# dict

Words: defendant
Meaning:
de.fend.ant\n   defendant  defendants\n  A defendant is a person who has been accused of breaking the law and is being tried in court.\n  N-COUNT


Words: defender
Meaning:
de.fend.er\n   defender  defenders\n1. If someone is a defender of a particular thing or person that has been criticized, they argue or act in support of that thing or person.\n...the most ardent defenders of conventional family values.\n  N-COUNT: usu N of n\n\n2. A defender in a game such as football or hockey is a player whose main task is to try and stop the other side scoring.\n  N-COUNT


Words: defensible
Meaning:
de.fen.sible\n   defensible\n  An opinion, system, or action that is defensible is one that people can argue is right or good.\nHer reasons for acting are morally defensible.\n  ADJ\n  !=indefensible


Words: defensive
Meaning:
de.fen.sive\n   defensive\n1. You use defensive to describe things that are intended to protect someone or something.\nThe Government hastily organized defensive measures against the raids...\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n2. Someone who is defensive is behaving in a way that shows they feel unsure or threatened.\nLike their children, parents are often defensive about their private lives.\n  ADJ\n\n=>  de.fen.sive.ly\n`Oh, I know, I know,’ said Kate, defensively.\n  ADV\n\n=>  de.fen.sive.ness\nHe felt a certain defensiveness about his position.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n3. If someone is on the defensive, they are trying to protect themselves or their interests because they feel unsure or threatened.\nAccusations are likely to put the other person on the defensive...\n  PHRASE: usu v-link PHR, PHR after v\n\n4. In sports, defensive play is play that is intended to prevent your opponent from scoring goals or points against you.\nI’d always played a defensive game, waiting for my opponent to make a mistake.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n  !=attacking\n=>  de.fen.sive.ly\nMexico did not play defensively.\n  ADV: ADV after v


Words: defer
Meaning:
de.fer\n   defer  defers  deferring  deferred\n1. If you defer an event or action, you arrange for it to happen at a later date, rather than immediately or at the previously planned time.\nCustomers often defer payment for as long as possible...\n  VERB: V n/-ing\n  = postpone, delay\n2. If you defer to someone, you accept their opinion or do what they want you to do, even when you do not agree with it yourself, because you respect them or their authority.\nDoctors are encouraged to defer to experts.\n  VERB: V to n


Words: deference
Meaning:
def.er.ence\n   deference\n  Deference is a polite and respectful attitude towards someone, especially because they have an important position.\nThe old sense of deference and restraint in royal reporting has vanished...\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft N to n


Words: deferential
Meaning:
def.er.en.tial\n   deferential\n  Someone who is deferential is polite and respectful towards someone else.\nThey like five-star hotels and deferential treatment.\n  ADJ: oft ADJ to n\n\n=>  def.er.en.tial.ly\nThe old man spoke deferentially.\n  ADV: ADV with v


Words: deferment
Meaning:
de.fer.ment\n   deferment  deferments\n  Deferment means arranging for something to happen at a later date. (FORMAL)\n...the deferment of debt repayments.\n  N-VAR


Words: defiance
Meaning:
de.fi.ance\n   defiance\n1. Defiance is behaviour or an attitude which shows that you are not willing to obey someone.\n...his courageous defiance of the government.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft N of n\n\n2. If you do something in defiance of a person, rule, or law, you do it even though you know that you are not allowed to do it.\nThousands of people have taken to the streets in defiance of the curfew.\n  PHRASE: PHR n


Words: defiant
Meaning:
de.fi.ant\n   defiant\n  If you say that someone is defiant, you mean they show aggression or independence by refusing to obey someone.\nThe players are in defiant mood as they prepare for tomorrow’s game...\n  ADJ\n\n=>  de.fi.ant.ly\nThey defiantly rejected any talk of a compromise.\n  ADV: usu ADV with v


Words: defibrillator
Meaning:
de.fib.ril.la.tor\n   defibrillator  defibrillators\n  A defibrillator is a machine that starts the heart beating normally again after a heart attack, by giving it an electric shock. (MEDICAL)\n  N-COUNT


Words: deficiency
Meaning:
de.fi.cien.cy\n   deficiency  deficiencies\n1. Deficiency in something, especially something that your body needs, is not having enough of it.\nThey did blood tests on him for signs of vitamin deficiency...\n  N-VAR: with supp\n\n2. A deficiency that someone or something has is a weakness or imperfection in them. (FORMAL)\n...a serious deficiency in our air defence.\n  N-VAR: with supp\n  = weakness


Words: deficient
Meaning:
de.fi.cient\n   deficient\n1. If someone or something is deficient in a particular thing, they do not have the full amount of it that they need in order to function normally or work properly. (FORMAL)\n...a diet deficient in vitamin B.\n  ADJ: usu v-link ADJ, usu ADJ in n\n  = lacking\n  Deficient is also a combining form.\nVegetarians can become iron-deficient.\n  COMB in ADJ\n\n2. Someone or something that is deficient is not good enough for a particular purpose. (FORMAL)\n...deficient landing systems.\n  ADJ\n  = inadequate


Words: deficit
Meaning:
defi.cit\n   deficit  deficits\n  A deficit is the amount by which something is less than what is required or expected, especially the amount by which the total money received is less than the total money spent.\nThey’re ready to cut the federal budget deficit for the next fiscal year.\n  N-COUNT: oft n N\n\n  If an account or organization is in deficit, more money has been spent than has been received.\nThe current account of the balance of payments is in deficit.\n  PHRASE: usu v-link PHR


Words: defile
Meaning:
de.file\n   defile  defiles  defiling  defiled\n1. To defile something that people think is important or holy means to do something to it or say something about it which is offensive. (LITERARY)\nHe had defiled the sacred name of the Holy Prophet.\n  VERB: V n\n\n2. A defile is a very narrow valley or passage, usually through mountains. (FORMAL)\n  N-COUNT\n  = pass


Words: definable
Meaning:
de.fin.able\n   definable\n  Something that is definable can be described or identified.\nMany suffered from a definable alcohol, drug, or mental disorder.\n...groups broadly definable as conservative.\n  ADJ


Words: define
Meaning:
de.fine\n   define  defines  defining  defined\n1. If you define something, you show, describe, or state clearly what it is and what its limits are, or what it is like.\nWe were unable to define what exactly was wrong with him...\nHe was asked to define his concept of cool.\n  VERB: V wh, V n\n\n=>  de.fined\n...a party with a clearly defined programme and strict rules of membership.\n  ADJ: usu adv ADJ\n  = delineated\n2. If you define a word or expression, you explain its meaning, for example in a dictionary.\nCollins English Dictionary defines a workaholic as `a person obsessively addicted to work’.\n  VERB: V n as n


Words: defined
Meaning:
de.fined\n   defined\n  If something is clearly defined or strongly defined, its outline is clear or strong.\nA clearly defined track now leads down to the valley...\n  ADJ: usu adv ADJ


Words: definite
Meaning:
defi.nite\n   definite\n1. If something such as a decision or an arrangement is definite, it is firm and clear, and unlikely to be changed.\nIt’s too soon to give a definite answer...\nHer Royal Highness has definite views about most things...\nShe made no definite plans for her future.\n  ADJ\n\n2. Definite evidence or information is true, rather than being someone’s opinion or guess.\nWe didn’t have any definite proof...\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n3. You use definite to emphasize the strength of your opinion or belief.\nThere has already been a definite improvement...\nThat’s a very definite possibility.\n  ADJ: ADJ n  emphasis\n  = real\n4. Someone who is definite behaves or talks in a firm, confident way.\nMary is very definite about this.\n  ADJ


Words: definite article
Meaning:
defi.nite ar.ti.cle\n   definite article  definite articles\n  The word `the’ is sometimes called the definite article.\n  N-COUNT: usu the N


Words: definitely
Meaning:
defi.nite.ly\n   definitely\n1. You use definitely to emphasize that something is the case, or to emphasize the strength of your intention or opinion.\nI’m definitely going to get in touch with these people...\n`I think the earlier ones are a lot better.’.`Mm, definitely.’\n  ADV: ADV before v, ADV with cl/group  emphasis\n  = certainly\n2. If something has been definitely decided, the decision will not be changed.\nHe told them that no venue had yet been definitely decided.\n  ADV: ADV before v


Words: definition
Meaning:
defi.ni.tion\n   definition  definitions\n1. A definition is a statement giving the meaning of a word or expression, especially in a dictionary.\nThere is no general agreement on a standard definition of intelligence...\n  N-COUNT: oft N of n\n\n  If you say that something has a particular quality by definition, you mean that it has this quality simply because of what it is.\nHuman perception is highly imperfect and by definition subjective.\n  PHRASE: PHR with cl\n\n2. Definition is the quality of being clear and distinct.\nThe speakers criticised his new programme for lack of definition.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: definitive
Meaning:
de.fini.tive\n   definitive\n1. Something that is definitive provides a firm conclusion that cannot be questioned.\nNo one has come up with a definitive answer as to why this should be so...\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n=>  de.fini.tive.ly\nThe Constitution did not definitively rule out divorce.\n  ADV\n\n2. A definitive book or performance is thought to be the best of its kind that has ever been done or that will ever be done.\nHis `An Orkney Tapestry’ is still the definitive book on the islands.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: deflate
Meaning:
de.flate\n   deflate  deflates  deflating  deflated\n1. If you deflate someone or something, you take away their confidence or make them seem less important.\nBritain’s other hopes of medals were deflated earlier in the day.\n  VERB: V n\n\n=>  de.flat.ed\nWhen she refused I felt deflated.\n  ADJ\n\n2. When something such as a tyre or balloon deflates, or when you deflate it, all the air comes out of it.\nWhen it returns to shore, the life-jacket will deflate and revert to a harness...\nWe deflate the tyres to make it easier to cross the desert.\n  VERB: V, V n\n  !=inflate


Words: deflation
Meaning:
de.fla.tion\n   deflation\n  Deflation is a reduction in economic activity that leads to lower levels of industrial output, employment, investment, trade, profits, and prices. (BUSINESS)\n  N-UNCOUNT\n  !=inflation


Words: deflationary
Meaning:
de.fla.tion.ary\n   deflationary\n  A deflationary economic policy or measure is one that is intended to or likely to cause deflation. (BUSINESS)\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n  !=inflationary


Words: deflect
Meaning:
de.flect\n   deflect  deflects  deflecting  deflected\n1. If you deflect something such as criticism or attention, you act in a way that prevents it from being directed towards you or affecting you.\nCage changed his name to deflect accusations of nepotism...\nIt’s a maneuver to deflect the attention of the people from what is really happening.\n  VERB: V n, V n from n\n\n2. To deflect someone from a course of action means to make them decide not to continue with it by putting pressure on them or by offering them something desirable.\nThe war did not deflect him from the path he had long ago taken...\nNever let a little problem deflect you.\n  VERB: V n from n/-ing, V n\n\n3. If you deflect something that is moving, you make it go in a slightly different direction, for example by hitting or blocking it.\nMy forearm deflected most of the first punch.\n  VERB: V n


Words: deflection
Meaning:
de.flec.tion\n   deflection  deflections\n1. The deflection of something means making it change direction. (TECHNICAL)\n...the deflection of light as it passes through the slits in the grating.\n  N-VAR\n\n2. In sport, the deflection of a ball, kick, or shot is when the ball hits an object and then travels in a different direction.\n  N-COUNT


Words: deflower
Meaning:
de.flow.er\n   deflower  deflowers  deflowering  deflowered\n  When a woman is deflowered, she has sexual intercourse with a man for the first time. (LITERARY)\nNora was deflowered by a man who worked in a soda-water factory.\n  VERB: be V-ed, also V n


Words: defoliant
Meaning:
de.fo.li.ant\n   defoliant  defoliants\n  A defoliant is a chemical used on trees and plants to make all their leaves fall off. Defoliants are especially used in war to remove protection from an enemy.\n  N-MASS


Words: defoliate
Meaning:
de.fo.li.ate\n   defoliate  defoliates  defoliating  defoliated\n  To defoliate an area or the plants in it means to cause the leaves on the plants to fall off or be destroyed. This is done especially in war to remove protection from an enemy.\nDioxin was the ingredient in Agent Orange, used to defoliate Vietnam.\n  VERB: V n\n\n=>  de.fo.lia.tion\n...preventing defoliation of trees by caterpillars.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: deforest
Meaning:
de.for.est\n   deforest  deforests  deforesting  deforested\n  If an area is deforested, all the trees there are cut down or destroyed.\n400,000 square kilometres of the Amazon basin have already been deforested.\n  VERB: usu passive, be V-ed\n\n=>  de.for.esta.tion\n...the ecological crisis of deforestation.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: deform
Meaning:
de.form\n   deform  deforms  deforming  deformed\n  If something deforms a person’s body or something else, it causes it to have an unnatural shape. In technical English, you can also say that the second thing deforms.\nBad rheumatoid arthritis deforms limbs...\n...the ability of a metal to deform to a new shape without cracking.\n  VERB: V n, V\n\n=>  de.formed\nHe was born with a deformed right leg.\n  ADJ\n\n=>  de.for.ma.tion      deformations\nChanging stresses bring about more cracking and rock deformation.\n  N-VAR


Words: deformity
Meaning:
de.form.ity\n   deformity  deformities\n1. A deformity is a part of someone’s body which is not the normal shape because of injury or illness, or because they were born this way.\n...facial deformities in babies.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. Deformity is the condition of having a deformity.\nThe bones begin to grind against each other, leading to pain and deformity.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: defraud
Meaning:
de.fraud\n   defraud  defrauds  defrauding  defrauded\n  If someone defrauds you, they take something away from you or stop you from getting what belongs to you by means of tricks and lies.\nHe pleaded guilty to charges of conspiracy to defraud the government...\n...allegations that he defrauded taxpayers of thousands of dollars.\n  VERB: V n, V n of/out of n


