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noun

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bully - Someone who threatens or coerces others who are smaller or weaker

Bart was the schoolyard bully, and all the other kids were afraid of him.

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.

adjective

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scathing - Witheringly scornful; severely critical

After receiving poor service and undercooked food, the critic wrote a scathing review of the restaurant.

verb

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flaunt - To treat or behave in a way that shows disregard for rules or norms

He seemed to flaunt the rules, walking in late without explanation.

verb

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haggle - To dispute or bargain persistently, especially over the cost of something

After 20 minutes Mary finally agreed not to haggle any more and bought the car at a slight discount.

adjective

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vindictive - Having or showing a strong or unreasoning desire for revenge

In the pilgrim's nightmare, the vindictive Thanksgiving turkeys sought revenge for being eaten.

adjective

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jilted - Suddenly reject or abandon (a lover)

The wedding was ruined once the jilted bride realized the groom wasn't coming.

adjective

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unforgiving - Not making an allowance for error or weakness in others; not willing to forgive others for things they might have done wrong.

Because they knew that Alaska in the winter is an unforgiving environment, they had to plan their expedition very carefully.

adjective

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contentious - Likely to cause disagreement or argument

When the parents invited the whole clan for Thanksgiving, they asked everyone to try to get along, and to avoid discussing contentious topics.

adjective

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confrontational - Tending to deal with situations in an aggressive or argumentative way.

The manager’s confrontational tone created tension among the staff.

verb

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malign - To speak harmful untruths about someone – to slander or defame, showing illwill.

She warned her friend not to malign others just to gain popularity.

verb

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trivialize - To make something seem less important or serious than it really is.

It's important not to trivialize learning and understanding, because little that is meaningful can be accomplished without them.