# dict

Words: guesstimate
Meaning:
guess.ti.mate\n   guesstimate  guesstimates\n  A guesstimate is an approximate calculation which is based mainly or entirely on guessing. (INFORMAL)\n  N-COUNT\n  = guess


Words: guesswork
Meaning:
guess.work\n   guesswork\n  Guesswork is the process of trying to guess or estimate something without knowing all the facts or information.\nThe question of who planted the bomb remains a matter of guesswork.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: guest
Meaning:
guest  guests\n1. A guest is someone who is visiting you or is at an event because you have invited them.\nShe was a guest at the wedding...\nTheir guests sipped drinks on the veranda.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. A guest is someone who visits a place or organization or appears on a radio or television show because they have been invited to do so.\n...a frequent chat show guest...\nDr Gerald Jeffers is the guest speaker...\nThey met when she made a guest appearance in the hit TV show Minder.\n  N-COUNT\n\n3. A guest is someone who is staying in a hotel.\nI was the only hotel guest...\nHotels operate a collection service for their guests from the airports.\n  N-COUNT\n\n4. If you say be my guest to someone, you are giving them permission to do something.\nIf anybody wants to work on this, be my guest.\n  CONVENTION


Words: guest book
Meaning:
guest book  guest books\n  A guest book is a book in which guests write their names and addresses when they have been staying in someone’s house or in a hotel.\n  N-COUNT


Words: guest house
Meaning:
guest house  guest houses   also guesthouse\n1. A guest house is a small hotel. (BRIT)\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. A guest house is a small house in the grounds of a large house, where visitors can stay. (AM)\n  N-COUNT


Words: guest of honour
Meaning:
guest of hon.our\n   guest of honour  guests of honour\nin AM, use guest of honor\n  If you say that someone is the guest of honour at a dinner or other social occasion, you mean that they are the most important guest.\n  N-COUNT: usu sing


Words: guest room
Meaning:
guest room  guest rooms\n  A guest room is a bedroom in a house or hotel for visitors or guests to sleep in.\n  N-COUNT


Words: guest worker
Meaning:
guest work.er\n   guest worker  guest workers\n  A guest worker is a person, especially one from a poor country, who lives and works in a different country for a period.\n  N-COUNT


Words: guff
Meaning:
guff\n  If you say that what someone has said or written is guff, you think that it is nonsense. (INFORMAL)\n  N-UNCOUNT  disapproval


Words: guffaw
Meaning:
guf.faw\n   guffaw  guffaws  guffawing  guffawed\n1. A guffaw is a very loud laugh.\nHe bursts into a loud guffaw.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. To guffaw means to laugh loudly.\nAs they guffawed loudly, the ticket collector arrived...\n`Ha, ha,’ everyone guffawed. `It’s one of Viv’s shock tactics.’\n  VERB: V, V with quote, also V at n


Words: guidance
Meaning:
guid.ance\n   guidance\n  Guidance is help and advice.\n...an opportunity for young people to improve their performance under the guidance of professional coaches...\nThe nation looks to them for guidance.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft the N of n, supp N


Words: guidance counselor
Meaning:
guid.ance coun.se.lor\n   guidance counselor  guidance counselors\nin BRIT, use guidance counsellor\n  A guidance counselor is a person who works in a school giving students advice about careers and personal problems. (mainly AM)\n  N-COUNT


Words: guidance system
Meaning:
guid.ance sys.tem\n   guidance system  guidance systems\n  The guidance system of a missile or rocket is the device which controls its course.\nThe guidance systems didn’t work and the missile couldn’t hit its target.\n  N-COUNT


Words: Guide
Meaning:
Guide  Guides\n1. In Britain, the Guides is an organization for girls which teaches them to become practical and independent. The Guides used to be called the Girl Guides. In the United States, there is a similar organization called the Girl Scouts.\n  N-PROPER-COLL: the N\n\n2. In Britain, a Guide is a girl who is a member of the Guides.\n  N-COUNT


Words: guide
Meaning:
guide  guides  guiding  guided\n1. A guide is a book that gives you information or instructions to help you do or understand something.\nOur 10-page guide will help you to change your life for the better.\n...the Pocket Guide to Butterflies of Britain and Europe.\n  N-COUNT; N-IN-NAMES\n  = guidebook\n2. A guide is a book that gives tourists information about a town, area, or country.\nThe Rough Guide to Paris lists accommodation for as little as .25 a night.\n  N-COUNT; N-IN-NAMES\n  = guidebook\n3. A guide is someone who shows tourists around places such as museums or cities.\nWe’ve arranged a walking tour of the city with your guide.\n  N-COUNT\n\n4. If you guide someone around a city, museum, or building, you show it to them and explain points of interest.\n...a young Egyptologist who guided us through tombs and temples with enthusiasm...\nThere will be guided walks around the site.\n  VERB: V n adv/prep, V-ed\n\n  see also guided tour\n5. A guide is someone who shows people the way to a place in a difficult or dangerous region.\nThe mountain people say that, with guides, the journey can be done in fourteen days.\n  N-COUNT\n\n6. A guide is something that can be used to help you plan your actions or to form an opinion about something.\nAs a rough guide, a horse needs 2.5 per cent of his body weight in food every day...\nWhen selecting fresh fish, let your taste buds be your guide.\n  N-COUNT: usu sing\n\n7. If you guide someone somewhere, you go there with them in order to show them the way.\nHe took the bewildered Elliott by the arm and guided him out...\n  VERB: V n adv/prep\n  = lead\n8. If you guide a vehicle somewhere, you control it carefully to make sure that it goes in the right direction.\nCaptain Shelton guided his plane down the runway and took off.\n  VERB: V n adv/prep\n\n9. If something guides you somewhere, it gives you the information you need in order to go in the right direction.\nThey sailed across the Baltic and North Seas with only a compass to guide them.\n  VERB: V n\n\n10. If something or someone guides you, they influence your actions or decisions.\nHe should have let his instinct guide him...\nMy mother, whose guiding principle in life was doing right, had a far greater influence on me.\n  VERB: V n, V-ing\n\n11. If you guide someone through something that is difficult to understand or to achieve, you help them to understand it or to achieve success in it.\n...a free helpline to guide businessmen through the maze of EU grants...\n  VERB: V n adv/prep


Words: guide dog
Meaning:
guide dog  guide dogs\n  A guide dog is a dog that has been trained to lead a blind person. (mainly BRIT; in AM, usually use seeing-eye dog)\n  N-COUNT


Words: guidebook
Meaning:
guide.book\n   guidebook  guidebooks   also guide book\n1. A guidebook is a book that gives tourists information about a town, area, or country.\n  N-COUNT\n  = guide\n2. A guidebook is a book that gives you information or instructions to help you do or understand something.\nIn 1987 Congressional Quarterly published a series of guidebooks to American politics.\n  N-COUNT\n  = guide


Words: guided missile
Meaning:
guid.ed mis.sile\n   guided missile  guided missiles\n  A guided missile is a missile whose direction can be controlled while it is in the air.\n  N-COUNT


Words: guided tour
Meaning:
guid.ed tour\n   guided tour  guided tours\n  If someone takes you on a guided tour of a place, they show you the place and tell you about it.\n  N-COUNT: oft N of n


Words: guided writing
Meaning:
guid.ed writ.ing\n   guided writing\n  In language teaching, when students do guided writing activities, they are given an outline in words or pictures to help them write.\n...some guided writing tasks.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft N n


Words: guideline
Meaning:
guide.line\n   guideline  guidelines\n1. If an organization issues guidelines on something, it issues official advice about how to do it.\nThe government should issue clear guidelines on the content of religious education...\nThe accord also lays down guidelines for the conduct of American drug enforcement agents.\n  N-COUNT: usu pl\n\n2. A guideline is something that can be used to help you plan your actions or to form an opinion about something.\nThe effects of the sun can be significantly reduced if we follow certain guidelines...\n  N-COUNT


Words: guild
Meaning:
guild  guilds\n  A guild is an organization of people who do the same job.\n...the Writers’ Guild of America.\n  N-COUNT: oft in names, N of n


Words: guilder
Meaning:
guil.der\n   guilder  guilders\n  A guilder was a unit of money that was used in the Netherlands. In 2002 it was replaced by the euro.\n  N-COUNT: num N\n\n  The guilder was also used to refer to the Dutch currency system.\nDuring the turmoil in the foreign-exchange markets the guilder remained strong.\n  N-SING: the N


Words: guildhall
Meaning:
guild.hall\n   guildhall  guildhalls\n  In Britain, a guildhall is a building near the centre of a town where members of a guild used to meet in former times.\n  N-COUNT


Words: guile
Meaning:
guile\n  Guile is the quality of being good at deceiving people in a clever way.\nI love children’s innocence and lack of guile.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: guileless
Meaning:
guile.less\n   guileless\n  If you describe someone as guileless, you mean that they behave openly and truthfully and do not try to deceive people. (WRITTEN)\nDaphne was so guileless that Claire had no option but to believe her.\n  ADJ  approval


Words: guillotine
Meaning:
guil.lo.tine\n   guillotine  guillotines  guillotining  guillotined\n1. A guillotine is a device used to execute people, especially in France in the past. A sharp blade was raised up on a frame and dropped onto the person’s neck.\nOne after the other Danton, Robespierre and the rest went to the guillotine.\n  N-COUNT: also by N\n\n2. If someone is guillotined, they are killed with a guillotine.\nAfter Marie Antoinette was guillotined, her lips moved in an attempt to speak.\n  VERB: usu passive, be V-ed\n\n3. A guillotine is a device used for cutting paper.\n  N-COUNT


Words: guilt
Meaning:
guilt\n1. Guilt is an unhappy feeling that you have because you have done something wrong or think that you have done something wrong.\nHer emotions had ranged from anger to guilt in the space of a few seconds...\nSome cancer patients experience strong feelings of guilt.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. Guilt is the fact that you have done something wrong or illegal.\nThe trial is concerned only with the determination of guilt according to criminal law...\nYou weren’t convinced of Mr Matthews’ guilt.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: guilt complex
Meaning:
guilt com.plex\n   guilt complex  guilt complexes\n  If you say that someone has a guilt complex about something, you mean that they feel very guilty about it, in a way that you consider is exaggerated, unreasonable, or unnecessary.\n  N-COUNT  disapproval


Words: guilt-ridden
Meaning:
guilt-ridden\n  If a person is guilt-ridden, they feel very guilty about something.\nIn the first week of January, thousands of guilt-ridden people signed up for fitness courses or embarked on diets.\n  ADJ


Words: guilty
Meaning:
guilty  guiltier  guiltiest\n1. If you feel guilty, you feel unhappy because you think that you have done something wrong or have failed to do something which you should have done.\nI feel so guilty, leaving all this to you...\nWhen she saw me she looked guilty.\n  ADJ: usu v-link ADJ, oft ADJ about n\n\n=>  guilti.ly\nHe glanced guiltily over his shoulder.\n  ADV: ADV with v\n\n2. Guilty is used of an action or fact that you feel guilty about.\nMany may be keeping it a guilty secret...\nI leave with a guilty sense of relief.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\nguilty conscience: see conscience\n3. If someone is guilty of a crime or offence, they have committed that crime or offence.\nThey were found guilty of murder...\nHe pleaded guilty to causing actual bodily harm.\n  ADJ: oft ADJ of n/-ing\n\n4. If someone is guilty of doing something wrong, they have done that thing.\nHe claimed Mr Brooke had been guilty of a `gross error of judgment’...\nThey will consider whether or not he has been guilty of serious professional misconduct.\n  ADJ: oft ADJ of n/-ing


Words: guinea
Meaning:
guinea  guineas\n  A guinea is an old British unit of money that was worth .1.05. Guineas are still sometimes used, for example in auctions.\n  N-COUNT


Words: guinea fowl
Meaning:
guinea fowl  guinea fowl\n  A guinea fowl is a large grey African bird that is often eaten as food.\n  N-COUNT


Words: guinea pig
Meaning:
guinea pig  guinea pigs   also guinea-pig\n1. If someone is used as a guinea pig in an experiment, something is tested on them that has not been tested on people before.\n...a human guinea pig...\nNearly 500,000 pupils are to be guinea pigs in a trial run of the new 14-plus exams.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. A guinea pig is a small furry animal without a tail. Guinea pigs are often kept as pets.\n  N-COUNT


Words: guise
Meaning:
guise  guises\n  You use guise to refer to the outward appearance or form of someone or something, which is often temporary or different from their real nature.\nHe turned up at a fancy dress Easter dance in the guise of a white rabbit...\n  N-COUNT: with supp, oft in/under the N of n


Words: guitar
Meaning:
gui.tar\n   guitar  guitars\n  A guitar is a musical instrument with six strings and a long neck. You play the guitar by plucking or strumming the strings.\n  N-VAR: oft the N


Words: gulag
Meaning:
gu.lag\n   gulag  gulags\n  A gulag is a prison camp where conditions are extremely bad and the prisoners are forced to work very hard. The name gulag comes from the prison camps in the former Soviet Union.\n  N-COUNT


Words: gulch
Meaning:
gulch  gulches\n  A gulch is a long narrow valley with steep sides which has been made by a stream flowing through it. (mainly AM)\n...California Gulch.\n  N-COUNT: oft in names


Words: Gulf
Meaning:
Gulf\n  The Gulf is used to refer to the Arabian Gulf, the Persian Gulf and the surrounding countries.\n...the Gulf crisis.\n...the Gulf war.\n...the oil wells of the Gulf.\n  N-PROPER: the N, oft N n


Words: gulf
Meaning:
gulf  gulfs\n1. A gulf is an important or significant difference between two people, things, or groups.\nWithin society, there is a growing gulf between rich and poor.\n...the gulf between rural and urban life.\n  N-COUNT: oft N between pl-n\n\n2. A gulf is a large area of sea which extends a long way into the surrounding land.\nHurricane Andrew was last night heading into the Gulf of Mexico.\n  N-COUNT


Words: gullet
Meaning:
gul.let\n   gullet  gullets\n  Your gullet is the tube which goes from your mouth to your stomach.\n  N-COUNT


Words: gullible
Meaning:
gul.lible\n   gullible\n  If you describe someone as gullible, you mean they are easily tricked because they are too trusting.\nI’m so gullible I would have believed him.\n  ADJ\n\n=>  gul.li.bil.ity\nWas she taking part of the blame for her own gullibility?\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft with poss


Words: gully
Meaning:
gul.ly\n   gully  gullies   also gulley\n  A gully is a long narrow valley with steep sides.\nThe bodies of the three climbers were located at the bottom of a steep gully.\n  N-COUNT


Words: gulp
Meaning:
gulp  gulps  gulping  gulped\n1. If you gulp something, you eat or drink it very quickly by swallowing large quantities of it at once.\nShe quickly gulped her tea.\n  VERB: V n\n\n2. If you gulp, you swallow air, often making a noise in your throat as you do so, because you are nervous or excited. (WRITTEN)\nI gulped, and then proceeded to tell her the whole story...\n`I’m sorry,’ he gulped.\n  VERB: V, V with quote\n\n3. If you gulp air, you breathe in a large amount of air quickly through your mouth.\nShe gulped air into her lungs...\nHe slumped back, gulping for air.\n  VERB: V n into n, V for n\n\n4. A gulp of air, food, or drink, is a large amount of it that you swallow at once.\nI took in a large gulp of air...\nWhen his whisky came he drank half of it in one gulp.\n  N-COUNT: oft N of n


Words: gulp down
Meaning:
gulp down\n  If you gulp down food or drink, you quickly eat or drink it all by swallowing large quantities of it at once.\nShe gulped down a mouthful of coffee...\nHe’d gulped it down in one bite.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n, V n P


Words: gum
Meaning:
gum  gums  gumming  gummed\n1. Gum is a substance, usually tasting of mint, which you chew for a long time but do not swallow.\n  N-MASS\n\n  see also bubblegum, chewing gum\n2. Your gums are the areas of firm, pink flesh inside your mouth, which your teeth grow out of.\nThe toothbrush gently removes plaque without damaging the gums.\n...gum disease.\n  N-COUNT: usu pl\n\n3. Gum is a type of glue that is used to stick two pieces of paper together. (mainly BRIT)\nHe was holding up a pound note that had been torn in half and stuck together with gum.\n  N-MASS\n\n=>  gummed\n...gummed labels.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n4. If two things are gummed together, they are stuck together. (BRIT)\nIt is a mild infection in which a baby’s eyelashes can become gummed together.\n  ADJ\n  = stuck


Words: gumball
Meaning:
gum.ball\n   gumball  gumballs\n  Gumballs are round, brightly coloured balls of chewing gum. (mainly AM)\n  N-COUNT


Words: gumbo
Meaning:
gum.bo\n   gumbo  gumbos\n1. Gumbo is a type of soup or stew from the southern United States. It can be made with meat or fish, and usually contains okra.\n  N-VAR\n\n2. In parts of the United States, gumbo is another name for okra.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: gumboot
Meaning:
gum.boot\n   gumboot  gumboots\n  Gumboots are long rubber boots which you wear to keep your feet dry. (BRIT OLD-FASHIONED)\n  N-COUNT: usu pl\n  = wellington


Words: gumdrop
Meaning:
gum.drop\n   gumdrop  gumdrops\n  A gumdrop is a chewy sweet which feels like firm rubber and usually tastes of fruit.\n  N-COUNT


Words: gumption
Meaning:
gump.tion\n   gumption\n1. If someone has gumption, they are able to think what it would be sensible to do in a particular situation, and they do it. (INFORMAL)\nSurely anyone with marketing gumption should be able to sell good books at any time of year.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. If someone has the gumption to do something, they are brave enough to do it.\nHe suspected that deep down, she admired him for having the gumption to disagree with her.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft the N to-inf


Words: gun
Meaning:
gun  guns  gunning  gunned\n1. A gun is a weapon from which bullets or other things are fired.\nHe produced a gun and he came into the house...\nThe inner-city has guns and crime and drugs and deprivation.\n...gun control laws.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. A gun or a starting gun is an object like a gun that is used to make a noise to signal the start of a race.\nThe starting gun blasted and they were off.\n  N-COUNT\n\n3. To gun an engine or a vehicle means to make it start or go faster by pressing on the accelerator pedal. (mainly AM)\nHe gunned his engine and drove off.\n  VERB: V n\n\n4.\n  see also airgun, machine-gun, shotgun, sub-machine gun\n5. If you come out with guns blazing or with all guns blazing, you put all your effort and energy into trying to achieve something.\nThe company came out with guns blazing.\n  PHRASE: PHR after v\n\n6. If you jump the gun, you do something before everyone else or before the proper or right time. (INFORMAL)\nIt wasn’t due to be released until September 10, but some booksellers have jumped the gun and decided to sell it early.\n  PHRASE: V inflects\n\n7. If you stick to your guns, you continue to have your own opinion about something even though other people are trying to tell you that you are wrong. (INFORMAL)\nHe should have stuck to his guns and refused to meet her.\n  PHRASE: V inflects


Words: gun control
Meaning:
gun con.trol\n   gun control\n  Gun control refers to the laws that restrict the possession and use of guns.\nFrance has tight gun-control laws for handguns, but not for hunting rifles.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft N n


Words: gun dog
Meaning:
gun dog  gun dogs   also gundog\n  A gun dog is a dog that has been trained to work with a hunter or gamekeeper, especially to find and carry back birds or animals that have been shot.\n  N-COUNT


Words: gun down
Meaning:
gun down\n  If someone is gunned down, they are shot and severely injured or killed. (JOURNALISM)\nHe had been gunned down and killed at point-blank range.\n  PHRASAL VERB: usu passive, be V-ed P


Words: gun for
Meaning:
gun for\n  If someone is gunning for you, they are trying to find a way to harm you or cause you trouble. (INFORMAL)\nYou knew that they were gunning for you, but did you ever imagine that it would be as bad as this?\n  PHRASAL VERB: only cont, V P n


Words: gun-runner
Meaning:
gun-runner  gun-runners\nin AM, use gunrunner\n  A gun-runner is someone who takes or sends guns into a country secretly and illegally.\n  N-COUNT


Words: gun-running
Meaning:
gun-running\n  Gun-running is the activity of taking or sending guns into a country secretly and illegally.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: gun-shy
Meaning:
gun-shy\n  If someone is gun-shy, they are nervous or afraid.\nThe electric-power industry is gun-shy about building more large plants.\n  ADJ: usu v-link ADJ


Words: gunboat
Meaning:
gun.boat\n   gunboat  gunboats\n  A gunboat is a small ship which has several large guns fixed on it.\n  N-COUNT


Words: gunfight
Meaning:
gun.fight\n   gunfight  gunfights\n  A gunfight is a fight between people using guns.\n  N-COUNT\n\n=>  gun.fighter      gunfighters\nEastwood plays retired gunfighter Will Munny.\n  N-COUNT


Words: gunfire
Meaning:
gun.fire\n   gunfire\n  Gunfire is the repeated shooting of guns.\nThe sound of gunfire and explosions grew closer.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: gung ho
Meaning:
gung ho   also gung-ho\n  If you say that someone is gung ho, you mean that they are very enthusiastic or eager to do something, for example to fight in a battle. (INFORMAL)\nHe has warned some of his more gung ho generals about the consequences of an invasion...\nSenate Republicans are less gung-ho about tax cuts.\n  ADJ


Words: gunge
Meaning:
gunge\n  You use gunge to refer to a soft, sticky substance, especially if it is unpleasant. (BRIT INFORMAL)\nHe had painted the floors with some kind of black gunge.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n  = gunk


Words: gunk
Meaning:
gunk\n  You use gunk to refer to any soft sticky substance, especially if it is unpleasant. (INFORMAL)\n  N-UNCOUNT\n  = gunge


Words: gunman
Meaning:
gun.man\n   gunman  gunmen\n  A gunman is a man who uses a gun to commit a crime such as murder or robbery. (JOURNALISM)\nTwo policemen were killed when gunmen opened fire on their patrol vehicle.\n  N-COUNT


Words: gunnery
Meaning:
gun.nery\n   gunnery\n  Gunnery is the activity of firing large guns. (MILITARY, TECHNICAL)\nDuring the Second World War the area was used for gunnery practice.\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu N n


Words: gunpoint
Meaning:
gun.point\n   gunpoint\n  If you are held at gunpoint, someone is threatening to shoot and kill you if you do not obey them.\nShe and her two daughters were held at gunpoint by a gang who burst into their home.\n  PHRASE: PHR after v


Words: gunpowder
Meaning:
gun.powder\n   gunpowder\n  Gunpowder is an explosive substance which is used to make fireworks or cause explosions.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: gunshot
Meaning:
gun.shot\n   gunshot  gunshots\n1. Gunshot is used to refer to bullets that are fired from a gun.\nThey had died of gunshot wounds.\n...avoiding the volleys of gunshot.\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu N n\n\n2. A gunshot is the firing of a gun or the sound of a gun being fired.\nA balloon popped, sounding like a gunshot.\n  N-COUNT


Words: gunslinger
Meaning:
gun.slinger\n   gunslinger  gunslingers\n  A gunslinger is someone, especially a criminal, who uses guns in fighting.\n  N-COUNT


Words: gurgle
Meaning:
gur.gle\n   gurgle  gurgles  gurgling  gurgled\n1. If water is gurgling, it is making the sound that it makes when it flows quickly and unevenly through a narrow space.\n...a narrow stone-edged channel along which water gurgles unseen.\n  VERB: V adv/prep\n\n  Gurgle is also a noun.\nWe could hear the swish and gurgle of water against the hull.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. If someone, especially a baby, is gurgling, they are making a sound in their throat similar to the gurgling of water.\nHenry gurgles happily in his baby chair.\n  VERB: V\n\n  Gurgle is also a noun.\nThere was a gurgle of laughter on the other end of the line.\n  N-COUNT


Words: gurney
Meaning:
gur.ney\n   gurney  gurneys\n  A gurney is a bed on wheels that is used in hospitals for moving sick or injured people. (AM; in BRIT, use trolley)\n  N-COUNT


Words: guru
Meaning:
guru  gurus\n1. A guru is a person who some people regard as an expert or leader.\nFashion gurus dictate crazy ideas such as squeezing oversized bodies into tight trousers.\n  N-COUNT: oft n N\n\n2. A guru is a religious and spiritual leader and teacher, especially in Hinduism.\n  N-COUNT; N-TITLE


Words: gush
Meaning:
gush  gushes  gushing  gushed\n1. When liquid gushes out of something, or when something gushes a liquid, the liquid flows out very quickly and in large quantities.\nPiping-hot water gushed out...\nA supertanker continues to gush oil off the coast of Spain.\n  VERB: V adv/prep, V n\n\n2. A gush of liquid is a sudden, rapid flow of liquid, or a quantity of it that suddenly flows out.\nI heard a gush of water.\n  N-SING: usu N of n\n\n3. If someone gushes, they express their admiration or pleasure in an exaggerated way.\n`Oh, it was brilliant,’ he gushes...\nHe gushed about his love for his wife.\n  VERB: V with quote, V prep\n\n=>  gush.ing\nHe delivered a gushing speech.\n  ADJ


Words: gussy
Meaning:
gussy  gussies gussying gussied\n=>  gussy up\n  If someone is gussied up, they are dressed very smartly. If something is gussied up, it is made more interesting or attractive. (mainly AM INFORMAL)\nThey all got gussied up.\n...plans to gussy up the venues, offering better food and games arcades.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V-ed P, V P n (not pron), also V pron P


Words: gust
Meaning:
gust  gusts  gusting  gusted\n1. A gust is a short, strong, sudden rush of wind.\nA gust of wind drove down the valley...\nA hurricane-force gust blew off part of a church tower.\n  N-COUNT: oft N of n\n\n2. When the wind gusts, it blows with short, strong, sudden rushes.\nThe wind gusted again...\nThe wind gusted up to 164 miles an hour.\n  VERB: V, V prep/adv\n\n3. If you feel a gust of emotion, you feel the emotion suddenly and intensely.\n...a small gust of pleasure.\n  N-COUNT: N of n


Words: gusto
Meaning:
gus.to\n   gusto\n  If you do something with gusto, you do it with energetic and enthusiastic enjoyment.\nHers was a minor part, but she played it with gusto.\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu with N  approval


Words: gusty
Meaning:
gusty\n  Gusty winds are very strong and irregular.\nWeather forecasts predict more hot weather, gusty winds and lightning strikes.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: gut
Meaning:
gut  guts  gutting  gutted\n1. A person’s or animal’s guts are all the organs inside them.\nBy the time they finish, the crewmen are standing ankle-deep in fish guts.\n  N-PLURAL\n\n2. When someone guts a dead animal or fish, they prepare it for cooking by removing all the organs from inside it.\nIt is not always necessary to gut the fish prior to freezing.\n  VERB: V n\n\n3. The gut is the tube inside the body of a person or animal through which food passes while it is being digested.\n  N-SING: the/poss N\n\n4. Guts is the will and courage to do something which is difficult or unpleasant, or which might have unpleasant results. (INFORMAL)\nThe new Chancellor has the guts to push through unpopular tax increases...\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n5. A gut feeling is based on instinct or emotion rather than reason.\nLet’s have your gut reaction to the facts as we know them.\n  N-SING: usu N n\n\n6. You can refer to someone’s stomach as their gut, especially when it is very large and sticks out. (INFORMAL)\nHis gut sagged out over his belt.\n  N-COUNT: usu sing\n\n  see also beer gut\n7. To gut a building means to destroy the inside of it so that only its outside walls remain.\nOver the weekend, a firebomb gutted a building where 60 people lived...\nA factory stands gutted and deserted.\n  VERB: V n, V-ed\n\n8. Gut is string made from part of the stomach of an animal. Traditionally, it is used to make the strings of sports rackets or musical instruments such as violins.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n9.\n  see also gutted\n10. If you hate someone’s guts, you dislike them very much indeed. (INFORMAL)\nWe hate each other’s guts.\n  PHRASE: V inflects  emphasis\n\n11. If you say that you are working your guts out or slogging your guts out, you are emphasizing that you are working as hard as you can. (INFORMAL)\nMost have worked their guts out and made sacrifices.\n  PHRASE: V inflects  emphasis


Words: gut-wrenching
Meaning:
Gut-wrenching events or experiences make you feel extremely shocked or upset. (mainly JOURNALISM)\nGoing to court can be an expensive, time consuming and gut wrenching experience that is best avoided.\n  ADJ


Words: gutless
Meaning:
gut.less\n   gutless\n  If you describe someone as gutless, you think they have a weak character and lack courage or determination.\nBy attacking me, by attacking my wife, he has proved himself to be a gutless coward.\n  ADJ  disapproval


Words: gutsy
Meaning:
gutsy  gutsier  gutsiest\n  If you describe someone as gutsy, you mean they show courage or determination. (INFORMAL)\nI’ve always been drawn to tough, gutsy women...\nThey admired his gutsy and emotional speech.\n  ADJ  approval


Words: gutted
Meaning:
gut.ted\n   gutted\n  If you are gutted, you feel extremely disappointed or depressed about something that has happened. (BRIT INFORMAL)\nBirmingham City supporters will be absolutely gutted if he leaves the club.\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ


Words: gutter
Meaning:
gut.ter\n   gutter  gutters\n1. The gutter is the edge of a road next to the pavement, where rain water collects and flows away.\nIt is supposed to be washed down the gutter and into the city’s vast sewerage system.\n  N-COUNT: usu the N\n\n2. A gutter is a plastic or metal channel fixed to the lower edge of the roof of a building, which rain water drains into.\nDid you fix the gutter?\n  N-COUNT\n\n3. If someone is in the gutter, they are very poor and live in a very bad way.\nInstead of ending up in jail or in the gutter he was remarkably successful.\n  N-SING: the N\n\n4.\n  see also gutter press


Words: gutter press
Meaning:
gut.ter press\n   gutter press\n  You can refer to newspapers and magazines which print mainly stories about sex and crime as the gutter press. (BRIT; in AM, use scandal sheets)\nThe gutter press has held the royals up to ridicule.\n  N-SING: the N  disapproval


Words: guttering
Meaning:
gut.ter.ing\n   guttering\n  Guttering consists of the plastic or metal channels fixed to the lower edge of the roof of a building, which rain water drains into.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: guttural
Meaning:
gut.tur.al\n   guttural\n  Guttural sounds are harsh sounds that are produced at the back of a person’s throat.\nJoe had a low, guttural voice with a mid-Western accent.\n  ADJ


Words: guv
Meaning:
guv\n  Guv is sometimes used to address a man, especially a customer or someone you are doing a service for. (BRIT INFORMAL, SPOKEN)\nHey, thanks, guv.\n  N-VOC


Words: guvnor
Meaning:
guv.nor\n   guvnor  guvnors   also guv’nor\n  Guvnor is sometimes used to refer to or address a man who is in a position of authority over you, for example your employer or father. (BRIT INFORMAL)\n  N-COUNT; N-VOC


Words: guy
Meaning:
guy  guys\n1. A guy is a man. (INFORMAL)\nI was working with a guy from Manchester.\n  N-COUNT\n\n  see also wise guy\n2. Americans sometimes address a group of people, whether they are male or female, as guys or you guys. (INFORMAL)\nHi, guys. How are you doing?...\nMom wants to know if you guys still have that two-person tent.\n  N-VOC; N-PLURAL: you N


Words: Guy Fawkes Night
Meaning:
Guy Fawkes Night\n  In Britain, Guy Fawkes Night is the evening of 5th November, when many people have parties with bonfires and fireworks. It began as a way of remembering the attempt by Guy Fawkes to blow up the Houses of Parliament in 1605. Guy Fawkes Night is often referred to as `Bonfire Night’.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n  = Bonfire Night


Words: guy rope
Meaning:
guy rope  guy ropes\n  A guy rope is a rope or wire that has one end fastened to a tent or pole and the other end fixed to the ground, so that it keeps the tent or pole in position.\n  N-COUNT\n  = guy


Words: guzzle
Meaning:
guz.zle\n   guzzle  guzzles  guzzling  guzzled\n1. If you guzzle something, you drink it or eat it quickly and greedily. (INFORMAL)\nMelissa had guzzled gin and tonics like they were lemonade.\n  VERB: V n, also V\n\n2. If you say that a vehicle guzzles fuel, you mean that it uses a lot of it in a way that is wasteful and unnecessary.\nThe plane was deafeningly noisy, guzzled fuel, and left a trail of smoke.\n  VERB: V n\n\n=>  -guzzling\nThe boom of the 1980s led to a taste for petrol-guzzling cars.\n...big energy-guzzling houses.\n  COMB in ADJ: ADJ n\n\n  see also gas guzzler


Words: gym
Meaning:
gym  gyms\n1. A gym is a club, building, or large room, usually containing special equipment, where people go to do physical exercise and get fit.\nWhile the lads are golfing, I work out in the gym.\n...the school gym.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. Gym is the activity of doing physical exercises in a gym, especially at school. (INFORMAL)\n...gym classes.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft N n


Words: gymkhana
Meaning:
gym.kha.na\n   gymkhana  gymkhanas\n  A gymkhana is an event in which people ride horses in competition.\n  N-COUNT


Words: gymnasium
Meaning:
gym.na.sium\n   gymnasium  gymnasiums  or gymnasia\n  A gymnasium is the same as a gym. (FORMAL)\n  N-COUNT


Words: gymnastics
Meaning:
gym.nas.tics\n   gymnastics\n\n  The form gymnastic is used as a modifier.\n\n1. Gymnastics consists of physical exercises that develop your strength, co-ordination, and ease of movement.\n...the British Amateur Gymnastics Association.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. Gymnastic is used to describe things relating to gymnastics.\n...gymnastic exercises.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n3. You can use gymnastics to refer to activities which require skills such as speed and adaptability.\nHers is the kind of voice that excels at vocal gymnastics...\n  N-UNCOUNT: adj N


Words: gynaecology
Meaning:
gy.nae.col.ogy\n   gynaecology\nin AM, use gynecology\n  Gynaecology is the branch of medical science which deals with women’s diseases and medical conditions.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n=>  gy.nae.colo.gist      gynaecologists\nGynaecologists at Aberdeen Maternity Hospital have successfully used the drug on 60 women.\n  N-COUNT\n\n=>  gy.nae.co.logi.cal\nBreast examination is a part of a routine gynaecological examination.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: gypsum
Meaning:
gyp.sum\n   gypsum\n  Gypsum is a soft white substance which looks like chalk and which is used to make plaster of Paris.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: gypsy
Meaning:
gyp.sy\n   gypsy  gypsies   also gipsy\n  A gypsy is a member of a race of people who travel from place to place, usually in caravans, rather than living in one place.\n  N-COUNT\n\n  Gypsy is also an adjective.\n...the largest gypsy community of any country.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: gyrate
Meaning:
gy.rate\n   gyrate  gyrates  gyrating  gyrated\n1. If you gyrate, you dance or move your body quickly with circular movements.\nThe woman began to gyrate to the music.\n...a room stuffed full of gasping, gyrating bodies.\n  VERB: V, V-ing\n\n=>  gy.ra.tion      gyrations\nPrince continued his enthusiastic gyrations on stage.\n  N-COUNT: usu pl\n\n2. To gyrate means to turn round and round in a circle, usually very fast.\nThe aeroplane was gyrating about the sky in a most unpleasant fashion.\n  VERB: V prep, also V\n\n3. If things such as prices or currencies gyrate, they move up and down in a rapid and uncontrolled way. (JOURNALISM)\nInterest rates began to gyrate up towards 20 per cent in 1980 and then down and up again.\n  VERB: V adv/prep, also V\n\n=>  gy.ra.tion\n...the gyrations of the currency markets.\n  N-COUNT: usu pl, with supp


Words: gyroscope
Meaning:
gy.ro.scope\n   gyroscope  gyroscopes\n  A gyroscope is a device that contains a disc turning on an axis that can turn freely in any direction, so that the disc maintains the same position whatever the position or movement of the surrounding structure.\n  N-COUNT


Words: h’m
Meaning:
h’m   also hm\n  H’m is used in writing to represent a noise that people make when they are hesitating, for example because they are thinking about something.


Words: H.E.
Meaning:
H.E.\n  H.E. is a written abbreviation for His Excellency or Her Excellency and is used in the title of an important official such as an ambassador.\n...H.E. the Italian Ambassador.\n  N-TITLE


Words: ha
Meaning:
ha   also hah\n  Ha is used in writing to represent a noise that people make to show they are surprised, annoyed, or pleased about something.\nHa! said Wren. Think I’d trust you?...\n  EXCLAM\n\n  see also ha ha


Words: ha ha
Meaning:
ha ha   or ha ha ha\n1. Ha ha or ha ha ha is used in writing to represent the sound that people make when they laugh.\nI dropped my bag at the officer’s feet. The bank notes fell out. `Ha ha ha!’ he laughed. `Got no money, uh?’\n  EXCLAM\n\n2. People sometimes say `ha ha’ to show that they are not amused by what you have said, or do not believe it. (SPOKEN)\nHe said `vegetarians unite’, and I looked at him and said `yeah, ha ha’.\n  EXCLAM


Words: habeas corpus
Meaning:
ha.beas cor.pus\n   habeas corpus\n  Habeas corpus is a law that states that a person cannot be kept in prison unless they have first been brought before a court of law, which decides whether it is legal for them to be kept in prison.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: haberdasher
Meaning:
hab.er.dash.er\n   haberdasher  haberdashers\n1. A haberdasher or a haberdasher’s is a shop where small articles for sewing are sold. (BRIT)\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. A haberdasher is a shopkeeper who makes and sells men’s clothes. (AM; in BRIT, use tailor)\n  N-COUNT\n\n3. A haberdasher or a haberdasher’s is a shop where men’s clothes are sold. (AM; in BRIT, use tailor, tailor’s)\n  N-COUNT


Words: haberdashery
Meaning:
hab.er.dash.ery\n   haberdashery  haberdasheries\n1. Haberdashery is small articles for sewing, such as buttons, zips, and thread, which are sold in a haberdasher’s shop. (BRIT; in AM, use notions)\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. Haberdashery is men’s clothing sold in a shop. (AM)\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n3. A haberdashery is a shop selling haberdashery.\n  N-COUNT


Words: habit
Meaning:
hab.it\n   habit  habits\n1. A habit is something that you do often or regularly.\nHe has an endearing habit of licking his lips when he’s nervous...\nMany people add salt to their food out of habit, without even tasting it first.\n...a survey on eating habits in the UK.\n  N-VAR: oft N of -ing\n\n2. A habit is an action which is considered bad that someone does repeatedly and finds it difficult to stop doing.\nA good way to break the habit of eating too quickly is to put your knife and fork down after each mouthful...\nAfter twenty years as a chain smoker Mr Nathe has given up the habit.\n  N-COUNT: oft N of -ing\n\n3. A drug habit is an addiction to a drug such as heroin or cocaine.\nShe became a prostitute in order to pay for her cocaine habit.\n  N-COUNT: supp N\n\n4. A habit is a piece of clothing shaped like a long loose dress, which a nun or monk wears.\n  N-COUNT\n\n5. If you say that someone is a creature of habit, you mean that they usually do the same thing at the same time each day, rather than doing new and different things.\n  PHRASE: creature inflects, usu v-link PHR\n\n6. If you are in the habit of doing something, you do it regularly or often. If you get into the habit of doing something, you begin to do it regularly or often.\nThey were in the habit of giving two or three dinner parties a month...\nI got into the habit of calling in on Gloria on my way home from work.\n  PHRASE: v-link PHR -ing\n\n7. If you make a habit of doing something, you do it regularly or often.\nYou can phone me at work as long as you don’t make a habit of it.\n  PHRASE: V inflects, PHR -ing


Words: habitable
Meaning:
hab.it.able\n   habitable\n  If a place is habitable, it is good enough for people to live in.\nMaking the house habitable was a major undertaking.\n  ADJ


Words: habitat
Meaning:
habi.tat\n   habitat  habitats\n  The habitat of an animal or plant is the natural environment in which it normally lives or grows.\nIn its natural habitat, the hibiscus will grow up to 25ft...\n  N-VAR: usu supp N


Words: habitation
Meaning:
habi.ta.tion\n   habitation  habitations\n  Habitation is the activity of living somewhere. (FORMAL)\nThe recent survey found that 20 per cent of private-rented dwellings are unfit for human habitation...\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: habitual
Meaning:
ha.bitu.al\n   habitual\n1. A habitual action, state, or way of behaving is one that someone usually does or has, especially one that is considered to be typical or characteristic of them.\nIf bad posture becomes habitual, you risk long-term effects.\n  ADJ\n\n=>  ha.bitu.al.ly\nHis mother had a patient who habitually flew into rages.\n  ADV: ADV with v, ADV adj\n\n2. You use habitual to describe someone who usually or often does a particular thing.\n...the home secretary’s plans for minimum sentences for habitual criminals.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: habituated
Meaning:
ha.bitu.at.ed\n   habituated\n  If you are habituated to something, you have become used to it. (FORMAL)\nPeople in the area are habituated to the idea of learning from the person above how to do the work...\n  ADJ: usu v-link ADJ, usu ADJ to n


Words: habitue
Meaning:
ha.bitue\n   habitue  habitues\n  Someone who is a habitue of a particular place often visits that place. (FORMAL)\nKiki and Man Ray, who lived just down the street, were habitues of this bar.\n  N-COUNT: usu with supp, oft N of n


Words: hack
Meaning:
hack  hacks  hacking  hacked\n1. If you hack something or hack at it, you cut it with strong, rough strokes using a sharp tool such as an axe or knife.\nAn armed gang barged onto the train and began hacking and shooting anyone in sight...\nSome were hacked to death with machetes...\nMatthew desperately hacked through the leather.\n  VERB: V n, be V-ed prep/adv, V prep\n\n2. If you hack your way through an area such as a jungle or hack a path through it, you move forward, cutting back the trees or plants that are in your way.\nWe undertook the task of hacking our way through the jungle.\n  VERB: V n prep/adv\n\n3. If you hack at or hack something which is too large, too long, or too expensive, you reduce its size, length, or cost by cutting out or getting rid of large parts of it.\nHe hacked away at the story, eliminating one character entirely.\n  VERB: V adv/prep, also V n\n\n4. If you refer to a professional writer, such as a journalist, as a hack, you disapprove of them because they write for money without worrying very much about the quality of their writing.\n...tabloid hacks, always eager to find victims in order to sell newspapers.\n  N-COUNT  disapproval\n\n5. If you refer to a politician as a hack, you disapprove of them because they are too loyal to their party and perhaps do not deserve the position they have.\nFar too many party hacks from the old days still hold influential jobs.\n  N-COUNT: oft supp N  disapproval\n\n6. If someone hacks into a computer system, they break into the system, especially in order to get secret information.\nThe saboteurs had demanded money in return for revealing how they hacked into the systems.\n  VERB: V into n\n\n=>  hack.ing\n...the common and often illegal art of computer hacking.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n7. If you say that someone can’t hack it or couldn’t hack it, you mean that they do not or did not have the qualities needed to do a task or cope with a situation. (INFORMAL)\nYou have to be strong and confident and never give the slightest impression that you can’t hack it...\n  PHRASE\n\n8.\n  see also hacking


Words: hacker
Meaning:
hack.er\n   hacker  hackers\n1. A computer hacker is someone who tries to break into computer systems, especially in order to get secret information.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. A computer hacker is someone who uses a computer a lot, especially so much that they have no time to do anything else.\n  N-COUNT


Words: hacking
Meaning:
hack.ing\n   hacking\n  A hacking cough is a dry, painful cough with a harsh, unpleasant sound.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n  see also hack


Words: hacking jacket
Meaning:
hack.ing jack.et\n   hacking jacket  hacking jackets\n  A hacking jacket is a jacket made of a woollen cloth called tweed. Hacking jackets are often worn by people who go horse riding. (mainly BRIT)\n  N-COUNT


Words: hackles
Meaning:
hack.les\n   hackles\n  If something raises your hackles or makes your hackles rise, it makes you feel angry and hostile.\n  PHRASE: V inflects


Words: hackneyed
Meaning:
hack.neyed\n   hackneyed\n  If you describe something such as a saying or an image as hackneyed, you think it is no longer likely to interest, amuse or affect people because it has been used, seen, or heard many times before.\nPower corrupts and absolute power absolutely corrupts. That’s the old hackneyed phrase, but it’s true.\n  ADJ


Words: had
Meaning:
The auxiliary verb is pronounced   For the main verb, and for the meanings 2 to 5, the pronunciation is\n1. Had is the past tense and past participle of have.\n\n2. Had is sometimes used instead of `if’ to begin a clause which refers to a situation that might have happened but did not. For example, the clause `had he been elected’ means the same as `if he had been elected’.\nHad he succeeded, he would have acquired a monopoly...\nHad I known what the problem was, we could have addressed it.\n  AUX: AUX n -ed, AUX n -ed\n\n3. If you have been had, someone has tricked you, for example by selling you something at too high a price. (INFORMAL)\nIf your customer thinks he’s been had, you have to make him happy.\n  PHRASE: be inflects\n\n4. If you say that someone has had it, you mean they are in very serious trouble or have no hope of succeeding. (INFORMAL)\nUnless she loses some weight, she’s had it...\n  PHRASE: AUX inflects\n\n5. If you say that you have had it, you mean that you are very tired of something or very annoyed about it, and do not want to continue doing it or it to continue happening. (INFORMAL)\nI’ve had it. Let’s call it a day...\n  PHRASE: AUX inflects


Words: haddock
Meaning:
had.dock\n   haddock  haddock\n  Haddock are a type of edible sea fish that are found in the North Atlantic.\n  N-VAR


Words: Hades
Meaning:
Ha.des\n   Hades\n  In Greek mythology, Hades was a place under the earth where people went after they died.\n  N-PROPER\n  = the underworld


Words: haemoglobin
Meaning:
haemo.glo.bin\n   haemoglobin\nin AM, use hemoglobin\n  Haemoglobin is the red substance in blood, which combines with oxygen and carries it around the body.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: haemophilia
Meaning:
haemo.philia\n   haemophilia\nin AM, use hemophilia\n  Haemophilia is a medical condition in which a person’s blood does not thicken or clot properly when they are injured, so they continue bleeding.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: haemophiliac
Meaning:
haemo.phili.ac\n   haemophiliac  haemophiliacs\nin AM, use hemophiliac\n  A haemophiliac is a person who suffers from haemophilia.\n  N-COUNT


