Definition: (verb) Arouse hostility or indifference in where there had formerly been love, affection, or friendliness.
Synonyms: alienate, estrange.
Usage: She loved him, but the sweaty gym clothes he left behind every time he borrowed her car began to seriously disaffect her.
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Month: March 2021
jest
joke – Latin jocus, “jest, joke,” gave us joke. More…
ludicrous – Early senses of ludicrous, from the adjective ludic, were “sportive,” “intended as jest” and “spontaneously playful.” More…
juggle, juggler – Juggle is from Latin joculus, a diminutive of jocus, and a juggler was originally a jester. More…
St. Joseph's Day
In Valencia, Spain, the feast of the foster-father of Jesus is a week-long festival called Fallas de San Jose (Bonfires of St. Joseph). On St. Joseph’s Eve, March 18, fallas (huge floats of intricate scenes made of wood and papier-mâché, satirizing everything from the high cost of living to political personalities) parade through the streets. At midnight on March 19, the celebration ends with the spectacular ceremony known as the crema, when all the fallas are set on fire. The festival is said to reflect the happy and satirical nature of the Valencians. Discuss
let down (one's) guard
To become less guarded or vigilant; to stop being cautious about potential trouble or danger. Watch the video
Outer Space
Outer space is the emptiness that exists beyond and between celestial bodies such as stars and planets, including Earth. Though outer space is the closest thing in existence to a perfect vacuum, it is not entirely empty, containing a few hydrogen atoms per cubic meter. Space is also full of radiation, magnetic fields, and—theoretically—dark matter. It is extremely cold. Contrary to popular belief, an unprotected human would neither instantly explode nor freeze in space. What would happen? Discuss
belligerence
Definition: (noun) A hostile or warlike attitude, nature, or inclination.
Synonyms: pugnacity, aggressiveness.
Usage: The little lawyer glared at me a moment, and then the belligerence faded out of his face.
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pea
peanut – Takes its name from its resemblance to peas in a pod and has these synonyms: pinda, goober, groundnut, ground pea, earthnut, and monkey nut; “peanut” appeared in the early 19th century. It is not a nut but a legume (pea). More…
pisiform – Shaped like a pea. More…
Sheelah's Day
Even the Irish aren’t exactly sure who Sheelah was. Some say she was St. Patrick‘s wife; some say his mother. But one thing that they all seem to agree on is how this day should be celebrated: by drinking whiskey. The shamrock worn on St. Patrick’s Day is supposed to be worn on the following day as well, until it is “drowned” in the last glass of the evening. If someone should drop his shamrock into his glass and drink it before the “drowning ceremony” takes place, he has no choice but to get a fresh shamrock and another glass. Discuss
let down (one's) hair
To cease acting formally or conservatively; to let go of one’s inhibitions or reservations. Watch the video
"They Shall Not Pass!"
The phrase “they shall not pass” has been used in several languages to express fortitude in defending a position against the enemy. Its most famous use was by French General Robert Nivelle in World War I during the Battle of Verdun. The Spanish “no pasarán” became an international communist slogan after it was used in 1936 by an antifascist leader in Spain defending against nationalist forces laying siege to Madrid. How did the nationalist leader allegedly respond upon taking the city? Discuss