Words: defray
Meaning:
de.fray\n   defray  defrays  defraying  defrayed\n  If you defray someone’s costs or expenses, you give them money which represents the amount that they have spent, for example while they have been doing something for you or acting on your behalf. (FORMAL)\nThe government has committed billions toward defraying the costs of the war.\n  VERB: V n


Words: defrock
Meaning:
de.frock\n   defrock  defrocked\n  If a priest is defrocked, he is forced to stop being a priest because of bad behaviour.\nMellors was preaching heresy and had to be immediately defrocked.\n...a defrocked priest.\n  V-PASSIVE: be V-ed, V-ed


Words: defrost
Meaning:
de.frost\n   defrost  defrosts  defrosting  defrosted\n1. When you defrost frozen food or when it defrosts, you allow or cause it to become unfrozen so that you can eat it or cook it.\nShe has a microwave, but uses it mainly for defrosting bread...\nOnce the turkey has defrosted, remove the giblets.\n  VERB: V n, V\n  !=freeze\n2. When you defrost a fridge or freezer, you switch it off or press a special switch so that the ice inside it can melt. You can also say that a fridge or freezer is defrosting.\nDefrost the fridge regularly so that it works at maximum efficiency.\n  VERB: V n, also V


Words: deft
Meaning:
deft  defter  deftest\n  A deft action is skilful and often quick. (WRITTEN)\nWith a deft flick of his foot, Mr Worth tripped one of the raiders up.\n  ADJ\n\n=>  deft.ly\nOne of the waiting servants deftly caught him as he fell.\n  ADV\n\n=>  deft.ness\n...Dr Holly’s surgical deftness and experience.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: defunct
Meaning:
de.funct\n   defunct\n  If something is defunct, it no longer exists or has stopped functioning or operating.\n...the leader of the now defunct Social Democratic Party...\n  ADJ


Words: defuse
Meaning:
de.fuse\n   defuse  defuses  defusing  defused\n1. If you defuse a dangerous or tense situation, you calm it.\nThe organization helped defuse potentially violent situations...\n  VERB: V n\n\n2. If someone defuses a bomb, they remove the fuse so that it cannot explode.\nPolice have defused a bomb found in a building in London.\n  VERB: V n


Words: defy
Meaning:
defy  defies  defying  defied\n1. If you defy someone or something that is trying to make you behave in a particular way, you refuse to obey them and behave in that way.\nThis was the first (and last) time that I dared to defy my mother...\n  VERB: V n\n\n2. If you defy someone to do something, you challenge them to do it when you think that they will be unable to do it or too frightened to do it.\nI defy you to come up with one major accomplishment of the current Prime Minister...\n  VERB: V n to-inf\n  = dare\n3. If something defies description or understanding, it is so strange, extreme, or surprising that it is almost impossible to understand or explain.\nIt’s a devastating and barbaric act that defies all comprehension.\n  VERB: no passive, no cont, V n


Words: degeneracy
Meaning:
de.gen.era.cy\n   degeneracy\n  If you refer to the behaviour of a group of people as degeneracy, you mean that you think it is shocking, immoral, or disgusting.\n...the moral degeneracy of society.\n  N-UNCOUNT  disapproval\n  = depravity


Words: degenerate
Meaning:
de.gen.er.ate\n   degenerate degenerates degenerating  degenerated\nThe verb is pronounced   The adjective and noun are pronounced\n1. If you say that someone or something degenerates, you mean that they become worse in some way, for example weaker, lower in quality, or more dangerous.\nInactivity can make your joints stiff, and the bones may begin to degenerate...\n...a very serious humanitarian crisis which could degenerate into a catastrophe.\n  VERB: V, V into n\n  = deteriorate\n=>  de.gen.era.tion\n...various forms of physical and mental degeneration.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. If you describe a person or their behaviour as degenerate, you disapprove of them because you think they have low standards of behaviour or morality.\n...a group of degenerate computer hackers.\n  ADJ  disapproval\n\n3. If you refer to someone as a degenerate, you disapprove of them because you think they have low standards of behaviour or morality.\n  N-COUNT  disapproval


Words: degenerative
Meaning:
de.gen.era.tive\n   degenerative\n  A degenerative disease or condition is one that gets worse as time progresses.\n...degenerative diseases of the brain, like Alzheimer’s.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: degradation
Meaning:
deg.ra.da.tion\n   degradation  degradations\n1. You use degradation to refer to a situation, condition, or experience which you consider shameful and disgusting, especially one which involves poverty or immorality.\nThey were sickened by the scenes of misery and degradation they found...\n  N-VAR  disapproval\n\n2. Degradation is the process of something becoming worse or weaker, or being made worse or weaker.\nI feel this signals the degradation of American culture.\n  N-UNCOUNT: with supp\n\n3. The degradation of land or of the environment is the process of its becoming damaged and poorer, for example because of the effects of pollution, industry, and modern agricultural methods. (TECHNICAL)\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu with supp


Words: degrade
Meaning:
de.grade\n   degrade  degrades  degrading  degraded\n1. Something that degrades someone causes people to have less respect for them.\n...the notion that pornography degrades women...\nWhen I asked him if he had ever been to a prostitute he said he wouldn’t degrade himself like that.\n  VERB: V n, V pron-refl\n\n=>  de.grad.ing\nMr Porter was subjected to a degrading strip-search.\n  ADJ\n  = humiliating\n2. To degrade something means to cause it to get worse. (FORMAL)\n...the ability to meet human needs indefinitely without degrading the environment.\n  VERB: V n\n\n3. In science, if a substance degrades or if something degrades it, it changes chemically and decays or separates into different substances. (TECHNICAL)\nThis substance degrades rapidly in the soil.\n...the ability of these enzymes to degrade cellulose.\n  VERB: V, V n\n  = break down


Words: degree
Meaning:
de.gree\n   degree  degrees\n1. You use degree to indicate the extent to which something happens or is the case, or the amount which something is felt.\nThese man-made barriers will ensure a very high degree of protection...\nPoliticians have used television with varying degrees of success.\n  N-COUNT: with supp, usu N of n\n\n  If something has a degree of a particular quality, it has a small but significant amount of that quality.\nTheir wages do, however, allow them a degree of independence...\n  PHRASE: PHR n\n\n2. A degree is a unit of measurement that is used to measure temperatures. It is often written as ., for example 23..\nIt’s over 80 degrees outside...\n  N-COUNT: usu num N\n\n3. A degree is a unit of measurement that is used to measure angles, and also longitude and latitude. It is often written as ., for example 23..\nIt was pointing outward at an angle of 45 degrees.\n  N-COUNT: usu num N\n\n4. A degree at a university or college is a course of study that you take there, or the qualification that you get when you have passed the course.\nHe took a master’s degree in economics at Yale.\n...the first year of a degree course.\n  N-COUNT: usu with supp\n\n5.\n  see also first-degree, second-degree, third-degree\n6. If something happens by degrees, it happens slowly and gradually.\nThe crowd in Robinson’s Coffee-House was thinning, but only by degrees.\n  PHRASE\n  = gradually\n7. You use expressions such as to some degree, to a large degree, or to a certain degree in order to indicate that something is partly true, but not entirely true.\nThese statements are, to some degree, all correct.\n  PHRASE: PHR with cl  vagueness\n\n8. You use expressions such as to what degree and to the degree that when you are discussing how true a statement is, or in what ways it is true.\nTo what degree would you say you had control over things that went on?...\n  PHRASE  vagueness\n  = to what extent, to the extent that


Words: dehumanize
Meaning:
de.hu.man.ize\n   dehumanize  dehumanizes  dehumanizing  dehumanized\nin BRIT, also use dehumanise\n  If you say that something dehumanizes people, you mean it takes away from them good human qualities such as kindness, generosity, and independence.\nThe years of civil war have dehumanized all of us.\n  VERB: V n


Words: dehumidifier
Meaning:
de.hu.midi.fi.er\n   dehumidifier  dehumidifiers\n  A dehumidifier is a machine that is used to reduce the amount of moisture in the air.\n  N-COUNT


Words: dehydrate
Meaning:
de.hy.drate\n   dehydrate  dehydrates  dehydrating  dehydrated\n1. When something such as food is dehydrated, all the water is removed from it, often in order to preserve it.\nNormally specimens have to be dehydrated.\n  VERB: usu passive, be V-ed\n  = dry\n=>  de.hy.drat.ed\nDehydrated meals, soups and sauces contain a lot of salt.\n  ADJ\n\n2. If you dehydrate or if something dehydrates you, you lose too much water from your body so that you feel weak or ill.\nPeople can dehydrate in weather like this...\nAlcohol quickly dehydrates your body.\n  VERB: V, V n\n\n=>  de.hy.dra.tion\n...a child who’s got diarrhoea and is suffering from dehydration.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: deification
Meaning:
dei.fi.ca.tion\n   deification\n  If you talk about the deification of someone or something, you mean that they are regarded with very great respect and are not criticized at all. (FORMAL)\n...the deification of science in the 1940s.\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu with supp


Words: deify
Meaning:
dei.fy\n   deify  deifies  deifying  deified\n  If someone is deified, they are considered to be a god or are regarded with very great respect. (FORMAL)\nValentino was virtually deified by legions of female fans.\n  VERB: usu passive, be V-ed


Words: deign
Meaning:
deign  deigns  deigning  deigned\n  If you say that someone deigned to do something, you are expressing your disapproval of the fact that they did it unwillingly, because they thought they were too important to do it. (FORMAL)\nAt last, Harper deigned to speak...\n  VERB: V to-inf  disapproval


Words: deism
Meaning:
de.ism\n   deism\n  Deism is the belief that there is a God who made the world but does not influence human lives.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: deja vu
Meaning:
deja vu\n  Deja vu is the feeling that you have already experienced the things that are happening to you now.\nThe sense of deja vu was overwhelming.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: dejected
Meaning:
de.ject.ed\n   dejected\n  If you are dejected, you feel miserable or unhappy, especially because you have just been disappointed by something.\nEveryone has days when they feel dejected or down.\n  ADJ\n  = despondent\n=>  de.ject.ed.ly\nPassengers queued dejectedly for the increasingly dirty toilets.\n  ADV: ADV with v


Words: dejection
Meaning:
de.jec.tion\n   dejection\n  Dejection is a feeling of sadness that you get, for example, when you have just been disappointed by something.\nThere was a slight air of dejection about her.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n  = despondency


Words: delay
Meaning:
de.lay\n   delay  delays  delaying  delayed\n1. If you delay doing something, you do not do it immediately or at the planned or expected time, but you leave it until later.\nFor sentimental reasons I wanted to delay my departure until June...\nSo don’t delay, write in now for your chance of a free gift.\n  VERB: V n/-ing, V\n  = postpone\n2. To delay someone or something means to make them late or to slow them down.\nCan you delay him in some way?...\nThe passengers were delayed for an hour.\n  VERB: V n, V n\n  = hold up\n3. If you delay, you deliberately take longer than necessary to do something.\nIf he delayed any longer, the sun would be up.\n  VERB: V\n\n4. If there is a delay, something does not happen until later than planned or expected.\nAlthough the tests have caused some delay, flights should be back to normal this morning.\n  N-VAR\n  = hold-up\n5. Delay is a failure to do something immediately or in the required or usual time.\nWe’ll send you a quote without delay.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: delayed action
Meaning:
de.layed ac.tion\n   delayed action\n  A delayed action mechanism causes a delay on the device it is fitted to, so that it does not work as soon as you switch it on or operate it.\n...a type of delayed action parachute.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: delayering
Meaning:
de.lay.er.ing\n\n  Delayering is the process of simplifying the administrative structure of a large organization in order to make it more efficient. (BUSINESS)\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: delaying tactic
Meaning:
de.lay.ing tac.tic\n   delaying tactic  delaying tactics\n  Delaying tactics are things that someone does in order to deliberately delay the start or progress of something.\nMinisters are using delaying tactics to postpone the report yet again.\n  N-COUNT: usu pl


Words: delectable
Meaning:
de.lec.table\n   delectable\n  If you describe something, especially food or drink, as delectable, you mean that it is very pleasant.\n...delectable wine.\n  ADJ\n  = delicious


Words: delectation
Meaning:
de.lec.ta.tion\n   delectation\n  If you do something for someone’s delectation, you do it to give them enjoyment or pleasure. (FORMAL)\nShe makes scones and cakes for the delectation of visitors.\n  PHRASE: PHR with poss


Words: delegate
Meaning:
del.egate\n   delegate delegates delegating  delegated\nThe noun is pronounced   The verb is pronounced\n1. A delegate is a person who is chosen to vote or make decisions on behalf of a group of other people, especially at a conference or a meeting.\n  N-COUNT\n  = representative\n2. If you delegate duties, responsibilities, or power to someone, you give them those duties, those responsibilities, or that power so that they can act on your behalf.\nHe plans to delegate more authority to his deputies...\nMany employers find it hard to delegate.\n  VERB: V n to n, V\n\n=>  del.ega.tion\nA key factor in running a business is the delegation of responsibility.\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu with supp\n\n3. If you are delegated to do something, you are given the duty of acting on someone else’s behalf by making decisions, voting, or doing some particular work.\nOfficials have now been delegated to start work on a draft settlement.\n  VERB: usu passive, be V-ed to-inf\n  = appoint


Words: delegation
Meaning:
del.ega.tion\n   delegation  delegations\n  A delegation is a group of people who have been sent somewhere to have talks with other people on behalf of a larger group of people.\nHe was sent to New York as part of the Dutch delegation to the United Nations.\n  N-COUNT\n\n  see also delegate