Words: haemorrhage
Meaning:
haem.or.rhage\n   haemorrhage  haemorrhages  haemorrhaging  haemorrhaged\nin AM, use hemorrhage\n1. A haemorrhage is serious bleeding inside a person’s body.\nShortly after his admission into hospital he had a massive brain haemorrhage and died...\nThese drugs will not be used if hemorrhage is the cause of the stroke.\n  N-VAR\n\n2. If someone is haemorrhaging, there is serious bleeding inside their body.\nI haemorrhaged badly after the birth of all three of my sons...\nIf this is left untreated, one can actually haemorrhage to death.\n  VERB: V, V to n\n\n=>  haem.or.rhag.ing\nA post mortem showed he died from shock and haemorrhaging.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n3. A haemorrhage of people or resources is a rapid loss of them from a group or place, seriously weakening its position.\nHe said the move would definitely stem the haemorrhage of talent and enterprise from the colony.\n  N-SING: N of n\n\n4. To haemorrhage people or resources means to lose them rapidly and become weak. You can also say that people or resources haemorrhage from a place or organization.\nVenice is haemorrhaging the very resource which could save it: its own people...\nThe figures showed that cash was haemorrhaging from the conglomerate.\n  VERB: V n, V from n


Words: haemorrhoid
Meaning:
haem.or.rhoid\n   haemorrhoid  haemorrhoids\nin AM, use hemorrhoids\n  Haemorrhoids are painful swellings that can appear in the veins inside the anus. (MEDICAL)\n  N-COUNT: usu pl\n  = piles


Words: hag
Meaning:
hag  hags\n  If someone refers to a woman as a hag, they mean that she is ugly, old, and unpleasant. (OFFENSIVE)\n  N-COUNT  disapproval


Words: haggard
Meaning:
hag.gard\n   haggard\n  Someone who looks haggard has a tired expression and shadows under their eyes, especially because they are ill or have not had enough sleep.\nHe was pale and a bit haggard...\n  ADJ


Words: haggis
Meaning:
hag.gis\n   haggis  haggises\n  A haggis is a large sausage, usually shaped like a ball, which is made from minced sheep’s meat contained inside the skin from a sheep’s stomach. Haggis is traditionally made and eaten in Scotland.\n  N-VAR


Words: haggle
Meaning:
hag.gle\n   haggle  haggles  haggling  haggled\n  If you haggle, you argue about something before reaching an agreement, especially about the cost of something that you are buying.\nElla taught her how to haggle with used furniture dealers...\nMeanwhile, as the politicians haggle, the violence worsens...\nOf course he’ll still haggle over the price.\n  V-RECIP: V with n, pl-n V, V (non-recip)\n\n=>  hag.gling\nAfter months of haggling, they recovered only three-quarters of what they had lent.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: hail
Meaning:
hail  hails  hailing  hailed\n1. If a person, event, or achievement is hailed as important or successful, they are praised publicly.\nFaulkner has been hailed as the greatest American novelist of his generation...\nUS magazines hailed her as the greatest rock’n’roll singer in the world...\n  VERB: usu passive, be V-ed as n, V n as n\n\n2. Hail consists of small balls of ice that fall like rain from the sky.\n...a sharp short-lived storm with heavy hail.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n3. When it hails, hail falls like rain from the sky.\nIt started to hail, huge great stones.\n  VERB: it V\n\n4. A hail of things, usually small objects, is a large number of them that hit you at the same time and with great force.\nThe victim was hit by a hail of bullets...\n  N-SING: N of n\n\n5. Someone who hails from a particular place was born there or lives there. (FORMAL)\nI hail from Brighton...\n  VERB: V from n\n\n6. If you hail a taxi, you wave at it in order to stop it because you want the driver to take you somewhere.\nI hurried away to hail a taxi.\n  VERB: V n


Words: Hail Mary
Meaning:
Hail Mary  Hail Marys\n  A Hail Mary is a prayer to the Virgin Mary that is said by Roman Catholics.\n  N-COUNT


Words: hailstone
Meaning:
hail.stone\n   hailstone  hailstones\n  Hailstones are small balls of ice that fall like rain from the sky.\n  N-COUNT: usu pl


Words: hailstorm
Meaning:
hail.storm\n   hailstorm  hailstorms   also hail storm\n  A hailstorm is a storm during which it hails.\n  N-COUNT


Words: hair
Meaning:
hair  hairs\n1. Your hair is the fine threads that grow in a mass on your head.\nI wash my hair every night...\n...a girl with long blonde hair...\nI get some grey hairs but I pull them out.\n  N-VAR: usu supp N\n\n2. Hair is the short, fine threads that grow on different parts of your body.\nThe majority of men have hair on their chest...\nIt tickled the hairs on the back of my neck.\n  N-VAR\n\n3. Hair is the threads that cover the body of an animal such as a dog, or make up a horse’s mane and tail.\nI am allergic to cat hair.\n...dog hairs on the carpet.\n  N-VAR\n\n4. If you let your hair down, you relax completely and enjoy yourself.\n...the world-famous Oktoberfest, a time when everyone in Munich really lets their hair down.\n  PHRASE: V inflects\n\n5. Something that makes your hair stand on end shocks or frightens you very much.\nThis was the kind of smile that made your hair stand on end.\n  PHRASE: V inflects\n\n6. If you say that someone has not a hair out of place, you are emphasizing that they are extremely smart and neatly dressed.\nShe had a lot of make-up on and not a hair out of place.\n  PHRASE  emphasis\n\n7. If you say that someone faced with a shock or a problem does not turn a hair, you mean that they do not show any surprise or fear, and remain completely calm.\nNo one seems to turn a hair at the thought of the divorced Princess marrying.\n  PHRASE: V inflects\n\n8. If you say that someone is splitting hairs, you mean that they are making unnecessary distinctions between things when the differences between them are so small they are not important.\nDon’t split hairs. You know what I’m getting at.\n  PHRASE: V inflects


Words: hair care
Meaning:
hair care   also haircare\n  Hair care is all the things people do to keep their hair clean, healthy-looking, and attractive.\n...an American maker of hair-care products.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: hair shirt
Meaning:
hair shirt  hair shirts\n1. A hair shirt is a shirt made of rough uncomfortable cloth which some religious people used to wear to punish themselves.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. If you say that someone is wearing a hair shirt, you mean that they are trying to punish themselves to show they are sorry for something they have done.\nNo one is asking you to put on a hair shirt and give up all your luxuries.\n  N-COUNT


Words: hair’s breadth
Meaning:
hair’s breadth\n  A hair’s breadth is a very small degree or amount.\nThe dollar fell to within a hair’s breadth of its all-time low...\n  N-SING: a N


Words: hair-raising
Meaning:
hair-raising\n  A hair-raising experience, event, or story is very frightening but can also be exciting.\n...hair-raising rides at funfairs...\n  ADJ


Words: hair-trigger
Meaning:
hair-trigger\n  If you describe something as hair-trigger, you mean that it is likely to change very violently and suddenly.\nHis boozing, arrogance, and hair-trigger temper have often led him into ugly nightclub brawls...\nA hair-trigger situation has been created which could lead to an outbreak of war at any time.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: hairbrush
Meaning:
hair.brush\n   hairbrush  hairbrushes\n  A hairbrush is a brush that you use to brush your hair.\n  N-COUNT


Words: haircut
Meaning:
hair.cut\n   haircut  haircuts\n1. If you have a haircut, someone cuts your hair for you.\nYour hair is all right; it’s just that you need a haircut.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. A haircut is the style in which your hair has been cut.\nWho’s that guy with the funny haircut?\n  N-COUNT


Words: hairdo
Meaning:
hair.do\n   hairdo  hairdos\n  A hairdo is the style in which your hair has been cut and arranged. (INFORMAL)\n  N-COUNT\n  = hairstyle


Words: hairdresser
Meaning:
hair.dresser\n   hairdresser  hairdressers\n1. A hairdresser is a person who cuts, colours, and arranges people’s hair.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. A hairdresser or a hairdresser’s is a shop where a hairdresser works.\n  N-COUNT


Words: hairdressing
Meaning:
hair.dressing\n   hairdressing\n  Hairdressing is the job or activity of cutting, colouring, and arranging people’s hair.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: hairdryer
Meaning:
hair.dry.er\n   hairdryer  hairdryers   also hairdrier\n  A hairdryer is a machine that you use to dry your hair.\n  N-COUNT


Words: hairgrip
Meaning:
hair.grip\n   hairgrip  hairgrips   also hair-grip\n  A hairgrip is a small piece of metal or plastic bent back on itself, which you use to hold your hair in position. (mainly BRIT; in AM, use bobby pin)\n  N-COUNT\n  = hairpin


Words: hairline
Meaning:
hair.line\n   hairline  hairlines\n1. Your hairline is the edge of the area where your hair grows on your head.\nJoanne had a small dark birthmark near her hairline...\n  N-COUNT: usu sing, oft poss N\n\n2. A hairline crack or gap is very narrow or fine.\nHe suffered a hairline fracture of the right index finger.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: hairnet
Meaning:
hair.net\n   hairnet  hairnets\n  A hairnet is a small net that some women wear over their hair in order to keep it tidy.\n  N-COUNT


Words: hairpiece
Meaning:
hair.piece\n   hairpiece  hairpieces\n  A hairpiece is a piece of false hair that some people wear on their head if they are bald or if they want to make their own hair seem longer or thicker.\n  N-COUNT


Words: hairpin
Meaning:
hair.pin\n   hairpin  hairpins\n1. A hairpin is a small piece of metal or plastic bent back on itself which someone uses to hold their hair in position.\n  N-COUNT\n  = hairgrip\n2. A hairpin is the same as a hairpin bend.\n  N-COUNT


Words: hairpin bend
Meaning:
hair.pin bend\n   hairpin bend  hairpin bends\n  A hairpin bend or a hairpin is a very sharp bend in a road, where the road turns back in the opposite direction.\n  N-COUNT


Words: hairspray
Meaning:
hair.spray\n   hairspray  hairsprays\n  Hairspray is a sticky substance that you spray out of a can onto your hair in order to hold it in place.\n  N-MASS\n  = lacquer


Words: hairstyle
Meaning:
hair.style\n   hairstyle  hairstyles\n  Your hairstyle is the style in which your hair has been cut or arranged.\nI think her new short hairstyle looks simply great.\n  N-COUNT


Words: hairstylist
Meaning:
hair.stylist\n   hairstylist  hairstylists   also hair stylist\n  A hairstylist is someone who cuts and arranges people’s hair, especially in order to get them ready for a photograph or film.\n  N-COUNT


Words: hairy
Meaning:
hairy  hairier  hairiest\n1. Someone or something that is hairy is covered with hairs.\nHe was wearing shorts which showed his long, muscular, hairy legs...\n  ADJ\n\n2. If you describe a situation as hairy, you mean that it is exciting, worrying, and rather frightening. (INFORMAL)\nHis driving was a bit hairy.\n  ADJ


Words: hake
Meaning:
hake  hake\n  A hake is a type of large edible sea fish.\n  N-VAR\n\n  Hake is this fish eaten as food.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: halal
Meaning:
Halal meat is meat from animals that have been killed according to Muslim law.\n...a halal butcher’s shop\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu N n


Words: halcyon
Meaning:
hal.cy.on\n   halcyon\n  A halcyon time is a time in the past that was peaceful or happy. (LITERARY)\nIt was all a far cry from those halcyon days in 1990, when he won three tournaments on the European tour.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: hale
Meaning:
hale\n  If you describe people, especially people who are old, as hale, you mean that they are healthy. (OLD-FASHIONED)\nShe is remarkable and I’d like to see her remain hale and hearty for years yet.\n  ADJ: usu v-link ADJ


Words: half
Meaning:
half  halves\n1. Half of an amount or object is one of two equal parts that together make up the whole number, amount, or object.\nThey need an extra two and a half thousand pounds to complete the project...\nMore than half of all households report incomes above .35,000...\nCut the tomatoes in half vertically...\n  FRACTION\n\n  Half is also a predeterminer.\nWe just sat and talked for half an hour or so...\nThey had only received half the money promised...\n  PREDET\n\n  Half is also an adjective.\n...a half measure of fresh lemon juice...\nSteve barely said a handful of words during the first half hour.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n2. You use half to say that something is only partly the case or happens to only a limited extent.\nHis eyes were half closed...\nHis refrigerator frequently looked half empty...\nShe’d half expected him to withdraw from the course.\n  ADV: ADV adj, ADV before v\n\n3. In games such as football, rugby, and basketball, matches are divided into two equal periods of time which are called halves.\nThe only goal was scored by Jakobsen early in the second half.\n  N-COUNT: usu ord N\n\n4. A half is a half-price bus or train ticket for a child. (BRIT)\n  N-COUNT\n\n5. You use half to say that someone has parents of different nationalities. For example, if you are half German, one of your parents is German but the other is not.\nShe was half Italian and half English.\n  ADV: ADV adj\n\n6. You use half past to refer to a time that is thirty minutes after a particular hour.\n`What time were you planning lunch?’.`Half past twelve, if that’s convenient.’...\n  PREP-PHRASE: usu PREP num\n\n7. Half means the same as half past. (BRIT INFORMAL)\nThey are supposed to be here at about half four.\n  PREP: PREP num\n\n8. You can use half before an adjective describing an extreme quality, as a way of emphasizing and exaggerating something. (INFORMAL)\nHe felt half dead with tiredness...\n  ADV: ADV adj  emphasis\n\n  Half can also be used in this way with a noun referring to a long period of time or a large quantity.\nI thought about you half the night...\nHe wouldn’t know what he was saying half the time...\n  PREDET\n\n9. Half is sometimes used in negative statements, with a positive meaning, to emphasize a particular fact or quality. For example, if you say `he isn’t half lucky’, you mean that he is very lucky. (BRIT INFORMAL)\nYou don’t half sound confident...\n`There’d been a tremendous amount of poverty around and presumably this made some impact then.’.`Oh not half.’\n  ADV: with neg, usu ADV before v, ADV adj/adv, ADV n, also ADV as reply  emphasis\n\n10. You use not half or not half as to show that you do not think something is as good or impressive as it is meant to be.\nYou’re not half the man you think you are...\n  ADV: with neg, ADV n, ADV as/so adj  emphasis\n\n11. When you use an expression such as a problem and a half or a meal and a half, you are emphasizing that your reaction to it is either very favourable or very unfavourable.\nIt becomes clear that Montgomerie has a job and half on his hands.\n  PHRASE: usu v-link PHR  emphasis\n\n12. If you say that someone never does things by halves, you mean that they always do things very thoroughly.\nIn Italy they rarely do things by halves. Designers work thoroughly, producing the world’s most wearable clothes in the most beautiful fabrics.\n  PHRASE: with brd-neg, V inflects\n\n13. If two people go halves, they divide the cost of something equally between them.\nHe’s constantly on the phone to his girlfriend. We have to go halves on the phone bill which drives me mad.\n  PHRASE: V inflects, oft PHR on n\n\n14.\nhalf the battle: see battle


Words: half board
Meaning:
half board\n  If you stay at a hotel and have half board, your breakfast and evening meal are included in the price of your stay at the hotel, but not your lunch. (mainly BRIT)\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: half measure
Meaning:
half meas.ure\n   half measure  half measures   also half-measure\n  If someone refers to policies or actions as half measures, they are critical of them because they think that they are not forceful enough and are therefore of little value.\nThey have already declared their intention to fight on rather than settle for half-measures.\n  N-COUNT: usu pl  disapproval


Words: half note
Meaning:
half note  half notes\n  A half note is a musical note that has a time value equal to two quarter notes. (AM; in BRIT, use minim)\n  N-COUNT


Words: half-baked
Meaning:
half-baked\n  If you describe an idea or plan as half-baked, you mean that it has not been properly thought out, and so is stupid or impractical.\nThis is another half-baked scheme that isn’t going to work...\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n  disapproval


Words: half-brother
Meaning:
half-brother  half-brothers\n  Someone’s half-brother is a boy or man who has either the same mother or the same father as they have.\n  N-COUNT


Words: half-caste
Meaning:
half-caste  half-castes\n  Someone who is half-caste has parents who come from different races. (mainly BRIT OFFENSIVE)\n  ADJ


Words: half-day
Meaning:
half-day  half-days   also half day\n  A half-day is a day when you work only in the morning or in the afternoon, but not all day.\n  N-COUNT


Words: half-hearted
Meaning:
half-hearted\n  If someone does something in a half-hearted way, they do it without any real effort, interest, or enthusiasm.\nJoanna had made one or two half-hearted attempts to befriend Graham’s young wife.\n  ADJ\n\n=>  half-heartedly\nI can’t do anything half-heartedly. I have to do everything 100 per cent.\n  ADV: ADV with v


Words: half-life
Meaning:
half-life  half-lives   also half life\n  The half-life of a radioactive substance is the amount of time that it takes to lose half its radioactivity.\n  N-COUNT


Words: half-mast
Meaning:
half-mast\n  If a flag is flying at half-mast, it is flying from the middle of the pole, not the top, to show respect and sorrow for someone who has just died.\n  PHRASE: usu PHR after v


Words: half-price
Meaning:
half-price\n1. If something is half-price, it costs only half what it usually costs.\nMain courses are half price from 12.30pm to 2pm...\nMind you, a half-price suit still cost $400...\nWe can get in half-price.\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ, ADJ n, ADJ after v\n\n2. If something is sold at or for half-price, it is sold for only half of what it usually costs.\nBy yesterday she was selling off stock at half price...\nThey normally charge three hundred pounds but we got it for half price.\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu at/for N


Words: half-sister
Meaning:
half-sister  half-sisters\n  Someone’s half-sister is a girl or woman who has either the same mother or the same father as they have.\n  N-COUNT: oft poss N


Words: half-term
Meaning:
half-term  half-terms   also half term\n  Half-term is a short holiday in the middle of a school term. (BRIT)\nThere was no play school at half term, so I took them both to the cinema.\n...the half-term holidays.\n  N-VAR: oft at N


Words: half-timbered
Meaning:
half-timbered\n  Half-timbered is used to describe old buildings that have wooden beams showing in the brick and plaster walls, both on the inside and the outside of the building.\n  ADJ


Words: half-time
Meaning:
half-time\n  Half-time is the short period of time between the two parts of a sporting event such as a football, rugby, or basketball game, when the players have a short rest.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: half-truth
Meaning:
half-truth  half-truths   also half truth\n  If you describe statements as half-truths, you mean that they are only partly based on fact and are intended or likely to deceive people.\nThe article had been full of errors and half truths.\n  N-COUNT


Words: half-witted
Meaning:
half-witted\n  If you describe someone as half-witted, you think they are very stupid, silly, or irresponsible. (INFORMAL)\n  ADJ  disapproval


Words: half-yearly
Meaning:
half-yearly\n1. Half-yearly means happening in the middle of a calendar year or a financial year. (BRIT; in AM, use semiannual)\n...the Central Bank’s half-yearly report on the state of the economy.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n2. A company’s half-yearly profits are the profits that it makes in six months. (BRIT; in AM, use semiannual)\nThe company announced a half-yearly profit of just .2 million.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n3. Half-yearly means happening twice a year, with six months between each event. (BRIT; in AM, use semiannual)\n...half-yearly payments.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: halfpenny
Meaning:
half.penny\n   halfpenny  halfpennies  or halfpence\n  A halfpenny was a small British coin which was worth half a penny.\n  N-COUNT


Words: halfway
Meaning:
half.way\n   halfway   also half-way\n1. Halfway means in the middle of a place or between two points, at an equal distance from each of them.\nHalf-way across the car-park, he noticed she was walking with her eyes closed...\nHe was halfway up the ladder...\n  ADV: usu ADV prep/adv, also ADV after v\n\n2. Halfway means in the middle of a period of time or of an event.\nBy then, it was October and we were more than halfway through our tour.\n  ADV: ADV prep/adv\n\n  Halfway is also an adjective.\nWelsh international Matthew Postle was third fastest at the halfway point.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n3. If you meet someone halfway, you accept some of the points they are making so that you can come to an agreement with them.\nThe Democrats are willing to meet the president halfway.\n  PHRASE: V inflects\n\n4. Halfway means reasonably. (INFORMAL)\nYou need hard currency to get anything halfway decent...\n  ADV: ADV adj


Words: halfway house
Meaning:
half.way house\n   halfway house  halfway houses\n1. A halfway house is an arrangement or thing that has some of the qualities of two different things.\nA halfway house between the theatre and cinema is possible. Olivier created one in his imaginative `Henry V’ in 1945.\n  N-SING\n\n2. A halfway house is a home for people such as former prisoners, mental patients, or drug addicts who can stay there for a limited period of time to get used to life outside prison or hospital.\n  N-COUNT


Words: halfwit
Meaning:
half.wit\n   halfwit halfwits  also half-wit\n1. If you describe someone as a halfwit, you think they have behaved in a stupid, silly, or irresponsible way. (INFORMAL)\n  N-COUNT  disapproval\n  = fool\n2. A halfwit is a person who has little intelligence. (OLD-FASHIONED)\n  N-COUNT


Words: halibut
Meaning:
hali.but\n   halibut  halibut\n  A halibut is a large flat fish.\n  N-VAR\n\n  Halibut is this fish eaten as food.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: halitosis
Meaning:
hali.to.sis\n   halitosis\n  If someone has halitosis, their breath smells unpleasant. (FORMAL)\n  N-UNCOUNT\n  = bad breath


Words: hall
Meaning:
hall  halls\n1. The hall in a house or flat is the area just inside the front door, into which some of the other rooms open. (BRIT; in AM, use entrance hall)\n  N-COUNT\n\n  see also entrance hall\n2. A hall in a building is a long passage with doors into rooms on both sides of it. (mainly AM; in BRIT, use hallway)\n  N-COUNT\n\n3. A hall is a large room or building which is used for public events such as concerts, exhibitions, and meetings.\nWe picked up our conference materials and filed into the lecture hall...\n  N-COUNT: oft n N\n\n  see also city hall, town hall\n4. If students live in hall in British English, or in a hall in American English, they live in a university or college building called a hall of residence.\n  N-COUNT: also prep N\n\n5. Hall is sometimes used as part of the name of a large house in the country.\nHe died at Holly Hall, his wife’s family home.\n  N-IN-NAMES\n\n6.\n  see also music hall


Words: hall of fame
Meaning:
hall of fame  halls of fame\n1. If you say that someone is a member of a particular hall of fame, you mean that they are one of the most famous people in that area of activity.\nVivienne Westwood has scaled the heights of fashion’s hall of fame.\n  N-SING: with supp\n\n2. In the United States, a hall of fame is a type of museum where people can see things relating to famous people who are connected with a particular area of activity.\n  N-COUNT


Words: hall of residence
Meaning:
hall of resi.dence\n   hall of residence  halls of residence\n  Halls of residence are buildings with rooms or flats, usually built by universities or colleges, in which students live during the term. (mainly BRIT; in AM, use dormitory, residence hall)\n  N-COUNT


Words: hallelujah
Meaning:
hal.le.lu.jah\n   hallelujah   also alleluia\n1. Hallelujah is used in religious songs and worship as an exclamation of praise and thanks to God.\n  EXCLAM\n\n2. People sometimes say `Hallelujah!’ when they are pleased that something they have been waiting a long time for has finally happened.\nHallelujah! College days are over!\n  EXCLAM


Words: hallmark
Meaning:
hall.mark\n   hallmark  hallmarks\n1. The hallmark of something or someone is their most typical quality or feature.\nIt’s a technique that has become the hallmark of Amber Films...\n  N-COUNT: usu with poss\n\n2. A hallmark is an official mark put on things made of gold, silver, or platinum that indicates the quality of the metal, where the object was made, and who made it.\n  N-COUNT


Words: hallowed
Meaning:
hal.lowed\n   hallowed\n1. Hallowed is used to describe something that is respected and admired, usually because it is old, important, or has a good reputation.\nThey protested that there was no place for a school of commerce in their hallowed halls of learning.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n2. Hallowed is used to describe something that is considered to be holy.\n...hallowed ground.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: Halloween
Meaning:
Hal.low.een\n   Halloween   also Hallowe’en\n  Halloween is the night of the 31st of October and is traditionally said to be the time when ghosts and witches can be seen. On Halloween, children often dress up as ghosts and witches.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: hallucinate
Meaning:
hal.lu.ci.nate\n   hallucinate  hallucinates  hallucinating  hallucinated\n  If you hallucinate, you see things that are not really there, either because you are ill or because you have taken a drug.\nHunger made him hallucinate.\n  VERB: V, also V that


Words: hallucination
Meaning:
hal.lu.ci.na.tion\n   hallucination  hallucinations\n  A hallucination is the experience of seeing something that is not really there because you are ill or have taken a drug.\nThe drug induces hallucinations at high doses...\n  N-VAR


Words: hallucinatory
Meaning:
hal.lu.ci.na.tory\n   hallucinatory\n  Hallucinatory is used to describe something that is like a hallucination or is the cause of a hallucination.\nIt was an unsettling show. There was a hallucinatory feel from the start...\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: hallucinogen
Meaning:
hal.lu.cino.gen\n   hallucinogen  hallucinogens\n  A hallucinogen is a substance such as a drug which makes you hallucinate.\n  N-COUNT


Words: hallucinogenic
Meaning:
hal.lu.ci.no.gen.ic\n   hallucinogenic\n  A hallucinogenic drug is one that makes you hallucinate.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: hallway
Meaning:
hall.way\n   hallway  hallways\n1. A hallway in a building is a long passage with doors into rooms on both sides of it.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. A hallway in a house or flat is the area just inside the front door, into which some of the other rooms open. (BRIT; in AM, use entrance hall)\n  N-COUNT


Words: halo
Meaning:
halo  haloes  or halos\n1. A halo is a circle of light that is shown in pictures round the head of a holy figure such as a saint or angel.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. A halo is a circle of light round a person or thing, or something that looks like a circle of light.\nThe sun had a faint halo round it...\n  N-COUNT: oft N of n


Words: halt
Meaning:
halt  halts  halting  halted\n1. When a person or a vehicle halts or when something halts them, they stop moving in the direction they were going and stand still.\nThey halted at a short distance from the house...\nShe held her hand out flat, to halt him.\n  VERB: V, V n\n\n2. When something such as growth, development, or activity halts or when you halt it, it stops completely.\nStriking workers halted production at the auto plant yesterday...\nThe flow of assistance to Vietnam’s fragile economy from its ideological allies has virtually halted.\n  VERB: V n, V\n\n3. `Halt!’ is a military order to stop walking or marching and stand still.\nThe colonel ordered `Halt!’\n  VERB: only imper, V\n\n4. If someone calls a halt to something such as an activity, they decide not to continue with it or to end it immediately.\nThe Russian government had called a halt to the construction of a new project in the Rostov region.\n  PHRASE: V inflects, oft PHR to n\n\n5. If someone or something comes to a halt, they stop moving.\nThe elevator creaked to a halt at the ground floor.\n  PHRASE: PHR after v\n\n6. If something such as growth, development, or activity comes or grinds to a halt or is brought to a halt, it stops completely.\nHer political career came to a halt in December 1988...\n  PHRASE: PHR after v


Words: halter
Meaning:
hal.ter\n   halter  halters\n  A halter is a piece of leather or rope that is fastened round the head of a horse so that it can be led easily.\n  N-COUNT


Words: halterneck
Meaning:
hal.ter.neck\n   halterneck  halternecks\n  A piece of clothing with a halterneck has a strap that goes around the back of the neck, rather than a strap over each shoulder.\n  N-COUNT\n\n  Halterneck is also an adjective.\n...a halterneck evening dress.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: halting
Meaning:
halt.ing\n   halting\n  If you speak or do something in a halting way, you speak or do it slowly and with a lot of hesitation, usually because you are uncertain about what to say or do next.\nIn a halting voice she said that she wished to make a statement...\n  ADJ\n\n=>  halt.ing.ly\nShe spoke haltingly of her deep upset and hurt...\n  ADV: ADV with v


Words: halve
Meaning:
halve  halves  halving  halved\n1. When you halve something or when it halves, it is reduced to half its previous size or amount.\nDr Lee believes that men who exercise can halve their risk of cancer of the colon...\nMeanwhile, sales of vinyl records halved in 1992 to just 6.7m.\n  VERB: V n, V\n\n2. If you halve something, you divide it into two equal parts.\nHalve the pineapple and scoop out the inside.\n  VERB: V n\n\n3. Halves is the plural of half.


Words: ham
Meaning:
ham  hams  hamming  hammed\n1. Ham is meat from the top of the back leg of a pig, specially treated so that it can be kept for a long period of time.\n...ham sandwiches.\n  N-VAR\n\n2. If actors or actresses ham it up, they exaggerate every emotion and gesture when they are acting, often deliberately because they think that the audience will be more amused.\nThrusting themselves into the spirit of the farce, they ham it up like mad.\n  PHRASE: V inflects


Words: ham-fisted
Meaning:
ham-fisted\n  If you describe someone as ham-fisted, you mean that they are clumsy, especially in the way that they use their hands.\nThey can all be made in minutes by even the most ham-fisted of cooks.\n  ADJ


Words: hamburger
Meaning:
ham.burg.er\n   hamburger  hamburgers\n  A hamburger is minced meat which has been shaped into a flat circle. Hamburgers are fried or grilled and then eaten, often in a bread roll.\n  N-COUNT


Words: hammer
Meaning:
ham.mer\n   hammer  hammers  hammering  hammered\n1. A hammer is a tool that consists of a heavy piece of metal at the end of a handle. It is used, for example, to hit nails into a piece of wood or a wall, or to break things into pieces.\nHe used a hammer and chisel to chip away at the wall.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. If you hammer an object such as a nail, you hit it with a hammer.\nTo avoid damaging the tree, hammer a wooden peg into the hole...\nBuilders were still hammering outside the window.\n  VERB: V n prep/adv, V, also V n\n\n  Hammer in means the same as hammer.\nThe workers kneel on the ground and hammer the small stones in.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V n P, also V P n (not pron)\n\n=>  ham.mer.ing\nThe noise of hammering was dulled by the secondary glazing.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n3. If you hammer on a surface, you hit it several times in order to make a noise, or to emphasize something you are saying when you are angry.\nWe had to hammer and shout before they would open up...\nA crowd of reporters was hammering on the door...\nHe hammered his two clenched fists on the table.\n  VERB: V, V on n, V n on n\n  = pound\n=>  ham.mer.ing\nAs he said it, there was a hammering outside.\n  N-SING\n\n4. If you hammer something such as an idea into people or you hammer at it, you keep repeating it forcefully so that it will have an effect on people.\nHe hammered it into me that I had not suddenly become a rotten goalkeeper...\nRecent advertising campaigns from the industry have hammered at these themes.\n  VERB: V n into n, V at n\n\n5. If you say that someone hammers another person, you mean that they attack, criticize, or punish the other person severely. (mainly BRIT)\nThe report hammers the private motorist...\n  VERB: V n\n\n=>  ham.mer.ing\nParents have taken a terrible hammering.\n  N-SING\n\n6. If you say that businesses are being hammered, you mean that they are being unfairly harmed, for example by a change in taxes or by bad economic conditions. (BRIT)\nThe company has been hammered by the downturn in the construction and motor industries.\n  V-PASSIVE: be V-ed\n\n7. In sports, if you say that one player or team hammered another, you mean that the first player or team defeated the second completely and easily. (BRIT JOURNALISM)\nHe hammered the young Austrian player in four straight sets.\n  VERB: V n\n  = thrash\n=>  ham.mer.ing\nOur cricketers are suffering their ritual hammering at the hands of the Aussies.\n  N-SING\n  = thrashing\n8. In athletics, a hammer is a heavy weight on a piece of wire, which the athlete throws as far as possible.\n  N-COUNT\n\n  The hammer also refers to the sport of throwing the hammer.\n  N-SING: the N\n\n9. If you say that someone was going at something hammer and tongs, you mean that they were doing it with great enthusiasm or energy.\nHe loved gardening. He went at it hammer and tongs as soon as he got back from work...\n  PHRASE: PHR after v\n\n10. If you say that something goes, comes, or is under the hammer, you mean that it is going to be sold at an auction.\nIan Fleming’s original unpublished notes are to go under the hammer at London auctioneers Sotheby’s.\n  PHRASE: PHR after v


Words: hammer away
Meaning:
hammer away\n1. If you hammer away at a task or activity, you work at it constantly and with great energy.\nPalmer kept hammering away at his report.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P at n\n\n2. If you hammer away at an idea or subject, you keep talking about it, especially because you disapprove of it.\nThey also hammered away at Labor’s plans to raise taxes.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P at n


Words: hammer out
Meaning:
hammer out\n  If people hammer out an agreement or treaty, they succeed in producing it after a long or difficult discussion.\nI think we can hammer out a solution...\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron), also V n P


Words: hammock
Meaning:
ham.mock\n   hammock  hammocks\n  A hammock is a piece of strong cloth or netting which is hung between two supports and used as a bed.\n  N-COUNT


Words: hamper
Meaning:
ham.per\n   hamper  hampers  hampering  hampered\n1. If someone or something hampers you, they makes it difficult for you to do what you are trying to do.\nThe bad weather hampered rescue operations...\n  VERB: V n\n\n2. A hamper is a basket containing food of various kinds that is given to people as a present.\n  N-COUNT\n\n3. A hamper is a large basket with a lid, used especially for carrying food in.\n  N-COUNT


Words: hamster
Meaning:
ham.ster\n   hamster  hamsters\n  A hamster is a small furry animal which is similar to a mouse, and which is often kept as a pet.\n  N-COUNT


Words: hamstring
Meaning:
ham.string\n   hamstring  hamstrings  hamstringing  hamstrung\n1. A hamstring is a length of tissue or tendon behind your knee which joins the muscles of your thigh to the bones of your lower leg.\nWebster has not played since suffering a hamstring injury in the opening game.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. If you hamstring someone, you make it very difficult for them to take any action.\nIf he becomes the major opposition leader, he could hamstring a conservative-led coalition.\n  VERB: V n


Words: hand
Meaning:
NOUN USES AND PHRASES\n   hand  hands\n\nPlease look at category 49 to see if the expression you are looking for is shown under another headword.\n1. Your hands are the parts of your body at the end of your arms. Each hand has four fingers and a thumb.\nI put my hand into my pocket and pulled out the letter...\nSylvia, camera in hand, asked, `Where do we go first?’\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. The hand of someone or something is their influence in an event or situation.\nThe hand of the military authorities can be seen in the entire electoral process...\n  N-SING: with poss\n\n3. If you say that something is in a particular person’s hands, you mean that they are looking after it, own it, or are responsible for it.\nHe is leaving his north London business in the hands of a colleague...\nWe’re in safe hands...\n  N-PLURAL: usu in/into N\n\n4. If you ask someone for a hand with something, you are asking them to help you in what you are doing.\nCome and give me a hand in the garden...\n  N-SING: a N, oft N with n\n\n5. A hand is someone, usually a man, who does hard physical work, for example in a factory or on a farm, as part of a group of people who all do similar work.\nHe now works as a farm hand...\n  N-COUNT: usu with supp\n\n6. If someone asks an audience to give someone a hand, they are asking the audience to clap loudly, usually before or after that person performs.\nLet’s give ’em a big hand.\n  N-SING: a N\n\n7. If a man asks for a woman’s hand in marriage, he asks her or her parents for permission to marry her. (OLD-FASHIONED)\nHe came to ask Usha’s father for her hand in marriage.\n  N-COUNT: usu sing, poss N, oft N in n\n\n8. In a game of cards, your hand is the set of cards that you are holding in your hand at a particular time or the cards that are dealt to you at the beginning of the game.\nHe carefully inspected his hand.\n  N-COUNT\n\n9. A hand is a measurement of four inches, which is used for measuring the height of a horse from its front feet to its shoulders.\nI had a very good 14.2 hands pony, called Brandy.\n  N-COUNT: usu num N\n\n10. The hands of a clock or watch are the thin pieces of metal or plastic that indicate what time it is.\n  N-COUNT\n\n11. If something is at hand, near at hand, or close at hand, it is very near in place or time.\nHaving the right equipment at hand will be enormously helpful...\n  PHRASE: PHR after v, v-link PHR\n\n12. If someone experiences a particular kind of treatment, especially unpleasant treatment, at the hands of a person or organization, they receive it from them.\nThe civilian population were suffering greatly at the hands of the security forces.\n  PREP-PHRASE: PREP n\n\n13. If you do something by hand, you do it using your hands rather than a machine.\nEach pleat was stitched in place by hand.\n  PHRASE: PHR after v\n  = manually\n14. When something changes hands, its ownership changes, usually because it is sold to someone else.\nThe firm has changed hands many times over the years.\n  PHRASE: V inflects\n\n15. If you have someone eating out of your hand, they are completely under your control.\nParker could have customers eating out of his hand.\n  PHRASE: V and N inflect\n\n16. If you force someone’s hand, you force them to act sooner than they want to, or to act in public when they would prefer to keep their actions secret.\nHe blamed the press for forcing his hand.\n  PHRASE: V and N inflect\n\n17. If you have your hands full with something, you are very busy because of it.\nShe had her hands full with new arrivals.\n  PHRASE: V inflects, oft PHR with n\n\n18. If someone gives you a free hand, they give you the freedom to use your own judgment and to do exactly as you wish.\nHe gave Stephanie a free hand in the decoration.\n  PHRASE: PHR after v\n\n19. If you get your hands on something or lay your hands on something, you manage to find it or obtain it, usually after some difficulty. (INFORMAL)\nPatty began reading everything she could get her hands on.\n  PHRASE: V inflects, PHR n\n\n(next)\n\nVERB USES\n   hand  hands  handing  handed\n1. If you hand something to someone, you pass it to them.\nHe handed me a little rectangle of white paper...\nHe took a thick envelope from an inside pocket and handed it to me.\n  VERB: V n n, V n to n\n\n2. You say things such as `You have to hand it to her’ or `You’ve got to hand it to them’ when you admire someone for their skills or achievements and you think they deserve a lot of praise. (INFORMAL)\nYou’ve got to hand it to Melissa, she certainly gets around.\n  PHRASE  approval


Words: hand .1
Meaning:
20. If you work hand in glove with someone, you work very closely with them.\nThe UN inspectors work hand in glove with the Western intelligence agencies.\n  PHRASE: usu PHR with n\n\n21. If two people are hand in hand, they are holding each other’s nearest hand, usually while they are walking or sitting together. People often do this to show their affection for each other.\nI saw them making their way, hand in hand, down the path.\n  PHRASE: usu PHR after v, PHR with cl\n\n22. If two things go hand in hand, they are closely connected and cannot be considered separately from each other.\nFor us, research and teaching go hand in hand...\n  PHRASE: usu PHR after v, v-link PHR, oft PHR with n\n\n23. If you have a hand in something such as an event or activity, you are involved in it.\nHe thanked all who had a hand in his release.\n  PHRASE: V inflects, PHR n\n\n24. If you say that someone such as the ruler of a country treats people with a heavy hand, you are criticizing them because they are very strict and severe with them.\nHenry and Richard both ruled with a heavy hand.\n  PHRASE: usu with PHR  disapproval\n\n25. If two people are holding hands, they are holding each other’s nearest hand, usually while they are walking or sitting together. People often do this to show their affection for each other.\nShe approached a young couple holding hands on a bench.\n  PHRASE: V inflects, pl-n PHR, PHR with n\n\n26. If you ask someone to hold your hand at an event that you are worried about, you ask them to support you by being there with you. (INFORMAL)\nI don’t need anyone to hold my hand.\n  PHRASE: V and N inflect\n\n27. In a competition, if someone has games or matches in hand, they have more games or matches left to play than their opponent and therefore have the possibility of scoring more points. (BRIT)\nWales are three points behind Romania in the group but have a game in hand.\n  PHRASE: n PHR\n\n28. If you have time or money in hand, you have more time or money than you need. (BRIT)\nHughes finished with 15 seconds in hand.\n  PHRASE: usu with amount PHR\n\n29. The job or problem in hand is the job or problem that you are dealing with at the moment.\nThe business in hand was approaching some kind of climax.\n  PHRASE: n PHR, v-link PHR\n\n30. If a situation is in hand, it is under control.\nThe Olympic organisers say that matters are well in hand.\n  PHRASE: v-link PHR, PHR after v\n\n31. If you lend someone a hand, you help them.\nI’d be glad to lend a hand.\n  PHRASE: V inflects\n\n32. If you tell someone to keep their hands off something or to take their hands off it, you are telling them in a rather aggressive way not to touch it or interfere with it.\nKeep your hands off my milk.\n  PHRASE: V inflects, PHR n\n\n33. If you do not know something off hand, you do not know it without having to ask someone else or look it up in a book. (SPOKEN)\nI can’t think of any off hand.\n  PHRASE: usu with brd-neg, PHR after v\n\n34. If you have a problem or responsibility on your hands, you have to deal with it. If it is off your hands, you no longer have to deal with it.\nThey now have yet another drug problem on their hands...\nShe would like the worry of dealing with her affairs taken off her hands.\n  PHRASE: PHR after v\n\n35. If someone or something is on hand, they are near and able to be used if they are needed.\nThe Bridal Department will have experts on hand to give you all the help and advice you need...\n  PHRASE: PHR after v, v-link PHR\n  = available\n36. You use on the one hand to introduce the first of two contrasting points, facts, or ways of looking at something. It is always followed later by on the other hand or `on the other’.\nOn the one hand, if the body doesn’t have enough cholesterol, we would not be able to survive. On the other hand, if the body has too much cholesterol, the excess begins to line the arteries.\n  PHRASE: PHR with cl\n\n37. You use on the other hand to introduce the second of two contrasting points, facts, or ways of looking at something.\n(next)


Words: hand .2
Meaning:
Well, all right, hospitals lose money. But, on the other hand, if people are healthy, don’t think of it as losing money; think of it as saving lives.\n  PHRASE\n\n38. If a person or a situation gets out of hand, you are no longer able to control them.\nHis drinking had got out of hand.\n  PHRASE: v-link PHR\n\n39. If you dismiss or reject something out of hand, you do so immediately and do not consider believing or accepting it.\nI initially dismissed the idea out of hand.\n  PHRASE: PHR after v\n\n40. If you play into someone’s hands, you do something which they want you to do and which places you in their power. (JOURNALISM)\nHe is playing into the hands of racists.\n  PHRASE: V inflects\n\n41. If you show your hand, you show how much power you have and the way you intend to act.\nHe has grown more serious about running for president, although he refuses to show his hand.\n  PHRASE: V and N inflect\n\n42. If you take something or someone in hand, you take control or responsibility over them, especially in order to improve them.\nI hope that Parliament will soon take the NHS in hand...\n  PHRASE: V inflects\n\n43. If you say that your hands are tied, you mean that something is preventing you from acting in the way that you want to.\nPoliticians are always saying that they want to help us but their hands are tied...\n  PHRASE: V inflects\n\n44. If you have something to hand or near to hand, you have it with you or near you, ready to use when needed.\nYou may want to keep this brochure safe, so you have it to hand whenever you may need it.\n  PHRASE: PHR after v, v-link PHR\n\n45. If you try your hand at an activity, you attempt to do it, usually for the first time.\nAfter he left school, he tried his hand at a variety of jobs.bricklayer, cinema usher, coal man.\n  PHRASE: V and N inflect, usu PHR at n/-ing\n\n46. If you turn your hand to something such as a practical activity, you learn about it and do it for the first time.\n...a person who can turn his hand to anything.\n  PHRASE: V and N inflect, PHR n\n\n47. If you wash your hands of someone or something, you refuse to be involved with them any more or to take responsibility for them.\nHe seems to have washed his hands of the job.\n  PHRASE: V inflects, PHR n\n\n48. If you win hands down, you win very easily.\n  PHRASE: V inflects\n\n49.\nwith one’s bare hands: see bare\nto overplay one’s hand: see overplay\nto shake someone’s hand: see shake\nto shake hands: see shake\n  see also hand-to-mouth


Words: hand around
Meaning:
hand around\n  If you hand around or hand round something such as food, you pass it from one person to another in a group. (in BRIT, also use hand round)\nJohn handed round the plate of sandwiches...\nDean produced another bottle and handed it round.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron), V n P\n  = distribute


Words: hand back
Meaning:
hand back\n  If you hand back something that you have borrowed or taken from someone, you return it to them.\nThe management handed back his few possessions...\nHe took a saxophone from the Salvation Army but was caught and had to hand it back...\nHe handed the book back to her...\nHe unlocked her door and handed her back the key.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron), V n P, V n P to n, V n P n (not pron), also V P n to n\n  = give back


Words: hand down
Meaning:
hand down\n1. If you hand down something such as knowledge, a possession, or a skill, you give or leave it to people who belong to a younger generation.\nThe idea of handing down his knowledge from generation to generation is important to McLean.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron), also V n P\n  = pass on\n2. When a particular decision is handed down by someone in authority, it is given by them. (JOURNALISM)\nTougher sentences are being handed down these days...\nShe is expected soon to hand down a ruling.\n  PHRASAL VERB: be V-ed P, V P n (not pron), also V n P


Words: hand grenade
Meaning:
hand gre.nade\n   hand grenade  hand grenades\n  A hand grenade is the same as a grenade.\n  N-COUNT


Words: hand in
Meaning:
hand in\n1. If you hand in something such as homework or something that you have found, you give it to a teacher, police officer, or other person in authority.\nI’m supposed to have handed in a first draft of my dissertation...\nMy advice to anyone who finds anything on a bus is to hand it in to the police.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron), V n P\n\n2. If you hand in your notice or resignation, you tell your employer, in speech or in writing, that you no longer wish to work for them.\nI handed my notice in on Saturday...\nAll eighty opposition members of parliament have handed in their resignation.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V n P, V P n (not pron)


Words: hand luggage
Meaning:
hand lug.gage\n   hand luggage\n  When you travel by air, your hand luggage is the luggage you have with you in the plane, rather than the luggage that is carried in the hold.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: hand on
Meaning:
hand on\n  If you hand something on, you give it or transfer it to another person, often someone who replaces you.\nThe government is criticised for not handing on information about missing funds...\nHis chauffeur-driven car and company mobile phone will be handed on to his successor.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron), be V-ed P to n\n  = pass on


Words: hand out
Meaning:
hand out\n1. If you hand things out to people, you give one or more to each person in a group.\nOne of my jobs was to hand out the prizes...\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron)\n  = give out\n2. When people in authority hand out something such as advice or permission to do something, they give it.\nI listened to a lot of people handing out a lot of advice...\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron)\n\n3.\n  see also handout


