played an important role in international efforts to deter [=prevent] nuclear war.