Words: delete
Meaning:
de.lete\n   delete  deletes  deleting  deleted\n  If you delete something that has been written down or stored in a computer, you cross it out or remove it.\nHe also deleted files from the computer system...\n  VERB: V n\n\n=>  de.letion      deletions\nThis involved the deletion of a great deal of irrelevant material...\n  N-VAR


Words: deleterious
Meaning:
del.eteri.ous\n   deleterious\n  Something that has a deleterious effect on something has a harmful effect on it. (FORMAL)\nPetty crime is having a deleterious effect on community life.\n  ADJ\n  = detrimental


Words: deli
Meaning:
deli  delis\n  A deli is a shop or part of a shop that sells food such as cheese and cold meat. Deli is an abbreviation for `delicatessen’.\n  N-COUNT


Words: deliberate
Meaning:
de.lib.er.ate\n   deliberate deliberates deliberating  deliberated\nThe adjective is pronounced   The verb is pronounced\n1. If you do something that is deliberate, you planned or decided to do it beforehand, and so it happens on purpose rather than by chance.\nWitnesses say the firing was deliberate and sustained.\n  ADJ\n  = intentional\n=>  de.lib.er.ate.ly\nIt looks as if the blaze was started deliberately...\nMr Christopher’s answer was deliberately vague.\n  ADV: ADV with v, ADV adj\n\n2. If a movement or action is deliberate, it is done slowly and carefully.\n...stepping with deliberate slowness up the steep paths.\n  ADJ\n\n=>  de.lib.er.ate.ly\nThe Japanese have acted calmly and deliberately.\n  ADV: ADV after v\n\n3. If you deliberate, you think about something carefully, especially before making a very important decision.\nShe deliberated over the decision for a long time before she made up her mind...\nThe Court of Criminal Appeals has been deliberating his case for almost two weeks.\n  VERB: V over/about n, V n\n  = ponder


Words: deliberation
Meaning:
de.lib.era.tion\n   deliberation  deliberations\n1. Deliberation is the long and careful consideration of a subject.\nAfter much deliberation, a decision was reached...\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. Deliberations are formal discussions where an issue is considered carefully.\nTheir deliberations were rather inconclusive.\n  N-PLURAL\n\n3. If you say or do something with deliberation, you do it slowly and carefully.\nFred spoke with deliberation...\nMy mother folded her coat across the back of the chair with careful deliberation.\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu with N


Words: deliberative
Meaning:
de.lib.era.tive\n   deliberative\n  A deliberative institution or procedure has the power or the right to make important decisions. (FORMAL)\n...a deliberative chamber like the House of Commons.\n  ADJ usu ADJ n: usu ADJ n


Words: delicacy
Meaning:
deli.ca.cy\n   delicacy  delicacies\n1. Delicacy is the quality of being easy to break or harm, and refers especially to people or things that are attractive or graceful.\n...the delicacy of a rose.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. If you say that a situation or problem is of some delicacy, you mean that it is difficult to handle and needs careful and sensitive treatment.\nThere is a matter of some delicacy which I would like to discuss...\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu with supp\n\n3. If someone handles a difficult situation with delicacy, they handle it very carefully, making sure that nobody is offended.\nBoth countries are behaving with rare delicacy...\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft with N\n  = sensitivity\n4. A delicacy is a rare or expensive food that is considered especially nice to eat.\nSmoked salmon was considered an expensive delicacy...\n  N-COUNT


Words: delicate
Meaning:
deli.cate\n   delicate\n1. Something that is delicate is small and beautifully shaped.\nHe had delicate hands.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n  = dainty\n=>  deli.cate.ly\nShe was a shy, delicately pretty girl with enormous blue eyes.\n  ADV: ADV adj/-ed\n  = daintily\n2. Something that is delicate has a colour, taste, or smell which is pleasant and not strong or intense.\nYoung haricot beans have a tender texture and a delicate, subtle flavour...\n  ADJ\n  = subtle\n=>  deli.cate.ly\n...a soup delicately flavoured with nutmeg.\n  ADV: ADV -ed/adj\n\n3. If something is delicate, it is easy to harm, damage, or break, and needs to be handled or treated carefully.\nAlthough the coral looks hard, it is very delicate.\n  ADJ\n  = fragile  !=robust\n4. Someone who is delicate is not healthy and strong, and becomes ill easily.\nShe was physically delicate and psychologically unstable.\n  ADJ: usu v-link ADJ\n  = frail\n5. You use delicate to describe a situation, problem, matter, or discussion that needs to be dealt with carefully and sensitively in order to avoid upsetting things or offending people.\nThe European members are afraid of upsetting the delicate balance of political interests...\n  ADJ\n\n=>  deli.cate.ly\n...a delicately-worded memo.\n  ADV: ADV with v\n\n6. A delicate task, movement, action, or product needs or shows great skill and attention to detail.\n...a long and delicate operation carried out at a hospital in Florence...\n  ADJ\n\n=>  deli.cate.ly\n...the delicately embroidered sheets.\n  ADV: ADV with v


Words: delicatessen
Meaning:
deli.ca.tes.sen\n   delicatessen  delicatessens\n  A delicatessen is a shop that sells high quality foods such as cheeses and cold meats that have been imported from other countries.\n  N-COUNT


Words: delicious
Meaning:
de.li.cious\n   delicious\n1. Food that is delicious has a very pleasant taste.\nThere’s always a wide selection of delicious meals to choose from...\n  ADJ\n  = tasty\n=>  de.li.cious.ly\nThis yoghurt has a deliciously creamy flavour.\n  ADV: ADV adj/-ed\n\n2. If you describe something as delicious, you mean that it is very pleasant.\n...that delicious feeling of surprise.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n=>  de.li.cious.ly\nIt leaves your hair smelling deliciously fresh and fragrant.\n  ADV: ADV adj/-ed


Words: delight
Meaning:
de.light\n   delight  delights  delighting  delighted\n1. Delight is a feeling of very great pleasure.\nThroughout the house, the views are a constant source of surprise and delight...\nAndrew roared with delight when he heard Rachel’s nickname for the baby...\nTo my great delight, it worked perfectly.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. If someone takes delight or takes a delight in something, they get a lot of pleasure from it.\nHaig took obvious delight in proving his critics wrong...\n  PHRASE: V inflects, usu PHR in -ing\n\n3. You can refer to someone or something that gives you great pleasure or enjoyment as a delight.\nSampling the local cuisine is one of the delights of a holiday abroad.\n  N-COUNT: oft N of n/-ing, N to-inf  approval\n  = joy\n4. If something delights you, it gives you a lot of pleasure.\nShe has created a style of music that has delighted audiences all over the world...\n  VERB: V n\n\n5. If you delight in something, you get a lot of pleasure from it.\nGenerations of adults and children have delighted in the story...\nHe delighted in sharing his love of birds with children.\n  VERB: V in n/-ing, V in n/-ing


Words: delighted
Meaning:
de.light.ed\n   delighted\n1. If you are delighted, you are extremely pleased and excited about something.\nI know Frank will be delighted to see you...\nHe said that he was delighted with the public response.\n  ADJ: usu v-link ADJ, oft ADJ to-inf, ADJ with n\n\n=>  de.light.ed.ly\n`There!’ Jackson exclaimed delightedly.\n  ADV: ADV with v\n\n2. If someone invites or asks you to do something, you can say that you would be delighted to do it, as a way of showing that you are very willing to do it.\n`You must come to Tinsley’s graduation party.’.`I’d be delighted.’\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ, oft ADJ to-inf  feelings


Words: delightful
Meaning:
de.light.ful\n   delightful\n  If you describe something or someone as delightful, you mean they are very pleasant.\nIt was the most delightful garden I had ever seen...\n  ADJ\n  = lovely\n=>  de.light.ful.ly\n...a delightfully refreshing cologne.\n  ADV: ADV adj/-ed


Words: delimit
Meaning:
de.lim.it\n   delimit  delimits  delimiting  delimited\n  If you delimit something, you fix or establish its limits. (FORMAL)\nThis is not meant to delimit what approaches social researchers can adopt.\n  VERB: V n


Words: delineate
Meaning:
de.lin.eate\n   delineate  delineates  delineating  delineated\n1. If you delineate something such as an idea or situation, you describe it or define it, often in a lot of detail. (FORMAL)\nBiography must to some extent delineate characters...\n  VERB: V n\n\n2. If you delineate a border, you say exactly where it is going to be. (FORMAL)\n...an agreement to delineate the border.\n  VERB: V n


Words: delinquency
Meaning:
de.lin.quen.cy\n   delinquency  delinquencies\n  Delinquency is criminal behaviour, especially that of young people.\nHe had no history of delinquency.\n  N-UNCOUNT: also N in pl\n\n  see also juvenile delinquency


Words: delinquent
Meaning:
de.lin.quent\n   delinquent  delinquents\n  Someone, usually a young person, who is delinquent repeatedly commits minor crimes.\n...remand homes for delinquent children.\n  ADJ\n\n  Delinquent is also a noun.\n...a nine-year-old delinquent.\n  N-COUNT\n\n  see also juvenile delinquent


Words: delirious
Meaning:
de.liri.ous\n   delirious\n1. Someone who is delirious is unable to think or speak in a sensible and reasonable way, usually because they are very ill and have a fever.\nI was delirious and blacked out several times.\n  ADJ: usu v-link ADJ\n\n2. Someone who is delirious is extremely excited and happy.\nI was delirious with joy.\n  ADJ: oft ADJ with n\n  = ecstatic\n=>  de.liri.ous.ly\nDora returned from her honeymoon deliriously happy...\n  ADV: usu ADV adj, also ADV after v


Words: delirium
Meaning:
de.lir.ium\n   delirium\n  If someone is suffering from delirium, they are not able to think or speak in a sensible and reasonable way because they are very ill and have a fever.\nIn her delirium, she had fallen to the floor several times.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: delist
Meaning:
de.list\n   delist delists delisting delisted\n  If a company delists or if its shares are delisted, its shares are removed from the official list of shares that can be traded on the stock market. (BUSINESS)\nThe group asked the Stock Exchange to delist the shares of four of its companies...\nThe shares dived and were delisted from the London market.\n  VERB: V n, be V-ed from n, also V


Words: deliver
Meaning:
de.liv.er\n   deliver  delivers  delivering  delivered\n1. If you deliver something somewhere, you take it there.\nThe Canadians plan to deliver more food to southern Somalia...\nThe spy returned to deliver a second batch of classified documents...\n  VERB: V n to n, V n\n\n2. If you deliver something that you have promised to do, make, or produce, you do, make, or produce it.\nThey have yet to show that they can really deliver working technologies...\nWe don’t promise what we can’t deliver.\n  VERB: V n, V\n\n3. If you deliver a person or thing into someone’s care, you give them responsibility for that person or thing. (FORMAL)\nMrs Montgomery was delivered into Mr Hinchcliffe’s care...\nDavid delivered Holly gratefully into the woman’s outstretched arms...\n  VERB: be V-ed into/to n, V n into/to n\n  = hand over\n4. If you deliver a lecture or speech, you give it in public. (FORMAL)\nThe president will deliver a speech about schools...\n  VERB: V n\n\n5. When someone delivers a baby, they help the woman who is giving birth to the baby.\nHer husband had to deliver the baby himself.\n  VERB: V n\n\n6. If someone delivers a blow to someone else, they hit them. (WRITTEN)\nThose blows to the head could have been delivered by a woman.\n  VERB: be V-ed, also V n


Words: deliverance
Meaning:
de.liv.er.ance\n   deliverance\n  Deliverance is rescue from imprisonment, danger, or evil. (LITERARY)\nThe opening scene shows them celebrating their sudden deliverance from war...\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft N from n


Words: delivery
Meaning:
de.liv.ery\n   delivery  deliveries\n1. Delivery or a delivery is the bringing of letters, parcels, or other goods to someone’s house or to another place where they want them.\nIt is available at .108, including VAT and delivery.\n...the delivery of goods and resources.\n  N-VAR: oft N of n\n\n2. A delivery of something is the goods that are delivered.\nI got a delivery of fresh eggs this morning.\n  N-COUNT: usu with supp\n\n3. A delivery person or service delivers things to a place.\n...a pizza delivery man.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n4. You talk about someone’s delivery when you are referring to the way in which they give a speech or lecture.\nHis speeches were magnificently written but his delivery was hopeless.\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu poss N\n\n5. Delivery is the process of giving birth to a baby.\nIn the end, it was an easy delivery: a fine baby boy...\n  N-VAR\n  = birth


Words: delivery room
Meaning:
de.liv.ery room\n   delivery room  delivery rooms\n  In a hospital, the delivery room is the room where women give birth to their babies.\n  N-COUNT


Words: delphinium
Meaning:
del.phin.ium\n   delphinium  delphiniums\n  A delphinium is a garden plant which has a tall stem with blue flowers growing up it.\n  N-COUNT


Words: delta
Meaning:
del.ta\n   delta  deltas\n  A delta is an area of low, flat land shaped like a triangle, where a river splits and spreads out into several branches before entering the sea.\n...the Mississippi delta.\n  N-COUNT: oft n N


Words: delude
Meaning:
de.lude\n   delude  deludes  deluding  deluded\n1. If you delude yourself, you let yourself believe that something is true, even though it is not true.\nThe President was deluding himself if he thought he was safe from such action...\nWe delude ourselves that we are in control...\nI had deluded myself into believing that it would all come right in the end.\n  VERB: V pron-refl, V pron-refl that, V pron-refl into -ing\n\n2. To delude someone into thinking something means to make them believe what is not true.\nTelevision deludes you into thinking you have experienced reality, when you haven’t...\nHe had been unwittingly deluded by their mystical nonsense.\n  VERB: V n into -ing, be V-ed\n  = deceive


Words: deluded
Meaning:
de.lud.ed\n   deluded\n  Someone who is deluded believes something that is not true.\n...deluded fanatics.\n  ADJ\n  = misguided