Words: hand over
Meaning:
hand over\n1. If you hand something over to someone, you pass it to them.\nHe also handed over a letter of apology from the Prime Minister...\n`I’ve got his card.’ Judith said, handing it over.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron), V n P\n\n2. When you hand over someone such as a prisoner to someone else, you give the control of and responsibility for them to that other person.\nThey would just catch the robbers and hand them over to the police...\n  PHRASAL VERB: V n P to n\n\n3. If you hand over to someone or hand something over to them, you give them the responsibility for dealing with a particular situation or problem.\nThe present leaders have to decide whether to stand down and hand over to a younger generation...\nI wouldn’t dare hand this project over to anyone else...\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P to n, V n P to n, also V n P, V P n (not pron)


Words: hand tool
Meaning:
hand tool  hand tools\n  Hand tools are fairly simple tools which you use with your hands, and which are usually not powered.\n  N-COUNT


Words: hand-
Meaning:
hand-\n  Hand- combines with past participles to indicate that something has been made by someone using their hands or using tools rather than by machines.\n...handcrafted jewelry.\n...handbuilt cars.\n  COMB in ADJ: COMB -ed


Words: hand-held
Meaning:
hand-held  hand-helds  also handheld\n  A hand-held device such as a camera or a computer is small and light enough to be used while you are holding it.\nSaivonsac shot the entire film with a hand-held camera.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n  Hand-held is also a noun.\nUsers will be able to use their hand-helds to check their bank accounts.\n  N-COUNT


Words: hand-me-down
Meaning:
hand-me-down  hand-me-downs\n1. Hand-me-downs are things, especially clothes, which have been used by someone else before you and which have been given to you for your use.\nEdward wore Andrew’s hand-me-downs.\n  N-COUNT: usu pl\n\n2. Hand-me-down is used to describe things, especially clothes, which have been used by someone else before you and which have been given to you for your use.\nMost of the boys wore hand-me-down military shirts from their fathers.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: hand-pick
Meaning:
hand-pick  hand-picks  hand-picking  hand-picked   also handpick\n  If someone is hand-picked, they are very carefully chosen by someone in authority for a particular purpose or a particular job.\nHe was hand-picked for this job by the Admiral...\nSokagakkai was able to hand-pick his successor.\n  VERB: be V-ed, V n


Words: hand-to-hand
Meaning:
hand-to-hand   also hand to hand\n  Hand-to-hand fighting is fighting where the people are very close together, using either their hands or weapons such as knives.\nThere was, reportedly, hand-to-hand combat in the streets...\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: hand-to-mouth
Meaning:
hand-to-mouth\n  A hand-to-mouth existence is a way of life in which you have hardly enough food or money to live on.\nThe worst-paid live a hand-to-mouth existence without medical or other benefits.\n  ADJ\n\n  Hand-to-mouth is also an adverb.\n...penniless students living hand-to-mouth.\n  ADV: ADV after v


Words: handbag
Meaning:
hand.bag\n   handbag  handbags\n  A handbag is a small bag which a woman uses to carry things such as her money and keys in when she goes out.\n  N-COUNT


Words: handball
Meaning:
hand.ball\n   handball   also hand-ball\n1. In Britain, handball is a team sport in which the players try to score goals by throwing or hitting a large ball with their hand.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. In the United States and some other countries, handball is a sport in which players try to score points by hitting a small ball against a wall with their hand.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n3. Handball is the act of touching the ball with your hand during a football game, which is not allowed. (BRIT)\nHe got sent off for deliberate handball in the 32nd minute.\n  N-UNCOUNT: also a N


Words: handbill
Meaning:
hand.bill\n   handbill  handbills\n  A handbill is a small printed notice which is used to advertise a particular company, service, or event.\n  N-COUNT


Words: handbook
Meaning:
hand.book\n   handbook  handbooks\n  A handbook is a book that gives you advice and instructions about a particular subject, tool, or machine.\n  N-COUNT: usu with supp\n  = manual


Words: handbrake
Meaning:
hand.brake\n   handbrake  handbrakes   also hand brake\n  In a vehicle, the handbrake is a brake which the driver operates with his or her hand, for example when parking. (mainly BRIT; in AM, usually use emergency brake)\n  N-COUNT


Words: handcart
Meaning:
hand.cart\n   handcart  handcarts   also hand-cart\n  A handcart is a small cart with two wheels which is pushed or pulled along and is used for transporting goods.\n  N-COUNT


Words: handclap
Meaning:
hand.clap\n   handclap  handclaps\n  If a group of people give a handclap, they clap their hands.\n...the crowd’s slow handclap.\n  N-COUNT


Words: handcuff
Meaning:
hand.cuff\n   handcuff  handcuffs  handcuffing  handcuffed\n1. Handcuffs are two metal rings which are joined together and can be locked round someone’s wrists, usually by the police during an arrest.\nHe was led away to jail in handcuffs.\n  N-PLURAL: also a pair of N\n\n2. If you handcuff someone, you put handcuffs around their wrists.\nThey tried to handcuff him but, despite his injuries, he fought his way free.\n  VERB: V n


Words: handful
Meaning:
hand.ful\n   handful  handfuls\n1. A handful of people or things is a small number of them.\nHe surveyed the handful of customers at the bar...\n  N-SING: usu N of n\n\n2. A handful of something is the amount of it that you can hold in your hand.\nShe scooped up a handful of sand and let it trickle through her fingers.\n  N-COUNT: usu N of n\n\n3. If you say that someone, especially a child, is a handful, you mean that they are difficult to control. (INFORMAL)\nZara can be a handful sometimes.\n  N-SING


Words: handgun
Meaning:
hand.gun\n   handgun  handguns   also hand gun\n  A handgun is a gun that you can hold, carry, and fire with one hand.\n  N-COUNT


Words: handhold
Meaning:
hand.hold\n   handhold  handholds\n  A handhold is a small hole or hollow in something such as rock or a wall that you can put your hand in if you are trying to climb it.\nI found handholds and hoisted myself along.\n  N-COUNT


Words: handicap
Meaning:
handi.cap\n   handicap  handicaps  handicapping  handicapped\n1. A handicap is a physical or mental disability.\nHe lost his leg when he was ten, but learnt to overcome his handicap.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. A handicap is an event or situation that places you at a disadvantage and makes it harder for you to do something.\nBeing a foreigner was not a handicap.\n  N-COUNT\n\n3. If an event or a situation handicaps someone or something, it places them at a disadvantage.\nGreater levels of stress may seriously handicap some students...\n  VERB: V n\n\n4. In golf, a handicap is an advantage given to someone who is not a good player, in order to make the players more equal. As you improve, your handicap gets lower.\nI see your handicap is down from 16 to 12.\n  N-COUNT\n\n5. In horse racing, a handicap is a race in which some competitors are given a disadvantage of extra weight in an attempt to give everyone an equal chance of winning.\n  N-COUNT


Words: handicapped
Meaning:
handi.capped\n   handicapped\n  Someone who is handicapped has a physical or mental disability that prevents them living a totally normal life. Many people who have a disability find this word offensive.\nI’m going to work two days a week teaching handicapped kids to fish...\nAlex was mentally handicapped.\n  ADJ\n\n  Some people refer to people who are handicapped as the handicapped.\n...measures to prevent discrimination against the handicapped.\n  N-PLURAL: the N


Words: handicraft
Meaning:
handi.craft\n   handicraft  handicrafts\n1. Handicrafts are activities such as embroidery and pottery which involve making things with your hands in a skilful way.\n  N-COUNT: usu pl\n\n2. Handicrafts are the objects that are produced by people doing handicrafts.\nShe sells handicrafts to the tourists.\n  N-COUNT: usu pl


Words: handiwork
Meaning:
handi.work\n   handiwork\n  You can refer to something that you have done or made yourself as your handiwork.\nThe architect stepped back to admire his handiwork...\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu with poss


Words: handkerchief
Meaning:
hand.ker.chief\n   handkerchief  handkerchiefs\n  A handkerchief is a small square piece of fabric which you use for blowing your nose.\n  N-COUNT


Words: handle
Meaning:
han.dle\n   handle  handles  handling  handled\n1. A handle is a small round object or a lever that is attached to a door and is used for opening and closing it.\nI turned the handle and found the door was open.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. A handle is the part of an object such as a tool, bag, or cup that you hold in order to be able to pick up and use the object.\nThe handle of a cricket bat protruded from under his arm.\n...a broom handle.\n  N-COUNT\n\n3. If you say that someone can handle a problem or situation, you mean that they have the ability to deal with it successfully.\nTo tell the truth, I don’t know if I can handle the job...\n  VERB: V n\n\n4. If you talk about the way that someone handles a problem or situation, you mention whether or not they are successful in achieving the result they want.\nI think I would handle a meeting with Mr. Siegel very badly...\n  VERB: V n adv\n\n=>  han.dling\nThe family has criticized the military’s handling of Robert’s death.\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu N of n\n\n5. If you handle a particular area of work, you have responsibility for it.\nShe handled travel arrangements for the press corps during the presidential campaign...\n  VERB: V n\n\n6. When you handle something such as a weapon, vehicle, or animal, you use it or control it, especially by using your hands.\nI had never handled an automatic.\n  VERB: V n\n\n7. If something such as a vehicle handles well, it is easy to use or control.\nHis ship had handled like a dream!\n  VERB: V adv/prep\n\n8. When you handle something, you hold it or move it with your hands.\nWear rubber gloves when handling cat litter.\n  VERB: V n\n\n9. If you have a handle on a subject or problem, you have a way of approaching it that helps you to understand it or deal with it. (INFORMAL)\nWhen you have got a handle on your anxiety you can begin to control it.\n  N-SING: a N on n\n\n10. If you fly off the handle, you suddenly and completely lose your temper. (INFORMAL)\nHe flew off the handle at the slightest thing.\n  PHRASE: V inflects


Words: handlebar
Meaning:
handle.bar\n   handlebar  handlebars\n  The handlebar or handlebars of a bicycle consist of a curved metal bar with handles at each end which are used for steering.\n  N-COUNT


Words: handlebar moustache
Meaning:
handle.bar mous.tache\n   handlebar moustache  handlebar moustaches   also handlebar mustache\n  A handlebar moustache is a long thick moustache with curled ends.\n  N-COUNT


Words: handler
Meaning:
han.dler\n   handler  handlers\n1. A handler is someone whose job is to be in charge of and control an animal.\nFifty officers, including frogmen and dog handlers, are searching for her.\n  N-COUNT: usu supp N\n\n2. A handler is someone whose job is to deal with a particular type of object.\n...baggage handlers at Gatwick airport.\n  N-COUNT: usu n N


Words: handmade
Meaning:
hand.made\n   handmade   also hand-made\n1. Handmade objects have been made by someone using their hands or using tools rather than by machines.\nAs they’re handmade, each one varies slightly.\n...handmade chocolates.\n  ADJ\n\n2. If something is handmade, it is made by someone using their hands or using tools rather than by machines.\nThe beads they use are handmade in the Jura mountains in central France...\n  V-PASSIVE: be V-ed


Words: handmaiden
Meaning:
hand.maiden\n   handmaiden  handmaidens\n1. A handmaiden is a female servant. (LITERARY, OLD-FASHIONED)\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. If one thing is the handmaiden of another, the first thing helps the second or makes it possible. (FORMAL)\nThe fear is that science could become the handmaiden of industry.\n  N-COUNT: N of/to n


Words: handout
Meaning:
hand.out\n   handout  handouts\n1. A handout is a gift of money, clothing, or food, which is given free to poor people.\nEach family is being given a cash handout of six thousand rupees.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. If you call money that is given to someone a handout, you disapprove of it because you believe that the person who receives it has done nothing to earn or deserve it.\n...the tendency of politicians to use money on vote-buying handouts rather than on investment in the future...\n  N-COUNT  disapproval\n\n3. A handout is a document which contains news or information about something and which is given, for example, to journalists or members of the public.\nOfficial handouts describe the Emperor as `particularly noted as a scholar’.\n  N-COUNT\n\n4. A handout is a paper containing a summary of information or topics which will be dealt with in a lecture or talk.\n  N-COUNT


Words: handover
Meaning:
hand.over\n   handover  handovers\n  The handover of something is when possession or control of it is given by one person or group of people to another.\nThe handover is expected to be completed in the next ten years.\n  N-COUNT: usu sing, oft N of n


Words: handrail
Meaning:
hand.rail\n   handrail  handrails\n  A handrail is a long piece of metal or wood which is fixed near stairs or places where people could slip and fall, and which people can hold on to for support.\n  N-COUNT


Words: hands-free
Meaning:
hands-free\n  A hands-free telephone or other device can be used without being held in your hand.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: hands-on
Meaning:
hands-on\n  Hands-on experience or work involves actually doing a particular thing, rather than just talking about it or getting someone else to do it.\nNinety-nine per cent of primary pupils now have hands-on experience of computers...\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: handset
Meaning:
hand.set\n   handset  handsets\n1. The handset of a telephone is the part that you hold next to your face in order to speak and listen.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. You can refer to a device such as the remote control of a television or stereo as a handset.\n  N-COUNT


Words: handshake
Meaning:
hand.shake\n   handshake  handshakes\n  If you give someone a handshake, you take their right hand with your own right hand and hold it firmly or move it up and down, as a sign of greeting or to show that you have agreed about something such as a business deal.\n  N-COUNT\n\n  see also golden handshake


Words: handsome
Meaning:
hand.some\n   handsome\n1. A handsome man has an attractive face with regular features.\n...a tall, dark, handsome sheep farmer.\n  ADJ\n  = good-looking\n2. A handsome woman has an attractive appearance with features that are large and regular rather than small and delicate.\n...an extremely handsome woman with a beautiful voice.\n  ADJ\n\n3. A handsome sum of money is a large or generous amount. (FORMAL)\nThey will make a handsome profit on the property.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n=>  hand.some.ly\nHe was rewarded handsomely for his efforts.\n  ADV: ADV with v\n\n4. If someone has a handsome win or a handsome victory, they get many more points or votes than their opponent.\nThe opposition won a handsome victory in the election.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n=>  hand.some.ly\nThe car ran perfectly to the finish, and we won handsomely.\n  ADV: ADV after v


Words: handstand
Meaning:
hand.stand\n   handstand  handstands\n  If you do a handstand, you balance yourself upside down on your hands with your body and legs straight up in the air.\n  N-COUNT


Words: handwash
Meaning:
hand.wash\n   handwash  handwashes  handwashing  handwashed\n  If you handwash something, you wash it by hand rather than in a washing machine.\n  VERB: V n


Words: handwriting
Meaning:
hand.writing\n   handwriting\n  Your handwriting is your style of writing with a pen or pencil.\nThe address was in Anna’s handwriting...\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft poss N


Words: handwritten
Meaning:
hand.written\n   handwritten\n  A piece of writing that is handwritten is one that someone has written using a pen or pencil rather than by typing it.\n  ADJ


Words: handy
Meaning:
handy  handier  handiest\n1. Something that is handy is useful.\nCredit cards can be handy.they mean you do not have to carry large sums of cash.\n  ADJ\n\n2. If something comes in handy, it is useful in a particular situation.\nThe $20 check came in very handy.\n  PHRASE: V inflects\n\n3. A thing or place that is handy is nearby and therefore easy to get or reach.\nIt would be good to have a pencil and paper handy...\n  ADJ: usu v-link ADJ\n\n4. Someone who is handy with a particular tool is skilful at using it. (INFORMAL)\nIf you’re handy with a needle you could brighten up your sweater with giant daisies.\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ with n


Words: handyman
Meaning:
handy.man\n   handyman  handymen\n  A handyman is a man who earns money by doing small jobs for people such as making and repairing things in their houses. You can also describe a man who is good at making or repairing things in his home as a handyman.\n  N-COUNT


Words: hang
Meaning:
hang  hangs  hanging  hung  hanged\n\n  The form hung is used as the past tense and past participle. The form hanged is used as the past tense for meaning 5.\n\n1. If something hangs in a high place or position, or if you hang it there, it is attached there so it does not touch the ground.\nNotices painted on sheets hang at every entrance...\n...small hanging lanterns...\nThey saw a young woman come out of the house to hang clothes on a line.\n  VERB: V prep/adv, V-ing, V n prep/adv\n\n  Hang up means the same as hang.\nI found his jacket, which was hanging up in the hallway...\nSome prisoners climbed onto the roof and hung up a banner.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P, V P n (not pron), also V n P\n\n2. If a piece of clothing or fabric hangs in a particular way or position, that is how it is worn or arranged.\n...a ragged fur coat that hung down to her calves...\n  VERB: V adv/prep\n\n3. If something hangs loose or hangs open, it is partly fixed in position, but is not firmly held, supported, or controlled, often in such a way that it moves freely.\n...her long golden hair which hung loose about her shoulders...\n  VERB: V adj\n\n4. If something such as a wall is hung with pictures or other objects, they are attached to it.\nThe walls were hung with huge modern paintings.\n  VERB: usu passive, be V-ed with n\n\n5. If someone is hanged or if they hang, they are killed, usually as a punishment, by having a rope tied around their neck and the support taken away from under their feet.\nThe five were expected to be hanged at 7 am on Tuesday...\nIt is right that their murderers should hang...\nHe hanged himself two hours after arriving at a mental hospital.\n  VERB: be V-ed, V, V pron-refl\n\n=>  hang.ing      hangings\nFour steamboat loads of spectators came to view a hanging in New Orleans.\n  N-VAR\n\n6. If something such as someone’s breath or smoke hangs in the air, it remains there without appearing to move or change position.\nHis breath was hanging in the air before him...\n  VERB: V prep/adv\n\n7. If a possibility hangs over you, it worries you and makes your life unpleasant or difficult because you think it might happen.\nA constant threat of unemployment hangs over thousands of university researchers...\n  VERB: V over n\n\n8.\n  see also hanging, hung\n9. If you get the hang of something such as a skill or activity, you begin to understand or realize how to do it. (INFORMAL)\nIt’s a bit tricky at first till you get the hang of it.\n  PHRASE: V inflects: PHR n\n\n10. If you tell someone to hang in there or to hang on in there, you are encouraging them to keep trying to do something and not to give up even though it might be difficult. (INFORMAL)\nHang in there and you never know what you might achieve.\n  PHRASE: V inflects\n\n11.\nto hang by a thread: see thread


Words: hang around
Meaning:
hang around\n1. If you hang around, hang about, or hang round, you stay in the same place doing nothing, usually because you are waiting for something or someone. (INFORMAL)\nHe got sick of hanging around waiting for me...\nOn Saturdays we hang about in the park.\n...those people hanging round the streets at 6 am with nowhere to go.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P -ing, V P, V P n\n\n2. If you hang around, hang about, or hang round with someone or in a particular place, you spend a lot of time with that person or in that place. (INFORMAL)\nThey usually hung around together most of the time...\nHelen used to hang round with the boys.\n...the usual young crowd who hung around the cafe day in and day out.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P together, V P with n, V P n


Words: hang back
Meaning:
hang back\n1. If you hang back, you move or stay slightly behind a person or group, usually because you are nervous about something.\nI saw him step forward momentarily but then hang back, nervously massaging his hands.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P\n\n2. If a person or organization hangs back, they do not do something immediately.\nThey will then hang back on closing the deal...\nEven his closest advisers believe he should hang back no longer.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P on n, V P


Words: hang on
Meaning:
hang on\n1. If you ask someone to hang on, you ask them to wait or stop what they are doing or saying for a moment. (INFORMAL)\nCan you hang on for a minute?...\nHang on a sec. I’ll come with you.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P, V P n\n  = hold on\n2. If you hang on, you manage to survive, achieve success, or avoid failure in spite of great difficulties or opposition.\nManchester United hung on to take the Cup.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P\n\n3. If you hang on to or hang onto something that gives you an advantage, you succeed in keeping it for yourself, and prevent it from being taken away or given to someone else.\nThe British driver was unable to hang on to his lead...\nThe company has been struggling to hang onto its sales force.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P to n, V P n\n\n4. If you hang on to or hang onto something, you hold it very tightly, for example to stop it falling or to support yourself.\nShe was conscious of a second man hanging on to the rail.\n...a flight stewardess who helped save the life of a pilot by hanging onto his legs...\nHe hangs on tightly, his arms around my neck.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P to n, V P n, V P\n  = cling\n5. If you hang on to or hang onto something, you keep it for a longer time than you would normally expect. (INFORMAL)\nYou could, alternatively, hang onto it in the hope that it will be worth millions in 10 years time...\nIn the present climate, owners are hanging on to old ships.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n, V P to n\n\n6. If one thing hangs on another, it depends on it in order to be successful.\nMuch hangs on the success of the collaboration between the Group of Seven governments and Brazil.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n\n  = depend


Words: hang out
Meaning:
hang out\n1. If you hang out clothes that you have washed, you hang them on a clothes line to dry.\nI was worried I wouldn’t be able to hang my washing out.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V n P, also V P n (not pron)\n\n2. If you hang out in a particular place or area, you go and stay there for no particular reason, or spend a lot of time there. (mainly AM INFORMAL)\nI often used to hang out in supermarkets...\nWe can just hang out and have a good time.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P adv/prep, V P\n\n  see also hangout


Words: hang up
Meaning:
hang up\n1.\nsee hang 1\n2. If you hang up or you hang up the phone, you end a phone call. If you hang up on someone you are speaking to on the phone, you end the phone call suddenly and unexpectedly.\nMum hung up the phone...\nDon’t hang up!...\nHe said he’d call again, and hung up on me.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron), V P, V P on n\n\n3. You can use hang up to indicate that someone stops doing a particular sport or activity that they have regularly done over a long period. For example, when a footballer hangs up his boots, he stops playing football.\nKeegan announced he was hanging up his boots for good...\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron), also V n P\n\n4.\n  see also hang-up, hung up


Words: hang-glider
Meaning:
hang-glider  hang-gliders   also hang glider\n  A hang-glider is a type of glider, made from large piece of cloth fixed to a frame. It is used to fly from high places, with the pilot hanging underneath.\n  N-COUNT


Words: hang-up
Meaning:
hang-up  hang-ups\n  If you have a hang-up about something, you have a feeling of fear, anxiety, or embarrassment about it. (INFORMAL)\nI don’t have any hang-ups about my body.\n  N-COUNT\n  = inhibition


Words: hangdog
Meaning:
hang.dog\n   hangdog   also hang-dog\n  If you say that someone has a hangdog expression on their face, you mean that they look sad, and often guilty or ashamed.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: hanger-on
Meaning:
hanger-on  hangers-on\n  If you describe someone as a hanger-on, you are critical of them because they are trying to be friendly with a richer or more important person, especially in order to gain an advantage for themselves.\nFor every one or two talented people in any group of artists, there are hordes of talentless hangers-on.\n  N-COUNT  disapproval


Words: hanging
Meaning:
hang.ing\n   hanging  hangings\n  A hanging is a large piece of cloth that you put as a decoration on a wall.\n  N-COUNT: usu with supp


Words: hanging basket
Meaning:
hang.ing bas.ket\n   hanging basket  hanging baskets\n  A hanging basket is a basket with small ropes or chains attached so that it can be hung from a hook. Hanging baskets are usually used for displaying plants or storing fruit and vegetables.\n  N-COUNT


Words: hangman
Meaning:
hang.man\n   hangman  hangmen\n  A hangman is a man whose job is to execute people by hanging them.\n  N-COUNT


Words: hangout
Meaning:
hang.out\n   hangout  hangouts\n  If a place is a hangout for a particular group of people, they spend a lot of time there because they can relax and meet other people there. (INFORMAL)\nBy the time he was sixteen, Malcolm already knew most of London’s teenage hangouts.\n  N-COUNT: with supp\n  = haunt


Words: hangover
Meaning:
hang.over\n   hangover  hangovers\n1. If someone wakes up with a hangover, they feel sick and have a headache because they have drunk a lot of alcohol the night before.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. Something that is a hangover from the past is an idea or way of behaving which people used to have in the past but which people no longer generally have.\nAs a hangover from rationing, they mixed butter and margarine.\n  N-COUNT: with supp, usu N from n


Words: hank
Meaning:
hank  hanks\n  A hank of wool, rope, or string is a length of it which has been loosely wound.\n  N-COUNT: oft N of n


Words: hanker
Meaning:
hank.er\n   hanker  hankers  hankering  hankered\n  If you hanker after something, you want it very much.\nI hankered after a floor-length brown suede coat.\n  VERB: V after/for n, also V to-inf


Words: hankering
Meaning:
hank.er.ing\n   hankering  hankerings\n  A hankering for something is a desire or longing for it.\nFrom time to time we all get a hankering for something a little different...\n  N-COUNT: usu N for/after n, N to-inf


Words: hanky-panky
Meaning:
hanky-panky\n  Hanky-panky is used to refer to sexual activity between two people, especially when this is regarded as improper or not serious. (HUMOROUS, INFORMAL)\nDoes this mean no hanky-panky after lights out?\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: hansom
Meaning:
han.som\n   hansom  hansoms\n  In former times, a hansom or a hansom cab was a horse-drawn carriage with two wheels and a fixed hood.\n  N-COUNT


Words: Hanukkah
Meaning:
Ha.nuk.kah\n   Hanukkah   also Hanukah\n  Hanukkah is a Jewish festival that celebrates the re-dedication of the Temple in Jerusalem in 165 B.C. It begins in November or December and lasts for eight days.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n  = Chanukah


Words: haphazard
Meaning:
hap.haz.ard\n   haphazard\n  If you describe something as haphazard, you are critical of it because it is not at all organized or is not arranged according to a plan.\nThe investigation does seem haphazard...\n  ADJ  disapproval\n\n=>  hap.haz.ard.ly\nShe looked at the books jammed haphazardly in the shelves.\n  ADV: usu ADV with v


Words: happen
Meaning:
hap.pen\n   happen  happens  happening  happened\n1. Something that happens occurs or is done without being planned.\nWe cannot say for sure what will happen...\n  VERB: V\n\n2. If something happens, it occurs as a result of a situation or course of action.\nShe wondered what would happen if her parents found her...\nHe trotted to the truck and switched on the ignition. Nothing happened.\n  VERB: V, V\n\n3. When something, especially something unpleasant, happens to you, it takes place and affects you.\nIf we had been spotted at that point, I don’t know what would have happened to us...\n  VERB: V to n\n\n4. If you happen to do something, you do it by chance. If it happens that something is the case, it occurs by chance.\nWe happened to discover we had a friend in common...\nIf it happens that I’m wanted badly somewhere, my mother will take the call and phone through to me here.\n  VERB: V to-inf, it V that\n\n5. You use as it happens in order to introduce a statement, especially one that is rather surprising.\nShe called Amy to see if she had any idea of her son’s whereabouts. As it happened, Amy had.\n  PHRASE: V inflects, PHR with cl


Words: happening
Meaning:
hap.pen.ing\n   happening  happenings\n  Happenings are things that happen, often in a way that is unexpected or hard to explain.\nThe Budapest office plans to hire freelance reporters to cover the latest happenings.\n  N-COUNT: usu pl, usu with supp


Words: happenstance
Meaning:
hap.pen.stance\n   happenstance\n  If you say that something happened by happenstance, you mean that it happened because of certain circumstances, although it was not planned by anyone. (WRITTEN)\nI came to live at the farm by happenstance.\n  N-UNCOUNT: also a N, oft by N


Words: happily
Meaning:
hap.pi.ly\n   happily\n  You can add happily to a statement to indicate that you are glad that something happened or is true.\nHappily, his neck injuries were not serious...\n  ADV: ADV with cl\n  = fortunately\n  see also happy


Words: happy
Meaning:
hap.py\n   happy  happier  happiest\n1. Someone who is happy has feelings of pleasure, usually because something nice has happened or because they feel satisfied with their life.\nMarina was a confident, happy child...\nI’m just happy to be back running...\n  ADJ\n\n=>  hap.pi.ly\nAlbert leaned back happily and lit a cigarette.\n  ADV: usu ADV with v\n\n=>  hap.pi.ness\nI think mostly she was looking for happiness.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. A happy time, place, or relationship is full of happy feelings and pleasant experiences, or has an atmosphere in which people feel happy.\nIt had always been a happy place...\nWe have a very happy marriage.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n3. If you are happy about a situation or arrangement, you are satisfied with it, for example because you think that something is being done in the right way.\nIf you are not happy about a repair, go back and complain...\nHe’s happy that I deal with it myself...\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ, ADJ about/with n/-ing, ADJ that, ADJ to-inf\n\n4. If you say you are happy to do something, you mean that you are very willing to do it.\nI’ll be happy to answer any questions if there are any...\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ, usu ADJ to-inf\n\n=>  hap.pi.ly\nIf I’ve caused any offence over something I have written, I will happily apologise.\n  ADV: ADV with v\n  = gladly\n5. Happy is used in greetings and other conventional expressions to say that you hope someone will enjoy a special occasion.\nHappy Birthday!...\nHappy Easter!\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\nmany happy returns: see return\n6. A happy coincidence is one that results in something pleasant or helpful happening.\nBy happy coincidence, Robert met Richard and Julia and discovered they were experiencing similar problems.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: happy hour
Meaning:
hap.py hour\n   happy hour  happy hours\n  In a pub, happy hour is a period when drinks are sold more cheaply than usual to encourage people to come to the pub.\n  N-VAR


Words: happy-go-lucky
Meaning:
happy-go-lucky\n  Someone who is happy-go-lucky enjoys life and does not worry about the future.\n  ADJ\n  = easy going


Words: hara-kiri
Meaning:
hara-kiri\n  In former times, if a Japanese man committed hara-kiri, he killed himself by cutting his own stomach open, in order to avoid dishonour.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: harangue
Meaning:
ha.rangue\n   harangue  harangues  haranguing  harangued\n  If someone harangues you, they try to persuade you to accept their opinions or ideas in a forceful way.\nAn argument ensued, with various band members joining in and haranguing Simpson and his girlfriend for over two hours.\n  VERB: V n


Words: harass
Meaning:
har.ass\n   harass   harasses   harassing   harassed\n  If someone harasses you, they trouble or annoy you, for example by attacking you repeatedly or by causing you as many problems as they can.\nA woman reporter complained one of them sexually harassed her in the locker room...\n  VERB: V n


Words: harassed
Meaning:
har.assed\n   harassed\n  If you are harassed, you are anxious and tense because you have too much to do or too many problems to cope with.\nThis morning, looking harassed and drawn, Lewis tendered his resignation.\n  ADJ


Words: harassment
Meaning:
har.ass.ment\n   harassment\n  Harassment is behaviour which is intended to trouble or annoy someone, for example repeated attacks on them or attempts to cause them problems.\nThe party has accused the police of harassment.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft adj N


Words: harbinger
Meaning:
har.bin.ger\n   harbinger  harbingers\n  Something that is a harbinger of something else, especially something bad, is a sign that it is going to happen. (LITERARY)\nThe November air stung my cheeks, a harbinger of winter.\n  N-COUNT: usu N of n


Words: harbour
Meaning:
har.bour\n   harbour  harbours  harbouring  harboured\nin AM, use harbor\n1. A harbour is an area of the sea at the coast which is partly enclosed by land or strong walls, so that boats can be left there safely.\nShe led us to a room with a balcony overlooking the harbour...\n  N-COUNT; N-IN-NAMES\n\n2. If you harbour an emotion, thought, or secret, you have it in your mind over a long period of time.\nHe might have been murdered by a former client or someone harbouring a grudge...\n  VERB: V n\n\n3. If a person or country harbours someone who is wanted by the police, they let them stay in their house or country and offer them protection.\nAccusations of harbouring suspects were raised against the former Hungarian leadership.\n  VERB: V n


Words: harbourmaster
Meaning:
har.bour.master\n   harbourmaster  harbourmasters   also harbour master\nin AM, use harbormaster or harbor master\n  A harbourmaster is the official in charge of a harbour.\n  N-COUNT


Words: hard
Meaning:
hard  harder  hardest\n1. Something that is hard is very firm and stiff to touch and is not easily bent, cut, or broken.\nHe shuffled his feet on the hard wooden floor...\nSomething cold and hard pressed into the back of his neck.\n  ADJ\n  !=soft\n=>  hard.ness\nHe felt the hardness of the iron railing press against his spine.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft with poss\n\n2. Something that is hard is very difficult to do or deal with.\nIt’s hard to tell what effect this latest move will have...\nOur traveller’s behaviour on the journey is hard to explain...\nThat’s a very hard question.\n  ADJ: oft it v-link ADJ to-inf, ADJ to-inf\n  = difficult  !=easy\n3. If you work hard doing something, you are very active or work intensely, with a lot of effort.\nI’ll work hard. I don’t want to let him down...\nAm I trying too hard?\n  ADV: ADV after v\n\n  Hard is also an adjective.\nI admired him as a true scientist and hard worker.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n4. Hard work involves a lot of activity and effort.\nCoping with three babies is very hard work...\nTheir work is hard and unglamorous, and most people would find it boring.\n  ADJ\n\n5. If you look, listen, or think hard, you do it carefully and with a great deal of attention.\nYou had to listen hard to hear the old man breathe...\n  ADV: ADV after v\n\n  Hard is also an adjective.\nIt might be worth taking a long hard look at your frustrations and resentments.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n6. If you strike or take hold of something hard, you strike or take hold of it with a lot of force.\nI kicked a dustbin very hard and broke my toe.\n  ADV: ADV after v\n\n  Hard is also an adjective.\nHe gave her a hard push which toppled her backwards into an armchair.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n7. You can use hard to indicate that something happens intensely and for a long time.\nI’ve never seen Terry laugh so hard...\nIt was snowing hard by then.\n  ADV: ADV after v\n\n8. If a person or their expression is hard, they show no kindness or sympathy.\nHis father was a hard man...\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n  !=gentle\n9. If you are hard on someone, you treat them severely or unkindly.\nDon’t be so hard on him.\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ on n\n  !=soft\n  Hard is also an adverb.\nHe said the security forces would continue to crack down hard on the protestors.\n  ADV: ADV after v\n\n10. If you say that something is hard on a person or thing, you mean it affects them in a way that is likely to cause them damage or suffering.\nThe grey light was hard on the eyes...\nThese last four years have been hard on them.\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ on n\n\n11. If you have a hard life or a hard period of time, your life or that period is difficult and unpleasant for you.\nIt had been a hard life for her...\nThose were hard times.\n  ADJ\n  = tough\n=>  hard.ness\nIn America, people don’t normally admit to the hardness of life.\n  N-UNCOUNT: N of n\n\n12. Hard evidence or facts are definitely true and do not need to be questioned.\nThere are probably fewer hard facts about the life of Henry Purcell than that of any other great composer since the Renaissance.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n13. Hard water contains a lot of calcium compounds that stop soap making bubbles and sometimes appear as a deposit in kettles and baths.\n  ADJ\n  !=soft\n14. Hard drugs are very strong illegal drugs such as heroin or cocaine.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n  !=soft\n15. If you feel hard done by, you feel that you have not been treated fairly. (BRIT)\nThe hall porter was feeling hard done by at having to extend his shift.\n  PHRASE: v-link PHR\n\n16. If you say that something is hard going, you mean it is difficult and requires a lot of effort.\nThe talks had been hard going at the start.\n  PHRASE: usu v-link PHR\n\n17. To be hard hit by something means to be affected very severely by it.\nCalifornia’s been particularly hard hit by the recession.\n  PHRASE: usu v-link PHR\n\n18. If someone plays hard to get, they pretend not to be interested in another person or in what someone is trying to persuade them to do.\nI wanted her and she was playing hard to get.\n  PHRASE: V inflects\n\n(next)


Words: hard .1
Meaning:
19. If someone is hard put to do something or, in British English if they are hard pushed to do something, they have great difficulty doing it.\nMr Morton is undoubtedly cleverer than Mr Kirkby, but he will be hard put to match his popularity.\n  PHRASE: usu v-link PHR to-inf\n\n20. If you take something hard, you are very upset or depressed by it.\nMaybe I just took it too hard.\n  PHRASE: V inflects


Words: hard and fast
Meaning:
hard and fast\n  If you say that there are no hard and fast rules, or that there is no hard and fast information about something, you are indicating that there are no fixed or definite rules or facts.\nThere are no hard and fast rules, but rather traditional guidelines as to who pays for what...\n  ADJ: usu with brd-neg, usu ADJ n\n  = definite


Words: hard cash
Meaning:
hard cash\n  Hard cash is money in the form of notes and coins as opposed to a cheque or a credit card.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: hard cider
Meaning:
hard ci.der\n   hard cider\n  Hard cider is an alcoholic drink that is made from apples. (AM; in BRIT, use cider)\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: hard copy
Meaning:
hard copy  hard copies\n  A hard copy of a document is a printed version of it, rather than a version that is stored on a computer.\n...eight pages of hard copy.\n  N-VAR


Words: hard core
Meaning:
hard core\n  Hard core consists of pieces of broken stone that are used as a base on which to build roads. (mainly BRIT)\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: hard currency
Meaning:
hard cur.ren.cy\n   hard currency  hard currencies\n  A hard currency is one which is unlikely to lose its value and so is considered to be a good one to have or to invest in.\nThe government is running short of hard currency to pay for imports.\n  N-VAR


Words: hard disk
Meaning:
hard disk  hard disks\n  A computer’s hard disk is a stiff magnetic disk on which data and programs can be stored.\n  N-COUNT


Words: hard hat
Meaning:
hard hat  hard hats\n  A hard hat is a hat made from a hard material, which people wear to protect their heads on building sites or in factories, or when riding a horse.\n  N-COUNT


Words: hard labour
Meaning:
hard la.bour\n   hard labour\nin AM, use hard labor\n  Hard labour is hard physical work which people have to do as punishment for a crime.\nThe sentence of the court was twelve years’ hard labour, to be served in a British prison.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: hard left
Meaning:
hard left   also hard-left\n  You use hard left to describe those members of a left wing political group or party who have the most extreme political beliefs. (mainly BRIT; in AM, usually use far left)\n...the hard-left view that foreign forces should not have been sent.\n  N-SING: the N, oft N n


Words: hard luck
Meaning:
hard luck\n1. If you say that someone had some hard luck, or that a situation was hard luck on them, you mean that something bad happened to them and you are implying that it was not their fault. (INFORMAL)\nWe had a bit of hard luck this season...\n  N-UNCOUNT\n  = bad luck\n2. If someone says that a bad situation affecting you is just your hard luck, they do not care about it or think you should be helped, often because they think it is your fault. (INFORMAL)\nThe shop assistants didn’t really want to discuss the matter, saying it was just my hard luck.\n  N-UNCOUNT: poss N\n  = tough luck\n3. You can say `hard luck’ to someone to show that you are sorry they have not got or done something that they had wanted to get or do. (INFORMAL)\nHard luck, chaps, but don’t despair too much.\n  CONVENTION  feelings\n  = tough luck


Words: hard of hearing
Meaning:
hard of hear.ing\n   hard of hearing\n  Someone who is hard of hearing is not able to hear properly.\n  ADJ: usu v-link ADJ


Words: hard porn
Meaning:
hard porn\n  Hard porn is pornography that shows sex in a very detailed way, or shows very violent or unpleasant sex.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: hard right
Meaning:
hard right   also hard-right\n  You use hard right to describe those members of a right wing political group or party who have the most extreme political beliefs. (mainly BRIT; in AM, usually use far right)\n...the appearance of hard-right political groupings.\n  N-SING: the N, oft N n


Words: hard sell
Meaning:
hard sell\n  A hard sell is a method of selling in which the salesperson puts a lot of pressure on someone to make them buy something.\n...a double-glazing firm whose hard-sell techniques were exposed by a consumer programme.\n  N-SING: oft N n


Words: hard shoulder
Meaning:
hard shoul.der\n   hard shoulder  hard shoulders\n  The hard shoulder is the area at the side of a motorway or other road where you are allowed to stop if your car breaks down. (mainly BRIT; in AM, use shoulder)\n  N-COUNT: usu the N in sing


Words: hard up
Meaning:
hard up   also hard-up\n  If you are hard up, you have very little money. (INFORMAL)\nHer parents were very hard up.\n  ADJ\n  !=well-off


Words: hard-bitten
Meaning:
hard-bitten\n  If you describe someone as hard-bitten, you are critical of them because they do not show much emotion or have much sympathy for other people, usually because they have experienced many unpleasant things.\n...a cynical hard-bitten journalist.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n  disapproval\n  = tough


Words: hard-boiled
Meaning:
hard-boiled   also hard boiled\n1. A hard-boiled egg has been boiled in its shell until the whole of the inside is solid.\n  ADJ\n\n2. You use hard-boiled to describe someone who is tough and does not show much emotion.\nShe’s hard-boiled, tough and funny.\n  ADJ


Words: hard-core
Meaning:
hard-core   also hardcore, hard core\n1. You can refer to the members of a group who are the most committed to its activities or who are the most involved in them as a hard core of members or as the hard-core members.\nWe’ve got a hard core of customers that have stood by us...\nA hard-core group of right-wing senators had hoped to sway their colleagues.\n  N-SING: oft N of n, N n\n\n2. Hard-core pornography shows sex in a very detailed way, or shows very violent or unpleasant sex. Compare soft-core.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: hard-drinking
Meaning:
hard-drinking\n  If you describe someone as a hard-drinking person, you mean that they frequently drink large quantities of alcohol.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: hard-edged
Meaning:
hard-edged\n  If you describe something such as a style, play, or article as hard-edged, you mean you admire it because it is powerful, critical, or unsentimental.\n...hard-edged drama.\n  ADJ  approval\n  = uncompromising


Words: hard-headed
Meaning:
hard-headed\n  You use hard-headed to describe someone who is practical and determined to get what they want or need, and who does not allow emotions to affect their actions.\n...a hard-headed and shrewd businesswoman...\n  ADJ\n  = tough


Words: hard-hearted
Meaning:
hard-hearted\n  If you describe someone as hard-hearted, you disapprove of the fact that they have no sympathy for other people and do not care if people are hurt or made unhappy.\nYou would have to be pretty hard-hearted not to feel something for him.\n  ADJ  disapproval\n  = unfeeling


Words: hard-hitting
Meaning:
hard-hitting\n  If you describe a report or speech as hard-hitting, you like the way it talks about difficult or serious matters in a bold and direct way. (JOURNALISM)\nIn a hard-hitting speech to the IMF, he urged third world countries to undertake sweeping reforms.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n  approval


Words: hard-nosed
Meaning:
hard-nosed\n  You use hard-nosed to describe someone who is tough and realistic, and who takes decisions on practical grounds rather than emotional ones. (INFORMAL)\nIf nothing else, Doug is a hard-nosed businessman.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n  = unsentimental


Words: hard-pressed
Meaning:
hard-pressed   also hard pressed\n1. If someone is hard-pressed, they are under a great deal of strain and worry, usually because they have not got enough money. (JOURNALISM)\nThe region’s hard-pressed consumers are spending less on luxuries.\n  ADJ\n\n2. If you will be hard-pressed to do something, you will have great difficulty doing it.\nThis year the airline will be hard-pressed to make a profit.\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ to-inf


Words: hard-wearing
Meaning:
hard-wearing   also hard wearing\n  Something that is hard-wearing is strong and well-made so that it lasts for a long time and stays in good condition even though it is used a lot. (mainly BRIT; in AM, use long-wearing)\n...hard-wearing cotton shirts.\n  ADJ


Words: hard-wired
Meaning:
hard-wired   also hardwired\n1. A hard-wired part of a computer forms part of its hardware.\n  ADJ\n\n2. If an ability, approach, or type of activity is hard-wired into the brain, it is a basic one and cannot be changed.\nOthers think that the rules for what is `musical’ are hard-wired in our brains to some degree.\n  ADJ


Words: hard-won
Meaning:
hard-won\n  If you describe something that someone has gained or achieved as hard-won, you mean that they worked hard to gain or achieve it.\nThe dispute could destroy Australia’s hard-won reputation for industrial stability.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: hard-working
Meaning:
also hardworking\n  If you describe someone as hard-working, you mean that they work very hard.\nHe was hardworking and energetic.\n  ADJ


Words: hardback
Meaning:
hard.back\n   hardback  hardbacks\n  A hardback is a book which has a stiff hard cover. Compare paperback.\nHis autobiography has sold more than 36,000 copies in hardback.\n  N-COUNT: also in N


Words: hardball
Meaning:
hard.ball\n   hardball\n  If someone plays hardball, they will do anything that is necessary to achieve or get what they want, even if this involves being harsh or unfair. (mainly AM)\nShe is playing hardball in a world dominated by men 20 years her senior.\n  PHRASE


Words: hardboard
Meaning:
hard.board\n   hardboard\n  Hardboard is a material which is made by pressing very small pieces of wood very closely together to form a thin, slightly flexible sheet.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: hardcover
Meaning:
hard.cover\n   hardcover  hardcovers\n  A hardcover is a book which has a stiff hard cover. Compare softcover. (AM; in BRIT, use hardback)\n  N-COUNT: also in N


Words: harden
Meaning:
hard.en\n   harden  hardens  hardening  hardened\n1. When something hardens or when you harden it, it becomes stiff or firm.\nMould the mixture into shape while hot, before it hardens...\nGive the cardboard two or three coats of varnish to harden it.\n  VERB: V, V n\n\n2. When an attitude or opinion hardens or is hardened, it becomes harsher, stronger, or fixed.\nTheir action can only serve to harden the attitude of landowners...\nThe bitter split which has developed within Solidarity is likely to harden further into separation.\n  VERB: V n, V\n\n=>  hard.en.ing\n...a hardening of the government’s attitude towards rebellious parts of the army.\n  N-SING: usu N of n\n\n3. When prices and economies harden, they become much more stable than they were.\nProperty prices are just beginning to harden again.\n  VERB: V\n\n4. When events harden people or when people harden, they become less easily affected emotionally and less sympathetic and gentle than they were before.\nHer years of drunken bickering hardened my heart...\nAll of a sudden my heart hardened against her.\n  VERB: V n, V against n\n\n5. If you say that someone’s face or eyes harden, you mean that they suddenly look serious or angry.\nHis smile died and the look in his face hardened.\n  VERB: V


Words: hardened
Meaning:
hard.ened\n   hardened\n  If you describe someone as hardened, you mean that they have had so much experience of something bad or unpleasant that they are no longer affected by it in the way that other people would be.\n...hardened criminals.\n...hardened politicians.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: hardline
Meaning:
hard.line\n   hardline   also hard-line\n  If you describe someone’s policy or attitude as hardline, you mean that it is strict or extreme, and they refuse to change it.\nThe United States has taken a lot of criticism for its hard-line stance...\n  ADJ


Words: hardliner
Meaning:
hard.liner\n   hardliner  hardliners\n  The hardliners in a group such as a political party are the people who support a strict, fixed set of ideas that are often extreme, and who refuse to accept any change in them.\nUnionist hardliners warned the U.S. President he would not be welcome...\n  N-COUNT: usu pl


