Verb

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Bad / Unfriendly

verb

pry - Inquire too closely into a person's private affairs

Sally hated how her little sister would always pry into her personal business.

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Bad / Attack

verb

sabotage - Deliberately destroy, damage, or obstruct (something), especially for political or military advantage.

People who aren't willing to better themselves often resort to sabotaging themselves instead of working through the problem.

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Other / Surprise

verb

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Divulge - To reveal something secret or private, to make known information that was previously hidden.

The company wouldn't divulge any details about the new product, and it would be top secret until it came out.

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Bad / Attack

verb

undermine - To gradually weaken the authority or ability of a person or organization

The polarization and infighting of the members of Congress threatened to undermine its ability to pass meaningful legislation.

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Bad / Aggressive

verb

squelch - To inhibit or suppress

The press secretary firmly denied and squelched the false rumors about the president's policy.

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Bad / Unfriendly

verb

scoff - Speak to someone or about something in a scornfully derisive or mocking way

The mayor scoffed at the ridiculous question from the reporter.

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Other / Light

verb

twinkle - (of a star or light, or a shiny object) shine with a gleam that varies repeatedly between bright and faint

The star twinkled above Denise like a blinking traffic signal.

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Other / Surprise

verb

startle - Cause (a person or animal) to feel sudden shock or alarm

The speeding car startled Victor, and he had just enough time to jump out of the way.

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Bad / Dislike

verb

deplore - Feel or express strong disapproval of (something)

The protestors deplored the corrupt actions of their government.

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Bad / Unhappy

verb

weep - To shed tears

Unable to control their emotions any longer, the mourners at the funeral couldn't help but weep when the pastor spoke of their deceased relative.

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Bad / Unfriendly

verb

polarize - To divide into two completely opposing groups

It's frightening to see how many issues have caused the US to polarize into Right and Left groups that hate each other.

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Other / Body

verb

crouch - Adopt a position where the knees are bent and the upper body is brought forward and down, sometimes to avoid detection or to defend oneself

The soldiers crouched behind the armored vehicle to protect themselves from enemy fire.