Words: deluge
Meaning:
del.uge\n   deluge  deluges  deluging  deluged\n1. A deluge of things is a large number of them which arrive or happen at the same time.\nA deluge of manuscripts began to arrive in the post...\nThis has brought a deluge of criticism.\n  N-COUNT: usu sing, usu N of n\n  = flood\n2. If a place or person is deluged with things, a large number of them arrive or happen at the same time.\nDuring 1933, Papen’s office was deluged with complaints.\n  VERB: usu passive, be V-ed with/by n\n\n3. A deluge is a sudden, very heavy fall of rain.\nAbout a dozen homes were damaged in the deluge.\n  N-COUNT\n  = downpour


Words: delusion
Meaning:
de.lu.sion\n   delusion  delusions\n1. A delusion is a false idea.\nI was under the delusion that he intended to marry me.\n  N-COUNT: usu with supp\n\n2. Delusion is the state of believing things that are not true.\nThis was not optimism, it was delusion.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n3. If someone has delusions of grandeur, they think and behave as if they are much more important or powerful than they really are.\n  PHRASE  disapproval


Words: deluxe
Meaning:
deluxe\nin BRIT, also use de luxe\n  Deluxe goods or services are better in quality and more expensive than ordinary ones.\n...a rare, highly prized deluxe wine.\n  ADJ: ADJ n, n ADJ\n  = luxury


Words: delve
Meaning:
delve  delves  delving  delved\n1. If you delve into something, you try to discover new information about it.\nTormented by her ignorance, Jenny delves into her mother’s past...\nIf you’re interested in a subject, use the Internet to delve deeper.\n  VERB: V into n, V adv\n  = dig, probe\n2. If you delve inside something such as a cupboard or a bag, you search inside it. (WRITTEN)\nShe delved into her rucksack and pulled out a folder.\n  VERB: V prep/adv


Words: demagogic
Meaning:
dema.gog.ic\n   demagogic\n  If you say that someone such as a politician is demagogic, you are criticizing them because you think they try to win people’s support by appealing to their emotions rather than using reasonable arguments. (FORMAL)\n  ADJ  disapproval


Words: demagogue
Meaning:
dema.gogue\n   demagogue  demagogues\nin AM, also use demagog\n  If you say that someone such as a politician is a demagogue you are criticizing them because you think they try to win people’s support by appealing to their emotions rather than using reasonable arguments.\n  N-COUNT: oft adj N  disapproval


Words: demagogy
Meaning:
dema.gogy\n   demagogy   or demagoguery\n  You can refer to a method of political rule as demagogy if you disapprove of it because you think it involves appealing to people’s emotions rather than using reasonable arguments.\n  N-UNCOUNT  disapproval


Words: demand
Meaning:
de.mand\n   demand  demands  demanding  demanded\n1. If you demand something such as information or action, you ask for it in a very forceful way.\nMr Byers last night demanded an immediate explanation from the Education Secretary...\nRussia demanded that Unita send a delegation to the peace talks...\nThe hijackers are demanding to speak to representatives of both governments...\n`What did you expect me to do about it?’ she demanded.\n  VERB: V n from n, V that, V to-inf, V with quote\n\n2. If one thing demands another, the first needs the second in order to happen or be dealt with successfully.\nHe said the task of reconstruction would demand much patience, hard work and sacrifice...\n  VERB: V n\n  = require\n3. A demand is a firm request for something.\nThere have been demands for services from tenants up there...\n  N-COUNT: usu with supp\n\n4. If you refer to demand, or to the demand for something, you are referring to how many people want to have it, do it, or buy it.\nAnother flight would be arranged on Saturday if sufficient demand arose...\nDemand for coal is down and so are prices...\n  N-UNCOUNT\n  !=supply\n5. The demands of something or its demands on you are the things which it needs or the things which you have to do for it.\n...the demands and challenges of a new job...\n  N-PLURAL: usu N of n, N on n\n\n6. If someone or something is in demand or in great demand, they are very popular and a lot of people want them.\nHe was much in demand as a lecturer in the US.\n  PHRASE: v-link PHR\n\n7. If someone or something makes demands on you, they require you to do things which need a lot of time, energy, or money.\nI had no right to make demands on his time.\n  PHRASE: V inflects, usu PHR on n\n\n8. If something is available or happens on demand, you can have it or it happens whenever you want it or ask for it.\n...a national commitment to providing treatment on demand for drug abusers.\n  PHRASE


Words: demanding
Meaning:
de.mand.ing\n   demanding\n1. A demanding job or task requires a lot of your time, energy, or attention.\nHe found he could no longer cope with his demanding job...\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n2. People who are demanding are not easily satisfied or pleased.\nRicky was a very demanding child...\n  ADJ


Words: demarcate
Meaning:
de.mar.cate\n   demarcate  demarcates  demarcating  demarcated\n  If you demarcate something, you establish its boundaries or limits. (FORMAL)\nA special UN commission was formed to demarcate the border.\n  VERB: V n\n  = delineate


Words: demarcation
Meaning:
de.mar.ca.tion\n   demarcation\n  Demarcation is the establishment of boundaries or limits separating two areas, groups, or things. (FORMAL)\nTalks were continuing about the demarcation of the border between the two countries.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft N n


Words: demean
Meaning:
de.mean\n   demean  demeans  demeaning  demeaned\n1. If you demean yourself, you do something which makes people have less respect for you.\nI wasn’t going to demean myself by acting like a suspicious wife.\n  VERB: V pron-refl\n\n2. To demean someone or something means to make people have less respect for them.\nSome groups say that pornography demeans women.\n  VERB: V n\n  = degrade


Words: demeaning
Meaning:
de.mean.ing\n   demeaning\n  Something that is demeaning makes people have less respect for the person who is treated in that way, or who does that thing.\n...demeaning sexist comments...\n  ADJ: oft ADJ to n\n  = degrading


Words: demeanour
Meaning:
de.mean.our\n   demeanour\nin AM, use demeanor\n  Your demeanour is the way you behave, which gives people an impression of your character and feelings. (FORMAL)\n...her calm and cheerful demeanour.\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu poss N


Words: demented
Meaning:
de.ment.ed\n   demented\n1. Someone who is demented has a severe mental illness, especially Alzheimer’s disease. (MEDICAL or OLD-FASHIONED)\n  ADJ\n\n2. If you describe someone as demented, you think that their actions are strange, foolish, or uncontrolled. (INFORMAL)\nSid broke into demented laughter.\n  ADJ  disapproval\n  = crazy


Words: demerara sugar
Meaning:
dem.erara sug.ar\n   demerara sugar\n  Demerara sugar is a type of brown sugar. It is made from sugar cane that is grown in the West Indies. (BRIT)\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: demerge
Meaning:
de.merge\n   demerge  demerges  demerging  demerged\n  If a large company is demerged or demerges, it is broken down into several smaller companies. (BRIT BUSINESS)\nHis ultimate aim is to demerge the group...\nMany companies merge and few demerge.\n  VERB: V n, V\n  !=merge


Words: demerger
Meaning:
de.merg.er\n   demerger  demergers\n  A demerger is the separation of a large company into several smaller companies. (BRIT BUSINESS)\n  N-COUNT\n  !=merger


Words: demerit
Meaning:
de.mer.it\n   demerit  demerits\n  The demerits of something or someone are their faults or disadvantages. (FORMAL)\n...articles debating the merits and demerits of the three candidates.\n  N-COUNT: usu pl, usu with poss\n  !=merit


Words: demi-
Meaning:
Demi- is used at the beginning of some words to refer to something equivalent to half of the object or amount indicated by the rest of the word.\n  PREFIX


Words: demigod
Meaning:
demi.god\n   demigod  demigods\n1. In mythology, a demigod is a less important god, especially one who is half god and half human.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. If you describe a famous or important person such as a politician, writer, or musician as a demigod, you mean that you disapprove of the way in which people admire them and treat them like a god.\n  N-COUNT  disapproval


Words: demilitarize
Meaning:
de.mili.ta.rize\n   demilitarize  demilitarizes  demilitarizing  demilitarized\nin BRIT, also use demilitarise\n  To demilitarize an area means to ensure that all military forces are removed from it.\nHe said the UN had made remarkable progress in demilitarizing the region...\n  VERB: V n\n\n=>  de.mili.ta.ri.za.tion\nDemilitarization of the country was out of the question.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: demise
Meaning:
de.mise\n   demise\n  The demise of something or someone is their end or death. (FORMAL)\n...the demise of the reform movement...\n  N-SING: usu with poss


Words: demo
Meaning:
demo  demos\n1. A demo is a demonstration by a group of people to show their opposition to something or their support for something. (BRIT INFORMAL)\n...an anti-racist demo.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. A demo is a CD or tape with a sample of someone’s music recorded on it. (INFORMAL)\nHe listened to one of my demo tapes...\n  N-COUNT: oft N n


Words: demob
Meaning:
de.mob\n   demob\n  Someone’s demob is their release from the armed forces. (BRIT INFORMAL)\nI didn’t get back to Brussels until after my demob...\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: demobbed
Meaning:
de.mobbed\n   demobbed\n  When soldiers are demobbed, they are released from the armed forces. (BRIT INFORMAL)\nI’m still in the air force, though I’ll be demobbed in a couple of months.\n...housing and retraining demobbed soldiers.\n  V-PASSIVE: be V-ed, V-ed


Words: demobilize
Meaning:
de.mo.bi.lize\n   demobilize  demobilizes  demobilizing  demobilized\nin BRIT, also use demobilise\n  If a country or armed force demobilizes its troops, or if its troops demobilize, its troops are released from service and allowed to go home.\nBoth sides have agreed to demobilize 70% of their armies...\nIt is unlikely that the rebels will agree to demobilise.\n  VERB: V n, V\n\n=>  de.mo.bi.li.za.tion\n...the demobilisation of a 100,000 strong army.\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu with supp


Words: democracy
Meaning:
de.moc.ra.cy\n   democracy  democracies\n1. Democracy is a system of government in which people choose their rulers by voting for them in elections.\n...the spread of democracy in Eastern Europe.\n...the pro-democracy movement.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. A democracy is a country in which the people choose their government by voting for it.\nThe new democracies face tough challenges.\n  N-COUNT: usu supp N\n\n3. Democracy is a system of running organizations, businesses, and groups in which each member is entitled to vote and take part in decisions.\n...the union’s emphasis on industrial democracy.\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu supp N


Words: democrat
Meaning:
demo.crat\n   democrat  democrats\n1. A Democrat is a member or supporter of a particular political party which has the word `democrat’ or `democratic’ in its title, for example the Democratic Party in the United States.\n...a senior Christian Democrat...\nCongressman Tom Downey is a Democrat from New York.\n  N-COUNT: oft supp N\n\n2. A democrat is a person who believes in the ideals of democracy, personal freedom, and equality.\nThis is the time for democrats and not dictators.\n  N-COUNT


Words: democratic
Meaning:
demo.crat.ic\n   democratic\n1. A democratic country, government, or political system is governed by representatives who are elected by the people.\nBolivia returned to democratic rule in 1982, after a series of military governments.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n=>  demo.crati.cal.ly\nThat June, Yeltsin became Russia’s first democratically elected President.\n  ADV: ADV adj, ADV with v\n\n2. Something that is democratic is based on the idea that everyone should have equal rights and should be involved in making important decisions.\nEducation is the basis of a democratic society...\n  ADJ\n\n=>  demo.crati.cal.ly\nThis committee will enable decisions to be made democratically.\n  ADV\n\n3. Democratic is used in the titles of some political parties.\n...the Social Democratic Party.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: democratize
Meaning:
de.moc.ra.tize\n   democratize  democratizes  democratizing  democratized\nin BRIT, also use democratise\n  If a country or a system is democratized, it is made democratic. (JOURNALISM)\n...a further need to democratize the life of society as a whole...\n  VERB: V n\n\n=>  de.moc.ra.ti.za.tion\n...the democratisation of Eastern Europe.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft the N of n


Words: demographic
Meaning:
de.mo.graph.ic\n   demographic  demographics\n1. Demographic means relating to or concerning demography.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n2. The demographics of a place or society are the statistics relating to the people who live there.\n...the changing demographics of the United States.\n  N-PLURAL: oft N of n\n\n3. In business, a demographic is a group of people in a society, especially people in a particular age group. (BUSINESS)\nMost of our listeners are in the 25-39 demographic.\n  N-SING


Words: demography
Meaning:
de.mog.ra.phy\n   demography\n  Demography is the study of the changes in numbers of births, deaths, marriages, and cases of disease in a community over a period of time.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n=>  de.mog.ra.pher      demographers\n...a politically astute economist and demographer.\n  N-COUNT


Words: demolish
Meaning:
de.mol.ish\n   demolish  demolishes  demolishing  demolished\n1. To demolish something such as a building means to destroy it completely.\nA storm moved directly over the island, demolishing buildings and flooding streets...\n  VERB: V n\n\n2. If you demolish someone’s ideas or arguments, you prove that they are completely wrong or unreasonable.\nOur intention was to demolish the rumours that have surrounded him...\n  VERB: V n


Words: demolition
Meaning:
demo.li.tion\n   demolition  demolitions\n  The demolition of a building is the act of deliberately destroying it, often in order to build something else in its place.\nThe project required the total demolition of the old bridge...\n  N-VAR


Words: demon
Meaning:
de.mon\n   demon  demons\n1. A demon is an evil spirit.\n...a woman possessed by demons.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. If you approve of someone because they are very skilled at what they do or because they do it energetically, you can say that they do it like a demon.\nHe played like a demon...\n  N-COUNT  approval