Words: hardly
Meaning:
hard.ly\n   hardly\n1. You use hardly to modify a statement when you want to emphasize that it is only a small amount or detail which makes it true, and that therefore it is best to consider the opposite statement as being true.\nI hardly know you...\nTheir two faces were hardly more than eighteen inches apart.\n  ADV: ADV before v, ADV group, oft ADV amount  emphasis\n  = scarcely, barely\n2. You use hardly in expressions such as hardly ever, hardly any, and hardly anyone to mean almost never, almost none, or almost no-one.\nWe ate chips every night, but hardly ever had fish...\nMost of the others were so young they had hardly any experience...\n  ADV: ADV ever/any\n\n3. You use hardly before a negative statement in order to emphasize that something is usually true or usually happens.\nHardly a day goes by without a visit from someone.\n  ADV: ADV n  emphasis\n  = scarcely\n4. When you say you can hardly do something, you are emphasizing that it is very difficult for you to do it.\nMy garden was covered with so many butterflies that I could hardly see the flowers.\n  ADV: can/could ADV inf  emphasis\n\n5. If you say hardly had one thing happened when something else happened, you mean that the first event was followed immediately by the second.\nHe had hardly collected the papers on his desk when the door burst open...\n  ADV: ADV before v\n  = no sooner\n6. You use hardly to mean `not’ when you want to suggest that you are expecting your listener or reader to agree with your comment.\nWe have not seen the letter, so we can hardly comment on it...\n  ADV: ADV before v, ADV group\n\n7. You use `hardly’ to mean `no’, especially when you want to express surprise or annoyance at a statement that you disagree with. (SPOKEN)\n`They all thought you were marvellous!’.`Well, hardly.’...\n  CONVENTION


Words: hardship
Meaning:
hard.ship\n   hardship  hardships\n  Hardship is a situation in which your life is difficult or unpleasant, often because you do not have enough money.\nMany people are suffering economic hardship...\nOne of the worst hardships is having so little time to spend with one’s family.\n  N-VAR


Words: hardware
Meaning:
hard.ware\n   hardware\n1. In computer systems, hardware refers to the machines themselves as opposed to the programs which tell the machines what to do. Compare software.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. Military hardware is the machinery and equipment that is used by the armed forces, such as tanks, aircraft, and missiles.\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu adj N\n\n3. Hardware refers to tools and equipment that are used in the home and garden, for example saucepans, screwdrivers, and lawnmowers.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: hardware store
Meaning:
hard.ware store\n   hardware store  hardware stores\n  A hardware store is a shop where articles for the house and garden such as tools, nails, and pans are sold.\n  N-COUNT


Words: hardwood
Meaning:
hard.wood\n   hardwood  hardwoods\n  Hardwood is wood such as oak, teak, and mahogany, which is very strong and hard.\n...hardwood floors.\n  N-MASS: oft N n\n  !=softwood


Words: hardy
Meaning:
har.dy\n   hardy  hardier  hardiest\n1. Plants that are hardy are able to survive cold weather.\nThe silver-leaved varieties of cyclamen are not quite as hardy.\n  ADJ\n\n=>  har.di.ness\n...the hardiness of other species that have blue flowers.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. People and animals that are hardy are strong and able to cope with difficult conditions.\nIt should not surprise us that such an environment has produced a hardy and independent people...\n  ADJ\n\n=>  har.di.ness\n...the hardiness, endurance, and courage of my companions...\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n3. If you describe a group of people as hardy, you mean that they have been very patient or loyal, or have been trying hard to do something in difficult conditions.\n...the ten hardy supporters who had made the trek to Dublin from Riga.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: hare
Meaning:
hare  hares  haring  hared\n1. A hare is an animal like a rabbit but larger with long ears, long legs, and a small tail.\n  N-VAR\n\n2. If you hare off somewhere, you go there very quickly. (BRIT INFORMAL)\n...an over-protective mother who keeps haring off to ring the babysitter.\n  VERB: V adv/prep


Words: hare-brained
Meaning:
hare-brained   also harebrained\n  You use hare-brained to describe a scheme or theory which you consider to be very foolish and which you think is unlikely to be successful or true.\nThis isn’t the first hare-brained scheme he’s had.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n  disapproval\n  = crackpot


Words: harem
Meaning:
har.em\n   harem  harems\n  If a man, especially a Muslim, has several wives or sexual partners living in his house, they can be referred to as his harem.\n  N-COUNT


Words: haricot bean
Meaning:
hari.cot bean\n   haricot bean  haricot beans\n  Haricot beans are small white beans that are eaten as a vegetable. They are often sold dried rather than fresh. (BRIT)\n  N-COUNT: usu pl


Words: hark
Meaning:
hark  harks  harking  harked\n=>  hark back to\n\n1. If you say that one thing harks back to another thing in the past, you mean it is similar to it or takes it as a model.\n...pitched roofs, which hark back to the Victorian era.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P P n\n\n2. When people hark back to something in the past, they remember it or remind someone of it.\nThe result devastated me at the time. Even now I hark back to it.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P P n


Words: harlequin
Meaning:
har.lequin\n   harlequin\n  You use harlequin to describe something that has a lot of different colours, often in a diamond pattern. (WRITTEN)\n...the striking harlequin floor.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: harlot
Meaning:
har.lot\n   harlot  harlots\n  If someone describes a woman as a harlot, they disapprove of her because she is a prostitute, or because she looks or behaves like a prostitute. (OFFENSIVE, OLD-FASHIONED)\n  N-COUNT  disapproval


Words: harm
Meaning:
harm  harms  harming  harmed\n1. To harm a person or animal means to cause them physical injury, usually on purpose.\nThe hijackers seemed anxious not to harm anyone.\n  VERB: V n\n  = injure, hurt\n2. Harm is physical injury to a person or an animal which is usually caused on purpose.\nAll dogs are capable of doing harm to human beings.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft N to n\n\n3. To harm a thing, or sometimes a person, means to damage them or make them less effective or successful than they were.\n...a warning that the product may harm the environment...\n  VERB: V n\n  = damage, ruin\n4. Harm is the damage to something which is caused by a particular course of action.\nTo cut taxes would probably do the economy more harm than good.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n5. If you say that someone or something will come to no harm or that no harm will come to them, you mean that they will not be hurt or damaged in any way.\nThere is always a lifeguard to ensure that no one comes to any harm...\n  PHRASE: V inflects\n\n6. If you say it does no harm to do something or there is no harm in doing something, you mean that it might be worth doing, and you will not be blamed for doing it.\nThey are not always willing to take on untrained workers, but there’s no harm in asking.\n  PHRASE: V inflects\n\n7. If you say that there is no harm done, you are telling someone not to worry about something that has happened because it has not caused any serious injury or damage.\nThere, now, you’re all right. No harm done.\n  PHRASE: usu v-link PHR\n\n8. If someone is put in harm’s way, they are caused to be in a dangerous situation.\nThese men were never told how they’d been put in harm’s way...\n  PHRASE: PHR after v, v-link PHR\n\n9. If someone or something is out of harm’s way, they are in a safe place away from danger or from the possibility of being damaged.\nFor parents, it is an easy way of keeping their children entertained, or simply out of harm’s way...\n  PHRASE: v-link PHR, PHR after v


Words: harmful
Meaning:
harm.ful\n   harmful\n  Something that is harmful has a bad effect on something else, especially on a person’s health.\n...the harmful effects of smoking...\nIt believed the affair was potentially harmful to British aviation.\n  ADJ: oft ADJ to n\n  = damaging  !=harmless


Words: harmless
Meaning:
harm.less\n   harmless\n1. Something that is harmless does not have any bad effects, especially on people’s health.\nIndustry has been working at developing harmless substitutes for these gases...\nThis experiment was harmless to the animals.\n  ADJ\n  = safe  !=harmful\n=>  harm.less.ly\nAnother missile exploded harmlessly outside the town.\n  ADV: ADV with v\n\n2. If you describe someone or something as harmless, you mean that they are not important and therefore unlikely to annoy other people or cause trouble.\nHe seemed harmless enough...\nI would not want to deny them a harmless pleasure.\n  ADJ\n\n=>  harm.less.ly\nIt started harmlessly enough, with a statement from the Secretary of State for Social Security.\n  ADV: ADV after v


Words: harmonic
Meaning:
har.mon.ic\n   harmonic\n  Harmonic means composed, played, or sung using two or more notes which sound right and pleasing together.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: harmonica
Meaning:
har.moni.ca\n   harmonica  harmonicas\n  A harmonica is a small musical instrument. You play the harmonica by moving it across your lips and blowing and sucking air through it.\n  N-COUNT: oft the N\n  = mouth organ


Words: harmonious
Meaning:
har.mo.ni.ous\n   harmonious\n1. A harmonious relationship, agreement, or discussion is friendly and peaceful.\nTheir harmonious relationship resulted in part from their similar goals...\n  ADJ\n  = amicable\n=>  har.mo.ni.ous.ly\nTo live together harmoniously as men and women is an achievement.\n  ADV: ADV after v\n\n2. Something that is harmonious has parts which go well together and which are in proportion to each other.\n...a harmonious balance of mind, body, and spirit.\n  ADJ\n\n=>  har.mo.ni.ous.ly\n...a pure, harmoniously proportioned face.\n...stone paths that blend harmoniously with the scenery.\n  ADV: ADV adj, ADV after v\n\n3. Musical notes that are harmonious produce a pleasant sound when played together.\n...the mysterious skill involved in producing harmonious sounds.\n  ADJ


Words: harmonize
Meaning:
har.mo.nize\n   harmonize  harmonizes  harmonizing  harmonized\nin BRIT, also use harmonise\n1. If two or more things harmonize with each other, they fit in well with each other.\n...slabs of pink and beige stone that harmonize with the carpet...\nBarbara White and her mother like to listen to music together, though their tastes don’t harmonize.\n  V-RECIP: V with n, pl-n V\n\n2. When governments or organizations harmonize laws, systems, or regulations, they agree in a friendly way to make them the same or similar.\nHow far will members have progressed towards harmonising their economies?\n  VERB: V n\n\n=>  har.mo.ni.za.tion\nAir France pilots called a strike over the European harmonisation of their working hours.\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu with supp\n\n3. When people harmonize, they sing or play notes which are different from the main tune but which sound nice with it.\nBremer and Garland harmonize on the title song, `Meet Me in St. Louis’.\n  VERB: V


Words: harmony
Meaning:
har.mo.ny\n   harmony  harmonies\n1. If people are living in harmony with each other, they are living together peacefully rather than fighting or arguing.\nWe must try to to live in peace and harmony with ourselves and those around us...\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. Harmony is the pleasant combination of different notes of music played at the same time.\n...complex vocal harmonies.\n...singing in harmony.\n  N-VAR\n\n3. The harmony of something is the way in which its parts are combined into a pleasant arrangement.\n...the ordered harmony of the universe...\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: harness
Meaning:
har.ness\n   harness  harnesses  harnessing  harnessed\n1. If you harness something such as an emotion or natural source of energy, you bring it under your control and use it.\nTurkey plans to harness the waters of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers for big hydro-electric power projects.\n  VERB: V n\n\n2. A harness is a set of straps which fit under a person’s arms and fasten round their body in order to keep a piece of equipment in place or to prevent the person moving from a place.\n  N-COUNT\n\n3. A harness is a set of leather straps and metal links fastened round a horse’s head or body so that the horse can have a carriage, cart, or plough fastened to it.\n  N-COUNT\n\n4. If a horse or other animal is harnessed, a harness is put on it, especially so that it can pull a carriage, cart, or plough.\nOn Sunday the horses were harnessed to a heavy wagon for a day-long ride over the Border.\n  VERB: usu passive, be V-ed to n


Words: harp
Meaning:
harp  harps  harping  harped\n  A harp is a large musical instrument consisting of a row of strings stretched from the top to the bottom of a frame. You play the harp by plucking the strings with your fingers.\n  N-VAR: oft the N


Words: harp on
Meaning:
harp on\n  If you say that someone harps on a subject, or harps on about it, you mean that they keep on talking about it in a way that other people find annoying.\nJones harps on this theme more than on any other...\nShe concentrated on the good parts of her trip instead of harping on about the bad.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n, V P about n


Words: harpoon
Meaning:
har.poon\n   harpoon  harpoons  harpooning  harpooned\n1. A harpoon is a long pointed weapon with a long rope attached to it, which is fired or thrown by people hunting whales or large sea fish.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. To harpoon a whale or large fish means to hit it with a harpoon.\nNorwegian whalers said yesterday they had harpooned a female minke whale.\n  VERB: V n


Words: harpsichord
Meaning:
harp.si.chord\n   harpsichord  harpsichords\n  A harpsichord is an old-fashioned musical instrument rather like a small piano. When you press the keys, the strings are pulled, rather than being hit by hammers as in a piano.\n  N-VAR: oft the N


Words: harpy
Meaning:
har.py\n   harpy  harpies\n1. In classical mythology, the harpies were creatures with the bodies of birds and the faces of women. They flew quickly and were cruel and greedy.\n  N-COUNT: usu pl, oft the N\n\n2. If you refer to a woman as a harpy, you mean that she is very cruel or violent. (LITERARY)\n...a snobby, scheming harpy who sells off the family silverware.\n  N-COUNT  disapproval


Words: harridan
Meaning:
har.ri.dan\n   harridan  harridans\n  If you call a woman a harridan, you mean that she is unpleasant and speaks too forcefully. (FORMAL)\nShe was a mean old harridan.\n  N-COUNT  disapproval


Words: harrow
Meaning:
har.row\n   harrow  harrows\n  A harrow is a piece of farm equipment consisting of a row of blades fixed to a heavy frame. When it is pulled over ploughed land, the blades break up large lumps of soil.\n  N-COUNT


Words: harrowing
Meaning:
har.row.ing\n   harrowing\n  A harrowing experience is extremely upsetting or disturbing.\nYou’ve had a harrowing time this past month.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: harry
Meaning:
har.ry\n   harry  harries  harrying  harried\n  If someone harries you, they keep bothering you or trying to get something from you.\nHe is increasingly active in harrying the government in late-night debates.\n  VERB: V n\n  = badger, harass\n=>  har.ried\n...harried businessmen scurrying from one crowded office to another.\n  ADJ\n  = harassed


Words: harsh
Meaning:
harsh  harsher  harshest\n1. Harsh climates or conditions are very difficult for people, animals, and plants to live in.\nThe weather grew harsh, chilly and unpredictable.\n  ADJ\n  = severe  !=mild\n=>  harsh.ness\n...the harshness of their living conditions.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n  = severity\n2. Harsh actions or speech are unkind and show no understanding or sympathy.\nHe said many harsh and unkind things about his opponents.\n  ADJ\n  = cruel\n=>  harsh.ly\nShe’s been told that her husband is being harshly treated in prison...\n  ADV: ADV with v\n\n=>  harsh.ness\n...treating him with great harshness.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n  = severity\n3. Something that is harsh is so hard, bright, or rough that it seems unpleasant or harmful.\nTropical colours may look rather harsh in our dull northern light.\n  ADJ\n\n=>  harsh.ness\n...as the wine ages, losing its bitter harshness.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n4. Harsh voices and sounds are ones that are rough and unpleasant to listen to.\nIt’s a pity she has such a loud harsh voice.\n  ADJ\n  !=soft, gentle\n=>  harsh.ly\nChris laughed harshly.\n  ADV: ADV with v\n\n=>  harsh.ness\nThen in a tone of abrupt harshness, he added, `Open these trunks!’.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n5. If you talk about harsh realities or facts, or the harsh truth, you are emphasizing that they are true or real, although they are unpleasant and people try to avoid thinking about them.\nThe harsh truth is that luck plays a big part in who will live or die.\n  ADJ  emphasis\n  = bitter


Words: harvest
Meaning:
har.vest\n   harvest  harvests  harvesting  harvested\n1. The harvest is the gathering of a crop.\nThere were about 300 million tons of grain in the fields at the start of the harvest.\n  N-SING: the N\n\n2. A harvest is the crop that is gathered in.\nMillions of people are threatened with starvation as a result of drought and poor harvests.\n  N-COUNT\n\n3. When you harvest a crop, you gather it in.\nMany farmers are refusing to harvest the cane.\n...freshly harvested beetroot.\n  VERB: V n, V-ed\n\n=>  har.vest.ing\n...war is hampering harvesting and the distribution of food aid.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: harvest festival
Meaning:
har.vest fes.ti.val\n   harvest festival  harvest festivals\n  A harvest festival is a Christian church service held every autumn to thank God for the harvest. (mainly BRIT)\n  N-VAR


Words: harvester
Meaning:
har.vest.er\n   harvester  harvesters\n1. A harvester is a machine which cuts and often collects crops such as wheat, maize, or vegetables.\n  N-COUNT\n\n  see also combine harvester\n2. You can refer to a person who cuts, picks, or gathers crops as a harvester.\n  N-COUNT


Words: has
Meaning:
The auxiliary verb is pronounced   The main verb is usually pronounced\n  Has is the third person singular of the present tense of have.


Words: has-been
Meaning:
has-been  has-beens\n  If you describe someone as a has-been, you are indicating in an unkind way that they were important or respected in the past, but they are not now.\n...the so-called experts and various has-beens who foist opinions on us.\n  N-COUNT  disapproval


Words: hash
Meaning:
hash\n1. If you make a hash of a job or task, you do it very badly. (INFORMAL)\nThe Government made a total hash of things and squandered a small fortune...\n  PHRASE: V inflects, PHR n/-ing\n\n2. Hash is hashish. (INFORMAL)\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: hash browns
Meaning:
hash browns   also hashed browns\n  Hash browns or hashed browns are potatoes that have been chopped into small pieces, formed into small cakes, and cooked on a grill or in a frying pan.\n  N-PLURAL


Words: hashish
Meaning:
hash.ish\n   hashish\n  Hashish is an illegal drug made from the hemp plant which some people smoke like a cigarette to make them feel relaxed. (OLD-FASHIONED)\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: hasp
Meaning:
hasp  hasps\n  A hasp is a flat piece of metal with a long hole in it, fastened to the edge of a door or lid. To close the door or lid, you push the hasp over a metal loop fastened to the other part and put a lock through the loop.\n  N-COUNT


Words: hassle
Meaning:
has.sle\n   hassle  hassles  hassling  hassled\n1. A hassle is a situation that is difficult and involves problems, effort, or arguments with people. (INFORMAL)\nI don’t think it’s worth the money or the hassle...\n...a day spent travelling, with all the usual hassles at airport check-in.\n  N-VAR\n\n2. If someone hassles you, they cause problems for you, often by repeatedly telling you or asking you to do something, in an annoying way. (INFORMAL)\nThen my husband started hassling me...\n  VERB: V n


Words: hassock
Meaning:
has.sock\n   hassock  hassocks\n  A hassock is a cushion for kneeling on in a church. (mainly BRIT)\n  N-COUNT


Words: hast
Meaning:
hast\n  Hast is an old-fashioned second person singular form of the verb `have’. It is used with `thou’ which is an old-fashioned form of `you’.


Words: haste
Meaning:
haste\n1. Haste is the quality of doing something quickly, sometimes too quickly so that you are careless and make mistakes.\nIn their haste to escape the rising water, they dropped some expensive equipment...\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. If you do something in haste, you do it quickly and hurriedly, and sometimes carelessly.\nDon’t act in haste or be hot-headed.\n  PHRASE: PHR after v


Words: hasten
Meaning:
has.ten\n   hasten  hastens  hastening  hastened\n1. If you hasten an event or process, often an unpleasant one, you make it happen faster or sooner.\nBut if he does this, he may hasten the collapse of his own country.\n  VERB: V n\n  = speed up\n2. If you hasten to do something, you are quick to do it.\nShe more than anyone had hastened to sign the contract.\n  VERB: V to-inf\n\n3. If you hasten to say something, you quickly add something to what you have just said in order to prevent it being misunderstood.\nHe hastened to assure me that there was nothing traumatic to report.\n  VERB: V to-inf


Words: hasty
Meaning:
has.ty\n   hasty  hastier  hastiest\n1. A hasty movement, action, or statement is sudden, and often done in reaction to something that has just happened.\nOne company is giving its employees airplane tickets in the event they need to make a hasty escape.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n  = swift, quick\n=>  hasti.ly\n`It may be satisfying, but it’s not fun.’ `No, I’m sure it’s not,’ said Virginia hastily. `I didn’t mean that.’\n  ADV: ADV with v\n  = swiftly\n2. A hasty event or action is one that is completed more quickly than normal.\nAfter the hasty meal, the men had moved forward to take up their positions.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n  = quick, hurried\n=>  hasti.ly\nHe said good night hastily, promising that he would phone Hans in the morning...\n  ADV: ADV with v\n  = hurriedly\n3. If you describe a person or their behaviour as hasty, you mean that they are acting too quickly, without thinking carefully, for example because they are angry.\nA number of the United States’ allies had urged him not to take a hasty decision.\n  ADJ  disapproval\n  = rash\n=>  hasti.ly\nI decided that nothing should be done hastily, that things had to be sorted out carefully.\n  ADV: ADV with v


Words: hat
Meaning:
hat  hats\n1. A hat is a head covering, often with a brim round it, which is usually worn out of doors to give protection from the weather.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. If you say that someone is wearing a particular hat, you mean that they are performing a particular role at that time. If you say that they wear several hats, you mean that they have several roles or jobs.\n...putting on my nationalistic hat.\n...various problems, including too many people wearing too many hats.\n  N-COUNT: with supp\n\n3. If you say that you are ready to do something at the drop of a hat, you mean that you are willing to do it immediately, without hesitating.\nIndia is one part of the world I would go to at the drop of a hat.\n  PHRASE: PHR after v\n\n4. If you tell someone to keep a piece of information under their hat, you are asking them not to tell anyone else about it.\nLook, if I tell you something, will you promise to keep it under your hat?...\n  PHRASE: V inflects\n\n5. If you say that something or someone is old hat, you mean that they have existed or been known for a long time, and they have become uninteresting and boring.\nThe younger generation tell me that religion is `old hat’ and science has proved this.\n  PHRASE: v-link PHR\n\n6. In British English, if you pass the hat around, you collect money from a group of people, for example in order to give someone a present. In American English, you just say pass the hat.\nProfessors are passing the hat to help staff in their department.\n  PHRASE: V inflects\n\n7. If you say that you take your hat off to someone, you mean that you admire them for something that they have done.\nI take my hat off to Mr Clarke for taking this action...\n  PHRASE: V inflects, PHR n  approval\n\n8. To pull something out of the hat means to do something unexpected which helps you to succeed, often when you are failing.\nSouthampton had somehow managed to pull another Cup victory out of the hat.\n  PHRASE: V inflects\n\n9. In competitions, if you say that the winners will be drawn or picked out of the hat, you mean that they will be chosen randomly, so everyone has an equal chance of winning.\nThe first 10 correct entries drawn out of the hat will win a pair of tickets, worth .20 each.\n  PHRASE: PHR after v\n\n10.\nto knock something into a cocked hat: see cocked hat


Words: hat-trick
Meaning:
hat-trick  hat-tricks\n  A hat-trick is a series of three achievements, especially in a sports event, for example three goals scored by the same person in a football game.\n  N-COUNT


Words: hatbox
Meaning:
hat.box\n   hatbox  hatboxes\n  A hatbox is a cylindrical box in which a hat can be carried and stored.\n  N-COUNT


Words: hatch
Meaning:
hatch  hatches  hatching  hatched\n1. When a baby bird, insect, or other animal hatches, or when it is hatched, it comes out of its egg by breaking the shell.\nAs soon as the two chicks hatch, they leave the nest burrow...\nThe young disappeared soon after they were hatched.\n  VERB: V, be V-ed\n\n2. When an egg hatches or when a bird, insect, or other animal hatches an egg, the egg breaks open and a baby comes out.\nThe eggs hatch after a week or ten days...\nDuring these periods the birds will lie on the cage floor as if trying to lay or hatch eggs.\n  VERB: V, V n\n\n3. If you hatch a plot or a scheme, you think of it and work it out.\nHe has accused opposition parties of hatching a plot to assassinate the Pope.\n  VERB: V n\n\n4. A hatch is an opening in the deck of a ship, through which people or cargo can go. You can also refer to the door of this opening as a hatch.\nHe stuck his head up through the hatch...\n  N-COUNT\n\n5. A hatch is an opening in a ceiling or a wall, especially between a kitchen and a dining room, which you can pass something such as food through. (mainly BRIT)\n  N-COUNT\n\n6. If someone battens down the hatches, they prepare themselves so that they will be able to survive a coming difficulty or crisis.\nMany firms are battening down the hatches and preparing to ride out the storm.\n  PHRASE: V inflects


Words: hatchback
Meaning:
hatch.back\n   hatchback  hatchbacks\n  A hatchback is a car with an extra door at the back which opens upwards.\n  N-COUNT


Words: hatchery
Meaning:
hatch.ery\n   hatchery  hatcheries\n  A hatchery is a place where people control the hatching of eggs, especially fish eggs.\n  N-COUNT


Words: hatchet
Meaning:
hatch.et\n   hatchet  hatchets\n1. A hatchet is a small axe that you can hold in one hand.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. If two people bury the hatchet, they become friendly again after a quarrel or disagreement.\n  PHRASE: V inflects


Words: hatchet job
Meaning:
hatch.et job\n   hatchet job  hatchet jobs\n  To do a hatchet job on someone or something means to say or write something mentioning many bad things about them, which harms their reputation. (INFORMAL)\nUnfortunately, his idea of bold journalism was a hatchet job, portraying the staff in a negative light.\n  N-COUNT: usu sing, oft N on n


Words: hatchet man
Meaning:
hatch.et man\n   hatchet man  hatchet men\n  You can refer to someone who makes changes in an organization by getting rid of lots of people as a hatchet man, especially if you think they do so in an unnecessarily harsh way. (INFORMAL)\n  N-COUNT  disapproval


Words: hate
Meaning:
hate  hates  hating  hated\n1. If you hate someone or something, you have an extremely strong feeling of dislike for them.\nMost people hate him, but they don’t dare to say so, because he still rules the country...\n  VERB: V n\n  = detest, loathe  !=love\n  Hate is also a noun.\nI was 17 and filled with a lot of hate...\n  N-UNCOUNT\n  = hatred\n=>  hat.ed\nHe’s probably the most hated man in this county.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n  = detested\n2. If you say that you hate something such as a particular activity, you mean that you find it very unpleasant.\nTed hated parties, even gatherings of people he liked individually...\nHe hates to be interrupted during training...\nHe hated coming home to the empty house...\nI hate it when people accuse us of that...\nI would hate him to think I’m trying to trap him...\nShe hates me having any fun and is quite jealous and spoiled.\n  VERB: no cont, V n, V to-inf, V -ing, V it wh, V n to-inf, V n -ing\n  = dislike  !=love, like\n3. You can use hate in expressions such as `I hate to trouble you’ or `I hate to bother you’ when you are apologizing to someone for interrupting them or asking them to do something.\nI hate to rush you but I have another appointment later on.\n  VERB: no cont, V to-inf  politeness\n\n4. You can use hate in expressions such as `I hate to say it’ or `I hate to tell you’ when you want to express regret about what you are about to say, because you think it is unpleasant or should not be the case.\nI hate to admit it, but you were right.\n  VERB: no cont, V to-inf  feelings\n\n5.\nto hate someone’s guts: see gut\n6. You can use hate in expressions such as `I hate to see’ or `I hate to think’ when you are emphasizing that you find a situation or an idea unpleasant.\nI just hate to see you doing this to yourself.\n  VERB: no cont, V to-inf  emphasis\n\n7. You can use hate in expressions such as `I’d hate to think’ when you hope that something is not true or that something will not happen.\nI’d hate to think my job would not be secure if I left it temporarily.\n  VERB: no cont, V to-inf


Words: hate campaign
Meaning:
hate cam.paign\n   hate campaign  hate campaigns\n  A hate campaign is a series of actions which are intended to harm or upset someone, or to make other people have a low opinion of them.\nThe media has waged a virulent hate campaign against her.\n  N-COUNT: usu sing


Words: hate crime
Meaning:
hate crime hate crimes\n  A hate crime is a crime, especially against people such as homosexuals and members of ethnic minorities, that is motivated by feelings of hatred.\n  N-COUNT


Words: hate mail
Meaning:
hate mail   also hate-mail\n  If someone receives hate mail, they receive unpleasant or threatening letters.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: hateful
Meaning:
hate.ful\n   hateful\n1. Someone or something that is hateful is extremely bad or unpleasant. (OLD-FASHIONED)\nI’m sorry. That was a hateful thing to say.\n  ADJ\n  = horrid\n2. Someone who is hateful hates someone else.\nThese are not necessarily hateful, malicious people.\n  ADJ


Words: hater
Meaning:
hat.er\n   hater  haters\n  If you call someone a hater of something, you mean that they strongly dislike that thing.\nBraccio was a hater of idleness.\n  N-COUNT: N of n\n\n  Hater is also a combining form.\nHe was reputed to be a woman-hater...\n  COMB in N-COUNT


Words: hatpin
Meaning:
hat.pin\n   hatpin  hatpins\n  A hatpin is a metal pin which can be pushed through a woman’s hat and through her hair to keep the hat in position.\n  N-COUNT


Words: hatred
Meaning:
ha.tred\n   hatred  hatreds\n  Hatred is an extremely strong feeling of dislike for someone or something.\nHer hatred of them would never lead her to murder...\n  N-UNCOUNT: also N in pl, oft N of/for n\n  = hate  !=love


Words: haughty
Meaning:
haugh.ty\n   haughty\n  You use haughty to describe someone’s behaviour or appearance when you disapprove of the fact that they seem to be very proud and to think that they are better than other people.\nHe spoke in a haughty tone.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n  disapproval\n\n=>  haugh.ti.ly\nToni looked at him rather haughtily.\n  ADV: usu ADV with v, also ADV adj


Words: haul
Meaning:
haul  hauls  hauling  hauled\n1. If you haul something which is heavy or difficult to move, you move it using a lot of effort.\nA crane had to be used to haul the car out of the stream...\nShe hauled up her bedroom window and leaned out.\n  VERB: V n prep/adv, V adv n\n\n2. If someone is hauled before a court or someone in authority, they are made to appear before them because they are accused of having done something wrong.\nHe was hauled before the managing director and fired.\n  VERB: usu passive, be V-ed before n\n\n  Haul up means the same as haul.\nHe was hauled up before the Board of Trustees...\n  PHRASAL VERB: usu passive\n\n3. A haul is a quantity of things that are stolen, or a quantity of stolen or illegal goods found by police or customs.\nThe size of the drugs haul shows that the international trade in heroin is still flourishing...\n  N-COUNT: with supp\n\n4. If you say that a task or a journey is a long haul, you mean that it takes a long time and a lot of effort.\nRevitalising the Romanian economy will be a long haul.\n  PHRASE\n\n  see also long-haul


Words: haulage
Meaning:
haul.age\n   haulage\n  Haulage is the business of transporting goods by road. (mainly BRIT)\nThe haulage company was a carrier of machine parts to Turkey.\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu with supp


Words: haulier
Meaning:
haul.ier\n   haulier  hauliers\n  A haulier is a company or a person that transports goods by road. (BRIT; in AM, use hauler)\n  N-COUNT


Words: haunch
Meaning:
haunch  haunches\n1. If you get down on your haunches, you lower yourself towards the ground so that your legs are bent under you and you are balancing on your feet.\nEdgar squatted on his haunches...\n  PHRASE: v PHR\n\n2. The haunches of an animal or person are the area of the body which includes the bottom, the hips, and the tops of the legs.\n  N-COUNT: usu pl


Words: haunt
Meaning:
haunt  haunts  haunting  haunted\n1. If something unpleasant haunts you, you keep thinking or worrying about it over a long period of time.\nThe decision to leave her children now haunts her...\n  VERB: V n\n\n2. Something that haunts a person or organization regularly causes them problems over a long period of time.\nThe stigma of being a bankrupt is likely to haunt him for the rest of his life.\n  VERB: V n\n\n3. A place that is the haunt of a particular person is one which they often visit because they enjoy going there.\nThe Channel Islands are a favourite summer haunt for UK and French yachtsmen alike.\n  N-COUNT: with supp\n\n4. A ghost or spirit that haunts a place or a person regularly appears in the place, or is seen by the person and frightens them.\nHis ghost is said to haunt some of the rooms, banging a toy drum.\n  VERB: V n


Words: haunted
Meaning:
haunt.ed\n   haunted\n1. A haunted building or other place is one where a ghost regularly appears.\nTracy said the cabin was haunted.\n...a haunted house.\n  ADJ\n\n2. Someone who has a haunted expression looks very worried or troubled.\nShe looked so haunted, I almost didn’t recognize her.\n  ADJ


Words: haunting
Meaning:
haunt.ing\n   haunting\n  Haunting sounds, images, or words remain in your thoughts because they are very beautiful or sad.\n...the haunting calls of wild birds in the mahogany trees.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n=>  haunt.ing.ly\nEach one of these ancient towns is hauntingly beautiful.\n  ADV: usu ADV adj


Words: haute couture
Meaning:
haute cou.ture\n   haute couture\n  Haute couture refers to the designing and making of high-quality fashion clothes, or to the clothes themselves. (FORMAL)\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: hauteur
Meaning:
hau.teur\n   hauteur\n  You can use hauteur to describe behaviour which you think is proud and arrogant. (FORMAL)\nOnce, she had been put off by his hauteur.\n  N-UNCOUNT  disapproval


Words: have
Meaning:
AUXILIARY VERB USES\n   have  WEAK   STRONG has  WEAK   STRONG having  had  WEAK   STRONG\nIn spoken English, forms of have are often shortened, for example I have is shortened to I’ve and has not is shortened to hasn’t.\n1. You use the forms have and has with a past participle to form the present perfect tense of verbs.\nAlex has already gone...\nMy term hasn’t finished yet...\nWhat have you found so far?...\nFrankie hasn’t been feeling well for a long time.\n  AUX: AUX -ed, AUX -ed, AUX -ed, AUX been -ing\n\n2. You use the form had with a past participle to form the past perfect tense of verbs.\nWhen I met her, she had just returned from a job interview...\n  AUX: AUX -ed\n\n3. Have is used in question tags.\nYou haven’t sent her away, have you?...\n  AUX: cl AUX n\n\n4. You use have when you are confirming or contradicting a statement containing `have’, `has’, or `had’, or answering a question.\n`Have you been to York before?’.`Yes we have.’\n  AUX: AUX\n\n5. The form having with a past participle can be used to introduce a clause in which you mention an action which had already happened before another action began.\nHe arrived in San Francisco, having left New Jersey on January 19th...\n  AUX: AUX -ed\n\nMODAL PHRASES\n   have  WEAK   STRONG has  WEAK   STRONG having  had  WEAK   STRONG\n1. You use have to when you are saying that something is necessary or required, or must happen. If you do not have to do something, it is not necessary or required.\nHe had to go to Germany...\nThey didn’t have to pay tax.\n  PHRASE\n  = must\n2. You can use have to in order to say that you feel certain that something is true or will happen.\nThere has to be some kind of way out...\n  PHRASE\n  = must\n\nOTHER VERB USES AND PHRASES\n   have  WEAK   STRONG has  WEAK   STRONG having  had  WEAK   STRONG\nFor meanings 1-4, people often use have got in spoken British English or have gotten in spoken American English, instead of have. In this case, have is pronounced as an auxiliary verb. For more information and examples of the use of `have got’ and `have gotten’, see got.\n\nPlease look at category 19 to see if the expression you are looking for is shown under another headword.\n1. You use have to say that someone or something owns a particular thing, or when you are mentioning one of their qualities or characteristics.\nOscar had a new bicycle...\nI want to have my own business...\nYou have beautiful eyes...\nDo you have any brothers and sisters?...\nI have no doubt at all in my own mind about this...\nHave you any valuables anywhere else in the house?...\n  VERB: no passive, V n, V n, V n, V n, V n, V n adv/prep\n\n2. If you have something to do, you are responsible for doing it or must do it.\nHe had plenty of work to do...\nI have some important calls to make.\n  VERB: no passive, V n to-inf, V n to-inf\n\n3. You can use have instead of `there is’ to say that something exists or happens. For example, you can say `you have no alternative’ instead of `there is no alternative’, or `he had a good view from his window’ instead of `there was a good view from his window’.\nHe had two tenants living with him...\nWe haven’t any shops on the island...\n  VERB: no passive, V n, V n\n\n4. If you have something such as a part of your body in a particular position or state, it is in that position or state.\nMary had her eyes closed...\nAs I was working, I had the radio on...\nHe had his hand on Maria’s shoulder.\n  VERB: no passive, V n adj/adv/prep, V n adj/adv/prep, V n adj/adv/prep\n\n5. If you have something done, someone does it for you or you arrange for it to be done.\nI had your rooms cleaned and aired...\nYou’ve had your hair cut, it looks great...\n  VERB: no passive, V n -ed, V n -ed\n\n6. If someone has something unpleasant happen to them, it happens to them.\nWe had our money stolen...\nThe dance hall once even had its roof blown off in World War II.\n  VERB: no passive, V n -ed, V n -ed\n\n7. If you have someone do something, you persuade, cause, or order them to do it.\nThe bridge is not as impressive as some guides would have you believe...\nMr Gower had had us all working so hard.\n  VERB: no passive, V n inf, V n -ing\n\n8. If someone has you by a part of your body, they are holding you there and they are trying to hurt you or force you to go somewhere.\nWhen the police came, Larry had him by the ear and was beating his head against the pavement.\n  VERB: no passive, V n by n\n\n9. If you have something from someone, they give it to you.\nYou can have my ticket...\nI had comments from people in all age groups.\n  VERB: no passive, V n, V n\n\n10. If you have an illness or disability, you suffer from it.\nI had a headache...\nHe might be having a heart attack...\n  VERB: no passive, V n, V n\n\n11. If a woman has a baby, she gives birth to it. If she is having a baby, she is pregnant.\nMy wife has just had a baby boy...\n  VERB: no passive, V n\n\n12. You can use have in expressions such as `I won’t have it’ or `I’m not having that’, to mean that you will not allow or put up with something.\nI’m not having any of that nonsense...\nI will not have the likes of you dragging down my reputation.\n  VERB: with neg, V n, V n -ing\n\n13. You can use has it in expressions such as `rumour has it that’ or `as legend has it’ when you are quoting something that you have heard, but you do not necessarily think it is true.\nRumour has it that tickets were being sold for .300...\n  PHRASE: V inflects, oft PHR that  vagueness\n\n14. If someone has it in for you, they do not like you and they want to make life difficult for you. (INFORMAL)\nHe’s always had it in for the Dawkins family.\n  PHRASE: V inflects, PHR n\n\n(next)\n\nUSED WITH NOUNS DESCRIBING ACTIONS\n   have  WEAK   STRONG has  WEAK   STRONG having  had  WEAK   STRONG\nHave is used in combination with a wide range of nouns, where the meaning of the combination is mostly given by the noun.\n1. You can use have followed by a noun to talk about an action or event, when it would be possible to use the same word as a verb. For example, you can say `I had a look at the photos’ instead of `I looked at the photos.’\nI went out and had a walk around...\nShe rested for a while, then had a wash and changed her clothes...\nI’ll have a think about that...\n  VERB: no passive, V n, V n, V n\n\n2. In normal spoken or written English, people use have with a wide range of nouns to talk about actions and events, often instead of a more specific verb. For example people are more likely to say `we had ice cream’ or `he’s had a shock’ than `we ate ice cream’, or `he’s suffered a shock’.\nCome and have a meal with us tonight...\nShe had an operation on her knee at the clinic...\nHis visit had a great effect on them.\n  VERB: no passive, V n, V n, V n


Words: have .1
Meaning:
15. If you have it in you, you have abilities and skills which you do not usually use and which only show themselves in a difficult situation.\n`You were brilliant!’ he said. `I didn’t know you had it in you.’\n  PHRASE: V inflects, PHR pron, oft PHR pron to-inf\n\n16. To have it off with someone or have it away with someone means to have sex with them. (BRIT INFORMAL, RUDE)\n  PHRASE: V inflects, PHR with n, pl-n V\n\n17. If you are having someone on, you are pretending that something is true when it is not true, for example as a joke or in order to tease them. (BRIT INFORMAL)\nMalone’s eyes widened. `You’re having me on, Liam.’\n  PHRASE: be inflects\n\n18. If you have it out or have things out with someone, you discuss a problem or disagreement very openly with them, even if it means having an argument, because you think this is the best way to solve the problem.\nWhy not have it out with your critic, discuss the whole thing face to face?\n  PHRASE: V inflects, oft PHR with n\n\n19.\nto be had: see had\nto have had it: see had


Words: have-nots
Meaning:
have-nots\n  If you refer to two groups of people as haves and have-nots, you mean that the first group are very wealthy and the second group are very poor. You can also refer generally to poor people as have-nots.\n  PHRASE


Words: haven
Meaning:
ha.ven\n   haven  havens\n  A haven is a place where people or animals feel safe, secure, and happy.\n...Lake Baringo, a freshwater haven for a mixed variety of birds.\n  N-COUNT: oft N for/of n\n  = refuge\n  see also safe haven


Words: haversack
Meaning:
hav.er.sack\n   haversack  haversacks\n  A haversack is a canvas bag that is usually worn over one shoulder. (mainly BRIT)\n  N-COUNT


Words: havoc
Meaning:
hav.oc\n   havoc\n1. Havoc is great disorder, and confusion.\nRioters caused havoc in the centre of the town.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. If one thing plays havoc with another or wreaks havoc on it, it prevents it from continuing or functioning as normal, or damages it.\nThe weather played havoc with airline schedules...\n  PHRASE: V inflects, PHR n


Words: haw
Meaning:
haw  haws  hawing  hawed\n1. Haws are the red berries produced by hawthorn trees in autumn.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. Writers sometimes use `haw haw’ to show that one of their characters is laughing, especially in a rather unpleasant or superior way.\nLook at the plebs! Getting all muddy! Haw haw haw!\n  EXCLAM\n\n3. If you hem and haw, or in British English hum and haw, you take a long time to say something because you cannot think of the right words, or because you are not sure what to say.\nTim hemmed and hawed, but finally told his boss the truth.\n  PHRASE: Vs inflect


Words: hawk
Meaning:
hawk  hawks  hawking  hawked\n1. A hawk is a large bird with a short, hooked beak, sharp claws, and very good eyesight. Hawks catch and eat small birds and animals.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. In politics, if you refer to someone as a hawk, you mean that they believe in using force and violence to achieve something, rather than using more peaceful or diplomatic methods. Compare dove.\nBoth hawks and doves have expanded their conditions for ending the war.\n  N-COUNT\n  !=dove\n3. If someone hawks goods, they sell them by walking through the streets or knocking at people’s houses, and asking people to buy them. (OLD-FASHIONED)\n...vendors hawking trinkets.\n  VERB: V n\n  = peddle\n4. You can say that someone is hawking something if you do not like the forceful way in which they are asking people to buy it.\nDevelopers will be hawking cut-price flats and houses.\n  VERB: V n  disapproval\n\n5. If you watch someone like a hawk, you observe them very carefully, usually to make sure that they do not make a mistake or do something you do not want them to do.\n  PHRASE: V inflects


Words: hawker
Meaning:
hawk.er\n   hawker  hawkers\n  You can use hawker to refer to a person who tries to sell things by calling at people’s homes or standing in the street, especially when you do not approve of this activity.\n  N-COUNT  disapproval


Words: hawkish
Meaning:
hawk.ish\n   hawkish\n  Journalists use hawkish to describe politicians or governments who are in favour of using force to achieve something, rather than using peaceful and diplomatic methods.\nHe is one of the most hawkish members of the new cabinet.\n  ADJ\n  !=dovish


Words: hawser
Meaning:
haws.er\n   hawser  hawsers\n  A hawser is a large heavy rope, especially one used on a ship.\n  N-COUNT


Words: hawthorn
Meaning:
haw.thorn\n   hawthorn  hawthorns\n  A hawthorn is a small tree which has sharp thorns and produces white or pink flowers.\n  N-VAR


Words: hay
Meaning:
hay\n1. Hay is grass which has been cut and dried so that it can be used to feed animals.\n...bales of hay.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. If you say that someone is making hay or is making hay while the sun shines, you mean that they are taking advantage of a situation that is favourable to them while they have the chance to.\nWe knew that war was coming, and were determined to make hay while we could.\n  PHRASE: V inflects


Words: hay fever
Meaning:
hay fe.ver\n   hay fever\n  If someone is suffering from hay fever, they sneeze and their eyes itch, because they are allergic to grass or flowers.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: haystack
Meaning:
hay.stack\n   haystack  haystacks\n1. A haystack is a large, solid pile of hay, often covered with a straw roof to protect it, which is left in the field until it is needed.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. If you are trying to find something and say that it is like looking for a needle in a haystack, you mean that you are very unlikely indeed to find it.\n  PHRASE


Words: haywire
Meaning:
hay.wire\n   haywire\n  If something goes haywire, it goes out of control or starts doing the wrong thing. (INFORMAL)\nMany Americans think their legal system has gone haywire.\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ


Words: hazard
Meaning:
haz.ard\n   hazard  hazards  hazarding  hazarded\n1. A hazard is something which could be dangerous to you, your health or safety, or your plans or reputation.\nA new report suggests that chewing-gum may be a health hazard...\n  N-COUNT: oft N to/for n, N of n\n\n2. If you hazard someone or something, you put them into a situation which might be dangerous for them. (mainly WRITTEN)\nHe could not believe that, had the Englishman known how much he was at risk, he would have hazarded his grandson.\n  VERB: V n\n\n3. If you hazard or if you hazard a guess, you make a suggestion about something which is only a guess and which you know might be wrong.\nI would hazard a guess that they’ll do fairly well in the next election...\n  VERB: V n


Words: hazardous
Meaning:
haz.ard.ous\n   hazardous\n  Something that is hazardous is dangerous, especially to people’s health or safety.\nThey have no way to dispose of the hazardous waste they produce...\n  ADJ\n  = dangerous  !=safe


Words: haze
Meaning:
haze  hazes\n1. Haze is light mist, caused by particles of water or dust in the air, which prevents you from seeing distant objects clearly. Haze often forms in hot weather.\nThey vanished into the haze near the horizon...\n  N-VAR\n\n2. If there is a haze of something such as smoke or steam, you cannot see clearly through it. (LITERARY)\nDan smiled at him through a haze of smoke and steaming coffee...\n  N-SING: usu N of n


Words: hazel
Meaning:
ha.zel\n   hazel  hazels\n1. A hazel is a small tree which produces nuts that you can eat.\n  N-VAR\n\n2. Hazel eyes are greenish-brown in colour.\n  COLOUR


Words: hazelnut
Meaning:
hazel.nut\n   hazelnut  hazelnuts\n  Hazelnuts are nuts from a hazel tree, which can be eaten.\n  N-COUNT


Words: hazy
Meaning:
hazy  hazier  haziest\n1. Hazy weather conditions are those in which things are difficult to see, because of light mist, hot air, or dust.\nThe air was thin and crisp, filled with hazy sunshine and frost...\n  ADJ\n  !=clear\n2. If you are hazy about ideas or details, or if they are hazy, you are uncertain or confused about them.\nI’m a bit hazy about that...\nI have only a hazy memory of what he was really like...\n  ADJ\n  !=clear\n3. If things seem hazy, you cannot see things clearly, for example because you are feeling ill.\nMy vision has grown so hazy...\n  ADJ


Words: he
Meaning:
he  WEAK   STRONG\n\n  He is a third person singular pronoun. He is used as the subject of a verb.\n\n1. You use he to refer to a man, boy, or male animal.\nHe could never quite remember all our names...\nOur dog Rex did all sorts of tricks. I cried when he died.\n  PRON\n\n2. In written English, he is sometimes used to refer to a person without saying whether that person is a man or a woman. Some people dislike this use and prefer to use `he or she’ or `they’.\nThe teacher should encourage the child to proceed as far as he can, and when he is stuck, ask for help.\n  PRON


Words: he’d
Meaning:
he’d\n1. He’d is the usual spoken form of `he had’, especially when `had’ is an auxiliary verb.\nHe’d never learnt to read.\n\n2. He’d is a spoken form of `he would’.\nHe’d come into the clubhouse every day.


