Verb

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Good / Friendly

verb

hobnob - Mix socially, especially with those of higher social status

The social event was Terry's chance to hobnob with other people in his industry.

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Other / Move

verb

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Digress - To temporarily leave the main subject of a conversation or discussion

Please don’t digress—we need to focus on the main issue during these important negotiations.

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Bad / Unfriendly

verb

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Chastise - To scold or criticize someone severely for doing something wrong.

He was chastised by his coach for not following the game plan.

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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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Bad / Confused

verb

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baffle - To totally bewilder, confuse, and mystify.

Martha was baffled about several things in her life, especially why she seemed to spend more money than she had, and why she couldn’t lose weight even though she carefully watched her diet.

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Other / Move

verb

dangle - Hang or swing loosely

The shoes tied together dangled from the power line.

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Other / Squeeze

verb

prod - To persuade or try to persuade (someone) to do something

Betty was a bit shy, but when her teacher and classmates prodded her, she showed off her beautiful voice in front of the whole school.

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Other / Inward

verb

preen - (of a person) devote effort to making oneself look attractive and then admire one's appearance

Before every job interview, Fritz would preen himself in the mirror to make sure he looked presentable.

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Good / Smart

verb

outsmart - To gain an advantage over somebody by acting smarter than they are

The robber outsmarted the bank and police by drilling into the bank vault from the sewer system.

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Bad / Attack

verb

mutilate - To damage something severely

The grizzly bear not only killed Alan's dog, but mutilated its body beyond recognition.

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Other / Slow

verb

hover - Remain in one place in the air

The helicopter hovered above the road as the pilot prepared to set it down.

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Bad / Attack

verb

wallop - Strike or hit (someone or something) very hard

At his birthday party, Robby walloped the piñata so hard that all of the candy fell out of it.