Words: demonic
Meaning:
de.mon.ic\n   demonic\n  Demonic means coming from or belonging to a demon or being like a demon.\n...demonic forces.\n...a demonic grin.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: demonize
Meaning:
de.mon.ize\n   demonize  demonizes  demonizing  demonized\nin BRIT, also use demonise\n  If people demonize someone, they convince themselves that that person is evil.\nEach side began to demonize the other.\n  VERB: V n


Words: demonology
Meaning:
de.mon.ol.ogy\n   demonology\n  Demonology is a set of beliefs which says that a particular situation or group of people is evil or unacceptable.\n...the usual deranged Right-wing stereotype of fascist Left demonology.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: demonstrable
Meaning:
de.mon.strable\n   demonstrable\n  A demonstrable fact or quality can be shown to be true or to exist. (FORMAL)\nThe road safety programme is having a demonstrable effect on road users...\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n=>  de.mon.strably\n...demonstrably false statements.\n  ADV


Words: demonstrate
Meaning:
dem.on.strate\n   demonstrate  demonstrates  demonstrating  demonstrated\n1. To demonstrate a fact means to make it clear to people.\nThe study also demonstrated a direct link between obesity and mortality...\nYou have to demonstrate that you are reliable...\nThey are anxious to demonstrate to the voters that they have practical policies...\nHe’s demonstrated how a campaign based on domestic issues can move votes.\n  VERB: V n, V that, V to n that, V wh\n  = show, prove\n2. If you demonstrate a particular skill, quality, or feeling, you show by your actions that you have it.\nHave they, for example, demonstrated a commitment to democracy?...\n  VERB: V n\n  = show, display\n3. When people demonstrate, they march or gather somewhere to show their opposition to something or their support for something.\n30,000 angry farmers demonstrated against possible cuts in subsidies...\nIn the cities vast crowds have been demonstrating for change...\nThousands of people demonstrated outside the parliament building.\n  VERB: V against n, V for n, V\n  = protest\n4. If you demonstrate something, you show people how it works or how to do it.\nThe BBC has just successfully demonstrated a new digital radio transmission system...\nA style consultant will demonstrate how to dress to impress.\n  VERB: V n, V how


Words: demonstration
Meaning:
dem.on.stra.tion\n   demonstration  demonstrations\n1. A demonstration is a march or gathering which people take part in to show their opposition to something or their support for something.\nRiot police broke up a demonstration by students.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. A demonstration of something is a talk by someone who shows you how to do it or how it works.\n...a cookery demonstration.\n  N-COUNT: usu with supp\n\n3. A demonstration of a fact or situation is a clear proof of it.\nThis is a clear demonstration of how technology has changed...\n  N-COUNT: usu N of n\n\n4. A demonstration of a quality or feeling is an expression of it.\nThere’s been no public demonstration of opposition to the President.\n  N-COUNT: N of n\n  = display


Words: demonstrative
Meaning:
de.mon.stra.tive\n   demonstrative  demonstratives\n  Someone who is demonstrative shows affection freely and openly.\nWe came from the English tradition of not being demonstrative.\n  ADJ\n  !=reserved\n=>  de.mon.stra.tive.ly\n  In grammar, the words `this’, `that’, `these’, and `those’ are sometimes called demonstratives.\nSome children respond more demonstratively than others.\n  ADV; N-COUNT


Words: demonstrator
Meaning:
de.mon.stra.tor\n   demonstrator  demonstrators\n1. Demonstrators are people who are marching or gathering somewhere to show their opposition to something or their support for something.\nI saw the police using tear gas to try and break up a crowd of demonstrators.\n  N-COUNT: usu pl\n\n2. A demonstrator is a person who shows people how something works or how to do something.\n  N-COUNT


Words: demoralize
Meaning:
de.mor.al.ize\n   demoralize  demoralizes  demoralizing  demoralized\nin BRIT, also use demoralise\n  If something demoralizes someone, it makes them lose so much confidence in what they are doing that they want to give up.\nClearly, one of the objectives is to demoralize the enemy troops in any way they can.\n  VERB: V n\n\n=>  de.mor.al.ized\nThe ship’s crew were now exhausted and utterly demoralized.\n  ADJ


Words: demoralizing
Meaning:
de.mor.al.iz.ing\n   demoralizing\nin BRIT, also use demoralising\n  If something is demoralizing, it makes you lose so much confidence in what you are doing that you want to give up.\nRedundancy can be a demoralising prospect...\n  ADJ\n  = disheartening


Words: demote
Meaning:
de.mote\n   demote  demotes  demoting  demoted\n1. If someone demotes you, they give you a lower rank or a less important position than you already have, often as a punishment.\nIt’s very difficult to demote somebody who has been standing in during maternity leave...\n  VERB: V n\n  !=promote\n=>  de.mo.tion      demotions\nHe is seeking redress for what he alleges was an unfair demotion.\n  N-VAR\n  !=promotion\n2. If a team in a sports league is demoted, that team has to compete in the next competition in a lower division, because it was one of the least successful teams in the higher division. (BRIT)\nThe club was demoted at the end of last season.\n  VERB: usu passive, be V-ed\n  !=promote\n=>  de.mo.tion\nThe team now almost certainly faces demotion.\n  N-VAR\n  !=promotion


Words: demotic
Meaning:
de.mot.ic\n   demotic\n1. Demotic language is the type of informal language used by ordinary people. (FORMAL)\n...television’s demotic style of language.\n  ADJ\n  = colloquial\n2. Demotic is used to describe something or someone that is typical of ordinary people. (FORMAL)\n...demotic entertainments such as TV soap operas.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n  = popular


Words: demur
Meaning:
de.mur\n   demur  demurs  demurring  demurred\n1. If you demur, you say that you do not agree with something or will not do something that you have been asked to do. (FORMAL)\nThe doctor demurred, but Piercey was insistent.\n  VERB: V\n\n2. If you do something without demur, you do it immediately and without making any protest. (FORMAL)\nWhen Scobie opened the door and stood aside for her to enter, she did so without demur.\n  PHRASE: PHR after v


Words: demure
Meaning:
de.mure\n   demure\n1. If you describe someone, usually a young woman, as demure, you mean they are quiet and rather shy, usually in a way that you like and find appealing, and behave very correctly.\nShe’s very demure and sweet...\n  ADJ  approval\n\n=>  de.mure.ly\nShe smiled demurely.\n  ADV: usu ADV with v\n\n2. Demure clothes do not reveal your body and they give the impression that you are shy and behave correctly. (WRITTEN)\n...a demure high-necked white blouse.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n=>  de.mure.ly\nShe was demurely dressed in a black woollen suit.\n  ADV: ADV -ed, ADV after v


Words: demutualise
Meaning:
de.mu.tu.alise\n   demutualise demutualises demutualising demutualised\n  If a building society or insurance company demutualises, it abandons its mutual status and becomes a limited company. (BRIT BUSINESS)\n97 per cent of the group’s members support its plans to demutualise.\n  V\n\n=>  de.mu.tu.ali.sa.tion\nPolicyholders voted for demutualisation.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: demystify
Meaning:
de.mys.ti.fy\n   demystify  demystifies  demystifying  demystified\n  If you demystify something, you make it easier to understand by giving a clear explanation of it.\nThis book aims to demystify medical treatments.\n  VERB


Words: den
Meaning:
den  dens\n1. A den is the home of certain types of wild animals such as lions or foxes.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. Your den is a quiet room in your house where you can go to study, work, or carry on a hobby without being disturbed. (AM)\n  N-COUNT\n\n3. A den is a secret place where people meet, usually for a dishonest purpose.\nI could provide you with the addresses of at least three illegal drinking dens.\n  N-COUNT: usu supp N\n\n4. If you describe a place as a den of a particular type of bad or illegal behaviour, you mean that a lot of that type of behaviour goes on there.\n...the one-bedroomed flat that was to become his den of savage debauchery.\n  N-COUNT: N of n


Words: denationalize
Meaning:
de.na.tion.al.ize\n   denationalize  denationalizes  denationalizing  denationalized\nin BRIT, also use denationalise\n  To denationalize an industry or business means to transfer it into private ownership so that it is no longer owned and controlled by the state. (OLD-FASHIONED BUSINESS)\nThe government started to denationalize financial institutions...\n  VERB: V n\n  = privatize  !=nationalize\n=>  de.na.tion.ali.za.tion\n...the denationalisation of industry.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n  = privatization


Words: denial
Meaning:
de.ni.al\n   denial  denials\n1. A denial of something is a statement that it is not true, does not exist, or did not happen.\nDespite official denials, the rumours still persist...\nDenial of the Mafia’s existence is nothing new.\n  N-VAR: oft N of n\n\n2. The denial of something to someone is the act of refusing to let them have it. (FORMAL)\n...the denial of visas to international relief workers...\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu N of n\n\n3. In psychology, denial is when a person cannot or will not accept an unpleasant truth.\n...an addict who is in denial about his addiction.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: denier
Meaning:
den.ier\n   denier\n  Denier is used when indicating the thickness of stockings and tights.\n...fifteen-denier stockings.\n  N-UNCOUNT: num N


Words: denigrate
Meaning:
deni.grate\n   denigrate  denigrates  denigrating  denigrated\n  If you denigrate someone or something, you criticize them unfairly or insult them.\nThe amendment prohibits obscene or indecent materials which denigrate the objects or beliefs of a particular religion...\n  VERB: V n\n\n=>  deni.gra.tion\n...the denigration of minorities in this country.\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu N of n


Words: denim
Meaning:
den.im\n   denim\n  Denim is a thick cotton cloth, usually blue, which is used to make clothes. Jeans are made from denim.\n...a light blue denim jacket...\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft N n


Words: denims
Meaning:
den.ims\n   denims\n  Denims are casual trousers made of denim.\nShe was dressed in blue denims.\n  N-PLURAL: also a pair of N\n  = jeans


Words: denizen
Meaning:
deni.zen\n   denizen  denizens\n  A denizen of a particular place is a person, animal, or plant that lives or grows in this place. (FORMAL)\nGannets are denizens of the open ocean.\n  N-COUNT: usu N of n


Words: denomination
Meaning:
de.nomi.na.tion\n   denomination  denominations\n1. A particular denomination is a particular religious group which has slightly different beliefs from other groups within the same faith.\nAcceptance of women preachers varies greatly from denomination to denomination.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. The denomination of a banknote or coin is its official value.\n...a pile of bank notes, mostly in small denominations.\n  N-COUNT


Words: denominational
Meaning:
de.nomi.na.tion.al\n   denominational\n  Denominational means relating to or organized by a particular religious denomination.\n...a multi-denominational group of religious leaders.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: denominator
Meaning:
de.nomi.na.tor\n   denominator  denominators\n  In mathematics, the denominator is the number which appears under the line in a fraction.\n  N-COUNT\n\n  see also common denominator, lowest common denominator


Words: denote
Meaning:
de.note\n   denote  denotes  denoting  denoted\n1. If one thing denotes another, it is a sign or indication of it. (FORMAL)\nRed eyes denote strain and fatigue...\nThere was a message waiting, denoting that someone had been here ahead of her.\n  VERB: V n, V that\n  = indicate\n2. What a symbol denotes is what it represents. (FORMAL)\nIn figure 24 `D’ denotes quantity demanded and `S’ denotes quantity supplied.\n  VERB: V n\n  = represent


Words: denouement
Meaning:
de.noue.ment\n   denouement  denouements   also denouement\n  In a book, play, or series of events, the denouement is the sequence of events at the end, when things come to a conclusion.\n...an unexpected denouement.\n  N-COUNT: usu sing


Words: denounce
Meaning:
de.nounce\n   denounce  denounces  denouncing  denounced\n1. If you denounce a person or an action, you criticize them severely and publicly because you feel strongly that they are wrong or evil.\nGerman leaders denounced the attacks and pleaded for tolerance...\nSome 25,000 demonstrators denounced him as a traitor.\n  VERB: V n, V n as n/adj\n\n2. If you denounce someone who has broken a rule or law, you report them to the authorities.\n...informers who might denounce you at any moment.\n  VERB: V n, also V n to n


Words: dense
Meaning:
dense  denser  densest\n1. Something that is dense contains a lot of things or people in a small area.\nWhere Bucharest now stands, there once was a large, dense forest...\nThey thrust their way through the dense crowd.\n  ADJ\n  !=sparse\n=>  dense.ly\nJava is a densely populated island...\n  ADV: usu ADV -ed\n  !=sparsely\n2. Dense fog or smoke is difficult to see through because it is very heavy and dark.\nA dense column of smoke rose several miles into the air.\n  ADJ\n  = thick\n3. In science, a dense substance is very heavy in relation to its volume. (TECHNICAL)\n...a small dense star.\n  ADJ\n\n4. If you say that someone is dense, you mean that you think they are stupid and that they take a long time to understand simple things. (INFORMAL)\nHe’s not a bad man, just a bit dense.\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ\n  = thick


Words: density
Meaning:
den.sity\n   density  densities\n1. Density is the extent to which something is filled or covered with people or things.\n...a law which restricts the density of housing...\nThe region has a very high population density.\n  N-VAR: usu with supp, oft N of n\n\n2. In science, the density of a substance or object is the relation of its mass or weight to its volume. (TECHNICAL)\n  N-VAR: usu with supp, oft with poss


Words: dent
Meaning:
dent  dents  denting  dented\n1. If you dent the surface of something, you make a hollow area in it by hitting or pressing it.\nIts brass feet dented the carpet’s thick pile.\n  VERB: V n\n\n=>  dent.ed\nWatch out for bargains, but never buy dented cans.\n  ADJ\n\n2. A dent is a hollow in the surface of something which has been caused by hitting or pressing it.\nThere was a dent in the car which hadn’t been there before.\n  N-COUNT\n\n3. If something dents your ideas or your pride, it makes you realize that your ideas are wrong, or that you are not as good or successful as you thought.\nThis has not dented the City’s enthusiasm for the company.\n  VERB: V n