Words: he’ll
Meaning:
he’ll\n  He’ll is the usual spoken form of `he will’.\nBy the time he’s twenty he’ll know everyone worth knowing in Washington.


Words: he’s
Meaning:
he’s\n  He’s is the usual spoken form of `he is’ or `he has’, especially when `has’ is an auxiliary verb.\nHe’s working maybe twenty-five hours a week...


Words: head
Meaning:
head  heads  heading  headed\nHead is used in a large number of expressions which are explained under other words in the dictionary. For example, the expression `off the top of your head’ is explained at `top’.\n1. Your head is the top part of your body, which has your eyes, mouth, and brain in it.\nShe turned her head away from him...\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. You can use head to refer to your mind and your mental abilities.\n...an exceptional analyst who could do complex maths in his head.\n  N-COUNT\n\n3. The head of a line of people or vehicles is the front of it, or the first person or vehicle in the line.\n...the head of the queue...\n  N-SING: with supp\n\n4. If someone or something heads a line or procession, they are at the front of it.\nThe parson, heading the procession, had just turned right towards the churchyard.\n  VERB: V n\n\n5. If something heads a list or group, it is at the top of it.\nRunning a business heads the list of ambitions among the 1,000 people interviewed by Good Housekeeping magazine.\n  VERB: V n\n\n6. The head of something is the highest or top part of it.\n...the head of the stairs...\nEvery day a different name was placed at the head of the chart.\n  N-SING: usu N of n\n  = top\n7. The head of something long and thin is the end which is wider than or a different shape from the rest, and which is often considered to be the most important part.\nKeep the head of the club the same height throughout the swing.\n  N-COUNT: usu with supp\n\n8. The head of a school is the teacher who is in charge. (mainly BRIT)\n  N-COUNT\n  = head teacher\n9. The head of a company or organization is the person in charge of it and in charge of the people in it.\nHeads of government from more than 100 countries gather in Geneva tomorrow.\n...the head waiter.\n  N-COUNT: with supp\n\n10. If you head a department, company, or organization, you are the person in charge of it.\n...Michael Williams, who heads the department’s Office of Civil Rights.\n...the ruling Socialist Party, headed by Dr Franz Vranitzky.\n  VERB: V n, V-ed\n\n11. The head on a glass of beer is the layer of small bubbles that form on the top of the beer.\n  N-COUNT: usu sing\n\n12. If you have a bad head, you have a headache. (BRIT INFORMAL)\nI had a terrible head and was extraordinarily drunk.\n  N-COUNT: usu sing, with supp\n\n13. If you toss a coin and it comes down heads, you can see the side of the coin which has a picture of a head on it.\n`We might toss up for it,’ suggested Ted. `If it’s heads, then we’ll talk.’...\nHeads or tails?\n  ADV: be ADV, ADV after v\n\n14. If you are heading for a particular place, you are going towards that place. In American English, you can also say that you are headed for a particular place.\nHe headed for the bus stop...\nIt is not clear how many of them will be heading back to Saudi Arabia tomorrow...\nShe and her child boarded a plane headed to where her family lived...\n  VERB: V for n, V adv/prep, V-ed\n\n15. If something or someone is heading for a particular result, the situation they are in is developing in a way that makes that result very likely. In American English, you can also say that something or someone is headed for a particular result.\nThe latest talks aimed at ending the civil war appear to be heading for deadlock...\nThe centuries-old ritual seems headed for extinction.\n  VERB: V for/towards n, V-ed\n\n16. If a piece of writing is headed a particular title, it has that title written at the beginning of it.\nOne chapter is headed, `Beating the Test’.\n  VERB: usu passive, be V-ed quote\n\n17. If you head a ball in football, you hit it with your head in order to make it go in a particular direction.\nHe headed the ball across the face of the goal.\n  VERB: V n prep/adv\n\n18.\n  see also heading\n19. You use a head or per head after stating a cost or amount in order to indicate that that cost or amount is for each person in a particular group.\nThis simple chicken dish costs less than .1 a head...\n  PHRASE: amount PHR\n\n(next)


Words: head .1
Meaning:
20. From head to foot means all over your body.\nColin had been put into a bath and been scrubbed from head to foot.\n  PHRASE: oft be V-ed PHR  emphasis\n\n21. If you a have a head for something, you can deal with it easily. For example, if you have a head for figures, you can do arithmetic easily, and if you have a head for heights, you can climb to a great height without feeling afraid.\nI don’t have a head for business.\n  PHRASE: have/with PHR, PHR n\n\n22. If you get a fact or idea into your head, you suddenly realize or think that it is true and you usually do not change your opinion about it.\nOnce they get an idea into their heads, they never give up.\n  PHRASE: V and N inflect\n\n23. If you say that someone has got something into their head, you mean that they have finally understood or accepted it, and you are usually criticizing them because it has taken them a long time to do this.\nManagers have at last got it into their heads that they can no longer accept inefficient operations.\n  PHRASE: V and N inflect\n\n24. If alcoholic drink goes to your head, it makes you feel drunk.\nThat wine was strong, it went to your head.\n  PHRASE: V and N inflect\n\n25. If you say that something such as praise or success goes to someone’s head, you are criticizing them because you think that it makes them too proud or confident.\nFord is definitely not a man to let a little success go to his head.\n  PHRASE: V and N inflect  disapproval\n\n26. If you are head over heels or head over heels in love, you are very much in love.\n  PHRASE: v PHR, v-link PHR\n\n27. If you keep your head, you remain calm in a difficult situation. If you lose your head, you panic or do not remain calm in a difficult situation.\nShe was able to keep her head and not panic...\nShe lost her head and started screaming at me.\n  PHRASE: V and N inflect\n\n28. If you knock something on the head, you stop it. (BRIT INFORMAL)\nWhen we stop enjoying ourselves we’ll knock it on the head.\n  PHRASE: V inflects\n\n29. Phrases such as laugh your head off and scream your head off can be used to emphasize that someone is laughing or screaming a lot or very loudly.\nHe carried on telling a joke, laughing his head off.\n  PHRASE: N inflects  emphasis\n\n30. If you say that someone is off their head, you think that their ideas or behaviour are very strange, foolish, or dangerous. (mainly BRIT INFORMAL)\nHe’s gone completely off his head.\n  PHRASE: N inflects, usu v-link PHR  disapproval\n\n31. If you stand an idea or argument on its head or turn it on its head, you think about it or treat it in a completely new and different way.\nTheir relationship turned the standard notion of marriage on its head.\n  PHRASE: V inflects\n\n32. If something such as an idea, joke, or comment goes over someone’s head, it is too difficult for them to understand.\nI admit that a lot of the ideas went way over my head.\n  PHRASE: v-link PHR, PHR after v\n\n33. If someone does something over another person’s head, they do it without asking them or discussing it with them, especially when they should do so because the other person is in a position of authority.\nHe was reprimanded for trying to go over the heads of senior officers.\n  PHRASE: v-link PHR, PHR after v\n\n34. If you say that something unpleasant or embarrassing rears its ugly head or raises its ugly head, you mean that it occurs, often after not occurring for some time.\nThere was a problem which reared its ugly head about a week after she moved back in...\n  PHRASE: V inflects\n\n35. If you stand on your head, you balance upside down with the top of your head and your hands on the ground.\n  PHRASE: V and N inflect\n\n36. If you say that you cannot make head nor tail of something or you cannot make head or tail of it, you are emphasizing that you cannot understand it at all. (INFORMAL)\nI couldn’t make head nor tail of the damn film.\n  PHRASE: usu with brd-neg, V inflects, PHR n\n\n(next)


Words: head .2
Meaning:
37. If somebody takes it into their head to do something, especially something strange or foolish, they suddenly decide to do it.\nHe suddenly took it into his head to go out to Australia to stay with his son.\n  PHRASE: V and N inflect, usu PHR to-inf\n\n38. If a problem or disagreement comes to a head or is brought to a head, it becomes so bad that something must be done about it.\nThese problems came to a head in September when five of the station’s journalists were sacked.\n  PHRASE: V inflects\n\n39. If two or more people put their heads together, they talk about a problem they have and try to solve it.\nSo everyone put their heads together and eventually an amicable arrangement was reached.\n  PHRASE: V inflects\n\n40. If you keep your head above water, you just avoid getting into difficulties; used especially to talk about business.\nWe are keeping our head above water, but our cash flow position is not too good.\n  PHRASE: V inflects\n\n41. If you say that heads will roll as a result of something bad that has happened, you mean that people will be punished for it, especially by losing their jobs.\nThe group’s problems have led to speculation that heads will roll.\n  PHRASE: V inflects


Words: head boy
Meaning:
head boy  head boys\n  The head boy of a school is the boy who is the leader of the prefects and who often represents the school on public occasions. (BRIT)\n  N-COUNT


Words: head count
Meaning:
head count  head counts\n  If you do a head count, you count the number of people present. You can also use head count to talk about the number of people that are present at an event, or that an organization employs.\n  N-COUNT


Words: head girl
Meaning:
head girl  head girls\n  The head girl of a school is the girl who is the leader of the prefects and who often represents the school on public occasions. (BRIT)\n  N-COUNT


Words: head of state
Meaning:
head of state  heads of state\n  A head of state is the leader of a country, for example a president, king, or queen.\n  N-COUNT


Words: head off
Meaning:
head off\n1. If you head off a person, animal, or vehicle, you move to a place in front of them in order to capture them or make them change the direction they are moving in.\nHe changed direction swiftly, turned into the hallway and headed her off.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V n P, also V P n (not pron)\n\n2. If you head something off, especially something unpleasant, you take action before it is expected to happen in order to prevent it from happening.\nHe would ask Congress to intervene and head off a strike...\nYou have to be good at spotting trouble on the way and heading it off.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron), V n P


Words: head start
Meaning:
head start  head starts\n  If you have a head start on other people, you have an advantage over them in something such as a competition or race.\nA good education gives your child a head start in life.\n  N-COUNT: usu sing, oft N on/over n


Words: head teacher
Meaning:
head teach.er\n   head teacher  head teachers   also headteacher\n  A head teacher is a teacher who is in charge of a school. (BRIT)\n  N-COUNT\n  = head


Words: head up
Meaning:
head up\n  The person who heads up a group, organization, or activity is the leader of it.\nJudge Frederick Lacey headed up the investigation...\nWe asked ourselves what we wanted from our management structure and who we wanted to head it up.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron), V n P


Words: head-butt
Meaning:
head-butt  head-butts  head-butting  head-butted   also headbutt\n  If someone head-butts you, they hit you with the top of their head.\nHe was said to have head-butted one policeman and stamped on another’s hand.\n  VERB: V n\n\n  Head-butt is also a noun.\nThe cuts on Colin’s head could only have been made by head-butts.\n  N-COUNT


Words: head-first
Meaning:
head-first   also headfirst\n  If you move head-first in a particular direction, your head is the part of your body that is furthest forward as you are moving.\nHe had apparently fallen head-first down the stairwell...\n  ADV: ADV after v


Words: head-on
Meaning:
head-on\n1. If two vehicles hit each other head-on, they hit each other with their fronts pointing towards each other.\nPulling out to overtake, the car collided head-on with a van.\n  ADV: ADV after v\n\n  Head-on is also an adjective.\nTheir car was in a head-on smash with an articulated lorry.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n2. A head-on conflict or approach is direct, without any attempt to compromise or avoid the issue.\nThe only victors in a head-on clash between the president and the assembly would be the hardliners on both sides.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n  Head-on is also an adverb.\nOnce again, I chose to confront the issue head-on.\n  ADV: ADV after v


Words: head-to-head
Meaning:
head-to-head  head-to-heads\n1. A head-to-head contest or competition is one in which two people or groups compete directly against each other.\nHe won a head-to-head battle with NF leader Jean-Marie Le Pen.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n  Head-to-head is also an adverb.\nCanadian business cannot compete head-to-head with American business.\n  ADV: v ADV\n\n2. A head-to-head is a head-to-head contest or competition.\n...a head-to-head between the champion and the aspiring champion.\n  N-COUNT: usu sing


Words: headache
Meaning:
head.ache\n   headache  headaches\n1. If you have a headache, you have a pain in your head.\nI have had a terrible headache for the last two days.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. If you say that something is a headache, you mean that it causes you difficulty or worry.\nThe airline’s biggest headache is the increase in the price of aviation fuel...\n  N-COUNT\n  = problem


Words: headband
Meaning:
head.band\n   headband  headbands   also head band\n  A headband is a narrow strip of material which you can wear around your head across your forehead, for example to keep hair or sweat out of your eyes.\n  N-COUNT


Words: headboard
Meaning:
head.board\n   headboard  headboards\n  A headboard is an upright board at the end of a bed where you lay your head.\n  N-COUNT


Words: headdress
Meaning:
head.dress\n   headdress  headdresses   also head-dress\n  A headdress is something that is worn on a person’s head for decoration.\n  N-COUNT


Words: header
Meaning:
head.er\n   header  headers\n1. In football, a header is the act of hitting the ball in a particular direction with your head.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. A header is text such as a name or a page number that can be automatically displayed at the top of each page of a printed document. Compare footer. (COMPUTING)\n  N-COUNT


Words: headgear
Meaning:
head.gear\n   headgear   also head gear\n  You use headgear to refer to hats or other things worn on the head.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: headhunt
Meaning:
head.hunt\n   headhunt  headhunts  headhunting  headhunted\n  If someone who works for a particular company is headhunted, they leave that company because another company has approached them and offered them another job with better pay and higher status.\nHe was headhunted by Barkers last October to build an advertising team...\nThey may headhunt her for the vacant position of Executive Producer.\n  VERB: be V-ed, V n


Words: headhunter
Meaning:
head.hunter\n   headhunter  headhunters   also head-hunter\n  A headhunter is a person who tries to persuade someone to leave their job and take another job which has better pay and more status.\n  N-COUNT


Words: heading
Meaning:
head.ing\n   heading  headings\n  A heading is the title of a piece of writing, which is written or printed at the top of the page.\n...helpful chapter headings.\n  N-COUNT\n\n  see also head


Words: headland
Meaning:
head.land\n   headland  headlands\n  A headland is a narrow piece of land which sticks out from the coast into the sea.\n  N-COUNT


Words: headless
Meaning:
head.less\n   headless\n  If the body of a person or animal is headless, the head has been cut off.\n  ADJ


Words: headlight
Meaning:
head.light\n   headlight  headlights\n  A vehicle’s headlights are the large powerful lights at the front.\n  N-COUNT


Words: headline
Meaning:
head.line\n   headline  headlines  headlining  headlined\n1. A headline is the title of a newspaper story, printed in large letters at the top of the story, especially on the front page.\nThe Daily Mail has the headline `The Voice of Conscience’...\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. The headlines are the main points of the news which are read on radio or television.\nI’m Claudia Polley with the news headlines.\n  N-PLURAL\n\n3. If a newspaper or magazine article is headlined a particular thing, that is the headline that introduces it.\nThe article was headlined `Tell us the truth’.\n  VERB: usu passive, be V-ed quote\n\n4. If someone headlines a show, they are the main performer in it.\n  VERB\n\n5. Someone or something that hits the headlines or grabs the headlines gets a lot of publicity from the media.\nEl Salvador first hit the world headlines at the beginning of the 1980s...\n  PHRASE: V inflects


Words: headline-grabbing
Meaning:
A headline-grabbing statement or activity is one that is intended to attract a lot of attention, especially from the media.\n...a series of headline-grabbing announcements.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: headliner
Meaning:
head.lin.er\n   headliner  headliners\n  A headliner is the main performer or group of performers in a show.\nWe have introduced singers like Madeline Bell as headliners and I think the club is beginning to take off.\n  N-COUNT


Words: headlong
Meaning:
head.long\n   headlong\n1. If you move headlong in a particular direction, you move there very quickly.\nHe ran headlong for the open door.\n  ADV: ADV after v\n\n2. If you fall or move headlong, you fall or move with your head furthest forward.\nShe missed her footing and fell headlong down the stairs.\n  ADV: ADV after v\n\n3. If you rush headlong into something, you do it quickly without thinking carefully about it.\nDo not leap headlong into decisions...\n  ADV: ADV after v\n\n  Headlong is also an adjective.\n...the headlong rush to independence.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: headman
Meaning:
head.man\n   headman  headmen\n  A headman is the chief or leader of a tribe in a village.\n  N-COUNT


Words: headmaster
Meaning:
head.master\n   headmaster  headmasters\n  A headmaster is a man who is the head teacher of a school. (mainly BRIT)\n  N-COUNT


Words: headmistress
Meaning:
head.mistress\n   headmistress  headmistresses\n  A headmistress is a woman who is the head teacher of a school. (mainly BRIT)\n  N-COUNT


Words: headphones
Meaning:
head.phones\n   headphones\n  Headphones are a pair of padded speakers which you wear over your ears in order to listen to a radio, CD player, or tape recorder without other people hearing it.\n  N-PLURAL: also a pair of N


Words: headquartered
Meaning:
head.quartered\n   headquartered\n  If an organization is headquartered in a particular place, that is where its main offices are.\nThe company is headquartered in Chicago.\n  V-PASSIVE: be V-ed in/at n


Words: headquarters
Meaning:
head.quarters\n   headquarters\n  The headquarters of an organization are its main offices.\n...fraud squad officers from London’s police headquarters...\n  N-SING-COLL\n  = HQ


Words: headrest
Meaning:
head.rest\n   headrest  headrests\n  A headrest is the part of the back of a seat on which you can lean your head, especially one on the front seat of a car.\n  N-COUNT


Words: headroom
Meaning:
head.room\n   headroom\n  Headroom is the amount of space below a roof or bridge.\nThe forecabin, with 6ft headroom, also has plenty of room to stand and get dressed.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: headscarf
Meaning:
head.scarf\n   headscarf  headscarves   also head scarf\n1. A headscarf is a head covering which Muslim women wear.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. A headscarf is a small square scarf which some women wear round their heads, for example to keep it tidy. (BRIT)\n  N-COUNT


Words: headset
Meaning:
head.set\n   headset  headsets\n1. A headset is a small pair of headphones that you can use for listening to a radio or recorded music, or for using a telephone.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. A headset is a piece of equipment that you wear on your head so you can see computer images or images from a camera in front of your eyes.\n  N-COUNT


Words: headship
Meaning:
head.ship\n   headship  headships\n  A headship is the position of being the head of a school, college, or department.\nI feel sure you’ll be offered the headship.\n  N-COUNT


Words: headstone
Meaning:
head.stone\n   headstone  headstones\n  A headstone is a large stone which stands at one end of a grave, usually with the name of the dead person carved on it.\n  N-COUNT\n  = gravestone, tombstone


Words: headstrong
Meaning:
head.strong\n   headstrong\n  If you refer to someone as headstrong, you are slightly critical of the fact that they are determined to do what they want.\nHe’s young, very headstrong, but he’s a good man underneath.\n  ADJ\n  = stubborn, wilful


Words: headway
Meaning:
head.way\n   headway\n  If you make headway, you progress towards achieving something.\nThere was concern in the city that police were making little headway in the investigation.\n  PHRASE: oft with brd-neg, V inflects\n  = progress


Words: headwind
Meaning:
head.wind\n   headwind  headwinds   also head-wind\n  A headwind is a wind which blows in the opposite direction to the one in which you are moving.\n  N-COUNT


Words: headword
Meaning:
head.word\n   headword  headwords\n  In a dictionary, a headword is a word which is followed by an explanation of its meaning.\n  N-COUNT


Words: heady
Meaning:
heady  headier  headiest\n  A heady drink, atmosphere, or experience strongly affects your senses, for example by making you feel drunk or excited.\n...in the heady days just after their marriage...\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: heal
Meaning:
heal  heals  healing  healed\n1. When a broken bone or other injury heals or when something heals it, it becomes healthy and normal again.\nWithin six weeks the bruising had gone, but it was six months before it all healed...\nTherapies like acupuncture do work and many people have been healed by them.\n  VERB: V, V n\n\n2. If you heal something such as a rift or a wound, or if it heals, the situation is put right so that people are friendly or happy again.\nToday Sophie and her sister have healed the family rift and visit their family every weekend...\nThe psychological effects on the United States were immense and in Washington the wounds have still not fully healed.\n  VERB: V n, V


Words: healer
Meaning:
heal.er\n   healer  healers\n  A healer is a person who heals people, especially a person who heals through prayer and religious faith.\n  N-COUNT


Words: health
Meaning:
health\n1. A person’s health is the condition of their body and the extent to which it is free from illness or is able to resist illness.\nCaffeine is bad for your health.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft with poss\n\n2. Health is a state in which a person is not suffering from any illness and is feeling well.\nIn hospital they nursed me back to health.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n3. The health of something such as an organization or a system is its success and the fact that it is working well.\nThere’s no way to predict the future health of the banking industry.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n  = prosperity


Words: health care worker
Meaning:
health care work.er\n   health care worker  health care workers\n  A health care worker is someone who works in a hospital or health centre.\n  N-COUNT


Words: health centre
Meaning:
health cen.tre\n   health centre  health centres\nin AM, use health center\n  A health centre is a building in which a group of doctors have offices or surgeries where their patients can visit them.\n  N-COUNT\n  = surgery


Words: health club
Meaning:
health club  health clubs\n  A health club is a private club that people go to in order to do exercise and have beauty treatments.\n  N-COUNT


Words: health farm
Meaning:
health farm  health farms\n  A health farm is a hotel where people go to get fitter or lose weight by exercising and eating special food. (mainly BRIT; in AM, use spa)\n  N-COUNT


Words: health food
Meaning:
health food  health foods\n  Health foods are natural foods without artificial ingredients which people buy because they consider them to be good for them.\n  N-MASS: oft N n


Words: health visitor
Meaning:
health visi.tor\n   health visitor  health visitors\n  In Britain, a health visitor is a nurse whose job is to visit people in their homes and offer advice on matters such as how to look after very young babies or people with physical disabilities.\n  N-COUNT


Words: healthful
Meaning:
health.ful\n   healthful\n  Something that is healthful is good for your health.\nDoes the college cafeteria provide a healthful diet?...\n  ADJ\n  = healthy


Words: healthy
Meaning:
healthy  healthier  healthiest\n1. Someone who is healthy is well and is not suffering from any illness.\nMost of us need to lead more balanced lives to be healthy and happy...\n  ADJ\n\n=>  healthi.ly\nWhat I really want is to live healthily for as long as possible.\n  ADV: usu ADV after v\n\n2. If a feature or quality that you have is healthy, it makes you look well or shows that you are well.\n...the glow of healthy skin.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n3. Something that is healthy is good for your health.\n...a healthy diet.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n4. A healthy organization or system is successful.\n...an economically healthy socialist state.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n5. A healthy amount of something is a large amount that shows success.\nHe predicts a continuation of healthy profits in the current financial year.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n  = substantial\n6. If you have a healthy attitude about something, you show good sense.\nShe has a refreshingly healthy attitude to work...\n  ADJ: oft it v-link ADJ to-inf


Words: heap
Meaning:
heap  heaps  heaping  heaped\n1. A heap of things is a pile of them, especially a pile arranged in a rather untidy way.\n...a heap of bricks...\nHe has dug up the tiles that cover the floor and left them in a heap.\n  N-COUNT: oft N of n\n\n2. If you heap things somewhere, you arrange them in a large pile.\nMrs. Madrigal heaped more carrots onto Michael’s plate.\n  VERB: V n prep/adv\n\n  Heap up means the same as heap.\nOff to one side, the militia was heaping up wood for a bonfire.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron), also V n P\n\n3. If you heap praise or criticism on someone or something, you give them a lot of praise or criticism.\nThe head of the navy heaped scorn on both the methods and motives of the conspirators.\n  VERB: V n on/upon n\n\n4. Heaps of something or a heap of something is a large quantity of it. (INFORMAL)\nYou have heaps of time...\nI got in a heap of trouble.\n  QUANT: QUANT of n-uncount/pl-n\n  = load\n5. Someone who is at the bottom of the heap or at the top of the heap is low down or high up in society or an organization.\nOrdinary workers in state industry, once favoured, suddenly found themselves at the bottom of the heap.\n  PHRASE: usu v-link PHR, PHR after v\n\n6. If someone collapses in a heap, they fall heavily and untidily and do not move.\nThe young footballer collapsed in a heap after a heavy tackle.\n  PHRASE: v PHR, v-link PHR


Words: heaped
Meaning:
heaped\n1. A heaped spoonful has the contents of the spoon piled up above the edge.\nAdd one heaped tablespoon of salt.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n2. A container or a surface that is heaped with things has a lot of them in it or on it in a pile, often so many that it cannot hold any more.\nThe large desk was heaped with papers.\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ with n


Words: hear
Meaning:
hear  hears  hearing  heard\n1. When you hear a sound, you become aware of it through your ears.\nShe heard no further sounds...\nThey heard the protesters shout: `No more fascism!’...\nAnd then we heard the bells ringing out...\nI’m not hearing properly.\n  VERB: V n, V n inf, V n -ing, V\n\n2. If you hear something such as a lecture or a piece of music, you listen to it.\nYou can hear commentary on the match in about half an hour’s time...\nI don’t think you’ve ever heard Doris talking about her emotional life before...\nI’d love to hear it played by a professional orchestra.\n  VERB: V n, V n -ing, V n -ed\n\n3. If you say that you can hear someone saying something, you mean that you are able to imagine hearing it.\nCan’t you just hear John Motson now?...\n`I was hot,’ I could still hear Charlotte say with her delicious French accent.\n  VERB: no cont, V n, V n inf\n\n4. When a judge or a court of law hears a case, or evidence in a case, they listen to it officially in order to make a decision about it. (FORMAL)\nThe jury have heard evidence from defence witnesses...\n  VERB: V n\n\n5. If you hear from someone, you receive a letter or telephone call from them.\nDrop us a line, it’s always great to hear from you...\n  VERB: V from n\n\n6. In a debate or discussion, if you hear from someone, you listen to them giving their opinion or information.\nWhat are you hearing from people there?\n  VERB: V from n\n\n7. If you hear some news or information about something, you find out about it by someone telling you, or from the radio or television.\nMy mother heard of this school through Leslie...\nHe had heard that the trophy had been sold...\nI had waited to hear the result...\n  VERB: V of/about n, V that, V n\n\n8. If you have heard of something or someone, you know about them, but not in great detail.\nMany people haven’t heard of reflexology.\n...people who, maybe, had hardly heard the word till a year or two ago.\n  VERB: no cont, V of n, V n\n\n9. If you say that you have heard something before, you mean that you are not interested in it, or do not believe it, or are not surprised about it, because you already know about it or have experienced it.\nFurness shrugs wearily. He has heard it all before...\n  PHRASE: V inflects\n\n10. During political debates and public meetings, people sometimes say `Hear hear!’ to express their agreement with what the speaker is saying. (BRIT FORMAL)\n  CONVENTION  formulae\n\n11. If you say that you can’t hear yourself think, you are complaining and emphasizing that there is a lot of noise, and that it is disturbing you or preventing you from doing something. (INFORMAL)\nFor God’s sake shut up. I can’t hear myself think!...\n  PHRASE: usu with brd-neg  emphasis\n\n12. If you say that you won’t hear of someone doing something, you mean that you refuse to let them do it.\nI’ve always wanted to be an actor but Dad wouldn’t hear of it...\n  PHRASE: PHR n


Words: hear out
Meaning:
hear out\n  If you hear someone out, you listen to them without interrupting them until they have finished saying everything that they want to say.\nPerhaps, when you’ve heard me out, you’ll appreciate the reason for secrecy...\nHe shows keen interest in his friends, hearing out their problems and offering counsel.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V n P, V P n (not pron)


Words: hearer
Meaning:
hear.er\n   hearer  hearers\n  Your hearers are the people who are listening to you speak. (FORMAL)\n  N-COUNT\n  = listener


Words: hearing
Meaning:
hear.ing\n   hearing  hearings\n1. A person’s or animal’s hearing is the sense which makes it possible for them to be aware of sounds.\nHis mind still seemed clear and his hearing was excellent.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft poss N\n\n2. A hearing is an official meeting which is held in order to collect facts about an incident or problem.\nThe judge adjourned the hearing until next Tuesday.\n  N-COUNT\n\n3.\n  see also hard of hearing\n4. If someone gives you a fair hearing or a hearing, they listen to you when you give your opinion about something.\nWeber gave a fair hearing to anyone who held a different opinion.\n  PHRASE: usu PHR after v\n\n5. If someone says something in your hearing or within your hearing, you can hear what they say because they are with you or near you.\nNo one spoke disparagingly of her father in her hearing.\n  PHRASE: usu PHR after v


Words: hearing aid
Meaning:
hear.ing aid\n   hearing aid  hearing aids\n  A hearing aid is a device which people with hearing difficulties wear in their ear to enable them to hear better.\n  N-COUNT\n  = deaf aid


Words: hearing dog
Meaning:
hear.ing dog\n   hearing dog hearing dogs\n  Hearing dogs are dogs that have been specially trained to help deaf people.\n  N-COUNT


Words: hearsay
Meaning:
hear.say\n   hearsay\n  Hearsay is information which you have been told but do not know to be true.\nMuch of what was reported to them was hearsay...\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: heart
Meaning:
heart  hearts\n1. Your heart is the organ in your chest that pumps the blood around your body. People also use heart to refer to the area of their chest that is closest to their heart.\nThe bullet had passed less than an inch from Andrea’s heart...\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. You can refer to someone’s heart when you are talking about their deep feelings and beliefs. (LITERARY)\nAlik’s words filled her heart with pride...\n  N-COUNT: usu with poss\n\n3. You use heart when you are talking about someone’s character and attitude towards other people, especially when they are kind and generous.\nShe loved his brilliance and his generous heart...\n  N-VAR: usu adj N in sing  approval\n\n4. The heart of something is the most central and important part of it.\nThe heart of the problem is supply and demand...\n  N-SING: N of n\n  = crux\n5. The heart of a place is its centre.\n...a busy dentists’ practice in the heart of London’s West End.\n  N-SING: usu N of n\n\n6. A heart is a shape that is used as a symbol of love: ..\n...heart-shaped chocolates.\n  N-COUNT\n\n7. Hearts is one of the four suits in a pack of playing cards. Each card in the suit is marked with one or more red symbols in the shape of a heart.\n  N-UNCOUNT-COLL\n\n  A heart is a playing card of this suit.\n  N-COUNT\n\n8. If you feel or believe something with all your heart, you feel or believe it very strongly.\nMy own family I loved with all my heart.\n  PHRASE: PHR after v, PHR with cl  emphasis\n\n9. If you say that someone is a particular kind of person at heart, you mean that that is what they are really like, even though they may seem very different.\nHe was a very gentle boy at heart.\n  PHRASE: PHR with cl\n\n10. If you say that someone has your interests or your welfare at heart, you mean that they are concerned about you and that is why they are doing something.\n  PHRASE: usu have n PHR\n\n11. If someone breaks your heart, they make you very sad and unhappy, usually because they end a love affair or close relationship with you. (LITERARY)\n  PHRASE: V and N inflect\n\n12. If something breaks your heart, it makes you feel very sad and depressed, especially because people are suffering but you can do nothing to help them.\nIt really breaks my heart to see them this way.\n  PHRASE: V and N inflect, oft PHR to-inf\n\n13. If you say that someone has a broken heart, you mean that they are very sad, for example because a love affair has ended unhappily. (LITERARY)\nShe never recovered from her broken heart.\n  PHRASE: N inflects\n\n14. If you know something such as a poem by heart, you have learned it so well that you can remember it without having to read it.\nMack knew this passage by heart.\n  PHRASE: PHR after v\n\n15. If someone has a change of heart, their attitude towards something changes.\nSeveral brokers have had a change of heart about prospects for the company...\n  PHRASE: change inflects\n\n16. If something such as a subject or project is close to your heart or near to your heart, it is very important to you and you are very interested in it and concerned about it.\nAnimal welfare is a subject very close to my heart.\n  PHRASE: N inflects, oft v-link PHR\n\n17. If you can do something to your heart’s content, you can do it as much as you want.\nI was delighted to be able to eat my favorite dishes to my heart’s content.\n  PHRASE: PHR after v\n\n18. You can say `cross my heart’ when you want someone to believe that you are telling the truth. You can also ask `cross your heart?’, when you are asking someone if they are really telling the truth. (SPOKEN)\nAnd I won’t tell any of the other girls anything you tell me about it. I promise, cross my heart.\n  CONVENTION\n\n19. If you say something from the heart or from the bottom of your heart, you sincerely mean what you say.\nHe spoke with confidence, from the heart...\n  PHRASE: PHR after v\n  = sincerely\n20. If something gives you heart, it makes you feel more confident or happy about something.\nIt gave me heart to see one thug get what he deserves.\n  PHRASE: V inflects\n\n(next)


Words: heart .1
Meaning:
21. If you want to do something but do not have the heart to do it, you do not do it because you know it will make someone unhappy or disappointed.\nWe knew all along but didn’t have the heart to tell her.\n  PHRASE: V inflects, usu PHR to-inf\n\n22. If you believe or know something in your heart of hearts, that is what you really believe or think, even though it may sometimes seem that you do not.\nI know in my heart of hearts that I am the right man for that mission.\n  PHRASE: PHR after v, PHR with cl\n\n23. If your heart isn’t in the thing you are doing, you have very little enthusiasm for it, usually because you are depressed or are thinking about something else.\nI tried to learn some lines but my heart wasn’t really in it.\n  PHRASE: V and N inflect, PHR n/-ing\n\n24. If you lose heart, you become sad and depressed and are no longer interested in something, especially because it is not progressing as you would like.\nHe appealed to his countrymen not to lose heart.\n  PHRASE: V inflects\n\n25. If your heart is in your mouth, you feel very excited, worried, or frightened.\nMy heart was in my mouth when I walked into her office.\n  PHRASE: V and Ns inflect\n\n26. If you open your heart or pour out your heart to someone, you tell them your most private thoughts and feelings.\nShe opened her heart to millions yesterday and told how she came close to suicide.\n  PHRASE: V and N inflect, usu PHR to n\n\n27. If you say that someone’s heart is in the right place, you mean that they are kind, considerate, and generous, although you may disapprove of other aspects of their character.\nHe is a bit of a tearaway but his heart is in the right place.\n  PHRASE: heart and V inflect\n\n28. If you have set your heart on something, you want it very much or want to do it very much.\nHe had always set his heart on a career in the fine arts.\n  PHRASE: V and N inflect, PHR n/-ing\n\n29. If you wear your heart on your sleeve, you openly show your feelings or emotions rather than keeping them hidden.\n  PHRASE: V and N inflect\n\n30. If you put your heart and soul into something, you do it with a great deal of enthusiasm and energy.\n  PHRASE  emphasis\n\n31. If you take heart from something, you are encouraged and made to feel optimistic by it.\n  PHRASE: V inflects, oft PHR from n\n\n32. If you take something to heart, for example someone’s behaviour, you are deeply affected and upset by it.\nIf someone says something critical I take it to heart.\n  PHRASE: V inflects


Words: heart attack
Meaning:
heart at.tack\n   heart attack  heart attacks\n  If someone has a heart attack, their heart begins to beat very irregularly or stops completely.\nHe died of a heart attack brought on by overwork.\n  N-COUNT


Words: heart failure
Meaning:
heart fail.ure\n   heart failure\n  Heart failure is a serious medical condition in which someone’s heart does not work as well as it should, sometimes stopping completely so that they die.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: heart-rending
Meaning:
heart-rending   also heartrending\n  You use heart-rending to describe something that causes you to feel great sadness and pity.\n...heart-rending pictures of refugees...\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: heart-throb
Meaning:
heart-throb  heart-throbs\n  If you describe a man as a heart-throb, you mean that he is physically very attractive, so that a lot of women fall in love with him.\n  N-COUNT


Words: heart-to-heart
Meaning:
heart-to-heart  heart-to-hearts\n  A heart-to-heart is a conversation between two people, especially close friends, in which they talk freely about their feelings or personal problems.\nI’ve had a heart-to-heart with him...\n  N-COUNT: oft N n


Words: heart-warming
Meaning:
heart-warming\n  Something that is heart-warming causes you to feel happy, usually because something nice has happened to people.\n...the heart-warming story of enemies who discover a shared humanity.\n  ADJ\n  = cheering


Words: heartache
Meaning:
heart.ache\n   heartache  heartaches   also heart-ache\n  Heartache is very great sadness and emotional suffering.\n...after suffering the heartache of her divorce from her first husband.\n  N-VAR


Words: heartbeat
Meaning:
heart.beat\n   heartbeat\n  Your heartbeat is the regular movement of your heart as it pumps blood around your body.\n  N-SING: oft poss N


Words: heartbreak
Meaning:
heart.break\n   heartbreak  heartbreaks\n  Heartbreak is very great sadness and emotional suffering, especially after the end of a love affair or close relationship.\n  N-VAR


Words: heartbreaking
Meaning:
heart.breaking\n   heartbreaking\n  Something that is heartbreaking makes you feel extremely sad and upset.\nThis year we won’t even be able to buy presents for our grandchildren. It’s heartbreaking.\n  ADJ


Words: heartbroken
Meaning:
heart.broken\n   heartbroken\n  Someone who is heartbroken is very sad and emotionally upset.\nWas your daddy heartbroken when they got a divorce?\n  ADJ


Words: heartburn
Meaning:
heart.burn\n   heartburn\n  Heartburn is a painful burning sensation in your chest, caused by indigestion.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: hearten
Meaning:
heart.en\n   hearten  heartens  heartening  heartened\n  If someone is heartened by something, it encourages them and makes them cheerful.\nHe will have been heartened by the telephone opinion poll published yesterday...\nThe news heartened everybody.\n  VERB: be V-ed, V n\n  = cheer\n=>  heart.ened\nI feel heartened by her progress...\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ, oft ADJ by n, ADJ that\n\n=>  heart.en.ing\nThis is heartening news.\n  ADJ: oft it v-link ADJ to-inf


Words: heartfelt
Meaning:
heart.felt\n   heartfelt\n  Heartfelt is used to describe a deep or sincere feeling or wish.\nMy heartfelt sympathy goes out to all the relatives.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n  = sincere


Words: hearth
Meaning:
hearth  hearths\n  The hearth is the floor of a fireplace, which sometimes extends into the room.\n  N-COUNT


Words: hearth rug
Meaning:
hearth rug  hearth rugs   also hearthrug\n  A hearth rug is a rug which is put in front of a fireplace.\n  N-COUNT


Words: heartland
Meaning:
heart.land\n   heartland  heartlands\n1. Journalists use heartland or heartlands to refer to the area or region where a particular set of activities or beliefs is most significant.\n...his six-day bus tour around the industrial heartland of America...\n  N-COUNT: with supp, oft adj N, N of n\n\n2. The most central area of a country or continent can be referred to as its heartland or heartlands. (WRITTEN)\nFor many, the essence of French living is to be found in the rural heartlands.\n  N-COUNT: with supp


Words: heartless
Meaning:
heart.less\n   heartless\n  If you describe someone as heartless, you mean that they are cruel and unkind, and have no sympathy for anyone or anything.\nI couldn’t believe they were so heartless...\n  ADJ\n  = cruel, callous  !=kind, kind-hearted


Words: heartstrings
Meaning:
heart.strings\n   heartstrings\n  If you say that someone or something tugs at your heartstrings, you mean that they cause you to feel strong emotions, usually sadness or pity.\nShe knows exactly how to tug at readers’ heartstrings.\n  N-PLURAL: oft with poss


Words: hearty
Meaning:
hearty  heartier  heartiest\n1. Hearty people or actions are loud, cheerful, and energetic.\nWade was a hearty, bluff, athletic sort of guy...\nHe gave a hearty laugh.\n  ADJ\n\n=>  hearti.ly\nHe laughed heartily.\n  ADV: ADV after v\n\n2. Hearty feelings or opinions are strongly felt or strongly held.\nWith the last sentiment, Arnold was in hearty agreement.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n=>  hearti.ly\n...most Afghans are heartily sick of war.\n  ADV: ADV with v, ADV adj\n\n3. A hearty meal is large and very satisfying.\nThe men ate a hearty breakfast.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n=>  hearti.ly\nHe ate heartily but would drink only beer.\n  ADV: ADV after v


Words: heat
Meaning:
heat  heats  heating  heated\n1. When you heat something, you raise its temperature, for example by using a flame or a special piece of equipment.\nMeanwhile, heat the tomatoes and oil in a pan.\n...heated swimming pools.\n  VERB: V n, V-ed\n\n2. Heat is warmth or the quality of being hot.\nThe seas store heat and release it gradually during cold periods...\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n3. The heat is very hot weather.\nAs an asthmatic, he cannot cope with the heat and humidity...\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n4. The heat of something is the temperature of something that is warm or that is being heated.\nAdjust the heat of the barbecue by opening and closing the air vents.\n  N-UNCOUNT: with supp\n\n5. You use heat to refer to a source of heat, for example a cooking ring or the heating system of a house.\nImmediately remove the pan from the heat...\n  N-SING\n\n6. You use heat to refer to a state of strong emotion, especially of anger or excitement.\nIt was all done in the heat of the moment and I have certainly learned by my mistake...\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft N of n\n\n7. The heat of a particular activity is the point when there is the greatest activity or excitement.\nLast week, in the heat of the election campaign, the Prime Minister left for America.\n  N-SING: the N of n\n\n8. A heat is one of a series of races or competitions. The winners of a heat take part in another race or competition, against the winners of other heats.\n...the heats of the men’s 100m breaststroke.\n  N-COUNT\n\n  see also dead heat\n9. When a female animal is on heat in British English, or in heat in American English, she is in a state where she is ready to mate with a male animal, as this will probably result in her becoming pregnant.\n  PHRASE: v-link PHR


Words: heat up
Meaning:
heat up\n1. When you heat something up, especially food which has already been cooked and allowed to go cold, you make it hot.\nFreda heated up a pie for me.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron)\n  = warm up\n2. When a situation heats up, things start to happen much more quickly and with increased interest and excitement among the people involved.\nThen in the last couple of years, the movement for democracy began to heat up.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P\n  = hot up  !=cool off\n3. When something heats up, it gradually becomes hotter.\nIn the summer her mobile home heats up like an oven.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P\n  !=cool down


Words: heated
Meaning:
heat.ed\n   heated\n1. A heated discussion or quarrel is one where the people involved are angry and excited.\nIt was a very heated argument and they were shouting at each other...\n  ADJ\n  !=calm\n2. If someone gets heated about something, they get angry and excited about it.\nYou will understand that people get a bit heated about issues such as these...\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ about/over n\n\n=>  heat.ed.ly\nThe crowd continued to argue heatedly about the best way to tackle the problem.\n  ADV: ADV with v


Words: heater
Meaning:
heat.er\n   heater  heaters\n  A heater is a piece of equipment or a machine which is used to raise the temperature of something, especially of the air inside a room or a car.\n  N-COUNT


Words: heath
Meaning:
heath  heaths\n  A heath is an area of open land covered with rough grass or heather and with very few trees or bushes. (BRIT)\n  N-COUNT


Words: heathen
Meaning:
hea.then\n   heathen  heathens\n1. Heathen means having no religion, or belonging to a religion that is not Christianity, Judaism, or Islam. (OLD-FASHIONED)\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n  The heathen are heathen people.\nThey first set out to convert the heathen.\n  N-PLURAL: the N\n\n2. People sometimes refer to other people who have no religion as heathens, especially if they do not like the way they behave as a result of this. (OLD-FASHIONED)\n  N-COUNT  disapproval


Words: heather
Meaning:
heath.er\n   heather\n  Heather is a low, spreading plant with small purple, pink, or white flowers. Heather grows wild in Europe on high land with poor soil.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: heating
Meaning:
heat.ing\n   heating\n1. Heating is the process of heating a building or room, considered especially from the point of view of how much this costs.\nYou can still find cottages for .150 a week, including heating.\n...heating bills.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. Heating is the system and equipment that is used to heat a building.\nI wish I knew how to turn on the heating.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n  see also central heating


Words: heatwave
Meaning:
heat.wave\n   heatwave  heatwaves\nin AM and sometimes in BRIT, use heat wave\n  A heatwave is a period of time during which the weather is much hotter than usual.\n  N-COUNT


Words: heave
Meaning:
heave  heaves  heaving  heaved\n1. If you heave something heavy or difficult to move somewhere, you push, pull, or lift it using a lot of effort.\nIt took five strong men to heave the statue up a ramp and lower it into place...\n  VERB: V n prep/adv\n\n  Heave is also a noun.\nIt took only one heave to hurl him into the river.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. If something heaves, it moves up and down with large regular movements.\nHis chest heaved, and he took a deep breath.\n  VERB: V\n\n3. If you heave, or if your stomach heaves, you vomit or feel sick.\nMy stomach heaved and I felt sick.\n  VERB: V\n\n4. If you heave a sigh, you give a big sigh.\nMr Collier heaved a sigh and got to his feet.\n  VERB: V n\n\n5.\nto heave a sigh of relief: see sigh


