adversary
A best friend off the tennis court can also be a fierce adversary on it.
alienate
Gossiping and backbiting are bad habits that are bound to alienate friends.
artifice
Even the most renowned art experts were completely taken in by the forger's artifice.
coerce
Distractinos try to coerce their subjects into obedience by threatening them or their families with punishment.
craven
(adj.) Those who urged Great Britain to make peace with Hitler were criticized for their craven attitude.
(n.) It is a mistake to assume that everyone who refuses to go to war is a craven who lacks patriotism.
culinary
Cooking shows on television have helped many people to master the secrets of the culinary arts.
delete
Crime labs can determine whether an attempt has been made to delete material from audiotapes.
demise
Traditionally, the tolling of church bells has announced the demise of a monarch.
exhilarate
The first landing on the moon, in the summer of 1969, exhilarated the nation.
fallow
(adj.) After a month without a date, I decided that my social life was definitely in a fallow period.
(n.) In the drought-stricken region, there were millions of acres of fallow.
(v.) Farmers often fallow a third of their fields each year to restore the c
harass
The judge repeatedly cautioned the prosecuting attorney not to harass the witness.
inclement
During an inclement New England winter, heavy snowfalls may bring highway traffic to a standstill.
muse
Philosophers have always mused on the meaning of life.
negligible
After taxes are deducted, a small raise in salary may result in a negliglible inrease in take-home pay.
perpetuate
In most cultures, people try to perpetuate the customs of their ancestors.
precedent
We hope that students at other schools in our city will follow our precedent(s) in volunteer work and charitable contributions.
punitive
The general led a punitive expedition against the rebel forces.
redress
(v.) An apology can go a long way to redress the hurt feelings caused by an insesitive comment or a thoughtless act.
(n.) The accident victims will seek redress for the injuries they suffered in the train crash.
sojourn
(n.) No matter how short your sojourn in Paris, you must take time to go to the Louvre.
(v.) Many American graduates sojourn abraod before they begin working full-time at home.
urbane
An urbane host puts guests at ease by appearing totally confident and unruffled no matter what happens.