Words: dental
Meaning:
den.tal\n   dental\n  Dental is used to describe things that relate to teeth or to the care and treatment of teeth.\nYou can get free dental treatment.\n...the dental profession.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: dental floss
Meaning:
den.tal floss\n   dental floss\n  Dental floss is a type of thread that is used to clean the gaps between your teeth.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n  see also floss


Words: dentist
Meaning:
den.tist\n   dentist  dentists\n  A dentist is a person who is qualified to examine and treat people’s teeth.\nVisit your dentist twice a year for a check-up.\n  N-COUNT\n\n  The dentist or the dentist’s is used to refer to the surgery or clinic where a dentist works.\nIt’s worse than being at the dentist’s.\n  N-SING: the N


Words: dentures
Meaning:
den.tures\n   dentures\n  Dentures are artificial teeth worn by people who no longer have all their own teeth.\n  N-PLURAL\n  The form denture is used as a modifier.\n  = false teeth


Words: denude
Meaning:
de.nude\n   denude  denudes  denuding  denuded\n1. To denude an area means to destroy the plants in it. (FORMAL)\nMining would pollute the lake and denude the forest...\n  VERB: V n\n\n2. To denude someone or something of a particular thing means to take it away from them. (FORMAL)\nThe Embassy is now denuded of all foreign and local staff...\n  VERB: V n of n\n  = divest


Words: denunciation
Meaning:
de.nun.cia.tion\n   denunciation  denunciations\n1. Denunciation of someone or something is severe public criticism of them.\nOn September 24, he wrote a stinging denunciation of his critics...\n  N-VAR: oft N of n\n  = condemnation\n2. Denunciation is the act of reporting someone who has broken a rule or law to the authorities.\n...the denunciation of Jews to the Nazis during the Second World War.\n  N-VAR


Words: Denver boot
Meaning:
Den.ver boot\n   Denver boot  Denver boots\n  A Denver boot is a large metal device which is fitted to the wheel of an illegally parked car or other vehicle in order to prevent it from being driven away. The driver has to pay to have the device removed. (AM; in BRIT, use clamp, wheel clamp)\n  N-COUNT


Words: deny
Meaning:
deny  denies  denying  denied\n1. When you deny something, you state that it is not true.\nShe denied both accusations...\nThe government has denied that there was a plot to assassinate the president...\nThey all denied ever having seen her.\n  VERB: V n, V that, V -ing\n  !=admit\n2. If you deny someone something that they need or want, you refuse to let them have it.\nIf he is unlucky, he may find that his ex-partner denies him access to his children...\nDon’t deny yourself pleasure...\n  VERB: V n n, V pron-refl n\n  = refuse


Words: deodorant
Meaning:
de.odor.ant\n   deodorant  deodorants\n  Deodorant is a substance that you can use on your body to hide or prevent the smell of sweat.\n  N-MASS


Words: deodorize
Meaning:
de.odor.ize\n   deodorize  deodorizes  deodorizing  deodorized\nin BRIT, also use deodorise\n  If you deodorize something, you remove unpleasant smells from it. (FORMAL)\nThe machine uses minute quantities of ozone to sterilise and deodorise refrigerated food vehicles.\n...a deodorising foot spray.\n  VERB: V n, V-ing


Words: depart
Meaning:
de.part\n   depart  departs  departing  departed\n1. When something or someone departs from a place, they leave it and start a journey to another place.\nOur tour departs from Heathrow Airport on 31 March and returns 16 April...\nIn the morning Mr McDonald departed for Sydney...\nThe coach departs Potsdam in the morning.\n  VERB: V from n, V for n, V n\n\n2. If you depart from a traditional, accepted, or agreed way of doing something, you do it in a different or unexpected way.\nWhy is it in this country that we have departed from good educational sense?...\n  VERB: V from n\n  = deviate\n3. If someone departs from a job, they resign from it or leave it. In American English, you can say that someone departs a job.\nLipton is planning to depart from the company he founded.\n...a number of staff departed during his reign as rector of the Royal College of Art...\nHe departed baseball in the ’60s.\n  VERB: V from n, V, V n


Words: departed
Meaning:
de.part.ed\n   departed\n  Departed friends or relatives are people who have died. (FORMAL)\n...departed friends.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n  The departed are people who have died.\nWe held services for the departed.\n  N-PLURAL: the N\n  = deceased


Words: department
Meaning:
de.part.ment\n   department  departments\n1. A department is one of the sections in an organization such as a government, business, or university. A department is also one of the sections in a large shop.\n...the U.S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare...\nHe moved to the sales department.\n...the jewelry department.\n  N-COUNT: usu with supp\n\n2. If you say that a task or area of knowledge is not your department, you mean that you are not responsible for it or do not know much about it.\n`I’m afraid the name means nothing to me,’ he said. `That’s not my department.’\n  PHRASE: V inflects


Words: department store
Meaning:
de.part.ment store\n   department store  department stores\n  A department store is a large shop which sells many different kinds of goods.\n  N-COUNT


Words: departmental
Meaning:
de.part.men.tal\n   departmental\n  Departmental is used to describe the activities, responsibilities, or possessions of a department in a government, company, or other organization.\n...the departmental budget.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: departure
Meaning:
de.par.ture\n   departure  departures\n1. Departure or a departure is the act of going away from somewhere.\n...the President’s departure for Helsinki...\nThey hoped this would lead to the departure of all foreign forces from the country...\nThe airline has more than 90 scheduled departures from here every day.\n  N-VAR: oft with poss\n  !=arrival\n2. The departure of a person from a job, or a member from an organization, is their act of leaving it or being forced to leave it. (FORMAL)\nThis would inevitably involve his departure from the post of Prime Minister...\n  N-VAR: with poss, oft N from n\n\n3. If someone does something different or unusual, you can refer to their action as a departure.\nTaylor announced another departure from practice in that England will train at Wembley...\n  N-COUNT: oft N from n\n  = deviation


Words: departure lounge
Meaning:
de.par.ture lounge\n   departure lounge  departure lounges\n  In an airport, the departure lounge is the place where passengers wait before they get onto their plane.\n  N-COUNT


Words: departure tax
Meaning:
de.par.ture tax\n   departure tax departure taxes\n  Departure tax is a tax that airline passengers have to pay in order to use an airport.\nMany countries charge departure tax in US dollars rather than local currency.\n  N-VAR\n  = airport tax


Words: depend
Meaning:
de.pend\n   depend  depends  depending  depended\n1. If you say that one thing depends on another, you mean that the first thing will be affected or determined by the second.\nThe cooking time needed depends on the size of the potato...\nHow much it costs depends upon how much you buy.\n  VERB: V on/upon n, V on/upon wh\n\n2. If you depend on someone or something, you need them in order to be able to survive physically, financially, or emotionally.\nHe depended on his writing for his income...\nChoosing the right account depends on working out your likely average balance.\n  VERB: V on/upon n/-ing, V on/upon n/-ing\n  = rely\n3. If you can depend on a person, organization, or law, you know that they will support you or help you when you need them.\n`You can depend on me,’ Cross assured him.\n  VERB: V on/upon n\n  = rely\n4. You use depend in expressions such as it depends to indicate that you cannot give a clear answer to a question because the answer will be affected or determined by other factors.\n`But how long can you stay in the house?’.`I don’t know. It depends.’...\nIt all depends on your definition of punk, doesn’t it?\n  VERB: it/that V, it V on n/wh\n\n5. You use depending on when you are saying that something varies according to the circumstances mentioned.\nI tend to have a different answer, depending on the family...\n  PREP-PHRASE: PREP n/wh


Words: dependable
Meaning:
de.pend.able\n   dependable\n  If you say that someone or something is dependable, you approve of them because you feel that you can be sure that they will always act consistently or sensibly, or do what you need them to do.\nHe was a good friend, a dependable companion.\n  ADJ  approval\n  = reliable


Words: dependant
Meaning:
de.pend.ant\n   dependant  dependants   also dependent\n  Your dependants are the people you support financially, such as your children. (FORMAL)\nThe British Legion raises funds to help ex-service personnel and their dependants.\n  N-COUNT


Words: dependence
Meaning:
de.pend.ence\n   dependence\n1. Your dependence on something or someone is your need for them in order to succeed or be able to survive.\n...the city’s traditional dependence on tourism...\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu N on n\n  = reliance\n2. If you talk about drug dependence or alcohol dependence, you are referring to a situation where someone is addicted to drugs or is an alcoholic.\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu n N\n  = addiction\n3. You talk about the dependence of one thing on another when the first thing will be affected or determined by the second.\n...the dependence of circulation on production.\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu with supp


Words: dependency
Meaning:
de.pend.en.cy\n   dependency  dependencies\n1. A dependency is a country which is controlled by another country.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. You talk about someone’s dependency when they have a deep emotional, physical, or financial need for a particular person or thing, especially one that you consider excessive or undesirable.\nWe worried about his dependency on his mother...\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft N on n\n  !=independence\n3. If you talk about alcohol dependency or chemical dependency, you are referring to a situation where someone is an alcoholic or is addicted to drugs. (mainly AM)\nIn 1985, he began to show signs of alcohol and drug dependency...\n  N-VAR: usu n N\n  = addiction


Words: dependent
Meaning:
de.pend.ent\n   dependent\n1. To be dependent on something or someone means to need them in order to succeed or be able to survive.\nThe local economy is overwhelmingly dependent on oil and gas extraction...\n  ADJ: oft ADJ on/upon n\n  = reliant\n2. If one thing is dependent on another, the first thing will be affected or determined by the second.\nThe treatment of infertility is largely dependent on the ability of couples to pay.\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ on/upon n\n  = contingent  !=independent\n3.\n  see also dependant


Words: depersonalize
Meaning:
de.per.son.al.ize\n   depersonalize  depersonalizes  depersonalizing  depersonalized\nin BRIT, also use depersonalise\n1. To depersonalize a system or a situation means to treat it as if it did not really involve people, or to treat it as if the people involved were not really important.\nIt is true that modern weaponry depersonalised war.\n  VERB: V n\n\n2. To depersonalize someone means to treat them as if they do not matter because their individual feelings and thoughts are not important.\nShe does not feel that the book depersonalises women.\n  VERB: V n


Words: depict
Meaning:
de.pict\n   depict  depicts  depicting  depicted\n1. To depict someone or something means to show or represent them in a work of art such as a drawing or painting.\n...a gallery of pictures depicting Nelson’s most famous battles.\n  VERB: V n\n\n2. To depict someone or something means to describe them or give an impression of them in writing.\nMargaret Atwood’s novel depicts a gloomy, futuristic America...\nChildren’s books often depict farmyard animals as gentle, lovable creatures.\n  VERB: V n, V n as n\n  = portray


Words: depiction
Meaning:
de.pic.tion\n   depiction  depictions\n  A depiction of something is a picture or a written description of it.\n  N-VAR\n  = portrayal


Words: depilatory
Meaning:
de.pila.tory\n   depilatory  depilatories\n1. Depilatory substances and processes remove unwanted hair from your body.\n...a depilatory cream.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n2. A depilatory is a depilatory substance.\n  N-COUNT


Words: deplete
Meaning:
de.plete\n   deplete  depletes  depleting  depleted\n  To deplete a stock or amount of something means to reduce it. (FORMAL)\n...substances that deplete the ozone layer...\n  VERB: V n\n\n=>  de.plet.ed\n...Robert E. Lee’s worn and depleted army.\n  ADJ\n\n=>  de.ple.tion\n...the depletion of underground water supplies.\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu with supp


Words: depleted uranium
Meaning:
de.plet.ed ura.nium\n\n  Depleted uranium is a type of uranium that is used in some bombs.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: deplorable
Meaning:
de.plor.able\n   deplorable\n  If you say that something is deplorable, you think that it is very bad and unacceptable. (FORMAL)\nMany of them live under deplorable conditions...\n  ADJ\n  = appalling\n=>  de.plor.ably\nThe reporters behaved deplorably.\n  ADV: ADV after v, ADV adj


Words: deplore
Meaning:
de.plore\n   deplore  deplores  deploring  deplored\n  If you say that you deplore something, you think it is very wrong or immoral. (FORMAL)\nHe deplored the fact that the Foreign Secretary was driven into resignation...\n  VERB: V n


Words: deploy
Meaning:
de.ploy\n   deploy  deploys  deploying  deployed\n  To deploy troops or military resources means to organize or position them so that they are ready to be used.\nThe president said he had no intention of deploying ground troops.\n  VERB: V n


Words: deployment
Meaning:
de.ploy.ment\n   deployment  deployments\n  The deployment of troops, resources, or equipment is the organization and positioning of them so that they are ready for quick action.\n...the deployment of troops into townships.\n  N-VAR: oft N of n


Words: depopulate
Meaning:
de.popu.late\n   depopulate  depopulates  depopulating  depopulated\n  To depopulate an area means to greatly reduce the number of people living there.\nThe famine threatened to depopulate the continent.\n  VERB: V n\n\n=>  de.popu.lat.ed\n...a small, rural, and depopulated part of the south-west.\n  ADJ\n\n=>  de.popu.la.tion\n...rural depopulation.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: deport
Meaning:
de.port\n   deport  deports  deporting  deported\n  If a government deports someone, usually someone who is not a citizen of that country, it sends them out of the country because they have committed a crime or because it believes they do not have the right to be there.\n...a government decision earlier this month to deport all illegal immigrants...\n  VERB: V n\n\n=>  de.por.ta.tion      deportations\n...thousands of Albanian migrants facing deportation...\n  N-VAR


Words: deportment
Meaning:
de.port.ment\n   deportment\n  Your deportment is the way you behave, especially the way you walk and move. (FORMAL)\n  N-UNCOUNT\n  = bearing