Words: heaven
Meaning:
heav.en\n   heaven  heavens\n1. In some religions, heaven is said to be the place where God lives, where good people go when they die, and where everyone is always happy. It is usually imagined as being high up in the sky.\n  N-PROPER\n  = paradise\n2. You can use heaven to refer to a place or situation that you like very much. (INFORMAL)\nWe went touring in Wales and Ireland. It was heaven...\n  N-UNCOUNT\n  = paradise\n3. The heavens are the sky. (OLD-FASHIONED)\nHe walked out into the middle of the road, looking up at the heavens.\n  N-PLURAL: the N\n  = sky, skies\n4.\n  see also seventh heaven\n5. You say `Heaven forbid!’ to emphasize that you very much hope that something will not happen. (SPOKEN)\nHeaven forbid that he should leave because of me!\n  PHRASE: PHR that  emphasis\n\n6. You say `Good heavens!’ or `Heavens!’ to express surprise or to emphasize that you agree or disagree with someone. (SPOKEN)\nGood Heavens! That explains a lot!...\n  EXCLAM  feelings\n\n7. You say `Heaven help someone’ when you are worried that something bad is going to happen to them, often because you disapprove of what they are doing or the way they are behaving. (SPOKEN)\nIf this makes sense to our leaders, then heaven help us all...\n  PHRASE: PHR n  disapproval\n\n8. You can say `Heaven knows’ to emphasize that you do not know something, or that you find something very surprising. (SPOKEN)\nHeaven knows what they put in it.\n  PHRASE: PHR wh  emphasis\n\n9. You can say `Heaven knows’ to emphasize something that you feel or believe very strongly. (SPOKEN)\nHeaven knows they have enough money...\n  PHRASE: PHR with cl  emphasis\n\n10. If the heavens open, it suddenly starts raining very heavily.\nThe match had just begun when the heavens opened and play was suspended.\n  PHRASE: V inflects\n\n11.\nfor heaven’s sake: see sake\nthank heavens: see thank


Words: heaven-sent
Meaning:
heaven-sent   also heaven sent\n  You use heaven-sent to describe something such as an opportunity which is unexpected, but which is very welcome because it occurs at just the right time.\nIt will be a heaven-sent opportunity to prove himself.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: heavenly
Meaning:
heav.en.ly\n   heavenly\n1. Heavenly things are things that are connected with the religious idea of heaven.\n...heavenly beings whose function it is to serve God.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n2. Something that is heavenly is very pleasant and enjoyable. (INFORMAL)\nThe idea of spending two weeks with him may seem heavenly.\n  ADJ\n  = blissful


Words: heavenly body
Meaning:
heav.en.ly body\n   heavenly body  heavenly bodies\n  A heavenly body is a planet, star, moon, or other natural object in space.\n  N-COUNT


Words: heavenward
Meaning:
heav.en.ward\n   heavenward   also heavenwards\n  Heavenward means towards the sky or to heaven. (WRITTEN)\nHe rolled his eyes heavenward in disgust.\n  ADV: ADV after v\n  = upward


Words: heavily
Meaning:
heavi.ly\n   heavily\n  If someone says something heavily, they say it in a slow way which shows a feeling such as sadness, tiredness, or annoyance.\n`I didn’t even think about her,’ he said heavily.\n  ADV: ADV after v\n  !=lightly\n  see also heavy


Words: heavy
Meaning:
heavy  heavier  heaviest  heavies\n1. Something that is heavy weighs a lot.\nThese scissors are awfully heavy...\nThe mud stuck to her boots, making her feet heavy and her legs tired.\n  ADJ\n  !=light\n=>  heavi.ness\n...a sensation of warmth and heaviness in the muscles.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. You use heavy to ask or talk about how much someone or something weighs.\nHow heavy are you?...\nProtons are nearly 2000 times as heavy as electrons.\n  ADJ: how ADJ, as ADJ as, ADJ-compar than\n\n3. Heavy means great in amount, degree, or intensity.\nHeavy fighting has been going on...\nHe worried about her heavy drinking...\nThe traffic along Fitzjohn’s Avenue was heavy.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n=>  heavi.ly\nIt has been raining heavily all day.\n  ADV: ADV after v, ADV -ed/adj\n\n=>  heavi.ness\n...the heaviness of the blood loss.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n4. Someone or something that is heavy is solid in appearance or structure, or is made of a thick material.\nHe was short and heavy...\n  ADJ\n  !=light\n=>  heavi.ly\nHe was a big man of about forty, wide-shouldered and heavily built.\n  ADV: ADV -ed\n\n5. A heavy meal is large in amount and often difficult to digest.\nHe had been feeling drowsy, the effect of an unusually heavy meal.\n  ADJ\n  = filling  !=light\n6. Something that is heavy with things is full of them or loaded with them. (LITERARY)\nThe air is heavy with moisture...\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ with n\n  = laden\n7. If a person’s breathing is heavy, it is very loud and deep.\nHer breathing became slow and heavy.\n  ADJ\n  !=light, shallow\n=>  heavi.ly\nShe sank back on the pillow and closed her eyes, breathing heavily as if asleep.\n  ADV: ADV after v\n\n8. A heavy movement or action is done with a lot of force or pressure.\n...a heavy blow on the back of the skull...\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n  !=gentle\n=>  heavi.ly\nI sat down heavily on the ground beside the road...\n  ADV: ADV after v\n  !=gently\n9. A heavy machine or piece of military equipment is very large and very powerful.\n...government militia backed by tanks and heavy artillery.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n10. If you describe a period of time or a schedule as heavy, you mean it involves a lot of work.\nIt’s been a heavy day and I’m tired...\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n  = busy\n11. Heavy work requires a lot of strength or energy.\nThe business is thriving and Philippa employs two full-timers for the heavy work.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n12. If you say that something is heavy on another thing, you mean that it uses a lot of that thing or too much of that thing.\nTanks are heavy on fuel and destructive to roads.\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ on n\n\n13. Air or weather that is heavy is unpleasantly still, hot, and damp.\nThe outside air was heavy and moist and sultry.\n  ADJ\n  = oppressive\n14. If your heart is heavy, you are sad about something. (LITERARY)\nMr Maddison handed over his resignation letter with a heavy heart.\n  ADJ\n  !=light\n15. A situation that is heavy is serious and difficult to cope with. (INFORMAL)\nI don’t want any more of that heavy stuff.\n  ADJ\n  = serious\n16. A heavy is a large strong man who is employed to protect a person or place, often by using violence. (INFORMAL)\nThey had employed heavies to evict shop squatters from neighbouring sites.\n  N-COUNT\n\n17.\nto make heavy weather of something: see weather\na heavy hand: see hand


Words: heavy industry
Meaning:
heavy in.dus.try\n   heavy industry  heavy industries\n  Heavy industry is industry in which large machines are used to produce raw materials or to make large objects.\n  N-VAR\n  !=light industry


Words: heavy metal
Meaning:
heavy met.al\n   heavy metal  heavy metals\n1. Heavy metal is a type of very loud rock music with a fast beat.\n...a German heavy metal band named The Scorpions.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft N n\n\n2. A heavy metal is a metallic element with a high density. Many heavy metals are poisonous. (TECHNICAL)\n  N-COUNT


Words: heavy-duty
Meaning:
heavy-duty\n  A heavy-duty piece of equipment is very strong and can be used a lot.\n...a heavy duty polythene bag...\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: heavy-handed
Meaning:
heavy-handed\n  If you say that someone’s behaviour is heavy-handed, you mean that they are too forceful or too rough.\n...heavy-handed police tactics...\n  ADJ  disapproval


Words: heavyweight
Meaning:
heavy.weight\n   heavyweight  heavyweights\n1. A heavyweight is a boxer weighing more than 175 pounds and therefore in the heaviest class.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. If you refer to a person or organization as a heavyweight, you mean that they have a lot of influence, experience, and importance in a particular field, subject, or activity.\nHe was a political heavyweight.\n  N-COUNT: oft supp N


Words: Hebrew
Meaning:
He.brew\n   Hebrew\n1. Hebrew is a language that was spoken by Jews in former times. A modern form of Hebrew is spoken now in Israel.\nHe is a fluent speaker of Hebrew.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. Hebrew means belonging to or relating to the Hebrew language or people.\n...the respected Hebrew newspaper Haarez...\n  ADJ


Words: heck
Meaning:
heck\n1. People sometimes say `heck!’ when they are slightly irritated or surprised. (INFORMAL)\nHeck, if you don’t like it, don’t vote for him...\n  EXCLAM  feelings\n\n2. People use a heck of to emphasize how big something is or how much of it there is. (INFORMAL)\nThey’re spending a heck of a lot of money...\nThe truth is, I’m in one heck of a mess.\n  PHRASE: PHR n  emphasis\n\n3. You use the heck in expressions such as `what the heck’ and `how the heck’ in order to emphasize a question, especially when you are puzzled or annoyed. (INFORMAL)\nWhat the heck’s that?...\nThe question was, where the heck was he?\n  PHRASE: quest PHR  emphasis\n\n4. You say `what the heck’ to indicate that you do not care about a bad aspect of an action or situation. (INFORMAL)\nWhat the heck, I thought, I’ll give it a whirl.\n  PHRASE: PHR with cl  feelings


Words: heckle
Meaning:
heck.le\n   heckle  heckles  heckling  heckled\n  If people in an audience heckle public speakers or performers, they interrupt them, for example by making rude remarks.\nThey heckled him and interrupted his address with angry questions...\nA small group of youths stayed behind to heckle and shout abuse.\n  VERB: V n, V\n\n  Heckle is also a noun.\nThe offending comment was in fact a heckle from an audience member.\n  N-COUNT\n\n=>  heck.ling\nThe ceremony was disrupted by unprecedented heckling and slogan-chanting.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n=>  heck.ler      hecklers\nAs he began his speech, a heckler called out asking for his opinion on gun control.\n  N-COUNT


Words: hectare
Meaning:
hec.tare\n   hectare  hectares\n  A hectare is a measurement of an area of land which is equal to 10,000 square metres, or 2.471 acres.\n  N-COUNT: usu num N


Words: hectic
Meaning:
hec.tic\n   hectic\n  A hectic situation is one that is very busy and involves a lot of rushed activity.\nDespite his hectic work schedule, Benny has rarely suffered poor health...\n  ADJ\n  = busy


Words: hector
Meaning:
hec.tor\n   hector  hectors  hectoring  hectored\n  If you say that someone is hectoring you, you do not like the way they are trying to make you do something by bothering you and talking to you aggressively.\nI suppose you’ll hector me until I phone him.\n  VERB: V n  disapproval\n  = bully\n=>  hec.tor.ing\nIn a loud, hectoring tone, Alan told us that he wasn’t going to waste time discussing nonsense.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n  = bullying


Words: hedge
Meaning:
hedge  hedges  hedging  hedged\n1. A hedge is a row of bushes or small trees, usually along the edge of a garden, field, or road.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. If you hedge against something unpleasant or unwanted that might affect you, especially losing money, you do something which will protect you from it.\nYou can hedge against redundancy or illness with insurance...\nToday’s clever financial instruments make it possible for firms to hedge their risks.\n  VERB: V against n, V n\n\n3. Something that is a hedge against something unpleasant will protect you from its effects.\nGold is traditionally a hedge against inflation.\n  N-COUNT: N against n\n\n4. If you hedge, you avoid answering a question or committing yourself to a particular action or decision.\nThey hedged in answering various questions about the operation...\n`I can’t give you an answer now,’ he hedged.\n  VERB: V, V with quote\n\n5. If you hedge your bets, you reduce the risk of losing a lot by supporting more than one person or thing in a situation where they are opposed to each other.\nHawker Siddeley tried to hedge its bets by diversifying into other fields...\n  PHRASE: V inflects


Words: hedge about
Meaning:
hedge about   or hedge around\n  If you say that something such as an offer is hedged about or is hedged around with rules or conditions, you mean that there are a lot of rules or conditions.\nThe offer was hedged around with conditions...\nMany reduced fares are hedged around with restrictions.\n  PHRASAL VERB: be V-ed P with n, be V-ed P with n


Words: hedge fund
Meaning:
hedge fund  hedge funds\n  A hedge fund is an investment fund that invests large amounts of money using methods that involve a lot of risk. (BUSINESS)\n  N-COUNT


Words: hedgehog
Meaning:
hedge.hog\n   hedgehog  hedgehogs\n  A hedgehog is a small brown animal with sharp spikes covering its back.\n  N-COUNT


Words: hedgerow
Meaning:
hedge.row\n   hedgerow  hedgerows\n  A hedgerow is a row of bushes, trees, and plants, usually growing along a bank bordering a country lane or between fields.\n  N-VAR


Words: hedonism
Meaning:
he.don.ism\n   hedonism\n  Hedonism is the belief that gaining pleasure is the most important thing in life. (FORMAL)\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: hedonist
Meaning:
he.don.ist\n   hedonist  hedonists\n  A hedonist is someone who believes that having pleasure is the most important thing in life. (FORMAL)\n  N-COUNT


Words: hedonistic
Meaning:
he.don.is.tic\n   hedonistic\n  Hedonistic means relating to hedonism. (FORMAL)\n...the hedonistic pleasures of the South...\n  ADJ


Words: heed
Meaning:
heed  heeds  heeding  heeded\n1. If you heed someone’s advice or warning, you pay attention to it and do what they suggest. (FORMAL)\nBut few at the conference in London last week heeded his warning...\n  VERB: V n\n\n2. If you take heed of what someone says or if you pay heed to them, you pay attention to them and consider carefully what they say. (FORMAL)\nBut what if the government takes no heed?\n  PHRASE: V inflects, oft PHR to/of n


Words: heedless
Meaning:
heed.less\n   heedless\n  If you are heedless of someone or something, you do not take any notice of them. (FORMAL)\nHeedless of time or any other consideration, they began to search the underwater cave...\nShe was rummaging through the letters, scattering them about the table in her heedless haste.\n  ADJ: oft ADJ of n


Words: heel
Meaning:
heel  heels\n1. Your heel is the back part of your foot, just below your ankle.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. The heel of a shoe is the raised part on the bottom at the back.\n...the shoes with the high heels.\n  N-COUNT\n\n3. Heels are women’s shoes that are raised very high at the back.\n...two well-dressed ladies in high heels...\n...the old adage that you shouldn’t wear heels with trousers.\n  N-PLURAL\n\n4. The heel of a sock or stocking is the part that covers your heel.\n  N-COUNT\n\n5. The heel of your hand is the rounded pad at the bottom of your palm.\n  N-COUNT: N of n\n\n6.\n  see also Achilles heel\n7. If you bring someone to heel, you force them to obey you.\nIt’s still not clear how the president will use his power to bring the republics to heel.\n  PHRASE: V inflects\n\n8. If you dig your heels in or dig in your heels, you refuse to do something such as change your opinions or plans, especially when someone is trying very hard to make you do so.\nIt was really the British who, by digging their heels in, prevented any last-minute deal.\n  PHRASE: V inflects\n\n9. If you say that one event follows hard on the heels of another or hot on the heels of another, you mean that one happens very quickly or immediately after another.\nUnfortunately, bad news has come hard on the heels of good...\n  PHRASE: PHR after v, PHR n\n\n10. If you say that someone is hot on your heels, you are emphasizing that they are chasing you and are not very far behind you.\nThey sped through the American southwest with the law hot on their heels.\n  PHRASE: usu v-link PHR  emphasis\n\n11. If you are kicking your heels, you are having to wait around with nothing to do, so that you get bored or impatient. (BRIT INFORMAL)\nThe authorities wouldn’t grant us permission to fly all the way down to San Francisco, so I had to kick my heels at Tunis Airport.\n  PHRASE: V inflects\n\n12. If you turn on your heel or spin on your heel, you suddenly turn round, especially because you are angry or surprised.\nHe simply turned on his heel and walked away.\n  PHRASE: V inflects\n\n13.\nhead over heels: see head\nto drag your heels: see drag


Words: hefty
Meaning:
hefty  heftier  heftiest\n1. Hefty means large in size, weight, or amount. (INFORMAL)\nShe was quite a hefty woman...\nIf he is found guilty he faces a hefty fine.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n2. A hefty movement is done with a lot of force. (INFORMAL)\nLambert gave Luckwell a hefty shove to send him on his way.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: hegemony
Meaning:
he.gemo.ny\n   hegemony\n  Hegemony is a situation in which one country, organization, or group has more power, control, or importance than others. (FORMAL)\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: height
Meaning:
height  heights\n1. The height of a person or thing is their size or length from the bottom to the top.\nI am 5’6’’ in height...\nThe wave here has a length of 250 feet and a height of 10 feet...\nHe was a man of medium height.\n  N-VAR: oft with poss, amount in N, N of amount\n\n2. Height is the quality of being tall.\nShe admits that her height is intimidating for some men.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n3. A particular height is the distance that something is above the ground or above something else mentioned.\n...a test in which a 6.3 kilogram weight was dropped on it from a height of 1 metre...\n  N-VAR\n\n4. A height is a high position or place above the ground.\nI’m not afraid of heights.\n  N-COUNT\n\n5. When an activity, situation, or organization is at its height, it is at its most successful, powerful, or intense.\nDuring the early sixth century emigration from Britain to Brittany was at its height...\n  N-SING: at N with poss\n  = peak\n6. If you say that something is the height of a particular quality, you are emphasizing that it has that quality to the greatest degree possible.\nThe hip-hugging black and white polka-dot dress was the height of fashion...\n  N-SING: the N of n  emphasis\n\n7. If something reaches great heights, it becomes very extreme or intense.\n...the mid-1980s, when house prices rose to absurd heights...\n  N-PLURAL: with supp, oft adj N, N of n


Words: heighten
Meaning:
height.en\n   heighten  heightens  heightening  heightened\n  If something heightens a feeling or if the feeling heightens, the feeling increases in degree or intensity.\nThe move has heightened tension in the state...\nCross’s interest heightened.\n...a heightened awareness of the dangers that they now face.\n  VERB: V n, V, V-ed\n  = intensify


Words: heinous
Meaning:
hei.nous\n   heinous\n  If you describe something such as a crime as heinous, you mean that it is extremely evil or horrible. (FORMAL)\nThey are capable of the most heinous acts.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n  = evil, monstrous


Words: heir
Meaning:
heir  heirs\n  An heir is someone who has the right to inherit a person’s money, property, or title when that person dies.\n...the heir to the throne.\n  N-COUNT: oft with poss, oft N to n


Words: heir apparent
Meaning:
heir ap.par.ent\n   heir apparent  heirs apparent\n  The heir apparent to a particular job or position is the person who is expected to have it after the person who has it now. (JOURNALISM)\n  N-COUNT: usu sing, oft the N to n, poss N


Words: heiress
Meaning:
heir.ess\n   heiress  heiresses\n  An heiress is a woman or girl who has the right to inherit property or a title, or who has inherited it, especially when this involves great wealth.\n...the heiress to a jewellery empire.\n  N-COUNT: oft N to n


Words: heirloom
Meaning:
heir.loom\n   heirloom  heirlooms\n  An heirloom is an ornament or other object that has belonged to a family for a very long time and that has been handed down from one generation to another.\n  N-COUNT


Words: heist
Meaning:
heist  heists\n  A heist is a robbery, especially one in which money, jewellery, or art is stolen. (JOURNALISM)\n  N-COUNT: oft n N


Words: helicopter
Meaning:
heli.cop.ter\n   helicopter  helicopters\n  A helicopter is an aircraft with long blades on top that go round very fast. It is able to stay still in the air and to move straight upwards or downwards.\n  N-COUNT


Words: helicopter gunship
Meaning:
heli.cop.ter gun.ship\n   helicopter gunship  helicopter gunships\n  A helicopter gunship is a helicopter with large guns attached to it.\n  N-COUNT


Words: helipad
Meaning:
heli.pad\n   helipad  helipads\n  A helipad is a place where helicopters can land and take off.\n  N-COUNT


Words: hell
Meaning:
hell  hells\n1. In some religions, hell is the place where the Devil lives, and where wicked people are sent to be punished when they die. Hell is usually imagined as being under the ground and full of flames.\n  N-PROPER; N-COUNT\n\n2. If you say that a particular situation or place is hell, you are emphasizing that it is extremely unpleasant.\n...the hell of the Siberian labor camps...\n  N-VAR  emphasis\n  = misery\n3. Hell is used by some people when they are angry or excited, or when they want to emphasize what they are saying.\n`Hell, no!’ the doctor snapped.\n  EXCLAM  emphasis\n\n4. You can use as hell after adjectives or some adverbs to emphasize the adjective or adverb. (INFORMAL)\nThe men might be armed, but they sure as hell weren’t trained...\n  PHRASE: adj PHR  emphasis\n\n5. If you say that a place or a situation is hell on earth or a hell on earth, you are emphasizing that it is extremely unpleasant or that it causes great suffering.\nShe believed she would die in the snake-infested sand dunes. She said: `It was hell on earth’.\n  PHRASE: oft v-link PHR  emphasis\n  = living hell\n6. If someone does something for the hell of it, or just for the hell of it, they do it for fun or for no particular reason. (INFORMAL)\nManagers seem to be spending millions just for the hell of it.\n  PHRASE: usu PHR with cl, PHR after v, n PHR\n\n7. You can use from hell after a noun when you are emphasizing that something or someone is extremely unpleasant or evil. (INFORMAL)\nHe’s a child from hell...\n  PHRASE: n PHR  emphasis\n\n8. If you tell someone to go to hell, you are angrily telling them to go away and leave you alone. (INFORMAL, RUDE)\n`Well, you can go to hell!’ He swept out of the room.\n  PHRASE  feelings\n\n9. If you say that someone can go to hell, you are emphasizing angrily that you do not care about them and that they will not stop you doing what you want. (INFORMAL, RUDE)\nPeter can go to hell. It’s my money and I’ll leave it to who I want...\n  PHRASE  emphasis\n\n10. If you say that someone is going hell for leather, you are emphasizing that they are doing something or are moving very quickly and perhaps carelessly. (INFORMAL)\nThe first horse often goes hell for leather, hits a few fences but gets away with it...\n  PHRASE: usu v PHR  emphasis\n\n11. Some people say like hell to emphasize that they strongly disagree with you or are strongly opposed to what you say. (INFORMAL)\n`I’ll go myself.’.`Like hell you will!’\n  PHRASE: usu PHR cl  emphasis\n\n12. Some people use like hell to emphasize how strong an action or quality is. (INFORMAL)\nIt hurts like hell...\n  PHRASE: PHR after v  emphasis\n\n13. If you describe a place or situation as a living hell, you are emphasizing that it is extremely unpleasant. (INFORMAL)\nSchool is a living hell for some children.\n  PHRASE: v-link PHR  emphasis\n\n14. If you say that all hell breaks loose, you are emphasizing that a lot of arguing or fighting suddenly starts. (INFORMAL)\nHe had an affair, I found out and then all hell broke loose.\n  PHRASE: V inflects  emphasis\n\n15. If you talk about a hell of a lot of something, or one hell of a lot of something, you mean that there is a large amount of it. (INFORMAL)\nThe manager took a hell of a lot of money out of the club.\n  PHRASE: usu PHR of n/-ing  emphasis\n\n16. Some people use a hell of or one hell of to emphasize that something is very good, very bad, or very big. (INFORMAL)\nWhatever the outcome, it’s going to be one hell of a fight.\n  PHRASE: PHR n  emphasis\n\n17. Some people use the hell out of for emphasis after verbs such as `scare’, `irritate’, and `beat’. (INFORMAL)\nI patted the top of her head in the condescending way I knew irritated the hell out of her...\n  PHRASE: v PHR n  emphasis\n\n18. If you say there’ll be hell to pay, you are emphasizing that there will be serious trouble. (INFORMAL)\nThere would be hell to pay when Ferguson and Tony found out about it.\n  PHRASE: V inflects  emphasis\n\n(next)


Words: hell .1
Meaning:
19. To play hell with something means to have a bad effect on it or cause great confusion. In British English, you can also say that one person or thing plays merry hell with another. (INFORMAL)\nLord Beaverbrook, to put it bluntly, played hell with the war policy of the R.A.F...\n  PHRASE: V inflects, usu PHR with n\n\n20. If you say that someone raises hell, you are emphasizing that they protest strongly and angrily about a situation in order to persuade other people to correct it or improve it. (INFORMAL)\nThe only way to preserve democracy is to raise hell about its shortcomings.\n  PHRASE: V inflects  emphasis\n\n21. People sometimes use the hell for emphasis in questions, after words such as `what’, `where’, and `why’, often in order to express anger. (INFORMAL, RUDE)\nWhere the hell have you been?...\n  PHRASE: quest PHR  emphasis\n\n22. If you go through hell, or if someone puts you through hell, you have a very difficult or unpleasant time. (INFORMAL)\nAll of you seem to have gone through hell making this record...\n  PHRASE: V inflects\n\n23. If you say you hope to hell or wish to hell that something is true, you are emphasizing that you strongly hope or wish it is true. (INFORMAL)\nI hope to hell you’re right.\n  PHRASE: V inflects, PHR that  emphasis\n\n24. If you say that you will do something come hell or high water, you are emphasizing that you are determined to do it, in spite of the difficulties involved.\nI’ve always managed to get into work come hell or high water.\n  PHRASE: usu PHR after v  emphasis\n\n25. You can say `what the hell’ when you decide to do something in spite of the doubts that you have about it. (INFORMAL)\nWhat the hell, I thought, at least it will give the lazy old man some exercise.\n  PHRASE  feelings\n\n26. If you say `to hell with’ something, you are emphasizing that you do not care about something and that it will not stop you from doing what you want to do. (INFORMAL)\nTo hell with this, I’m getting out of here...\n  PHRASE: PHR n  emphasis


Words: hell-bent
Meaning:
hell-bent   also hellbent\n  If you say that someone is hell-bent on doing something, you are emphasizing that they are determined to do it, even if this causes problems or difficulties for other people.\nHe accused Ford of being hell-bent on achieving its cuts by whatever means.\n  ADJ: usu v-link ADJ, usu ADJ on -ing  emphasis


Words: hell-raiser
Meaning:
hell-raiser  hell-raisers\n  If you describe someone as a hell-raiser, you mean that they often behave in a wild and unacceptable way, especially because they have drunk too much alcohol. (INFORMAL)\n  N-COUNT


Words: Hellenic
Meaning:
Hel.len.ic\n   Hellenic\n  Hellenic is used to describe the people, language, and culture of Ancient Greece.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: hellhole
Meaning:
hell.hole\n   hellhole  hellholes\n  If you call a place a hellhole, you mean that it is extremely unpleasant, usually because it is dirty and uncomfortable.\n...stuck in this hellhole of a jail.\n  N-COUNT


Words: hellish
Meaning:
hell.ish\n   hellish\n  You describe something as hellish to emphasize that it is extremely unpleasant. (INFORMAL)\nThe atmosphere in Washington is hellish...\n  ADJ  emphasis


Words: hello
Meaning:
hel.lo\n   hello  hellos   also hallo, hullo\n1. You say `Hello’ to someone when you meet them.\nHello, Trish...\nDo you want to pop your head in and say hallo to my girlfriend?\n  CONVENTION  formulae\n\n  Hello is also a noun.\nThe salesperson greeted me with a warm hello.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. You say `Hello’ to someone at the beginning of a telephone conversation, either when you answer the phone or before you give your name or say why you are phoning.\nA moment later, Cohen picked up the phone. `Hello?’\n  CONVENTION  formulae\n\n3. You can call `hello’ to attract someone’s attention.\nVery softly, she called out: `Hallo? Who’s there?’\n  CONVENTION


Words: helluva
Meaning:
hell.uva\n   helluva\n  Some people say a helluva or one helluva to emphasize that something is very good, very bad, or very big. (INFORMAL)\nIt taught me a helluva lot about myself...\nThe man did one helluva job getting it all together.\n  ADJ: a/one ADJ n  emphasis\n  = a hell of a, one hell of a


Words: helm
Meaning:
helm  helms\n1. The helm of a boat or ship is the part that is used to steer it.\n  N-COUNT: usu sing\n\n2. You can say that someone is at the helm when they are leading or running a country or organization.\nHe has been at the helm of Lonrho for 31 years.\n  N-SING: the N


Words: helmet
Meaning:
hel.met\n   helmet  helmets\n  A helmet is a hat made of a strong material which you wear to protect your head.\n  N-COUNT\n\n  see also crash helmet


Words: helmsman
Meaning:
helms.man\n   helmsman  helmsmen\n  The helmsman of a boat is the person who is steering it.\n  N-COUNT


Words: help
Meaning:
help  helps  helping  helped\n1. If you help someone, you make it easier for them to do something, for example by doing part of the work for them or by giving them advice or money.\nHe has helped to raise a lot of money...\nYou can of course help by giving them a donation directly...\nIf you’re not willing to help me, I’ll find somebody who will.\n  VERB: V to-inf/inf, V, V n\n\n  Help is also a noun.\nThanks very much for your help...\nAlways ask the pharmacist for help...\n  N-UNCOUNT\n  = assistance\n2. If you say that something helps, you mean that it makes something easier to do or get, or that it improves a situation to some extent.\nThe right style of swimsuit can help to hide, minimise or emphasise what you want it to...\nBuilding more motorways and by-passes will help the environment by reducing pollution and traffic jams in towns and cities...\nUnderstanding these rare molecules will help chemists to find out what is achievable...\nI could cook your supper, though, if that would help.\n  VERB: V to-inf/inf, V n, V n to-inf/inf, V\n\n3. If you help someone go somewhere or move in some way, you give them support so that they can move more easily.\nMartin helped Tanya over the rail...\nShe helped her sit up in bed so she could hold her baby.\n  VERB: V n prep/adv, V n inf/to-inf\n\n4. If you say that someone or something has been a help or has been some help, you mean that they have helped you to solve a problem.\nThe books were not much help.\n  N-SING: a N, also no det\n\n5. Help is action taken to rescue a person who is in danger. You shout `help!’ when you are in danger in order to attract someone’s attention so that they can come and rescue you.\nHe was screaming for help...\n`Help!’ I screamed, turning to run.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n6. In computing, help, or the help menu, is a file that gives you information and advice, for example about how to use a particular program. (COMPUTING)\nIf you get stuck, click on Help.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n7. If you help yourself to something, you serve yourself or you take it for yourself. If someone tells you to help yourself, they are telling you politely to serve yourself anything you want or to take anything you want.\nThere’s bread on the table. Help yourself...\nJust help yourself to leaflets.\n  VERB: V pron-refl, V pron-refl to n\n\n8. If someone helps themselves to something, they steal it. (INFORMAL)\nHas somebody helped himself to some film star’s diamonds?\n  VERB: V pron-refl to n\n\n9.\n  see also helping\n10. If you can’t help the way you feel or behave, you cannot control it or stop it happening. You can also say that you can’t help yourself.\nI can’t help feeling sorry for the poor man...\n  PHRASE: V inflects, PHR -ing, PHR it, PHR pron-refl, PHR n\n\n11. If you say you can’t help thinking something, you are expressing your opinion in an indirect way, often because you think it seems rude.\nI can’t help feeling that this may just be another of her schemes...\n  PHRASE: V inflects, PHR -ing, PHR but inf  vagueness\n\n12. If someone or something is of help, they make a situation easier or better.\nCan I be of help to you?\n  PHRASE: V inflects


Words: help out
Meaning:
help out\n  If you help someone out, you help them by doing some work for them or by lending them some money.\nI help out with the secretarial work...\nAll these presents came to more money than I had, and my mother had to help me out...\nHe thought you’d been brought in from Toronto to help out the local police.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P with n, V n P, V P n (not pron), also V P


Words: helper
Meaning:
help.er\n   helper  helpers\n  A helper is a person who helps another person or group with a job they are doing.\n  N-COUNT\n  = assistant


Words: helpful
Meaning:
help.ful\n   helpful\n1. If you describe someone as helpful, you mean that they help you in some way, such as doing part of your job for you or by giving you advice or information.\nThe staff in the London office are helpful but only have limited information...\n  ADJ\n\n=>  help.ful.ly\nThey had helpfully provided us with instructions on how to find the house...\n  ADV: ADV with v\n\n=>  help.ful.ness\nThe level of expertise and helpfulness is far higher in smaller shops.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. If you describe information or advice as helpful, you mean that it is useful for you.\nThe following information may be helpful to readers.\n  ADJ\n  !=unhelpful\n3. Something that is helpful makes a situation more pleasant or more easy to tolerate.\nIt is often helpful to have your spouse in the room when major news is expected...\n  ADJ: oft it v-link ADJ to-inf, ADJ for n/-ing, ADJ in -ing


Words: helping
Meaning:
help.ing\n   helping  helpings\n1. A helping of food is the amount of it that you get in a single serving.\n  N-COUNT: usu with supp, oft N of n, adj N\n\n2. You can refer to an amount of something, especially a quality, as a helping of that thing. (INFORMAL)\nIt took a generous helping of entrepreneurial confidence to persevere during this incident.\n  N-COUNT: N of n, usu adj N of n\n  = amount


Words: helpless
Meaning:
help.less\n   helpless\n  If you are helpless, you do not have the strength or power to do anything useful or to control or protect yourself.\nParents often feel helpless, knowing that all the cuddles in the world won’t stop the tears...\n  ADJ: oft ADJ to-inf, ADJ with n\n\n=>  help.less.ly\nTheir son watched helplessly as they vanished beneath the waves.\n  ADV: usu ADV with v\n\n=>  help.less.ness\nI remember my feelings of helplessness.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: helpline
Meaning:
help.line\n   helpline  helplines\n  A helpline is a special telephone service that people can call to get advice about a particular subject.\n  N-COUNT


Words: helpmate
Meaning:
help.mate\n   helpmate  helpmates\n  If you say that one person is another person’s helpmate, you mean that they help the other person in their life or work, especially by doing boring but necessary jobs for them such as cooking and cleaning. (OLD-FASHIONED)\n  N-COUNT


Words: helter-skelter
Meaning:
helter-skelter\n  You use helter-skelter to describe something that is hurried and disorganized, especially when things happen very quickly, one after the other.\nHe now faces another crisis in his helter-skelter existence.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n  Helter-skelter is also an adverb.\n...a panic-stricken crowd running helter-skelter to get away from the tear gas.\n  ADV: ADV after v


Words: hem
Meaning:
hem  hems  hemming  hemmed\n1. A hem on something such as a piece of clothing is an edge that is folded over and stitched down to prevent threads coming loose. The hem of a skirt or dress is the bottom edge.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. If you hem something, you form a hem along its edge.\nTurn under and hem the outer edges...\n  VERB: V n\n\n3.\nhem and haw: see haw


Words: hem in
Meaning:
hem in\n1. If a place is hemmed in by mountains or by other places, it is surrounded by them.\nManchester is hemmed in by greenbelt countryside and by housing and industrial areas...\n  PHRASAL VERB: usu passive, be V-ed P by n\n\n2. If someone is hemmed in or if someone hems them in, they are prevented from moving or changing, for example because they are surrounded by people or obstacles.\nThe company’s competitors complain that they are hemmed in by rigid legal contracts.\n  PHRASAL VERB: be V-ed P by n, also V n P


Words: hemisphere
Meaning:
hemi.sphere\n   hemisphere  hemispheres\n1. A hemisphere is one half of the earth.\n...the northern hemisphere.\n  N-COUNT: usu supp N\n\n2. A hemisphere is one half of the brain.\n  N-COUNT: usu supp N


Words: hemline
Meaning:
hem.line\n   hemline  hemlines\n  The hemline of a dress or skirt is its lower edge. People sometimes use hemline to talk about how long a dress or skirt is.\nMickey favoured tight skirts with a hemline at the knee.\n  N-COUNT


Words: hen
Meaning:
hen  hens\n1. A hen is a female chicken. People often keep hens in order to eat them or sell their eggs.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. The female of any bird can be referred to as a hen.\n  N-COUNT


Words: hen night
Meaning:
hen night  hen nights\n  A hen night is a party for a woman who is getting married very soon, to which only women are invited. (BRIT)\n  N-COUNT


Words: hen party
Meaning:
hen par.ty\n   hen party  hen parties\n  A hen party is a party to which only women are invited. (BRIT)\n  N-COUNT


Words: hen-pecked
Meaning:
hen-pecked   also henpecked\n  You use hen-pecked to describe a man when you disapprove of the fact that his wife, or another woman, is always telling him what to do or telling him that he has done something wrong. (INFORMAL)\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n  disapproval


Words: hence
Meaning:
hence\n1. You use hence to indicate that the statement you are about to make is a consequence of what you have just said. (FORMAL)\nThe trade imbalance is likely to rise again in 1990. Hence a new set of policy actions will be required soon...\n  ADV: ADV cl/group\n  = therefore, thus\n2. You use hence in expressions such as `several years hence’ or `six months hence’ to refer to a time in the future, especially a long time in the future. (FORMAL)\nThe gases that may be warming the planet will have their main effect many years hence.\n  ADV: amount ADV


Words: henceforth
Meaning:
hence.forth\n   henceforth\n  Henceforth means from this time onwards. (FORMAL)\nHenceforth, parties which fail to get 5% of the vote will not be represented in parliament...\n  ADV: ADV with cl


Words: henceforward
Meaning:
hence.forward\n   henceforward\n  Henceforward means from this time on. (FORMAL)\nHenceforward France and Britain had a common interest...\n  ADV: ADV with cl\n  = henceforth, from now on


Words: henchman
Meaning:
hench.man\n   henchman  henchmen\n  If you refer to someone as another person’s henchman, you mean that they work for or support the other person, especially by doing unpleasant, violent, or dishonest things on their behalf.\n  N-COUNT: usu poss N  disapproval\n  = heavy


Words: henhouse
Meaning:
hen.house\n   henhouse  henhouses\n  A henhouse is a special building where hens are kept.\n  N-COUNT


Words: henna
Meaning:
hen.na\n   henna\n  Henna is a reddish-brown dye that is made from the leaves of a shrub. It is used especially for colouring hair or skin.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: heptathlon
Meaning:
hep.tath.lon\n   heptathlon  heptathlons\n  The heptathlon is an athletics competition for women in which each athlete competes in seven different events.\n  N-COUNT


Words: her
Meaning:
her  WEAK   STRONG\nHer is a third person singular pronoun. Her is used as the object of a verb or a preposition. Her is also a possessive determiner.\n1. You use her to refer to a woman, girl, or female animal.\nI went in the room and told her I had something to say to her...\nI really thought I’d lost her. Everybody kept asking me, `Have you found your cat?’\n  PRON: v PRON, prep PRON\n\n  Her is also a possessive determiner.\nLiz travelled round the world for a year with her boyfriend James...\n  DET\n\n2. In written English, her is sometimes used to refer to a person without saying whether that person is a man or a woman. Some people dislike this use and prefer to use `him or her’ or `them’.\nTalk to your baby, play games, and show her how much you enjoy her company.\n  PRON: v PRON, prep PRON\n\n  Her is also a possessive determiner.\nThe non-drinking, non smoking model should do nothing to risk her reputation.\n  DET\n\n3. Her is sometimes used to refer to a country or nation. (FORMAL or WRITTEN)\n  PRON: v PRON, prep PRON\n\n  Her is also a possessive determiner.\nOur reporter looks at reactions to Britain’s apparently deep-rooted distrust of her EU partner.\n  DET


Words: herald
Meaning:
her.ald\n   herald  heralds  heralding  heralded\n1. Something that heralds a future event or situation is a sign that it is going to happen or appear. (FORMAL)\n...the sultry evening that heralded the end of the baking hot summer...\n  VERB: V n\n\n2. Something that is a herald of a future event or situation is a sign that it is going to happen or appear. (FORMAL)\nI welcome the report as a herald of more freedom, not less...\n  N-COUNT: N of n\n\n3. If an important event or action is heralded by people, announcements are made about it so that it is publicly known and expected. (FORMAL)\nJanet Jackson’s new album has been heralded by a massive media campaign...\nTonight’s clash between Real Madrid and Arsenal is being heralded as the match of the season.\n  VERB: usu passive, be V-ed by n, be V-ed as n\n\n4. In former times, a herald was a person who delivered and announced important messages.\n  N-COUNT


Words: heraldic
Meaning:
he.ral.dic\n   heraldic\n  Heraldic means relating to heraldry.\n...religious and heraldic symbols.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: heraldry
Meaning:
her.ald.ry\n   heraldry\n  Heraldry is the study of coats of arms and of the history of the families who are entitled to have them.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: herb
Meaning:
herb  herbs\n  A herb is a plant whose leaves are used in cooking to add flavour to food, or as a medicine.\n  N-COUNT


Words: herbaceous
Meaning:
her.ba.ceous\n   herbaceous\n  Herbaceous plants have green stems, not hard, woody stems.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: herbaceous border
Meaning:
her.ba.ceous bor.der\n   herbaceous border  herbaceous borders\n  A herbaceous border is a flower bed containing a mixture of plants that flower every year. (BRIT)\n  N-COUNT


Words: herbal
Meaning:
herb.al\n   herbal  herbals\n  Herbal means made from or using herbs.\n...herbal remedies for colds.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: herbalism
Meaning:
herb.al.ism\n   herbalism\n  Herbalism is the practice of using herbs to treat illnesses.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: herbalist
Meaning:
herb.al.ist\n   herbalist  herbalists\n  A herbalist is a person who grows or sells herbs that are used in medicine.\n  N-COUNT


Words: herbicide
Meaning:
herbi.cide\n   herbicide  herbicides\n  A herbicide is a chemical that is used to destroy plants, especially weeds.\n  N-MASS


Words: herculean
Meaning:
her.cu.lean\n   herculean   also Herculean\n  A herculean task or ability is one that requires extremely great strength or effort. (LITERARY)\n...his herculean efforts to bring peace to our troubled island.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n  = formidable


Words: herd
Meaning:
herd  herds  herding  herded\n1. A herd is a large group of animals of one kind that live together.\n...large herds of elephant and buffalo.\n  N-COUNT: oft n N, N of n\n\n2. If you say that someone has joined the herd or follows the herd, you are criticizing them because you think that they behave just like everyone else and do not think for themselves.\nThey are individuals; they will not follow the herd.\n  N-SING: the N  disapproval\n  = pack\n3. If you herd people somewhere, you make them move there in a group.\nHe began to herd the prisoners out...\n  VERB: V n prep/adv\n\n4. If you herd animals, you make them move along as a group.\nStefano used a motor cycle to herd the sheep...\nA boy herded half a dozen camels down towards the water trough.\n  VERB: V n, V n prep/adv


Words: herdsman
Meaning:
herds.man\n   herdsman  herdsmen\n  A herdsman is a man who looks after a herd of animals such as cattle or goats.\n  N-COUNT


Words: here
Meaning:
here\n1. You use here when you are referring to the place where you are.\nI’m here all by myself and I know I’m going to get lost...\nWell, I can’t stand here chatting all day.\n...the growing number of skiers that come here...\n  ADV: be ADV, ADV after v, prep ADV\n  !=there\n2. You use here when you are pointing towards a place that is near you, in order to draw someone else’s attention to it.\n...if you will just sign here...\nCome and sit here, Lauren...\n  ADV: ADV after v, prep ADV, be ADV\n\n3. You use here in order to indicate that the person or thing that you are talking about is near you or is being held by you.\nMy friend here writes for radio...\n  ADV: n ADV, ADV after v\n\n4. If you say that you are here to do something, that is your role or function.\nI’m not here to listen to your complaints.\n  ADV: be ADV to-inf\n\n5. You use here in order to draw attention to something or someone who has just arrived in the place where you are, or to draw attention to the place you have just arrived at.\n`Mr Cummings is here,’ she said, holding the door open...\n  ADV: ADV with be, ADV before v\n\n6. You use here to refer to a particular point or stage of a situation or subject that you have come to or that you are dealing with.\nThe book goes into recent work in greater detail than I have attempted here...\n  ADV: it v-link ADV that, ADV with v, ADV with cl\n\n7. You use here to refer to a period of time, a situation, or an event that is present or happening now.\nHere is your opportunity to acquire a luxurious one bedroom home.\n  ADV: ADV before v, ADV with be\n\n8. You use here at the beginning of a sentence in order to draw attention to something or to introduce something.\nNow here’s what I want you to do...\n  ADV: ADV be n/wh\n\n9. You use here when you are offering or giving something to someone.\nHere’s some letters I want you to sign...\nHere’s your cash.\n  ADV: ADV be n\n\n10. You say `here we are’ or `here you are’ when the statement that you are making about someone’s character or situation is unexpected.\nHere you are, saying these terrible things...\n  PHRASE: V inflects, PHR with cl\n\n11. You say `here we are’ when you have just found something that you have been looking for.\nI rummaged through the drawers and came up with Amanda’s folder. `Here we are.’\n  CONVENTION\n\n12. You say `here goes’ when you are about to do or say something difficult or unpleasant.\nDr Culver nervously muttered `Here goes,’ and gave the little girl an injection.\n  CONVENTION\n\n13. You use expressions such as `here we go’ and `here we go again’ in order to indicate that something is happening again in the way that you expected, especially something unpleasant. (INFORMAL)\nAt first, he was told he was too young and I thought, `Oh, boy, here we go again.’...\n  PHRASE\n\n14. You use here and now to emphasize that something is happening at the present time, rather than in the future or past, or that you would like it to happen at the present time.\nI’m a practicing physician trying to help people here and now...\n  PHRASE  emphasis\n\n15. If something happens here and there, it happens in several different places.\nI do a bit of teaching here and there...\n  PHRASE: PHR with cl, PHR after v\n\n16. You use expressions such as `here’s to us’ and `here’s to your new job’ before drinking a toast in order to wish someone success or happiness.\nTony smiled and lifted his glass. `Here’s to you, Amy.’\n  CONVENTION  formulae


Words: hereabouts
Meaning:
here.abouts\n   hereabouts\n  You use hereabouts to indicate that you are talking about something near you or in the same area as you.\nIt’s a bit chilly and empty hereabouts...\n  ADV: ADV after v, n ADV\n  = here


Words: hereafter
Meaning:
here.after\n   hereafter\n1. Hereafter means from this time onwards. (FORMAL, WRITTEN)\nI realised how hard life was going to be for me hereafter.\n  ADV: ADV with cl\n  = henceforth, from now on\n2. In legal documents and in written English, hereafter is used to introduce information about an abbreviation that will be used in the rest of the text to refer to the person or thing just mentioned.\nMichel Foucault (1972), The Archaeology of Knowledge; hereafter this text will be abbreviated as AK.\n  ADV: ADV with cl\n\n3. The hereafter is sometimes used to refer to the time after you have died, or to the life which some people believe you have after you have died.\n...belief in the hereafter.\n  N-SING: usu the N\n\n  Hereafter is also an adjective.\n...the life hereafter...\n  ADJ: n ADJ


