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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.

noun

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barb - A remark that is funny but unkind.

Burt realized that Sam was not really his friend when Sam made several barbed comments directed at Burt at the dinner party.

adjective

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overbearing - Unpleasantly or arrogantly controlling.

She decided not to marry him, because even though he was brilliant and handsome, he was too controlling and overbearing.

verb

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berate - To criticize someone in an angry manner

When the private acted in an inappropriate way, his officer berated him to give him the message clearly not to act that way again.

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.

verb

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shun - To persistently avoid, ignore, or reject (someone or something) through antipathy or caution

When David tried to join in the conversation at the club, they ignored him, and he suspected that he was being shunned because he had a different religion than they did.

verb

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rankle - To act in a way that is annoying and irritating.

Drake would get angry when his coworkers would rankle him with ridiculous requests.

verb

See noun

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slander - To make a false spoken statement about someone that damages their reputation

The politician slandered his opponent using misleading information and false news.

verb

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badger - To repeatedly and annoyingly ask someone to do something.

Every time that Arnold asked Samantha to go out on a date, she would tell him firmly ‘No’. But each time he saw her, he would badger her again and again about wanting to go out, and again she said 'No!'

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.

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.

noun

See verb

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ridicule - The subjection of someone or something to contemptuous and dismissive language or behavior

Tommy was the object of ridicule after he revealed an embarrassing secret.