Words: depose
Meaning:
de.pose\n   depose  deposes  deposing  deposed\n  If a ruler or political leader is deposed, they are forced to give up their position.\nMr Ben Bella was deposed in a coup in 1965...\n  VERB: usu passive, be V-ed\n  = oust


Words: deposit
Meaning:
de.pos.it\n   deposit  deposits  depositing  deposited\n1. A deposit is a sum of money which is part of the full price of something, and which you pay when you agree to buy it.\nA .50 deposit is required when ordering, and the balance is due upon delivery.\n  N-COUNT: usu sing\n  = down payment\n2. A deposit is a sum of money which you pay when you start renting something. The money is returned to you if you do not damage what you have rented.\nIt is common to ask for the equivalent of a month’s rent as a deposit.\n  N-COUNT: usu sing\n\n3. A deposit is a sum of money which is in a bank account or savings account, especially a sum which will be left there for some time.\n  N-COUNT\n\n4. A deposit is a sum of money which you have to pay if you want to be a candidate in a parliamentary or European election. The money is returned to you if you receive more than a certain percentage of the votes. (BRIT)\nThe Tory candidate lost his deposit.\n  N-COUNT: oft poss N\n\n5. A deposit is an amount of a substance that has been left somewhere as a result of a chemical or geological process.\n...underground deposits of gold and diamonds.\n  N-COUNT: usu with supp\n\n6. To deposit someone or something somewhere means to put them or leave them there.\nSomeone was seen depositing a packet...\nFritz deposited a glass and two bottles of beer in front of Wolfe...\n  VERB: V n, V n prep/adv\n  = plant\n7. If you deposit something somewhere, you put it where it will be safe until it is needed again.\nYou are advised to deposit valuables in the hotel safe.\n  VERB: V n prep/adv\n\n8. If you deposit a sum of money, you pay it into a bank account or savings account.\nThe customer has to deposit a minimum of .100 monthly.\n  VERB: V n\n  !=withdraw\n9. If a substance is deposited somewhere, it is left there as a result of a chemical or geological process.\nThe phosphate was deposited by the decay of marine microorganisms.\n  VERB: usu passive, be V-ed


Words: deposit account
Meaning:
de.pos.it ac.count\n   deposit account  deposit accounts\n  A deposit account is a type of bank account where the money in it earns interest. (BRIT; in AM, use savings account)\n  N-COUNT


Words: deposition
Meaning:
depo.si.tion\n   deposition  depositions\n  A deposition is a formal written statement, made for example by a witness to a crime, which can be used in a court of law if the witness cannot be present.\nThe jury heard 200 pages of depositions.\n  N-COUNT


Words: depositor
Meaning:
de.posi.tor\n   depositor  depositors\n  A bank’s depositors are the people who have accounts with that bank.\n  N-COUNT


Words: depository
Meaning:
de.posi.tory\n   depository  depositories\n  A depository is a place where objects can be stored safely.\n  N-COUNT


Words: depot
Meaning:
de.pot\n   depot  depots\n1. A depot is a place where large amounts of raw materials, equipment, arms, or other supplies are kept until they are needed.\n...food depots.\n...a government arms depot.\n  N-COUNT\n  = warehouse\n2. A depot is a large building or open area where buses or railway engines are kept when they are not being used. (mainly BRIT)\n  N-COUNT\n\n3. A depot is a bus station or railway station. (AM)\n...a bus depot in Ozark, Alabama.\n  N-COUNT


Words: deprave
Meaning:
de.prave\n   deprave  depraves  depraving  depraved\n  Something that depraves someone makes them morally bad or evil. (FORMAL)\n...material likely to deprave or corrupt those who see it.\n  VERB: V n\n  = corrupt


Words: depraved
Meaning:
de.praved\n   depraved\n  Depraved actions, things, or people are morally bad or evil.\n...a disturbing and depraved film...\n  ADJ\n  = degenerate


Words: depravity
Meaning:
de.prav.ity\n   depravity\n  Depravity is very dishonest or immoral behaviour. (FORMAL)\n...the absolute depravity that can exist in war.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: deprecate
Meaning:
dep.re.cate\n   deprecate  deprecates  deprecating  deprecated\n  If you deprecate something, you criticize it. (FORMAL)\nHe deprecated the low quality of entrants to the profession...\n  VERB: V n


Words: deprecating
Meaning:
dep.re.cat.ing\n   deprecating\n  A deprecating attitude, gesture, or remark shows that you think that something is not very good, especially something associated with yourself. (WRITTEN)\nErica made a little deprecating shrug.\n  ADJ\n\n=>  dep.re.cat.ing.ly\nHe speaks deprecatingly of his father as a lonely man.\n  ADV: ADV after v


Words: depreciate
Meaning:
de.pre.ci.ate\n   depreciate  depreciates  depreciating  depreciated\n  If something such as a currency depreciates or if something depreciates it, it loses some of its original value.\nInflation is rising rapidly; the yuan is depreciating...\nThe demand for foreign currency depreciates the real value of local currencies...\nDuring those five years, the pound depreciated by a quarter...\n  VERB: V, V n, V by amount\n\n=>  de.pre.cia.tion      depreciations\n...miscellaneous costs, including machinery depreciation and wages...\n  N-VAR


Words: depredation
Meaning:
dep.re.da.tion\n   depredation  depredations\n  The depredations of a person, animal, or force are their harmful actions, which usually involve taking or damaging something. (FORMAL)\nMuch of the region’s environmental depredation is a result of poor planning.\n  N-VAR: usu with supp


Words: depress
Meaning:
de.press\n   depress  depresses  depressing  depressed\n1. If someone or something depresses you, they make you feel sad and disappointed.\nI must admit the state of the country depresses me...\n  VERB: V n\n\n2. If something depresses prices, wages, or figures, it causes them to become less.\nThe stronger U.S. dollar depressed sales.\n  VERB: V n


Words: depressed
Meaning:
de.pressed\n   depressed\n1. If you are depressed, you are sad and feel that you cannot enjoy anything, because your situation is so difficult and unpleasant.\nShe’s been very depressed and upset about this whole situation.\n  ADJ: usu v-link ADJ\n\n2. A depressed place or industry does not have enough business or employment to be successful.\n...legislation to encourage investment in depressed areas...\n  ADJ\n  = run-down


Words: depressing
Meaning:
de.press.ing\n   depressing\n  Something that is depressing makes you feel sad and disappointed.\nYesterday’s unemployment figures were depressing...\n  ADJ\n\n=>  de.press.ing.ly\nIt all sounded depressingly familiar to Janet.\n  ADV: usu ADV adj


Words: depression
Meaning:
de.pres.sion\n   depression  depressions\n1. Depression is a mental state in which you are sad and feel that you cannot enjoy anything, because your situation is so difficult and unpleasant.\nMr Thomas was suffering from depression...\n  N-VAR\n\n2. A depression is a time when there is very little economic activity, which causes a lot of unemployment and poverty.\nHe never forgot the hardships he witnessed during the Great Depression of the 1930s.\n  N-COUNT\n  = slump\n3. A depression in a surface is an area which is lower than the parts surrounding it.\n...an area pockmarked by rain-filled depressions.\n  N-COUNT\n  = hollow\n4. A depression is a mass of air that has a low pressure and that often causes rain.\n  N-COUNT


Words: depressive
Meaning:
de.pres.sive\n   depressive  depressives\n1. Depressive means relating to depression or to being depressed.\nHe’s no longer a depressive character.\n...a severe depressive disorder.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n2. A depressive is someone who suffers from depression.\n  N-COUNT\n\n  see also manic-depressive


Words: deprivation
Meaning:
dep.ri.va.tion\n   deprivation  deprivations\n  If you suffer deprivation, you do not have or are prevented from having something that you want or need.\nMillions more suffer from serious sleep deprivation caused by long work hours.\n  N-VAR: oft supp N


Words: deprive
Meaning:
de.prive\n   deprive  deprives  depriving  deprived\n  If you deprive someone of something that they want or need, you take it away from them, or you prevent them from having it.\nThey’ve been deprived of the fuel necessary to heat their homes.\n  VERB: V n of n


Words: deprived
Meaning:
de.prived\n   deprived\n  Deprived people or people from deprived areas do not have the things that people consider to be essential in life, for example acceptable living conditions or education.\n...probably the most severely deprived children in the country.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: dept
Meaning:
dept depts\nin AM, use dept.\n  Dept is used as a written abbreviation for department, usually in the name of a particular department.\n...the Internal Affairs Dept.


Words: depth
Meaning:
depth  depths\n1. The depth of something such as a river or hole is the distance downwards from its top surface, or between its upper and lower surfaces.\nThe smaller lake ranges from five to fourteen feet in depth...\nThe depth of the shaft is 520 yards...\nThey were detected at depths of more than a kilometre in the sea.\n  N-VAR: oft amount in N, with poss, N of amount\n\n2. The depth of something such as a cupboard or drawer is the distance between its front surface and its back.\n  N-VAR: oft amount in N, with poss, N of amount\n\n3. If an emotion is very strongly or intensely felt, you can talk about its depth.\nI am well aware of the depth of feeling that exists in Londonderry...\n  N-VAR: usu N of n\n  = strength\n4. The depth of a situation is its extent and seriousness.\nThe country’s leadership had underestimated the depth of the crisis.\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu N of n\n  = severity\n5. The depth of someone’s knowledge is the great amount that they know.\nWe felt at home with her and were impressed with the depth of her knowledge...\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu N of n\n\n6. If you say that someone or something has depth, you mean that they have serious and interesting qualities which are not immediately obvious and which you have to think about carefully before you can fully understand them.\nHis music lacks depth...\n  N-UNCOUNT: also N in pl\n\n7. The depths are places that are a long way below the surface of the sea or earth. (LITERARY)\nThe ship vanished into the depths.\n  N-PLURAL: the N\n\n8. If you talk about the depths of an area, you mean the parts of it which are very far from the edge.\n...the depths of the countryside...\n  N-PLURAL: the N of n\n\n9. If you are in the depths of an unpleasant emotion, you feel that emotion very strongly.\nI was in the depths of despair when the baby was sick.\n  N-PLURAL: the N of n\n\n10. If something happens in the depths of a difficult or unpleasant period of time, it happens in the middle and most severe or intense part of it.\nThe country is in the depths of a recession.\n  N-PLURAL: the N of n\n\n11. If you deal with a subject in depth, you deal with it very thoroughly and consider all the aspects of it.\nWe will discuss these three areas in depth...\n  PHRASE: PHR after v\n\n12. If you say that someone is out of their depth, you mean that they are in a situation that is much too difficult for them to be able to cope with it.\nMr Gibson is clearly intellectually out of his depth...\n  PHRASE: usu v-link PHR\n\n13. If you are out of your depth, you are in water that is deeper than you are tall, with the result that you cannot stand up with your head above water.\n  PHRASE: v-link PHR\n\n14.\nto plumb new depths: see plumb\nto plumb the depths: see plumb


Words: depth charge
Meaning:
depth charge  depth charges\n  A depth charge is a type of bomb which explodes under water and which is used especially to destroy enemy submarines.\n  N-COUNT


Words: deputation
Meaning:
depu.ta.tion\n   deputation  deputations\n  A deputation is a small group of people who have been asked to speak to someone on behalf of a larger group of people, especially in order to make a complaint.\nA deputation of elders from the village arrived headed by its chief.\n  N-COUNT\n  = delegation


Words: depute
Meaning:
de.pute\n   depute  deputes  deputing  deputed\n  If you are deputed to do something, someone tells or allows you to do it on their behalf. (FORMAL)\nA sub-committee was deputed to investigate the claims.\n  VERB: usu passive, be V-ed to-inf


Words: deputize
Meaning:
depu.tize\n   deputize  deputizes  deputizing  deputized\nin BRIT, also use deputise\n  If you deputize for someone, you do something on their behalf, for example attend a meeting.\nI sometimes had to deputise for him in the kitchen...\nHerr Schulmann cannot be here to welcome you and has asked me to deputize.\n  VERB: V for n, V


Words: deputy
Meaning:
depu.ty\n   deputy  deputies\n1. A deputy is the second most important person in an organization such as a business or government department. Someone’s deputy often acts on their behalf when they are not there.\n...Jack Lang, France’s minister for culture, and his deputy, Catherine Tasca.\n  N-COUNT: oft N n\n\n2. In some parliaments or law-making bodies, the elected members are called deputies.\n  N-COUNT


Words: derail
Meaning:
de.rail\n   derail  derails  derailing  derailed\n1. To derail something such as a plan or a series of negotiations means to prevent it from continuing as planned. (JOURNALISM)\nThe present wave of political killings is the work of people trying to derail peace talks.\n  VERB: V n\n\n2. If a train is derailed or if it derails, it comes off the track on which it is running.\nSeveral people were injured today when a train was derailed...\nNo-one knows why the train derailed.\n  VERB: be V-ed, V


Words: derailment
Meaning:
de.rail.ment\n   derailment  derailments\n  A derailment is an accident in which a train comes off the track on which it is running.\n  N-VAR


Words: deranged
Meaning:
de.ranged\n   deranged\n  Someone who is deranged behaves in a wild and uncontrolled way, often as a result of mental illness.\nA deranged man shot and killed 14 people.\n  ADJ


Words: derangement
Meaning:
de.range.ment\n   derangement\n  Derangement is the state of being mentally ill and unable to think or act in a controlled way. (OLD-FASHIONED)\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: derby
Meaning:
der.by\n   derby  derbies\n1. A derby is a sporting event involving teams from the same area or city. (BRIT)\n...a North London derby between Arsenal and Tottenham.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. A derby is a sports competition or race where there are no restrictions or limits on who can enter. (AM)\n  N-COUNT: oft n N