Words: hereby
Meaning:
here.by\n   hereby\n  You use hereby when officially or formally saying what you are doing. (FORMAL)\nI hereby sentence you for life after all the charges against you have been proven true...\n  ADV: ADV before v


Words: hereditary
Meaning:
he.redi.tary\n   hereditary\n1. A hereditary characteristic or illness is passed on to a child from its parents before it is born.\nIn men, hair loss is hereditary.\n  ADJ\n\n2. A title or position in society that is hereditary is one that is passed on as a right from parent to child.\n...the position of the head of state is hereditary...\n  ADJ


Words: heredity
Meaning:
he.red.ity\n   heredity\n  Heredity is the process by which features and characteristics are passed on from parents to their children before the children are born.\nHeredity is not a factor in causing the cancer.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: herein
Meaning:
here.in\n   herein\n1. Herein means in this document, text, or book. (FORMAL, WRITTEN)\nThe statements and views expressed herein are those of the author and are not necessarily those of the Wilson Centre...\n  ADV: ADV after v, n ADV\n\n2. You can use herein to refer back to the situation or fact you have just mentioned, when saying it is something such as a problem or reason for something. (FORMAL, WRITTEN)\nThe point is that people grew unaccustomed to thinking and acting in a responsible and independent way. Herein lies another big problem.\n  ADV: ADV cl


Words: heresy
Meaning:
her.esy\n   heresy  heresies\n1. Heresy is a belief or action that most people think is wrong, because it disagrees with beliefs that are generally accepted.\nIt might be considered heresy to suggest such a notion.\n  N-VAR\n\n2. Heresy is a belief or action which seriously disagrees with the principles of a particular religion.\nHe said it was a heresy to suggest that women should not conduct services.\n  N-VAR


Words: heretic
Meaning:
her.etic\n   heretic  heretics\n1. A heretic is someone whose beliefs or actions are considered wrong by most people, because they disagree with beliefs that are generally accepted.\nHe was considered a heretic and was ridiculed and ostracized for his ideas.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. A heretic is a person who belongs to a particular religion, but whose beliefs or actions seriously disagree with the principles of that religion.\n  N-COUNT


Words: heretical
Meaning:
he.reti.cal\n   heretical\n1. A belief or action that is heretical is one that most people think is wrong because it disagrees with beliefs that are generally accepted.\nI made the then heretical suggestion that it might be cheaper to design new machines.\n  ADJ\n\n2. A belief or action that is heretical is one that seriously disagrees with the principles of a particular religion.\nThe Church regards spirit mediums and people claiming to speak to the dead as heretical.\n  ADJ


Words: heretofore
Meaning:
here.to.fore\n   heretofore\n  Heretofore means `before this time’ or `up to now’. (mainly AM FORMAL)\nThey reported that clouds are an important and heretofore uninvestigated contributor to the climate.\n  ADV: usu ADV with v, also ADV adj, ADV with cl\n  = hitherto, previously


Words: herewith
Meaning:
here.with\n   herewith\n  Herewith means with this document, text, or book. You can use herewith in a letter to say that you are enclosing something with it. (FORMAL, WRITTEN)\n...the 236 revolutionary prisoners whose names are listed herewith...\nI return herewith your papers.\n  ADV: usu ADV with v, also n ADV, ADV n, ADV with cl


Words: heritage
Meaning:
her.it.age\n   heritage  heritages\n  A country’s heritage is all the qualities, traditions, or features of life there that have continued over many years and have been passed on from one generation to another.\nThe historic building is as much part of our heritage as the paintings.\n  N-VAR: usu with supp, oft poss N


Words: hermaphrodite
Meaning:
her.maph.ro.dite\n   hermaphrodite  hermaphrodites\n  A hermaphrodite is a person, animal, or flower that has both male and female reproductive organs.\n  N-COUNT


Words: hermetic
Meaning:
her.met.ic\n   hermetic\n1. If a container has a hermetic seal, the seal is very tight so that no air can get in or out. (TECHNICAL)\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n  = airtight\n=>  her.meti.cal.ly\nThe batteries are designed to be leak-proof and hermetically sealed.\n  ADV: ADV -ed, ADV after v\n\n2. You use hermetic to describe something which you disapprove of because it seems to be totally separate from other people and things in society. (WRITTEN)\nIts film industry operates in its own curiously hermetic way...\nTheir work is more cosily hermetic than ever.\n  ADJ  disapproval


Words: hermit
Meaning:
her.mit\n   hermit  hermits\n  A hermit is a person who lives alone, away from people and society.\n  N-COUNT


Words: hernia
Meaning:
her.nia\n   hernia  hernias\n  A hernia is a medical condition which is often caused by strain or injury. It results in one of your internal organs sticking through a weak point in the surrounding tissue.\n  N-VAR


Words: hero
Meaning:
hero  heroes\n1. The hero of a book, play, film, or story is the main male character, who usually has good qualities.\nThe hero of Doctor Zhivago dies in 1929.\n  N-COUNT\n  = protagonist  !=villain\n2. A hero is someone, especially a man, who has done something brave, new, or good, and who is therefore greatly admired by a lot of people.\nHe called Mr Mandela a hero who had inspired millions.\n  N-COUNT\n\n3. If you describe someone as your hero, you mean that you admire them a great deal, usually because of a particular quality or skill that they have.\nMy boyhood hero was Bobby Charlton...\n  N-COUNT: usu sing, with poss\n  = idol


Words: hero-worship
Meaning:
hero-worship  hero-worships  hero-worshipping  hero-worshipped\n\n  The noun is also spelled hero worship.\n\n1. Hero-worship is a very great admiration of someone and a belief that they are special or perfect.\nSinger Brett Anderson inspires old-fashioned hero-worship.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. If you hero-worship someone, you admire them a great deal and think they are special or perfect.\nHe was amused by the way younger actors started to hero-worship and copy him.\n  VERB: V n


Words: heroic
Meaning:
he.ro.ic\n   heroic  heroics\n1. If you describe a person or their actions as heroic, you admire them because they show extreme bravery.\nHis heroic deeds were celebrated in every corner of India.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n  = courageous\n=>  he.roi.cal.ly\nHe had acted heroically during the liner’s evacuation.\n  ADV: ADV with v\n\n2. If you describe an action or event as heroic, you admire it because it involves great effort or determination to succeed.\nThe company has made heroic efforts at cost reduction...\n  ADJ  approval\n\n=>  he.roi.cal.ly\nSingle parents cope heroically in doing the job of two people.\n  ADV: usu ADV with v, also ADV adj\n\n3. Heroic means being or relating to the hero of a story.\n...the book’s central, heroic figure.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n4. Heroics are actions involving bravery, courage, or determination.\n...the man whose aerial heroics helped save the helicopter pilot...\n  N-PLURAL\n\n5. If you describe someone’s actions or plans as heroics, you think that they are foolish or dangerous because they are too difficult or brave for the situation in which they occur. (SPOKEN)\nHe said his advice was: `No heroics, stay within the law’...\n  N-PLURAL: usu with brd-neg  disapproval


Words: heroin
Meaning:
hero.in\n   heroin\n  Heroin is a powerful drug which some people take for pleasure, but which they can become addicted to.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: heroine
Meaning:
hero.ine\n   heroine  heroines\n1. The heroine of a book, play, film, or story is the main female character, who usually has good qualities.\nThe heroine is a senior TV executive.\n  N-COUNT\n  = protagonist\n2. A heroine is a woman who has done something brave, new, or good, and who is therefore greatly admired by a lot of people.\nThe national heroine of the day was Xing Fen, winner of the first Gold medal of the Games.\n  N-COUNT\n\n3. If you describe a woman as your heroine, you mean that you admire her greatly, usually because of a particular quality or skill that she has.\nMy heroine was Elizabeth Taylor.\n  N-COUNT: usu sing, with poss\n  = idol


Words: heroism
Meaning:
hero.ism\n   heroism\n  Heroism is great courage and bravery.\n...individual acts of heroism.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: heron
Meaning:
her.on\n   heron  herons\n  A heron is a large bird which has long legs and a long beak, and which eats fish.\n  N-COUNT


Words: herpes
Meaning:
her.pes\n   herpes\n  Herpes is a disease which causes painful red spots to appear on the skin.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: herring
Meaning:
her.ring\n   herring  herring  or herrings\n  A herring is a long silver-coloured fish. Herring live in large groups in the sea.\n  N-VAR\n\n  Herring is a piece of this fish eaten as food.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n  see also red herring


Words: herringbone
Meaning:
herring.bone\n   herringbone\n  Herringbone is a pattern used in fabrics or brickwork which looks like parallel rows of zigzag lines.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft N n


Words: hers
Meaning:
hers\n\n  Hers is a third person possessive pronoun.\n\n1. You use hers to indicate that something belongs or relates to a woman, girl, or female animal.\nHis hand as it shook hers was warm and firm...\nHe’d never seen eyes as green as hers...\nProfessor Camm was a great friend of hers...\n  PRON\n\n2. In written English, hers is sometimes used to refer to a person without saying whether that person is a man or a woman. Some people dislike this use and prefer to use `his or hers’ or `theirs’.\nThe author can report other people’s results which more or less agree with hers.\n  PRON\n\n3. Hers is sometimes used to refer to a country or nation. (FORMAL or WRITTEN)\n  PRON


Words: herself
Meaning:
her.self\n   herself\n\n  Herself is a third person singular reflexive pronoun. Herself is used when the object of a verb or preposition refers to the same person as the subject of the verb, except in meaning 3.\n\n1. You use herself to refer to a woman, girl, or female animal.\nShe let herself out of the room...\nJennifer believes she will move out on her own when she is financially able to support herself...\nRobin didn’t feel good about herself.\n  PRON: v PRON, prep PRON\n\n2. In written English, herself is sometimes used to refer to a person without saying whether that person is a man or a woman. Some people dislike this use and prefer to use `himself or herself’ or `themselves’.\nHow can anyone blame her for actions for which she feels herself to be in no way responsible?\n  PRON\n\n3. Herself is sometimes used to refer to a country or nation. (FORMAL or WRITTEN)\nBritain’s dream of herself began to fade.\n  PRON\n\n4. You use herself to emphasize the person or thing that you are referring to. Herself is sometimes used instead of `her’ as the object of a verb or preposition.\nShe’s so beautiful herself...\nShe herself was not a keen gardener.\n  PRON  emphasis


Words: hesitant
Meaning:
hesi.tant\n   hesitant\n  If you are hesitant about doing something, you do not do it quickly or immediately, usually because you are uncertain, embarrassed, or worried.\nShe was hesitant about coming forward with her story...\n  ADJ: oft ADJ about n, ADJ to-inf\n\n=>  hesi.tan.cy\nA trace of hesitancy showed in Dr. Stockton’s eyes.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n  = reluctance\n=>  hesi.tant.ly\n`Would you do me a favour?’ she asked hesitantly.\n  ADV: ADV with v


Words: hesitate
Meaning:
hesi.tate\n   hesitate  hesitates  hesitating  hesitated\n1. If you hesitate, you do not speak or act for a short time, usually because you are uncertain, embarrassed, or worried about what you are going to say or do.\nThe telephone rang. Catherine hesitated, debating whether to answer it...\n  VERB: V\n\n=>  hesi.ta.tion      hesitations\nAsked if he would go back, Mr Searle said after some hesitation, `I’ll have to think about that’...\n  N-VAR\n\n2. If you hesitate to do something, you delay doing it or are unwilling to do it, usually because you are not certain it would be right. If you do not hesitate to do something, you do it immediately.\nSome parents hesitate to take these steps because they suspect that their child is exaggerating...\n  VERB: V to-inf\n\n3. You can use hesitate in expressions such as `don’t hesitate to call me’ or `don’t hesitate to contact us’ when you are telling someone that they should do something as soon as it needs to be done and should not worry about disturbing other people.\nIn the event of difficulties, please do not hesitate to contact our Customer Service Department...\n  VERB: only imper, with neg, V to-inf


Words: hesitation
Meaning:
hesi.ta.tion\n   hesitation  hesitations\n1. Hesitation is an unwillingness to do something, or a delay in doing it, because you are uncertain, worried, or embarrassed about it.\nHe promised there would be no more hesitations in pursuing reforms.\n...the prime minister’s hesitation to accept a ceasefire.\n  N-VAR: oft N in -ing\n\n  see also hesitate\n2. If you say that you have no hesitation in doing something, you are emphasizing that you will do it immediately or willingly because you are certain that it is the right thing to do.\nThe board said it had no hesitation in unanimously rejecting the offer...\n  PHRASE: V inflects, usu PHR in -ing  emphasis\n\n3. If you say that someone does something without hesitation, you are emphasizing that they do it immediately and willingly.\nThe great majority of players would, of course, sign the contract without hesitation...\n  PHRASE: usu PHR after v, PHR with cl  emphasis


Words: hessian
Meaning:
hes.sian\n   hessian\n  Hessian is a thick, rough fabric that is used for making sacks. (mainly BRIT; in AM, use burlap)\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: het up
Meaning:
het up\n  If you get het up about something, you get very excited, angry, or anxious about it. (INFORMAL)\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ, oft ADJ about n\n  = worked up


Words: heterodox
Meaning:
hetero.dox\n   heterodox\n  Heterodox beliefs, opinions, or ideas are different from the accepted or official ones. (FORMAL)\n  ADJ\n  = unorthodox


Words: heterogeneous
Meaning:
hetero.geneous\n   heterogeneous\n  A heterogeneous group consists of many different types of things or people. (FORMAL)\n...a rather heterogeneous collection of studies from diverse origins.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n  = diverse  !=homogeneous


Words: heterosexual
Meaning:
hetero.sex.ual\n   heterosexual  heterosexuals\n1. A heterosexual relationship is a sexual relationship between a man and a woman.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n2. Someone who is heterosexual is sexually attracted to people of the opposite sex.\n  ADJ\n\n  Heterosexual is also a noun.\nIn Denmark the age of consent is fifteen for both heterosexuals and homosexuals.\n  N-COUNT\n\n=>  hetero.sexu.al.ity\n...a challenge to the assumption that heterosexuality was `normal’.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: heuristic
Meaning:
heu.ris.tic\n   heuristic\n1. A heuristic method of learning involves discovery and problem-solving, using reasoning and past experience. (TECHNICAL)\n  ADJ\n\n2. A heuristic computer program uses rules based on previous experience in order to solve a problem, rather than using a mathematical procedure. (COMPUTING)\n  ADJ\n\n  see also algorithm


Words: hew
Meaning:
hew  hews  hewing  hewed  hewed  or hewn\n1. If you hew stone or wood, you cut it, for example with an axe. (OLD-FASHIONED)\nHe felled, peeled and hewed his own timber.\n  VERB: V n\n  = chop\n2. If something is hewn from stone or wood, it is cut from stone or wood. (LITERARY, OLD-FASHIONED)\n...the rock from which the lower chambers and subterranean passageways have been hewn.\n...medieval monasteries hewn out of the rockface.\n  VERB: usu passive, be V-ed from/out of n, V-ed\n  = cut\n3.\n  see also rough-hewn


Words: hey
Meaning:
hey\n  In informal situations, you say or shout `hey’ to attract someone’s attention, or to show surprise, interest, or annoyance.\n`Hey! Look out!’ shouted Patty...\n  CONVENTION  feelings


Words: heyday
Meaning:
hey.day\n   heyday\n  Someone’s heyday is the time when they are most powerful, successful, or popular.\nIn its heyday, the studio’s boast was that it had more stars than there are in heaven.\n  N-SING: with poss


Words: hi
Meaning:
hi\n  In informal situations, you say `hi’ to greet someone.\n`Hi, Liz’ she said shyly.\n  CONVENTION  formulae


Words: hi-fi
Meaning:
hi-fi  hi-fis\n  A hi-fi is a set of equipment on which you play CDs and tapes, and which produces stereo sound of very good quality.\n  N-VAR


Words: hiatus
Meaning:
hia.tus\n   hiatus\n  A hiatus is a pause in which nothing happens, or a gap where something is missing. (FORMAL)\nDiplomatic efforts to reach a settlement resume today after a two-week hiatus...\n  N-SING: usu with supp, oft N in/of n


Words: hibernate
Meaning:
hi.ber.nate\n   hibernate  hibernates  hibernating  hibernated\n  Animals that hibernate spend the winter in a state like a deep sleep.\nDormice hibernate from October to May...\n  VERB: V


Words: hibiscus
Meaning:
hi.bis.cus\n   hibiscus  hibiscus\n  A hibiscus is a tropical bush that has large, brightly-coloured bell-shaped flowers.\n  N-VAR


Words: hiccup
Meaning:
hic.cup\n   hiccup  hiccups  hiccuping  or hiccupping  hiccuped  or hiccupped   also hiccough\n1. You can refer to a small problem or difficulty as a hiccup, especially if it does not last very long or is easily put right.\nA recent sales hiccup is nothing to panic about...\n  N-COUNT: usu with supp, oft n N, N in n\n\n2. When you have hiccups, you make repeated sharp sounds in your throat, often because you have been eating or drinking too quickly.\nA young baby may frequently get a bout of hiccups during or soon after a feed.\n  N-UNCOUNT: also the N\n\n3. A hiccup is a sound of the kind that you make when you have hiccups.\n  N-COUNT\n\n4. When you hiccup, you make repeated sharp sounds in your throat.\nShe was still hiccuping from the egg she had swallowed whole.\n  VERB: V


Words: hick
Meaning:
hick  hicks\n  If you refer to someone as a hick, you are saying in a rude way that you think they are uneducated and stupid because they come from the countryside. (INFORMAL)\n  N-COUNT: oft N n  disapproval


Words: hidden
Meaning:
hid.den\n   hidden\n1. Hidden is the past participle of hide.\n\n2. Hidden facts, feelings, activities, or problems are not easy to notice or discover.\nUnder all the innocent fun, there are hidden dangers, especially for children...\n  ADJ\n\n3. A hidden place is difficult to find.\nAs you descend, suddenly you see at last the hidden waterfall.\n  ADJ


Words: hidden agenda
Meaning:
hid.den agen.da\n   hidden agenda  hidden agendas\n  If you say that someone has a hidden agenda, you are criticizing them because you think they are secretly trying to achieve or cause a particular thing, while they appear to be doing something else.\nHe accused foreign nations of having a hidden agenda to harm French influence...\n  N-COUNT  disapproval


Words: hide
Meaning:
hide  hides  hiding  hid  hidden\n1. If you hide something or someone, you put them in a place where they cannot easily be seen or found.\nHe hid the bicycle in the hawthorn hedge...\nThey could see that I was terrified, and hid me until the coast was clear.\n  VERB: V n, V n\n  = conceal\n2. If you hide or if you hide yourself, you go somewhere where you cannot easily be seen or found.\nAt their approach the little boy scurried away and hid...\nThey hid themselves behind a tree.\n  VERB: V, V pron-refl\n\n3. If you hide your face, you press your face against something or cover your face with something, so that people cannot see it.\nShe hid her face under the collar of his jacket and she started to cry...\n  VERB: V n\n\n4. If you hide what you feel or know, you keep it a secret, so that no one knows about it.\nLee tried to hide his excitement...\n  VERB: V n\n\n5. If something hides an object, it covers it and prevents it from being seen.\nThe man’s heavy moustache hid his upper lip completely...\n  VERB: V n\n\n6. A hide is a place which is built to look like its surroundings. Hides are used by people who want to watch or photograph animals and birds without being seen by them. (mainly BRIT; in AM, use blind)\n  N-COUNT\n\n7. A hide is the skin of a large animal such as a cow, horse, or elephant, which can be used for making leather.\n...the process of tanning animal hides.\n  N-VAR\n  = skin\n8.\n  see also hidden, hiding


Words: hide-and-seek
Meaning:
hide-and-seek\n  Hide-and-seek is a children’s game in which one player covers his or her eyes until the other players have hidden themselves, and then he or she tries to find them.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: hideaway
Meaning:
hide.away\n   hideaway  hideaways\n  A hideaway is a place where you go to hide or to get away from other people.\nThe bandits fled to a remote mountain hideaway.\n  N-COUNT


Words: hidebound
Meaning:
hide.bound\n   hidebound\n  If you describe someone or something as hidebound, you are criticizing them for having old-fashioned ideas or ways of doing things and being unwilling or unlikely to change.\nThe men are hidebound and reactionary...\nThe economy was hidebound by public spending and private monopolies.\n  ADJ: oft ADJ by n  disapproval


Words: hideous
Meaning:
hid.eous\n   hideous\n1. If you say that someone or something is hideous, you mean that they are very ugly or unattractive.\nShe saw a hideous face at the window and screamed.\n  ADJ\n  = monstrous, horrible\n2. You can describe an event, experience, or action as hideous when you mean that it is very unpleasant, painful, or difficult to bear.\nHis family was subjected to a hideous attack by the gang...\n  ADJ\n  = horrendous


Words: hideously
Meaning:
hid.eous.ly\n   hideously\n1. You use hideously to emphasize that something is very ugly or unattractive.\nEverything is hideously ugly...\n  ADV: usu ADV adj/-ed, also ADV after v  emphasis\n  = horribly\n2. You can use hideously to emphasize that something is very unpleasant or unacceptable.\n...a hideously complex program.\n  ADV: ADV adj/-ed  emphasis


Words: hideout
Meaning:
hide.out\n   hideout  hideouts\n  A hideout is a place where someone goes secretly because they do not want anyone to find them, for example if they are running away from the police.\n  N-COUNT


Words: hiding
Meaning:
hid.ing\n   hiding  hidings\n1. If someone is in hiding, they have secretly gone somewhere where they cannot be seen or found.\nGray is thought to be in hiding near the France/Italy border...\nThe duchess is expected to come out of hiding to attend the ceremony.\n  N-UNCOUNT: prep N\n\n2. If you give someone a hiding, you punish them by hitting them many times. (INFORMAL)\n  N-COUNT\n  = beating\n3. If you say that someone who is trying to achieve something is on a hiding to nothing, you are emphasizing that they have absolutely no chance of being successful. (BRIT INFORMAL)\nAs regards commercial survival, a car manufacturer capable of making only 50,000 cars a year is on a hiding to nothing.\n  PHRASE: v-link PHR  emphasis


Words: hiding place
Meaning:
hid.ing place\n   hiding place  hiding places\n  A hiding place is a place where someone or something can be hidden, or where they are hiding.\n  N-COUNT


Words: hierarchical
Meaning:
hi.er.ar.chi.cal\n   hierarchical\n  A hierarchical system or organization is one in which people have different ranks or positions, depending on how important they are.\n...the traditional hierarchical system of military organization.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: hierarchy
Meaning:
hi.er.ar.chy\n   hierarchy  hierarchies\n1. A hierarchy is a system of organizing people into different ranks or levels of importance, for example in society or in a company.\nLike most other American companies with a rigid hierarchy, workers and managers had strictly defined duties...\n  N-VAR: usu with supp\n\n2. The hierarchy of an organization such as the Church is the group of people who manage and control it.\n  N-COUNT-COLL: with supp\n\n3. A hierarchy of ideas and beliefs involves organizing them into a system or structure. (FORMAL)\n...the notion of `cultural imperialism’ implies a hierarchy of cultures, some of which are stronger than others.\n  N-COUNT: usu N of n


Words: hieroglyph
Meaning:
hi.ero.glyph\n   hieroglyph  hieroglyphs\n  Hieroglyphs are symbols in the form of pictures, which are used in some writing systems, especially those of ancient Egypt.\n  N-COUNT\n  = hieroglyphics


Words: hieroglyphics
Meaning:
hi.ero.glyph.ics\n   hieroglyphics\n  Hieroglyphics are symbols in the form of pictures which are used in some writing systems, for example those of ancient Egypt.\n  N-PLURAL\n  = hieroglyphs


Words: higgledy-piggledy
Meaning:
higgledy-piggledy\n  If you say that things are higgledy-piggledy, you mean that they are very disorganized and untidy. (INFORMAL)\nBooks are often stacked in higgledy-piggledy piles on the floor.\n  ADJ\n  = jumbled, untidy\n  Higgledy-piggledy is also an adverb.\nA whole valley of boulders tossed higgledy-piggledy as though by some giant.\n  ADV: ADV after v


Words: high
Meaning:
high  higher  highest  highs\n1. Something that is high extends a long way from the bottom to the top when it is upright. You do not use high to describe people, animals, or plants.\n...a house, with a high wall all around it...\nMount Marcy is the highest mountain in the Adirondacks.\n...high-heeled shoes...\nThe gate was too high for a man of his age to climb.\n  ADJ\n  !=low\n  High is also an adverb.\n...wagons packed high with bureaus, bedding, and cooking pots.\n  ADV: ADV after v\n\n2. You use high to talk or ask about how much something upright measures from the bottom to the top.\n...an elegant bronze horse only nine inches high...\nMeasure your garage: how high is the door?\n  ADJ: amount ADJ, n ADJ, how ADJ, as ADJ as, ADJ-compar than\n\n3. If something is high, it is a long way above the ground, above sea level, or above a person or thing.\nI looked down from the high window...\nIn Castel Molo, high above Taormina, you can sample the famous almond wine made there.\n  ADJ: oft ADJ prep\n  !=low\n  High is also an adverb.\n...being able to run faster or jump higher than other people.\n  ADV: ADV after v\n\n  If something is high up, it is a long way above the ground, above sea level, or above a person or thing.\nWe saw three birds circling very high up.\n  PHRASE: oft PHR prep\n\n4. You can use high to indicate that something is great in amount, degree, or intensity.\nThe European country with the highest birth rate is Ireland...\nOfficial reports said casualties were high...\nCommercialisation has given many sports a higher profile.\n  ADJ\n  !=low\n  High is also an adverb.\nHe expects the unemployment figures to rise even higher in coming months.\n  ADV: ADV after v\n\n  You can use phrases such as `in the high 80s’ to indicate that a number or level is, for example, more than 85 but not as much as 90.\n  PHRASE\n  !=low\n5. If a food or other substance is high in a particular ingredient, it contains a large amount of that ingredient.\nDon’t indulge in rich sauces, fried food and thick pastry as these are high in fat.\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ in n\n  !=low\n6. If something reaches a high of a particular amount or degree, that is the greatest it has ever been.\nTraffic from Jordan to Iraq is down to a dozen loaded lorries a day, compared with a high of 200 a day...\nSales of Russian vodka have reached an all-time high.\n  N-COUNT: oft N of amount\n  !=low\n7. If you say that something is a high priority or is high on your list, you mean that you consider it to be one of the most important things you have to do or deal with.\nThe Labour Party has not made the issue a high priority...\nEconomic reform is high on the agenda.\n  ADJ: oft ADJ on n\n  !=low\n8. Someone who is high in a particular profession or society, or has a high position, has a very important position and has great authority and influence.\nWas there anyone particularly high in the administration who was an advocate of a different policy?...\n...corruption in high places.\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ in n, ADJ n\n\n  Someone who is high up in a profession or society has a very important position.\nHis cousin is somebody quite high up in the navy...\n  PHRASE: oft PHR in n\n\n9. You can use high to describe something that is advanced or complex.\nNeither Anna nor I are interested in high finance.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n10. If you aim high, you try to obtain or to achieve the best that you can.\nYou should not be afraid to aim high in the quest for an improvement in your income...\n  ADV: ADV after v\n\n11. If someone has a high reputation, or people have a high opinion of them, people think they are very good in some way, for example at their work.\nShe has always had a high reputation for her excellent short stories...\nPeople have such high expectations of you.\n  ADJ\n  !=low\n12. If the quality or standard of something is high, it is very good indeed.\nHis team were of the highest calibre...\n  ADJ\n\n13. If someone has high principles, they are morally good.\nHe was a man of the highest principles.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n(next)


Words: high .1
Meaning:
14. A high sound or voice is close to the top of a particular range of notes.\nHer high voice really irritated Maria.\n  ADJ\n  !=low\n15. When a river is high, it contains much more water than usual.\nThe waters of the Yangtze River are dangerously high for the time of year.\n  ADJ\n  !=low\n16. If your spirits are high, you feel happy and excited.\nHer spirits were high with the hope of seeing Nick in minutes rather than hours.\n  ADJ\n  !=low\n17. If someone is high on drink or drugs, they are affected by the alcoholic drink or drugs they have taken. (INFORMAL)\nHe was too high on drugs and alcohol to remember them.\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ, usu ADJ on n\n\n18. A high is a feeling or mood of great excitement or happiness. (INFORMAL)\n  N-COUNT\n\n19. If you say that something came from on high, you mean that it came from a person or place of great authority.\nOrders had come from on high that extra care was to be taken during this week.\n  PHRASE: usu from PHR\n\n20. If you say that you were left high and dry, you are emphasizing that you were left in a difficult situation and were unable to do anything about it.\nSchools with better reputations will be flooded with applications while poorer schools will be left high and dry.\n  PHRASE: PHR after v, v-link PHR  emphasis\n\n21. If you refer to the highs and lows of someone’s life or career, you are referring to both the successful or happy times, and the unsuccessful or bad times.\n  PHRASE: oft PHR of n\n\n22. If you say that you looked high and low for something, you are emphasizing that you looked for it in every place that you could think of.\n  PHRASE: PHR after v  emphasis\n\n23.\nin high dudgeon: see dudgeon\ncome hell or high water: see hell\nto be high time: see time


Words: high and mighty
Meaning:
high and mighty\n  If you describe someone as high and mighty, you disapprove of them because they consider themselves to be very important and are confident that they are always right.\nI think you’re a bit too high and mighty yourself.\n  ADJ; N-PLURAL: the N  disapproval\n  = arrogant


Words: high chair
Meaning:
high chair  high chairs   also highchair\n  A high chair is a chair with long legs for a small child to sit in while they are eating.\n  N-COUNT


Words: high command
Meaning:
high com.mand\n   high command  high commands\n  The high command is the group that consists of the most senior officers in a nation’s armed forces.\n  N-COUNT-COLL: oft supp N


Words: High Commission
Meaning:
High Com.mis.sion\n   High Commission  High Commissions\n  A High Commission is the office where a High Commissioner and his or her staff work, or the group of officials who work there.\n  N-COUNT: oft the adj N


Words: High Commissioner
Meaning:
High Com.mis.sion.er\n   High Commissioner  High Commissioners\n1. A High Commissioner is a senior representative who is sent by one Commonwealth country to live in another in order to work as an ambassador.\n  N-COUNT: oft the adj N\n\n2. A High Commissioner is the head of an international commission.\n...the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.\n  N-COUNT: usu N for n, supp N


Words: High Court
Meaning:
High Court  High Courts\n  In England and Wales, the High Court is a court of law which deals with very serious or important cases.\n  N-COUNT: usu sing


Words: high explosive
Meaning:
high ex.plo.sive\n   high explosive  high explosives\n  High explosive is an extremely powerful explosive substance.\n  N-VAR


Words: high five
Meaning:
high five  high fives   also high-five\n  If you give someone a high five, you put your hand up and hit their open hand with yours, especially after a victory or as a greeting.\n  N-COUNT


Words: high ground
Meaning:
high ground\n1. If a person or organization has the high ground in an argument or dispute, that person or organization has an advantage. (JOURNALISM)\nThe President must seek to regain the high ground in the political debate...\n  N-SING: the N, oft the adj N\n\n2. If you say that someone has taken the moral high ground, you mean that they consider that their policies and actions are morally superior to the policies and actions of their rivals.\nThe Republicans took the moral high ground with the message that they were best equipped to manage the authority...\n  PHRASE: PHR after v


Words: high jinks
Meaning:
high jinks\n  High jinks is lively, excited behaviour in which people do things for fun. (INFORMAL, OLD-FASHIONED)\n  N-UNCOUNT-COLL


Words: high jump
Meaning:
high jump\n  The high jump is an athletics event which involves jumping over a raised bar.\n  N-SING: usu the N


Words: high life
Meaning:
high life\n  You use the high life to refer to an exciting and luxurious way of living that involves a great deal of entertainment, going to parties, and eating good food.\n...the Hollywood high life...\n  N-SING: also no det


Words: high mass
Meaning:
high mass   also High Mass\n  High mass is a church service held in a Catholic church in which there is more ceremony than in an ordinary mass.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: high noon
Meaning:
high noon\n1. High noon means the same as noon. (LITERARY)\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. Journalists sometimes use high noon to refer to a crisis or event which is likely to decide finally what is going to happen in a conflict or situation.\nIt looks like high noon for the nation’s movie theaters, now we are in the age of the home video.\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu with supp, oft N for/of n


Words: high point
Meaning:
high point  high points\n  The high point of an event or period of time is the most exciting or enjoyable part of it.\nThe high point of this trip was a day at the races in Balgriffin.\n  N-COUNT: usu with supp, oft N of/in n\n  = highlight


Words: high priest
Meaning:
high priest  high priests\n  If you call a man the high priest of a particular thing, you are saying in a slightly mocking way that he is considered by people to be expert in that thing.\n...the high priest of cheap periodical fiction.\n  N-COUNT: usu N of n


Words: high priestess
Meaning:
high priest.ess\n   high priestess  high priestesses\n  If you call a woman the high priestess of a particular thing, you are saying in a slightly mocking way that she is considered by people to be expert in that thing.\n...the American high priestess of wit.\n  N-COUNT: usu N of n


Words: high road
Meaning:
high road\n1. A high road is a main road. (BRIT; in AM, use highway)\n  N-COUNT: usu sing\n\n2. If you say that someone is taking the high road in a situation, you mean that they are taking the most positive and careful course of action. (mainly AM)\nUS diplomats say the president is likely to take the high road in his statements about trade.\n  N-SING: usu the N


Words: high school
Meaning:
high school  high schools\n1. In Britain, a high school is a school for children aged between eleven and eighteen.\n...Sunderland High School.\n  N-VAR; N-IN-NAMES\n\n2. In the United States, a high school is a school for children usually aged between fourteen and eighteen.\n...an 18-year-old inner-city kid who dropped out of high school.\n  N-VAR; N-IN-NAMES


Words: high seas
Meaning:
high seas\n  The high seas is used to refer to the sea. (LITERARY)\n...battles on the high seas.\n  N-PLURAL: the N


Words: high season
Meaning:
high sea.son\n   high season\n  The high season is the time of year when a place has most tourists or visitors. (BRIT)\nA typical high-season week in a chalet costs about .470.\n  N-SING: also no det\n  !=low season


Words: high society
Meaning:
high so.ci.ety\n   high society\n  You can use high society to refer to people who come from rich and important families.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: high spot
Meaning:
high spot  high spots\n  The high spot of an event or activity is the most exciting or enjoyable part of it.\nRough weather would have denied us a landing on the island, for me the high spot of the entire cruise.\n  N-COUNT: oft N of n\n  = highlight


Words: high street
Meaning:
high street  high streets\n1. The high street of a town is the main street where most of the shops and banks are. (mainly BRIT; in AM, use Main Street)\n  N-COUNT; N-IN-NAMES\n\n2. High street banks and businesses are companies which have branches in the main shopping areas of most towns. (mainly BRIT)\nThe scanners are available from high street stores.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: high tea
Meaning:
high tea  high teas\n  In Britain, some people have a meal called high tea in the late afternoon instead of having dinner or supper later in the evening. (OLD-FASHIONED)\n  N-VAR


Words: high technology
Meaning:
high tech.nol.ogy\n   high technology\n  High technology is the practical use of advanced scientific research and knowledge, especially in relation to electronics and computers, and the development of new advanced machines and equipment.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: high tide
Meaning:
high tide\n  At the coast, high tide is the time when the sea is at its highest level because the tide is in.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n  !=low tide


Words: high treason
Meaning:
high trea.son\n   high treason\n  High treason is a very serious crime which involves putting your country or its head of state in danger.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: high water
Meaning:
high wa.ter\n   high water\n  High water is the time at which the water in a river or sea is at its highest level as a result of the tide.\nFishing is possible for a couple of hours either side of high water.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n  = high tide\ncome hell or high water: see hell


Words: high wire
Meaning:
high wire  high wires   also high-wire\n1. A high wire is a length of rope or wire stretched tight high above the ground and used for balancing acts.\n  N-COUNT\n  = tightrope\n2. Journalists talk about a person being on a high wire or performing a high-wire act when he or she is dealing with a situation in which it would be easy to do the wrong thing.\nThis year’s Budget looks set to be a precarious high-wire act for the Chancellor.\n  N-SING: oft N n


Words: high-class
Meaning:
high-class\n  If you describe something as high-class, you mean that it is of very good quality or of superior social status.\n...a high-class jeweller’s.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: high-end
Meaning:
high-end\n  High-end products, especially electronic products, are the most expensive of their kind.\n...high-end personal computers and computer workstations.\n  ADJ


Words: high-flown
Meaning:
high-flown\n  High-flown language is very grand, formal, or literary.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n  disapproval


Words: high-flyer
Meaning:
high-flyer  high-flyers\nin AM and sometimes in BRIT, use high flyer, high-flier\n  A high-flyer is someone who has a lot of ability and is likely to be very successful in their career.\n  N-COUNT


Words: high-flying
Meaning:
high-flying\n  A high-flying person is successful or is likely to be successful in their career.\n...her high-flying newspaper-editor husband.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: high-handed
Meaning:
high-handed\n  If you say that someone is high-handed, you disapprove of them because they use their authority in an unnecessarily forceful way without considering other people’s feelings.\nHe wants to be seen as less bossy and high-handed.\n  ADJ  disapproval\n\n=>  high-handedness\nThey have been accused of secrecy and high-handedness in their dealings.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: high-impact
Meaning:
1. High-impact exercise puts a lot of stress on your body.\n...high-impact aerobics.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n  !=low-impact\n2. High-impact materials are very strong.\nThe durable high-impact plastic case is water resistant to 100 feet.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: high-minded
Meaning:
high-minded\n  If you say that someone is high-minded, you think they have strong moral principles.\nThe President’s hopes for the country were high-minded, but too vague...\n  ADJ


Words: high-octane
Meaning:
high-octane\n  You can use high-octane to emphasize that something is very exciting or intense. (JOURNALISM)\n...a high-octane performance.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: high-performance
Meaning:
high-performance\n  A high-performance car or other product goes very fast or does a lot.\n...the thrill of taking an expensive high-performance car to its limits.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: high-pitched
Meaning:
high-pitched\n  A high-pitched sound is shrill and high in pitch.\nA woman squealed in a high-pitched voice.\n  ADJ\n  = piercing


Words: high-powered
Meaning:
high-powered\n1. A high-powered machine or piece of equipment is very powerful and efficient.\n...high powered lasers.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n2. Someone who is high-powered or has a high-powered job has a very important and responsible job which requires a lot of ability.\nI had a very high-powered senior job in publishing.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: high-profile
Meaning:
high-profile\n  A high-profile person or a high-profile event attracts a lot of attention or publicity.\n...the high-profile reception being given to Mr Arafat.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: high-ranking
Meaning:
high-ranking\n  A high-ranking person has an important position in a particular organization.\n...a high-ranking officer in the medical corps.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: high-rise
Meaning:
high-rise  high-rises\n  High-rise buildings are modern buildings which are very tall and have many levels or floors.\n...high-rise office buildings.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n  A high-rise is a high-rise building.\nThat big high-rise above us is where Brian lives.\n  N-COUNT


Words: high-roller
Meaning:
high-roller  high-rollers   also high roller\n  High rollers are people who are very rich and who spend money in an extravagant or risky way, especially by gambling. (JOURNALISM)\n  N-COUNT


Words: high-sounding
Meaning:
high-sounding\n  You can use high-sounding to describe language and ideas which seem very grand and important, especially when you think they are not really important.\n...high-sounding decrees designed to impress foreigners and attract foreign capital.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n  disapproval


Words: high-tech
Meaning:
high-tech   also high tech; hi tech\n  High-tech activities or equipment involve or result from the use of high technology.\n...the latest high-tech medical gadgetry.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: high-tension
Meaning:
high-tension\n  A high-tension electricity cable is one which is able to carry a very powerful current.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: high-up
Meaning:
high-up  high-ups\n1. A high-up is an important person who has a lot of authority and influence. (BRIT INFORMAL; in AM, use higher-up)\n  N-COUNT\n\n2.\nhigh up: see high


Words: high-water mark
Meaning:
high-water mark   also high water mark\n1. The high-water mark is the level reached in a particular place by the sea at high tide or by a river in flood.\n  N-SING: the N\n\n2. The high-water mark of a process is its highest or most successful stage of achievement.\nThis was almost certainly the high-water mark of her career...\n  N-SING: with supp, oft N of/for n


Words: highborn
Meaning:
high.born\n   highborn   also high-born\n  If someone is highborn, their parents are members of the nobility. (OLD-FASHIONED)\n  ADJ


Words: highbrow
Meaning:
high.brow\n   highbrow  highbrows\n1. If you say that a book or discussion is highbrow, you mean that it is intellectual, academic, and is often difficult to understand.\nHe presents his own highbrow literary programme.\n  ADJ\n  !=lowbrow\n2. If you describe someone as highbrow, you mean that they are interested in serious subjects of a very intellectual nature, especially when these are difficult to understand.\nHighbrow critics sniff that the programme was `too sophisticated’ to appeal to most viewers.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n  !=lowbrow


Words: higher
Meaning:
high.er\n   higher\n  A higher degree or diploma is a qualification of an advanced standard or level.\n...a higher diploma in hotel management.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n  see also high


Words: higher education
Meaning:
high.er edu.ca.tion\n   higher education\n  Higher education is education at universities and colleges.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: higher-up
Meaning:
higher-up  higher-ups\n  A higher-up is an important person who has a lot of authority and influence. (AM INFORMAL; in BRIT, use high-up)\n  N-COUNT


Words: highfalutin
Meaning:
high.fa.lu.tin\n   highfalutin\n  People sometimes use highfalutin to describe something that they think is being made to sound complicated or important in order to impress people. (INFORMAL, OLD-FASHIONED)\nThis isn’t highfalutin art-about-art. It’s marvellous and adventurous stuff.\n  ADJ  disapproval\n  = pretentious


Words: highlight
Meaning:
high.light\n   highlight  highlights  highlighting  highlighted\n1. If someone or something highlights a point or problem, they emphasize it or make you think about it.\nTwo events have highlighted the tensions in recent days.\n  VERB: V n\n\n2. To highlight a piece of text means to mark it in a different colour, either with a special type of pen or on a computer screen.\n...the relevant maps with the route highlighted in yellow.\n  VERB: V n\n\n3. The highlights of an event, activity, or period of time are the most interesting or exciting parts of it.\n...a match that is likely to prove one of the highlights of the tournament...\n  N-COUNT: oft N of n\n\n4. Highlights in a person’s hair are narrow lighter areas made by dyeing or sunlight.\n  N-PLURAL


Words: highlighter
Meaning:
high.light.er\n   highlighter  highlighters\n1. Highlighter is a pale-coloured cosmetic that someone puts above their eyes or on their cheeks to emphasize the shape of their face.\n  N-MASS\n\n2. A highlighter is a pen with brightly-coloured ink that is used to mark parts of a document.\n  N-COUNT


Words: highly
Meaning:
high.ly\n   highly\n1. Highly is used before some adjectives to mean `very’.\nMr Singh was a highly successful salesman...\n...the highly controversial nuclear energy programme.\n  ADV: ADV adj\n  = extremely\n2. You use highly to indicate that someone has an important position in an organization or set of people.\n...a highly placed government advisor.\n  ADV: ADV -ed\n\n3. If someone is highly paid, they receive a large salary.\nHe was the most highly paid member of staff.\n  ADV: ADV -ed\n\n4. If you think highly of something or someone, you think they are very good indeed.\n...one of the most highly regarded chefs in the French capital.\n  ADV: ADV after v, ADV -ed


Words: highly strung
Meaning:
high.ly strung\n   highly strung   also highly-strung\nin AM, use high-strung\n  If someone is highly strung, they are very nervous and easily upset.\n  ADJ\n  = sensitive


Words: Highness
Meaning:
High.ness\n   Highness  Highnesses\n  Expressions such as `Your Highness’ or `His Highness’ are used to address or refer to a member of the royal family other than a king or queen.\nThat would be best, Your Highness...\n  N-VOC: poss N; PRON: poss PRON  politeness


Words: highway
Meaning:
high.way\n   highway  highways\n  A highway is a main road, especially one that connects towns or cities. (mainly AM)\nI crossed the highway, dodging the traffic.\n  N-COUNT


Words: Highway Code
Meaning:
High.way Code\n   Highway Code\n  In Britain, the Highway Code is an official book published by the Department of Transport, which contains the rules which tell people how to use public roads safely.\n  N-SING: the N


Words: highwayman
Meaning:
highway.man\n   highwayman  highwaymen\n  In former times, highwaymen were people who stopped travellers and robbed them.\n  N-COUNT


Words: hijack
Meaning:
hi.jack\n   hijack  hijacks  hijacking  hijacked\n1. If someone hijacks a plane or other vehicle, they illegally take control of it by force while it is travelling from one place to another.\nTwo men tried to hijack a plane on a flight from Riga to Murmansk...\nThe hijacked plane exploded in a ball of fire.\n  VERB: V n, V-ed\n\n  Hijack is also a noun.\nEvery minute during the hijack seemed like a week.\n  N-COUNT\n\n=>  hi.jack.ing      hijackings\nCar hijackings are running at a rate of nearly 50 a day.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. If you say that someone has hijacked something, you disapprove of the way in which they have taken control of it when they had no right to do so.\nA peaceful demonstration had been hijacked by anarchists intent on causing trouble.\n  VERB: V n  disapproval


Words: hijacker
Meaning:
hi.jack.er\n   hijacker  hijackers\n  A hijacker is a person who hijacks a plane or other vehicle.\n  N-COUNT


Words: hike
Meaning:
hike  hikes  hiking  hiked\n1. A hike is a long walk in the country, especially one that you go on for pleasure.\n  N-COUNT\n  = walk\n2. If you hike, you go for a long walk in the country.\nYou could hike through the Fish River Canyon...\nWe plan to hike the Samaria Gorge.\n  VERB: V prep/adv, V n\n\n=>  hik.ing\n...heavy hiking boots.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft N n\n\n3. A hike is a sudden or large increase in prices, rates, taxes, or quantities. (INFORMAL)\n...a sudden 1.75 per cent hike in Italian interest rates...\n  N-COUNT: usu supp N\n  = rise, increase\n4. To hike prices, rates, taxes, or quantities means to increase them suddenly or by a large amount. (INFORMAL)\nIt has now been forced to hike its rates by 5.25 per cent...\n  VERB: V n\n  = raise\n  Hike up means the same as hike.\nThe insurers have started hiking up premiums by huge amounts...\nBig banks were hiking their rates up.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron), V n P


Words: hiker
Meaning:
hik.er\n   hiker  hikers\n  A hiker is a person who is going for a long walk in the countryside for pleasure.\n  N-COUNT


Words: hilarious
Meaning:
hi.lari.ous\n   hilarious\n  If something is hilarious, it is extremely funny and makes you laugh a lot.\nWe thought it was hilarious when we first heard about it...\n  ADJ\n\n=>  hi.lari.ous.ly\nShe found it hilariously funny...\n  ADV: usu ADV adj, ADV with v, also ADV with cl


Words: hill
Meaning:
hill  hills\n1. A hill is an area of land that is higher than the land that surrounds it.\nWe trudged up the hill to the stadium.\n...Maple Hill.\n  N-COUNT; N-IN-NAMES\n\n2. If you say that someone is over the hill, you are saying rudely that they are old and no longer fit, attractive, or capable of doing useful work. (INFORMAL)\nHe doesn’t take kindly to suggestions that he is over the hill.\n  PHRASE: usu v-link PHR  disapproval


Words: hillbilly
Meaning:
hill.bil.ly\n   hillbilly  hillbillies\n  If you refer to someone as a hillbilly, you are saying in a fairly rude way that you think they are uneducated and stupid because they come from the countryside. (AM INFORMAL)\n  N-COUNT  disapproval


Words: hilly
Meaning:
hilly  hillier  hilliest\n  A hilly area has many hills.\nThe areas where the fighting is taking place are hilly and densely wooded.\n  ADJ


Words: hilt
Meaning:
hilt  hilts\n1. The hilt of a sword, dagger, or knife is its handle.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. To the hilt and up to the hilt mean to the maximum extent possible or as fully as possible. (INFORMAL)\nThe men who wield the power are certainly backing him to the hilt...\n  PHRASE: usu PHR after v  emphasis


Words: him
Meaning:
him\n\n  Him is a third person singular pronoun. Him is used as the object of a verb or a preposition.\n\n1. You use him to refer to a man, boy, or male animal.\nJohn’s aunt died suddenly and left him a surprisingly large sum...\nIs Sam there? Let me talk to him...\nMy brother had a lovely dog. I looked after him for about a week.\n  PRON: v PRON, prep PRON\n\n2. In written English, him is sometimes used to refer to a person without saying whether that person is a man or a woman. Some people dislike this use and prefer to use `him or her’ or `them’.\nIf the child sees the word `hear’, we should show him that this is the base word in `hearing’ and `hears’.\n  PRON: v PRON, prep PRON


Words: himself
Meaning:
him.self\n   himself\n\n  Himself is a third person singular reflexive pronoun. Himself is used when the object of a verb or preposition refers to the same person as the subject of the verb, except in meaning 3.\n\n1. You use himself to refer to a man, boy, or male animal.\nHe poured himself a whisky and sat down in the chair...\nA driver blew up his car and himself after being stopped at a police checkpoint...\nWilliam went away muttering to himself.\n  PRON: v PRON, prep PRON\n\n2. In written English, himself is sometimes used to refer to a person without saying whether that person is a man or a woman. Some people dislike this use and prefer to use `himself or herself’ or `themselves’.\nThe child’s natural way of expressing himself is play...\n  PRON: v PRON, prep PRON\n\n3. You use himself to emphasize the person or thing that you are referring to. Himself is sometimes used instead of `him’ as the object of a verb or preposition.\nThe Prime Minister himself is on a visit to Peking...\n  PRON  emphasis


Words: hind
Meaning:
hind\n  An animal’s hind legs are at the back of its body.\nSuddenly the cow kicked up its hind legs.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: hinder
Meaning:
hin.der\n   hinder  hinders  hindering  hindered\n1. If something hinders you, it makes it more difficult for you to do something or make progress.\nFurther investigation was hindered by the loss of all documentation on the case.\n  VERB: V n\n\n2. If something hinders your movement, it makes it difficult for you to move forward or move around.\nA thigh injury increasingly hindered her mobility...\n  VERB: V n


Words: Hindi
Meaning:
Hin.di\n   Hindi\n  Hindi is a language that is spoken by people in northern India. It is also one of the official languages of India.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: hindquarters
Meaning:
hind.quarters\n   hindquarters   also hind quarters\n  The hindquarters of a four-legged animal are its back part, including its two back legs.\n  N-PLURAL: oft with poss


Words: hindrance
Meaning:
hin.drance\n   hindrance  hindrances\n1. A hindrance is a person or thing that makes it more difficult for you to do something.\nThe higher rates have been a hindrance to economic recovery...\n  N-COUNT: oft N to n\n  !=help\n2. Hindrance is the act of hindering someone or something.\nThey boarded their flight to Paris without hindrance.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: hindsight
Meaning:
hind.sight\n   hindsight\n  Hindsight is the ability to understand and realize something about an event after it has happened, although you did not understand or realize it at the time.\nWith hindsight, we’d all do things differently...\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft with/in N


Words: Hindu
Meaning:
Hin.du\n   Hindu   Hindus\n1. A Hindu is a person who believes in Hinduism and follows its teachings.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. Hindu is used to describe things that belong or relate to Hinduism.\n...a Hindu temple.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: Hinduism
Meaning:
Hin.du.ism\n   Hinduism\n  Hinduism is an Indian religion. It has many gods and teaches that people have another life on earth after they die.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: hinge
Meaning:
hinge  hinges  hinging  hinged\n  A hinge is a piece of metal, wood, or plastic that is used to join a door to its frame or to join two things together so that one of them can swing freely.\nThe top swung open on well-oiled hinges.\n  N-COUNT


Words: hinge on
Meaning:
hinge on\n  Something that hinges on one thing or event depends entirely on it.\nThe plan hinges on a deal being struck with a new company...\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n/-ing/wh


Words: hinged
Meaning:
hinged\n  Something that is hinged is joined to another thing, or joined together, by means of a hinge.\nThe mirror was hinged to a surrounding frame...\n  ADJ


Words: hint
Meaning:
hint  hints  hinting  hinted\n1. A hint is a suggestion about something that is made in an indirect way.\nThe Minister gave a strong hint that the government were thinking of introducing tax concessions for mothers...\nI’d dropped a hint about having an exhibition of his work up here...\n  N-COUNT: oft N that\n\n  If you take a hint, you understand something that is suggested to you indirectly.\n`I think I hear the telephone ringing.’.`Okay, I can take a hint.’\n  PHRASE: V inflects\n\n2. If you hint at something, you suggest it in an indirect way.\nShe suggested a trip to the shops and hinted at the possibility of a treat of some sort...\nThe President hinted he might make some changes in the government.\n  VERB: V at n, V that\n\n3. A hint is a helpful piece of advice, usually about how to do something.\nHere are some helpful hints to make your journey easier...\n  N-COUNT: usu supp N\n  = tip\n4. A hint of something is a very small amount of it.\nShe added only a hint of vermouth to the gin...\n  N-SING: N of n\n  = trace


Words: hinterland
Meaning:
hinter.land\n   hinterland  hinterlands\n  The hinterland of a stretch of coast or a large river is the area of land behind it or around it.\n  N-COUNT: usu sing, usu with supp


Words: hip
Meaning:
hip  hips  hipper hippest\n1. Your hips are the two areas at the sides of your body between the tops of your legs and your waist.\nTracey put her hands on her hips and sighed.\n  N-COUNT: oft poss N\n\n=>  -hipped\nHe is broad-chested and narrow-hipped.\n  COMB in ADJ\n\n2. You refer to the bones between the tops of your legs and your waist as your hips.\n  N-COUNT: oft poss N\n\n3. If you say that someone is hip, you mean that they are very modern and follow all the latest fashions, for example in clothes and ideas. (INFORMAL)\n...a hip young character with tight-cropped blond hair and stylish glasses.\n  ADJ\n  = trendy, cool\n4. If a large group of people want to show their appreciation or approval of someone, one of them says `Hip hip’ and they all shout `hooray’.\n  EXCLAM\n\n5. If you say that someone shoots from the hip or fires from the hip, you mean that they react to situations or give their opinion very quickly, without stopping to think.\nJudges don’t have to shoot from the hip. They have the leisure to think, to decide.\n  PHRASE: V inflects


Words: hip flask
Meaning:
hip flask  hip flasks\n  A hip flask is a small metal container in which brandy, whisky, or other spirits can be carried.\n  N-COUNT


Words: hip-hop
Meaning:
hip-hop\n  Hip-hop is a form of popular culture which started among young black people in the United States in the 1980s. It includes rap music and graffiti art.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft N n


Words: hippie
Meaning:
hip.pie\n   hippie  hippies   also hippy\n  Hippies were young people in the 1960s and 1970s who rejected conventional ways of living, dressing, and behaving, and tried to live a life based on peace and love. Hippies often had long hair and many took drugs.\n  N-COUNT


Words: Hippocratic oath
Meaning:
Hip.po.crat.ic oath\n   Hippocratic oath\n  The Hippocratic oath is a formal promise made by recently-qualified doctors that they will follow the standards set by their profession and try to preserve life.\n  N-SING: the N


Words: hippopotamus
Meaning:
hippo.pota.mus\n   hippopotamus  hippopotamuses\n  A hippopotamus is a very large African animal with short legs and thick, hairless skin. Hippopotamuses live in and near rivers.\n  N-COUNT


Words: hipster
Meaning:
hip.ster\n   hipster  hipsters\n1. If you refer to someone as a hipster, you mean that they are very fashionable, often in a way that you think is rather silly. (HUMOROUS)\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. Hipsters are trousers which are designed so that the highest part of them is around your hips, rather than around your waist. (mainly BRIT)\n  N-PLURAL: oft N n


Words: hire
Meaning:
hire  hires  hiring  hired\n1. If you hire someone, you employ them or pay them to do a particular job for you.\nSixteen of the contestants have hired lawyers and are suing the organisers...\nThe rest of the staff have been hired on short-term contracts...\nHe will be in charge of all hiring and firing at PHA.\n...the mystery assassin (who turned out to be a hired killer).\n  VERB: V n, V, V-ing, V-ed\n\n2. If you hire something, you pay money to the owner so that you can use it for a period of time. (mainly BRIT; in AM, usually use rent)\nTo hire a car you must produce a passport and a current driving licence...\nHer hired car was found abandoned at Beachy Head.\n  VERB: V n, V-ed\n\n3. You use hire to refer to the activity or business of hiring something. (mainly BRIT; in AM, usually use rental)\nThey booked our hotel, and organised car hire...\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu n N, N of n, N n\n\n4. If something is for hire, it is available for you to hire. (mainly BRIT; in AM, usually use for rent)\nFishing tackle is available for hire.\n  PHRASE: usu v-link PHR


Words: hire out
Meaning:
hire out\n  If you hire out something such as a car or a person’s services, you allow them to be used in return for payment.\nCompanies hiring out narrow boats report full order books...\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron), also V n P


Words: hire purchase
Meaning:
hire pur.chase\n   hire purchase\n  Hire purchase is a way of buying goods gradually. You make regular payments until you have paid the full price and the goods belong to you. The abbreviation HP is often used. (BRIT; in AM, usually use installment plan)\n...buying a car on hire purchase.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft N n


Words: hireling
Meaning:
hire.ling\n   hireling  hirelings\n  If you refer to someone as a hireling, you disapprove of them because they do not care who they work for and they are willing to do illegal or immoral things as long as they are paid.\n  N-COUNT  disapproval


Words: his
Meaning:
his\nHis is a third person singular possessive determiner. His is also a possessive pronoun.\n1. You use his to indicate that something belongs or relates to a man, boy, or male animal.\nBrian splashed water on his face, then brushed his teeth...\nHe spent a large part of his career in Hollywood...\nThe dog let his head thump on the floor again.\n  DET\n\n  His is also a possessive pronoun.\nAnna reached out her hand to him and clasped his.\n  PRON\n\n2. In written English, his is sometimes used to refer to a person without saying whether that person is a man or a woman. Some people dislike this use and prefer to use `his or her’ or `their’.\nFormerly, the relations between a teacher and his pupils were dominated by fear on the part of the pupils...\n  DET\n\n  His is also a possessive pronoun.\nThe student going to art or drama school will be very enthusiastic about further education. His is not a narrow mind, but one eager to grasp every facet of anything he studies.\n  PRON


Words: Hispanic
Meaning:
His.pan.ic\n   Hispanic  Hispanics\n  A Hispanic person is a citizen of the United States of America who originally came from Latin America, or whose family originally came from Latin America.\n...a group of Hispanic doctors in Washington...\n  ADJ\n\n  A Hispanic is someone who is Hispanic.\n  N-COUNT


Words: hiss
Meaning:
hiss  hisses  hissing  hissed\n1. To hiss means to make a sound like a long `s’.\nThe tires of Lenny’s bike hissed over the wet pavement as he slowed down...\nMy cat hissed when I stepped on its tail...\nCaporelli made a small hissing sound of irritation.\n  VERB: V prep, V, V-ing\n\n  Hiss is also a noun.\n...the hiss of water running into the burnt pan...\n  N-COUNT\n\n=>  hiss.ing\n...a silence broken only by a steady hissing from above my head.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. If you hiss something, you say it forcefully in a whisper.\n`Now, quiet,’ my mother hissed...\n`Stay here,’ I hissed at her.\n  VERB: V with quote, V at/to n with quote\n\n3. If people hiss at someone such as a performer or a person making a speech, they express their disapproval or dislike of that person by making long loud `s’ sounds.\nOne had to listen hard to catch the words of the President’s speech as the delegates booed and hissed...\nSome local residents whistled and hissed at them as they entered.\n  VERB: V, V at n, also V n\n\n  Hiss is also a noun.\nAfter a moment the barracking began. First came hisses, then shouts.\n  N-COUNT: usu pl\n  = hissing


Words: historian
Meaning:
his.to.rian\n   historian  historians\n  A historian is a person who specializes in the study of history, and who writes books and articles about it.\n  N-COUNT


Words: historic
Meaning:
his.tor.ic\n   historic\n  Something that is historic is important in history, or likely to be considered important at some time in the future.\n...the historic changes in Eastern Europe.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: historical
Meaning:
his.tori.cal\n   historical\n1. Historical people, situations, or things existed in the past and are considered to be a part of history.\n...an important historical figure.\n...the historical impact of Western capitalism on the world...\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n=>  his.tori.cal.ly\nHistorically, royal marriages have been cold, calculating affairs.\n  ADV\n\n2. Historical books, films, or pictures describe or represent people, situations, or things that existed in the past.\nHe is writing a historical novel about nineteenth-century France.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n3. Historical information, research, and discussion is related to the study of history.\n...historical records.\n...modern historical research.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n4. If you look at an event within a historical context, you look at what was happening at that time and what had happened previously, in order to judge the event and its importance.\nIt was this kind of historical context that Morris brought to his work...\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: history
Meaning:
his.to.ry\n   history  histories\n1. You can refer to the events of the past as history. You can also refer to the past events which concern a particular topic or place as its history.\nThe Catholic Church has played a prominent role throughout Polish history.\n...the most evil mass killer in history.\n...the history of Birmingham.\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu with supp\n\n  Someone who makes history does something that is considered to be important and significant in the development of the world or of a particular society.\nWilly Brandt made history by visiting East Germany in 1970.\n  PHRASE: V inflects\n\n  If someone or something goes down in history, people in the future remember them because of particular actions that they have done or because of particular events that have happened.\nBradley will go down in history as Los Angeles’ longest serving mayor.\n  PHRASE: V inflects\n\n2. History is a subject studied in schools, colleges, and universities that deals with events that have happened in the past.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n3. A history is an account of events that have happened in the past.\n...his magnificent history of broadcasting in Canada.\n  N-COUNT: with supp, oft N of n\n\n4. If a person or a place has a history of something, it has been very common or has happened frequently in their past.\nHe had a history of drink problems...\n  N-COUNT: usu sing, usu a N of n/-ing\n\n5. Someone’s history is the set of facts that are known about their past.\nHe couldn’t get a new job because of his medical history.\n  N-COUNT: with poss\n\n6. If you say that an event, thing, or person is history, you mean that they are no longer important.\nThe Charlottetown agreement is history.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n7. If you are telling someone about an event and say the rest is history, you mean that you do not need to tell them what happened next because everyone knows about it already.\nWe met at college, the rest is history.\n  PHRASE\n\n8.\n  see also natural history


Words: histrionic
Meaning:
his.tri.on.ic\n   histrionic\n  If you refer to someone’s behaviour as histrionic, you are critical of it because it is very dramatic, exaggerated, and insincere.\nDorothea let out a histrionic groan.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n  disapproval


Words: histrionics
Meaning:
his.tri.on.ics\n   histrionics\n  If you disapprove of someone’s dramatic and exaggerated behaviour, you can describe it as histrionics.\nWhen I explained everything to my mum and dad, there were no histrionics.\n  N-PLURAL  disapproval


Words: hit
Meaning:
hit  hits  hitting\n\n  The form hit is used in the present tense and is the past and present participle.\n\n1. If you hit someone or something, you deliberately touch them with a lot of force, with your hand or an object held in your hand.\nFind the exact grip that allows you to hit the ball hard...\nPolice at the scene said Dr Mahgoub had been hit several times in the head.\n  VERB: V n, V n\n  = strike\n2. When one thing hits another, it touches it with a lot of force.\nThe car had apparently hit a traffic sign before skidding out of control...\n  VERB: V n\n  = strike\n3. If a bomb or missile hits its target, it reaches it.\nThe hospital had been hit with heavy artillery fire.\n  VERB: V n\n\n  Hit is also a noun.\nFirst a house took a direct hit and then the rocket exploded.\n  N-COUNT\n\n4. If something hits a person, place, or thing, it affects them very badly. (JOURNALISM)\nThe plan to charge motorists .75 a year to use the motorway is going to hit me hard...\nAbout two-hundred people died in the earthquake which hit northern Peru...\n  VERB: V n, V n\n\n5. When a feeling or an idea hits you, it suddenly affects you or comes into your mind.\nIt hit me that I had a choice...\nThen the answer hit me. It had been staring me in the face.\n  VERB: it V n that, V n\n\n6. If you hit a particular high or low point on a scale of something such as success or health, you reach it. (JOURNALISM)\nOil prices hit record levels yesterday.\n  VERB: V n\n\n7. If a CD, film, or play is a hit, it is very popular and successful.\nThe song became a massive hit in 1945.\n  N-COUNT: oft N n\n  !=flop\n8. A hit is a single visit to a website. (COMPUTING)\nOur small company has had 78,000 hits on its Internet pages.\n  N-COUNT\n\n9. If someone who is searching for information on the Internet gets a hit, they find a website where there is that information.\n  N-COUNT\n\n10. If two people hit it off, they like each other and become friendly as soon as they meet. (INFORMAL)\nThey hit it off straight away, Daddy and Walter...\n  PHRASE: V inflects, pl-n PHR, PHR with n\n\n11.\nto hit the headlines: see headline\nto hit home: see home\nto hit the nail on the head: see nail\nto hit the road: see road\nto hit the roof: see roof


Words: hit and miss
Meaning:
hit and miss   also hit-and-miss\n  If something is hit and miss or hit or miss, it is sometimes successful and sometimes not.\nFarming can be very much a hit-and-miss affair.\n  ADJ


Words: hit back
Meaning:
hit back\n1. If you hit back when someone hits you, or hit them back, you hit them in return.\nSome violent men beat up their sons, until the boys are strong enough to hit back...\nIf somebody hit me, I’d hit him back.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P, V n P\n\n2. If you hit back at someone who has criticized or harmed you, you criticize or harm them in return. (JOURNALISM)\nThe President has hit back at those who have criticised his economic reforms...\nBritish Rail immediately hit back with their own cheap fares scheme.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P at n, V P\n  = strike back


Words: hit list
Meaning:
hit list  hit lists\n1. If someone has a hit list of people or things, they are intending to take action concerning those people or things.\nSome banks also have a hit list of people whom they threaten to sue for damages.\n  N-COUNT: oft poss N, N of n\n\n2. A hit list is a list that someone makes of people they intend to have killed.\n  N-COUNT


Words: hit on
Meaning:
hit on   or hit upon\n1. If you hit on an idea or a solution to a problem, or hit upon it, you think of it.\nAfter running through the numbers in every possible combination, we finally hit on a solution.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n\n  = stumble on\n2. If someone hits on you, they speak or behave in a way that shows they want to have a sexual relationship with you. (INFORMAL)\nShe was hitting on me and I was surprised and flattered.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n


Words: hit out
Meaning:
hit out\n1. If you hit out at someone, you try to hit them, although you may miss them. (mainly BRIT)\nI used to hit out at my husband and throw things at him...\nI had never punched anybody in my life but I hit out and gave him a black eye.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P at n, V P\n  = lash out\n2. If you hit out at someone or something, you criticize them strongly because you do not agree with them. (JOURNALISM)\nThe President took the opportunity to hit out at what he sees as foreign interference...\nBrazilian soccer boss Carlos Parreira hit out angrily last night after his side were barred from training at Wembley.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P at/against n, V P\n  = lash out


Words: hit parade
Meaning:
hit pa.rade\n   hit parade\n  The hit parade is the list of CDs which have sold most copies over the previous week or month. (OLD-FASHIONED)\n  N-SING: the N\n  = charts


Words: hit-and-run
Meaning:
hit-and-run\n1. A hit-and-run accident is an accident in which the driver of a vehicle hits someone and then drives away without stopping.\n...a hit-and-run driver in a stolen car.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n2. A hit-and-run attack on an enemy position relies on surprise and speed for its success.\nThe rebels appear to be making hit-and-run guerrilla style attacks on military targets.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: hitch
Meaning:
hitch  hitches  hitching  hitched\n1. A hitch is a slight problem or difficulty which causes a short delay.\nAfter some technical hitches the show finally got under way...\nThe five-hour operation went without a hitch.\n  N-COUNT\n  = snag\n2. If you hitch, hitch a lift, or hitch a ride, you hitchhike. (INFORMAL)\nThere was no garage in sight, so I hitched a lift into town...\nJean-Phillippe had hitched all over Europe in the 1960s.\n  VERB: V n, V\n\n3. If you hitch something to something else, you hook it or fasten it there.\nLast night we hitched the horse to the cart and moved here.\n  VERB: V n onto/to n\n\n4. If you get hitched, you get married. (INFORMAL)\nThe report shows that fewer couples are getting hitched.\n  PHRASE: V inflects


Words: hitchhike
Meaning:
hitch.hike\n   hitchhike  hitchhikes  hitchhiking  hitchhiked\n  If you hitchhike, you travel by getting lifts from passing vehicles without paying.\nNeff hitchhiked to New York during his Christmas vacation...\nThey had an eighty-mile journey and decided to hitch-hike...\n  VERB: V prep/adv, V\n\n=>  hitch.hiker      hitchhikers\nOn my way to Vancouver one Friday night I picked up a hitchhiker.\n  N-COUNT


Words: hither
Meaning:
hith.er\n   hither\n1. Hither means to the place where you are. (OLD-FASHIONED)\nHe has sent hither swarms of officers to harass our people.\n  ADV: ADV after v\n\n2. Hither and thither means in many different directions or places, and in a disorganized way. In American English, the expression hither and yon is sometimes used.\nRefugees run hither and thither in search of safety.\n...the awful amount of time I spend moving things hither and yon every year!\n  PHRASE: PHR after v


Words: hitherto
Meaning:
hither.to\n   hitherto\n  You use hitherto to indicate that something was true up until the time you are talking about, although it may no longer be the case. (FORMAL)\nThe polytechnics have hitherto been at an unfair disadvantage in competing for pupils and money...\n  ADV: ADV after v, ADV with cl, ADV adj/-ed


Words: hitman
Meaning:
hit.man\n   hitman  hitmen   also hit man\n  A hitman is a man who is hired by someone in order to kill another person.\n  N-COUNT


Words: hitter
Meaning:
hit.ter\n   hitter  hitters\n1. In sports, you can use hitter to say how good someone is at hitting the ball.\nThe Georgian, aged 19, is not one of the game’s big hitters.\n  N-COUNT: adj N\n\n2. If you refer to someone such as a politician or a businessman as a heavy hitter or a big hitter, you mean that they are powerful and influential.\n...friendships with heavy hitters like European industrialist Carlo De Benedetti.\n  N-COUNT: adj N


Words: HIV
Meaning:
HIV\n1. HIV is a virus which reduces people’s resistance to illness and can cause AIDS. HIV is an abbreviation for `human immunodeficiency virus’.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft N n\n\n2. If someone is HIV positive, they are infected with the HIV virus, and may develop AIDS. If someone is HIV negative, they are not infected with the virus.\n  PHRASE: v-link PHR


Words: hive
Meaning:
hive  hives  hiving  hived\n1. A hive is a structure in which bees are kept, which is designed so that the beekeeper can collect the honey that they produce.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. If you describe a place as a hive of activity, you approve of the fact that there is a lot of activity there or that people are busy working there.\nIn the morning the house was a hive of activity...\n  N-COUNT: N of n  approval\n\n3. Hives is a condition in which patches of your skin become red and very uncomfortable and itchy.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: hive off
Meaning:
hive off\n  If someone hives off part of a business, they transfer it to new ownership, usually by selling it. (mainly BRIT)\nKlockner plans to hive off its loss-making steel businesses...\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron)


Words: hiya
Meaning:
hiya\n  You can say `hiya’ when you are greeting someone. (INFORMAL)\nHiya. How are you?\n  CONVENTION  formulae\n  = hi


Words: HM
Meaning:
HM\n  HM is the written abbreviation for Her or His Majesty or Her or His Majesty’s. It is used as part of the name of some British government organizations, or as part of a person’s title.\n...HM the Queen.\n...his enlistment in HM Armed Forces.\n...HM Chief Inspector of Fire Services.


Words: HMS
Meaning:
HMS\n  HMS is used before the names of ships in the British Royal Navy. HMS is an abbreviation for `Her Majesty’s Ship’ or `His Majesty’s Ship’.\n...launching HMS Warrior.\n  N-IN-NAMES: N n


Words: HNC
Meaning:
HNC  HNCs\n  An HNC is a group of examinations in technical subjects which you can take at a British college. HNC is an abbreviation for `Higher National Certificate’.\n...passing his HNC in computer studies.\n  N-VAR


Words: ho ho
Meaning:
ho ho   also ho ho ho\n  Ho ho or ho ho ho is used in writing to represent the sound that people make when they laugh.\n`Ha, ha, ho, ho,’ he chortled.\n  EXCLAM


Words: ho hum
Meaning:
ho hum   also ho-hum\n1. You can use ho hum when you want to show that you think something is not interesting, remarkable, or surprising in any way. (INFORMAL)\nMy general reaction to this news might be summed up as `ho-hum’...\n  PHRASE  feelings\n\n2. You can say ho hum to show that you accept an unpleasant situation because it is not very serious. (INFORMAL)\nHo hum, another nice job down the drain.\n  EXCLAM  feelings


Words: hoard
Meaning:
hoard  hoards  hoarding  hoarded\n1. If you hoard things such as food or money, you save or store them, often in secret, because they are valuable or important to you.\nThey’ve begun to hoard food and gasoline and save their money...\nConsumers did not spend and create jobs; they hoarded...\n  VERB: V n, V\n\n=>  hoard.er      hoarders\nMost hoarders have favorite hiding places.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. A hoard is a store of things that you have saved and that are valuable or important to you or you do not want other people to have.\nThe case involves a hoard of silver and jewels valued at up to $40m.\n  N-COUNT: oft N of n\n  = cache


Words: hoarding
Meaning:
hoard.ing\n   hoarding  hoardings\n  A hoarding is a very large board at the side of a road or on the side of a building, which is used for displaying advertisements and posters. (BRIT; in AM, usually use billboard)\nAn advertising hoarding on the platform caught her attention.\n  N-COUNT


Words: hoarse
Meaning:
hoarse  hoarser  hoarsest\n  If your voice is hoarse or if you are hoarse, your voice sounds rough and unclear, for example because your throat is sore.\n`So what do you think?’ she said in a hoarse whisper...\n  ADJ\n\n=>  hoarse.ly\n`Thank you,’ Maria said hoarsely.\n  ADV\n\n=>  hoarse.ness\nHoarseness is very common in the winter season.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: hoary
Meaning:
hoary\n  If you describe a problem or subject as hoary, you mean that it is old and familiar.\n...the hoary old myth that women are unpredictable.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: hoax
Meaning:
hoax  hoaxes\n  A hoax is a trick in which someone tells people a lie, for example that there is a bomb somewhere when there is not, or that a picture is genuine when it is not.\nHe denied making the hoax call but was convicted after a short trial.\n  N-COUNT: usu with supp, oft N n


Words: hob
Meaning:
hob  hobs\n  A hob is a surface on top of a cooker or set into a work surface, which can be heated in order to cook things on it. (BRIT; in AM, use burner)\n  N-COUNT


Words: hobble
Meaning:
hob.ble\n   hobble  hobbles  hobbling  hobbled\n1. If you hobble, you walk in an awkward way with small steps, for example because your foot is injured.\nHe got up slowly and hobbled over to the coffee table...\nThe swelling had begun to go down, and he was able, with pain, to hobble.\n  VERB: V adv/prep, V\n\n2. To hobble something or someone means to make it more difficult for them to be successful or to achieve what they want.\nThe poverty of 10 million citizens not only demeans our society but its cost also hobbles our economy.\n  VERB: V n


Words: hobby
Meaning:
hob.by\n   hobby  hobbies\n  A hobby is an activity that you enjoy doing in your spare time.\nMy hobbies are letter writing, football, music, photography, and tennis.\n  N-COUNT\n  = pastime


Words: hobby-horse
Meaning:
hobby-horse  hobby-horses   also hobbyhorse\n  You describe a subject or idea as your hobby-horse if you have strong feelings on it and like talking about it whenever you have the opportunity.\nHonesty is a favourite hobby-horse for Courau.\n  N-COUNT


Words: hobbyist
Meaning:
hob.by.ist\n   hobbyist  hobbyists\n  You can refer to person who is very interested in a particular hobby and spends a lot of time on it as a hobbyist.\n  N-COUNT


Words: hobnob
Meaning:
hob.nob\n   hobnob  hobnobs  hobnobbing  hobnobbed\n  If you disapprove of the way in which someone is spending a lot of time with a group of people, especially rich and powerful people, you can say that he or she is hobnobbing with them. (INFORMAL)\nThis gave Bill an opportunity to hobnob with the company’s president, board chairman, and leading executives.\n  VERB: V with n, also V  disapproval


Words: hobo
Meaning:
hobo  hobos  or hoboes\n1. A hobo is a person who has no home, especially one who travels from place to place and gets money by begging. (AM; in BRIT, use tramp)\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. A hobo is a worker, especially a farm worker, who goes from place to place in order to find work. (AM)\n  N-COUNT


Words: hock
Meaning:
hock  hocks\n1. A hock is a piece of meat from above the foot of an animal, especially a pig.\n  N-COUNT: usu n N\n\n2. If someone is in hock, they are in debt.\nEven company directors on .100,000 a year can be deeply in hock to the banks.\n  PHRASE: v-link PHR, oft PHR to n\n\n3. If you are in hock to someone, you feel you have to do things for them because they have given you money or support.\nIt is almost impossible for the prime minister to stand above the factions. He always seems in hock to one or another.\n  PHRASE: v-link PHR n


Words: hockey
Meaning:
hock.ey\n   hockey\n1. Hockey is an outdoor game played between two teams of 11 players who use long curved sticks to hit a small ball and try to score goals. (BRIT; in AM, usually use field hockey)\nShe played hockey for the national side.\n...the British hockey team.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft N n\n\n2. Hockey is a game played on ice between two teams of 11 players who use long curved sticks to hit a small rubber disk, called a puck, and try to score goals. (AM; in BRIT, usually use ice hockey)\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft N n


Words: hocus-pocus
Meaning:
hocus-pocus\n  If you describe something as hocus-pocus, you disapprove of it because you think it is false and intended to trick or deceive people.\n  N-UNCOUNT  disapproval\n  = trickery


Words: hodgepodge
Meaning:
hodge.podge\n   hodgepodge   also hodge-podge\n  A hodgepodge is an untidy mixture of different types of things. (mainly AM INFORMAL; in BRIT, usually use hotch-potch)\n...a hodgepodge of maps, small tools, and notebooks.\n  N-SING: usu with supp, oft N of n\n  = jumble


Words: hoe
Meaning:
hoe  hoes  hoeing  hoed\n1. A hoe is a gardening tool with a long handle and a small square blade, which you use to remove small weeds and break up the surface of the soil.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. If you hoe a field or crop, you use a hoe on the weeds or soil there.\nI have to feed the chickens and hoe the potatoes...\nToday he was hoeing in the vineyard.\n  VERB: V n, V


Words: hog
Meaning:
hog  hogs  hogging  hogged\n1. A hog is a pig. In British English, hog usually refers to a large male pig that has been castrated, but in American English it can refer to any kind of pig.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. If you hog something, you take all of it in a greedy or impolite way. (INFORMAL)\nHave you done hogging the bathroom?...\n  VERB: V n\n\n3.\n  see also road hog\n4. If you go the whole hog, you do something bold or extravagant in the most complete way possible. (INFORMAL)\nWell, I thought, I’ve already lost half my job, I might as well go the whole hog and lose it completely.\n  PHRASE: V inflects


Words: Hogmanay
Meaning:
Hog.ma.nay\n   Hogmanay\n  Hogmanay is New Year’s Eve in Scotland and the celebrations that take place there at that time.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: hogwash
Meaning:
hog.wash\n   hogwash\n  If you describe what someone says as hogwash, you think it is nonsense. (INFORMAL)\nSugar said it was a `load of hogwash’ that he was not interested in football.\n  N-UNCOUNT  disapproval\n  = rubbish


Words: hoi polloi
Meaning:
hoi pol.loi\n   hoi polloi\n  If someone refers to the hoi polloi, they are referring in a humorous or rather rude way to ordinary people, in contrast to rich, well-educated, or upper-class people.\nMonstrously inflated costs are designed to keep the hoi polloi at bay.\n  N-PLURAL


Words: hoist
Meaning:
hoist  hoists  hoisting  hoisted\n1. If you hoist something heavy somewhere, you lift it or pull it up there.\nHoisting my suitcase on to my shoulder, I turned and headed toward my hotel...\nGrabbing the side of the bunk, he hoisted himself to a sitting position.\n  VERB: V n prep/adv, V pron-refl prep/adv\n\n2. If something heavy is hoisted somewhere, it is lifted there using a machine such as a crane.\nA twenty-foot steel pyramid is to be hoisted into position on top of the tower...\nThen a crane hoisted him on to the platform.\n  VERB: be V-ed prep/adv, V n prep/adv\n\n3. A hoist is a machine for lifting heavy things.\n  N-COUNT\n\n4. If you hoist a flag or a sail, you pull it up to its correct position by using ropes.\nA group of youths hoisted their flag on top of the disputed monument.\n  VERB: V n\n\n5.\nhoist with your own petard: see petard


Words: hokum
Meaning:
ho.kum\n   hokum\n  If you describe something as hokum, you think it is nonsense. (INFORMAL)\nThe book is enjoyable hokum.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n  = nonsense


Words: hold
Meaning:
CONTROLLING OR REMAINING\n   hold  holds  holding  held\n1. If someone holds you in a place, they keep you there as a prisoner and do not allow you to leave.\nThe inside of a van was as good a place as any to hold a kidnap victim...\nSomebody is holding your wife hostage...\nJapan had originally demanded the return of two seamen held on spying charges.\n  VERB: V n, V n n, V-ed\n\n2. If people such as an army or a violent crowd hold a place, they control it by using force.\nDemonstrators have been holding the square since Sunday.\n  VERB: V n\n\n3. If you have a hold over someone, you have power or control over them, for example because you know something about them you can use to threaten them or because you are in a position of authority.\nHe had ordered his officers to keep an exceptionally firm hold over their men...\n  N-SING: usu N over/on n\n\n4. If you ask someone to hold, or to hold the line, when you are answering a telephone call, you are asking them to wait for a short time, for example so that you can find the person they want to speak to.\nCould you hold the line and I’ll just get my pen...\nA telephone operator asked him to hold.\n  VERB: no passive, V n, V\n  = hold on\n5. If you hold telephone calls for someone, you do not allow people who phone to speak to that person, but take messages instead.\nHe tells his secretary to hold his calls.\n  VERB: V n\n\n6. If something holds at a particular value or level, or is held there, it is kept at that value or level.\nOPEC production is holding at around 21.5 million barrels a day...\nThe Prime Minister yesterday ruled out Government action to hold down petrol prices...\nThe final dividend will be held at 20.7p, after an 8 per cent increase.\n...provided the pound holds its value against the euro.\n  VERB: V prep/adv/adj, V n with adv, V n prep/adj, V n\n\n7. If you hold a sound or musical note, you continue making it.\n...a voice which hit and held every note with perfect ease and clarity.\n  VERB: V n\n\n8. If you hold something such as a train, a lift, or an elevator, you delay it.\nA London Underground spokesman defended the decision to hold the train until police arrived.\n  VERB: V n\n\n9. If an offer or invitation still holds, it is still available for you to accept.\nDoes your offer still hold?\n  VERB: V\n\n10. If a good situation holds, it continues and does not get worse or fail.\nOur luck couldn’t hold for ever...\nWould the weather hold?...\n  VERB: V, V\n\n11. If an argument or theory holds, it is true or valid, even after close examination.\nToday, most people think that argument no longer holds...\n  VERB: V\n\n  Hold up means the same as hold.\nDemocrats say arguments against the bill won’t hold up.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P\n\n12. If part of a structure holds, it does not fall or break although there is a lot of force or pressure on it.\nHow long would the roof hold?\n  VERB: V\n\n13. If laws or rules hold, they exist and remain in force.\nThese laws also hold for universities.\n  VERB: V\n\n14. If you hold to a promise or to high standards of behaviour, you keep that promise or continue to behave according to those standards. (FORMAL)\nWill the President be able to hold to this commitment?...\n  VERB: V to n\n  = stick to\n15. If someone or something holds you to a promise or to high standards of behaviour, they make you keep that promise or those standards.\nDon’t hold me to that...\n  VERB: V n to n\n\nHAVING OR DOING\n   hold  holds  holding  held\nHold is often used to indicate that someone or something has the particular thing, characteristic, or attitude that is mentioned. Therefore it takes most of its meaning from the word that follows it.\n1. Hold is used with words and expressions indicating an opinion or belief, to show that someone has a particular opinion or believes that something is true.\nHe holds certain expectations about the teacher’s role...\nCurrent thinking holds that obesity is more a medical than a psychological problem...\nThe public, meanwhile, hold architects in low esteem.\n...a widely held opinion.\n  VERB: no cont, V n, V that, V n in n, V-ed\n\n2. Hold is used with words such as `fear’ or `mystery’ to indicate someone’s feelings towards something, as if those feelings were a characteristic of the thing itself.\nDeath doesn’t hold any fear for me...\nIt held more mystery than even the darkest jungle...\n  VERB: no passive, V n for n, V n\n\n3. Hold is used with nouns such as `office’, `power’, and `responsibility’ to indicate that someone has a particular position of power or authority.\nShe has never held ministerial office...\n  VERB: V n\n\n4. Hold is used with nouns such as `permit’, `degree’, or `ticket’ to indicate that someone has a particular document that allows them to do something.\nHe did not hold a firearm certificate...\nPassengers holding tickets will receive refunds.\n  VERB: V n, V n\n\n5. Hold is used with nouns such as `party’, `meeting’, `talks’, `election’, and `trial’ to indicate that people are organizing a particular activity.\nThe German sports federation said it would hold an investigation.\n  VERB: V n\n\n=>  hold.ing\nThey also called for the holding of multi-party general elections.\n  N-UNCOUNT: N of n\n\n6. Hold is used with nouns such as `conversation’, `interview’, and `talks’ to indicate that two or more people meet and discuss something.\nThe Prime Minister, is holding consultations with his colleagues to finalise the deal...\nThe engineer and his son held frequent consultations concerning technical problems...\nThey can’t believe you can even hold a conversation.\n  V-RECIP: V n with n, pl-n V, V n (non-recip)\n\n7. Hold is used with nouns such as `shares’ and `stock’ to indicate that someone owns a particular proportion of a business.\nThe group said it continues to hold 1,774,687 Vons shares...\n  VERB: V n\n\n  see also holding\n8. Hold is used with words such as `lead’ or `advantage’ to indicate that someone is winning or doing well in a contest.\nHe continued to hold a lead in Angola’s presidential race...\n  VERB: V n\n\n9. Hold is used with nouns such as `attention’ or `interest’ to indicate that what you do or say keeps someone interested or listening to you.\nIf you want to hold someone’s attention, look them directly in the eye but don’t stare...\n  VERB: V n\n  = keep\n10. If you hold someone responsible, liable, or accountable for something, you will blame them if anything goes wrong.\nIt’s impossible to hold any individual responsible.\n  VERB: V n adj\n\nPHRASES\n   hold  holds  holding  held\n\nPlease look at category 13 to see if the expression you are looking for is shown under another headword.\n1. If you hold forth on a subject, you speak confidently and for a long time about it, especially to a group of people.\nBarry was holding forth on politics.\n  PHRASE: V inflects, oft PHR on n\n\n2. If you get hold of an object or information, you obtain it, usually after some difficulty.\nIt is hard to get hold of guns in this country.\n  PHRASE: V inflects, PHR n\n\n3. If you get hold of a fact or a subject, you learn about it and understand it well. (BRIT INFORMAL)\nHe first had to get hold of some basic facts.\n  PHRASE: V inflects, PHR n\n\n4. If you get hold of someone, you manage to contact them.\nThe only electrician we could get hold of was miles away.\n  PHRASE: V inflects, PHR n\n\n5. If you say `Hold it’, you are telling someone to stop what they are doing and to wait.\nHold it! Don’t move!\n  CONVENTION\n  = stop\n6. If you put something on hold, you decide not to do it, deal with it, or change it now, but to leave it until later.\nHe put his retirement on hold until he had found a solution...\n  PHRASE: PHR after v, v-link PHR\n\n7. If you hold your own, you are able to resist someone who is attacking or opposing you.\nThe Frenchman held his own against the challenger.\n  PHRASE: V inflects\n\n8. If you can do something well enough to hold your own, you do not appear foolish when you are compared with someone who is generally thought to be very good at it.\nShe can hold her own against almost any player.\n  PHRASE: V inflects, oft PHR against n\n\n9. If you hold still, you do not move.\nCan’t you hold still for a second?\n  PHRASE: V inflects\n\n10. If something takes hold, it gains complete control or influence over a person or thing.\nShe felt a strange excitement taking hold of her...\n  PHRASE: V inflects, oft PHR of n\n\n11. If you hold tight, you put your hand round or against something in order to prevent yourself from falling over. A bus driver might say `Hold tight!’ to you if you are standing on a bus when it is about to move.\nHe held tight to the rope...\n  PHRASE: V inflects, oft PHR prep\n  = hang on\n12. If you hold tight, you do not immediately start a course of action that you have been planning or thinking about.\nThe unions have circulated their branches, urging members to hold tight until a national deal is struck.\n  PHRASE: V inflects\n\n13.\nto hold something at bay: see bay\nto hold your breath: see breath\nto hold something in check: see check\nto hold court: see court\nto hold fast: see fast\nto hold the fort: see fort\nto hold your ground: see ground\nto hold your peace: see peace\nto hold someone to ransom: see ransom\nto hold sway: see sway\nto hold your tongue: see tongue\n\nPHYSICALLY TOUCHING, SUPPORTING, OR CONTAINING\n   hold  holds  holding  held\n1. When you hold something, you carry or support it, using your hands or your arms.\nHold the knife at an angle...\nHe held the pistol in his right hand...\n  VERB: V n prep/adv, V n\n\n  Hold is also a noun.\nHe released his hold on the camera.\n  N-COUNT: usu sing\n\n2. Hold is used in expressions such as grab hold of, catch hold of, and get hold of, to indicate that you close your hand tightly around something, for example to stop something moving or falling.\nI was woken up by someone grabbing hold of my sleeping bag...\nA doctor and a nurse caught hold of his arms...\n  N-UNCOUNT: N of n\n\n3. When you hold someone, you put your arms round them, usually because you want to show them how much you like them or because you want to comfort them.\nIf only he would hold her close to him.\n  VERB: V n adv, also V n\n\n4. If you hold someone in a particular position, you use force to keep them in that position and stop them from moving.\nHe then held the man in an armlock until police arrived...\nI’d got two nurses holding me down.\n  VERB: V n prep, V n with adv, also V n\n\n5. A hold is a particular way of keeping someone in a position using your own hands, arms, or legs.\n...use of an unauthorized hold on a handcuffed suspect.\n  N-COUNT\n\n6. When you hold a part of your body, you put your hand on or against it, often because it hurts.\nSoon she was crying bitterly about the pain and was holding her throat.\n  VERB: V n\n\n7. When you hold a part of your body in a particular position, you put it into that position and keep it there.\nHold your hands in front of your face...\nHe walked at a rapid pace with his back straight and his head held erect.\n  VERB: V n prep/adv, V-ed, also V n adj\n\n8. If one thing holds another in a particular position, it keeps it in that position.\n...the wooden wedge which held the heavy door open...\nThey used steel pins to hold everything in place.\n  VERB: V n with adv, V n prep\n\n9. If one thing is used to hold another, it is used to store it.\nTwo knife racks hold her favourite knives.\n  VERB: V n\n  = store\n10. In a ship or aeroplane, a hold is a place where cargo or luggage is stored.\nA fire had been reported in the cargo hold.\n  N-COUNT: oft n N\n\n11. If a place holds something, it keeps it available for reference or for future use.\nThe Small Firms Service holds an enormous amount of information on any business problem...\n  VERB: V n\n\n12. If something holds a particular amount of something, it can contain that amount.\nOne CD-ROM disk can hold over 100,000 pages of text.\n  VERB: no cont, V n\n\n13. If a vehicle holds the road well, it remains in close contact with the road and can be controlled safely and easily.\nI thought the car held the road really well.\n  VERB: V n adv, also V n\n\n14.\n  see also holding