Words: deregulate
Meaning:
de.regu.late\n   deregulate  deregulates  deregulating  deregulated\n  To deregulate something means to remove controls and regulations from it.\n...the need to deregulate the US airline industry...\n  VERB: V n


Words: deregulation
Meaning:
de.regu.la.tion\n   deregulation\n  Deregulation is the removal of controls and restrictions in a particular area of business or trade. (BUSINESS)\nSince deregulation, banks are permitted to set their own interest rates.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: derelict
Meaning:
der.elict\n   derelict\n  A place or building that is derelict is empty and in a bad state of repair because it has not been used or lived in for a long time.\nHer body was found dumped in a derelict warehouse less than a mile from her home.\n  ADJ


Words: dereliction
Meaning:
der.elic.tion\n   dereliction\n  If a building or a piece of land is in a state of dereliction, it is deserted or abandoned.\nThe previous owners had rescued the building from dereliction.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: dereliction of duty
Meaning:
der.elic.tion of duty\n   dereliction of duty\n  Dereliction of duty is deliberate or accidental failure to do what you should do as part of your job. (FORMAL)\nHe pleaded guilty to wilful dereliction of duty.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n  = negligence


Words: deride
Meaning:
de.ride\n   deride  derides  deriding  derided\n  If you deride someone or something, you say that they are stupid or have no value. (FORMAL)\nOpposition MPs derided the Government’s response to the crisis...\n  VERB: V n\n  = ridicule


Words: derision
Meaning:
de.ri.sion\n   derision\n  If you treat someone or something with derision, you express contempt for them.\nHe tried to calm them, but was greeted with shouts of derision.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n  = disdain


Words: derisive
Meaning:
de.ri.sive\n   derisive\n  A derisive noise, expression, or remark expresses contempt.\nThere was a short, derisive laugh.\n  ADJ\n  = contemptuous\n=>  de.ri.sive.ly\nPhil’s tormentor snorted derisively.\n  ADV: ADV with v


Words: derisory
Meaning:
de.ri.sory\n   derisory\n1. If you describe something such as an amount of money as derisory, you are emphasizing that it is so small or inadequate that it seems silly or not worth considering.\nShe was being paid what I considered a derisory amount of money...\n  ADJ  disapproval\n\n2. Derisory means the same as derisive.\n...derisory remarks about the police.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: derivation
Meaning:
deri.va.tion\n   derivation  derivations\n  The derivation of something, especially a word, is its origin or source.\nThe derivation of its name is obscure...\n  N-VAR: oft N of n, of adj N\n  = origin


Words: derivative
Meaning:
de.riva.tive\n   derivative  derivatives\n1. A derivative is something which has been developed or obtained from something else.\n...a poppy-seed derivative similar to heroin...\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. If you say that something is derivative, you are criticizing it because it is not new or original but has been developed from something else.\n...their dull, derivative debut album...\n  ADJ  disapproval


Words: derive
Meaning:
de.rive\n   derive  derives  deriving  derived\n1. If you derive something such as pleasure or benefit from a person or from something, you get it from them. (FORMAL)\nMr Ying is one of those happy people who derive pleasure from helping others.\n  VERB: V n from n/-ing\n\n2. If you say that something such as a word or feeling derives or is derived from something else, you mean that it comes from that thing.\nAnna’s strength is derived from her parents and her sisters...\nThe word Easter derives from Eostre, the pagan goddess of spring.\n  VERB: be V-ed from n, V from n


Words: dermatitis
Meaning:
der.ma.ti.tis\n   dermatitis\n  Dermatitis is a medical condition which makes your skin red and painful.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: dermatologist
Meaning:
der.ma.tolo.gist\n   dermatologist  dermatologists\n  A dermatologist is a doctor who specializes in the study of skin and the treatment of skin diseases.\n  N-COUNT\n\n=>  der.ma.tol.ogy\n...drugs used in dermatology.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: derogatory
Meaning:
de.roga.tory\n   derogatory\n  If you make a derogatory remark or comment about someone or something, you express your low opinion of them.\nHe refused to withdraw derogatory remarks made about his boss.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: derrick
Meaning:
der.rick\n   derrick  derricks\n1. A derrick is a machine that is used to move cargo on a ship by lifting it in the air.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. A derrick is a tower built over an oil well which is used to raise and lower the drill.\n  N-COUNT


Words: derring-do
Meaning:
derring-do\n  Derring-do is the quality of being bold, often in a rather showy or foolish way. (OLD-FASHIONED)\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: dervish
Meaning:
der.vish\n   dervish  dervishes\n1. A dervish is a member of a Muslim religious group which has a very active and lively dance as part of its worship.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. If you say that someone is like a dervish, you mean that they are turning round and round, waving their arms about, or working very quickly.\nBrian was whirling like a dervish, slapping at the mosquitoes and moaning.\n  PHRASE: v-link PHR


Words: desalination
Meaning:
de.sali.na.tion\n   desalination\n  Desalination is the process of removing salt from sea water so that it can be used for drinking, or for watering crops.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: descant
Meaning:
des.cant\n   descant  descants\n  A descant is a tune which is played or sung above the main tune in a piece of music.\n  N-COUNT


Words: descend
Meaning:
de.scend\n   descend  descends  descending  descended\n1. If you descend or if you descend a staircase, you move downwards from a higher to a lower level. (FORMAL)\nThings are cooler and more damp as we descend to the cellar...\nShe descended one flight of stairs.\n  VERB: V prep, V n\n  = go down  !=rise, ascend\n2. When a mood or atmosphere descends on a place or on the people there, it affects them by spreading among them. (LITERARY)\nAn uneasy calm descended on the area...\n  VERB: V on/upon/over n, also V\n  = fall\n3. If a large group of people arrive to see you, especially if their visit is unexpected or causes you a lot of work, you can say that they have descended on you.\n3,000 city officials descended on Capitol Hill to lobby for more money...\n  VERB: V on/upon n\n\n4. When night, dusk, or darkness descends, it starts to get dark. (LITERARY)\nDarkness has now descended and the moon and stars shine hazily in the clear sky.\n  VERB: V\n  = fall\n5. If you say that someone descends to behaviour which you consider unacceptable, you are expressing your disapproval of the fact that they do it.\nWe’re not going to descend to such methods...\n  VERB: V to n/-ing  disapproval\n  = stoop, sink\n6. When you want to emphasize that the situation that someone is entering is very bad, you can say that they are descending into that situation.\nHe was ultimately overthrown and the country descended into chaos.\n  VERB: V into n  emphasis\n  = fall, slide


Words: descendant
Meaning:
de.scend.ant\n   descendant  descendants\n1. Someone’s descendants are the people in later generations who are related to them.\nThey are descendants of the original English and Scottish settlers.\n  N-COUNT: usu pl, usu with poss\n  !=ancestor\n2. Something modern which developed from an older thing can be called a descendant of it.\nHis design was a descendant of a 1956 device...\n  N-COUNT: usu N of n\n  !=ancestor


Words: descended
Meaning:
de.scend.ed\n   descended\n1. A person who is descended from someone who lived a long time ago is directly related to them.\nShe told us she was descended from some Scottish Lord.\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ from n\n\n2. An animal that is descended from another sort of animal has developed from the original sort.\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ from n


Words: descending
Meaning:
de.scend.ing\n   descending\n  When a group of things is listed or arranged in descending order, each thing is smaller or less important than the thing before it.\nAll the other ingredients, including water, have to be listed in descending order by weight.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n  !=ascending


Words: descent
Meaning:
de.scent\n   descent  descents\n1. A descent is a movement from a higher to a lower level or position.\n...the crash of an Airbus A300 on its descent into Kathmandu airport.\n  N-VAR\n  !=ascent\n2. A descent is a surface that slopes downwards, for example the side of a steep hill.\nOn the descents, cyclists spin past cars, freewheeling downhill at tremendous speed.\n  N-COUNT\n  !=ascent\n3. When you want to emphasize that a situation becomes very bad, you can talk about someone’s or something’s descent into that situation.\n...his swift descent from respected academic to struggling small businessman.\n  N-SING: usu poss N into/from/to n  emphasis\n  = decline\n4. You use descent to talk about a person’s family background, for example their nationality or social status. (FORMAL)\nAll the contributors were of African descent.\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu of adj N\n  = origin, ancestry


Words: describe
Meaning:
de.scribe\n   describe  describes  describing  described\n1. If you describe a person, object, event, or situation, you say what they are like or what happened.\nWe asked her to describe what kind of things she did in her spare time...\nShe read a poem by Carver which describes their life together...\nJust before his death he described seeing their son in a beautiful garden.\n  VERB: V wh, V n, V -ing\n\n2. If a person describes someone or something as a particular thing, he or she believes that they are that thing and says so.\nHe described it as an extraordinarily tangled and complicated tale...\nEven his closest allies describe him as forceful, aggressive and determined...\nHe described the meeting as marking a new stage in the peace process.\n  VERB: V n as n, V n as adj, V n as -ing


Words: description
Meaning:
de.scrip.tion\n   description  descriptions\n1. A description of someone or something is an account which explains what they are or what they look like.\nPolice have issued a description of the man who was aged between fifty and sixty...\nHe has a real gift for vivid description.\n  N-VAR: oft N of n\n\n2. If something is of a particular description, it belongs to the general class of items that are mentioned.\nEvents of this description occurred daily.\n  N-SING: of N\n  = kind, type\n3. You can say that something is beyond description, or that it defies description, to emphasize that it is very unusual, impressive, terrible, or extreme.\nHis face is weary beyond description...\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft beyond N  emphasis


Words: descriptive
Meaning:
de.scrip.tive\n   descriptive\n  Descriptive language or writing indicates what someone or something is like.\n...his descriptive way of writing.\n  ADJ


Words: desecrate
Meaning:
des.ecrate\n   desecrate  desecrates  desecrating  desecrated\n  If someone desecrates something which is considered to be holy or very special, they deliberately damage or insult it.\nShe shouldn’t have desecrated the picture of a religious leader...\n  VERB: V n\n\n=>  des.ecra.tion\nThe whole area has been shocked by the desecration of the cemetery.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft N of n


Words: deseed
Meaning:
de.seed\n   deseed  deseeds  deseeding  deseeded   also de-seed\n  To deseed a fruit or vegetable means to remove all the seeds from it. (BRIT)\nHalve and deseed the peppers.\n  VERB: V n


Words: desegregate
Meaning:
de.seg.re.gate\n   desegregate  desegregates  desegregating  desegregated\n  To desegregate something such as a place, institution, or service means to officially stop keeping the people who use it in separate groups, especially groups that are defined by race.\n...efforts to desegregate sport...\nThe school system itself is not totally desegregated.\n  VERB: V n, V-ed\n  = integrate  !=segregate\n=>  de.seg.re.ga.tion\nDesegregation may be harder to enforce in rural areas.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: desensitize
Meaning:
de.sen.si.tize\n   desensitize  desensitizes  desensitizing  desensitized\nin BRIT, also use desensitise\n  To desensitize someone to things such as pain, anxiety, or other people’s suffering, means to cause them to react less strongly to them.\n...the language that is used to desensitize us to the terrible reality of war...\n  VERB: V n to n


Words: desert
Meaning:
des.ert\n   desert deserts deserting  deserted\nThe noun is pronounced   The verb is pronounced   and is hyphenated de.sert.\n1. A desert is a large area of land, usually in a hot region, where there is almost no water, rain, trees, or plants.\n...the Sahara Desert.\n...the burning desert sun...\n  N-VAR: oft in names after n\n\n2. If people or animals desert a place, they leave it and it becomes empty.\nFarmers are deserting their fields and coming here looking for jobs...\n  VERB: V n\n\n=>  de.sert.ed\nShe led them into a deserted sidestreet.\n  ADJ\n  = empty\n3. If someone deserts you, they go away and leave you, and no longer help or support you.\nMrs Roding’s husband deserted her years ago...\n  VERB: V n\n  = abandon\n=>  de.ser.tion      desertions\n...her father’s desertion.\n  N-VAR\n\n4. If you desert something that you support, use, or are involved with, you stop supporting it, using it, or being involved with it.\nThe paper’s price rise will encourage readers to desert in even greater numbers...\nHe was pained to see many youngsters deserting kibbutz life...\nSpaniards are worried about German investors deserting Spain for Eastern Europe.\n  VERB: V, V n, V n for n\n\n=>  de.ser.tion\n...a mass desertion of the Party by the electorate.\n  N-VAR\n\n5. If a quality or skill that you normally have deserts you, you suddenly find that you do not have it when you need it or want it.\nEven when he appeared to be depressed, a dry sense of humour never deserted him...\nShe lost the next five games, and the set, as her confidence abruptly deserted her.\n  VERB: V n, V n\n  = leave\n6. If someone deserts, or deserts a job, especially a job in the armed forces, they leave that job without permission.\nHe was a second-lieutenant in the army until he deserted...\nHe deserted from army intelligence last month...\n  VERB: V, V from n\n\n=>  de.ser.tion\nThe high rate of desertion has added to the army’s woes...\n  N-VAR\n\n7. If you say that someone has got their just deserts, you mean that they deserved the unpleasant things that have happened to them, because they did something bad.\nAt the end of the book the child’s true identity is discovered, and the bad guys get their just deserts.\n  PHRASE  feelings


Words: desert island
Meaning:
des.ert is.land\n   desert island  desert islands\n  A desert island is a small tropical island, where nobody lives.\n  N-COUNT


Words: deserter
Meaning:
de.sert.er\n   deserter  deserters\n  A deserter is someone who leaves their job in the armed forces without permission.\n  N-COUNT


Words: desertification
Meaning:
des.er.ti.fi.ca.tion\n   desertification\n  Desertification is the process by which a piece of land becomes dry, empty, and unsuitable for growing trees or crops on.\nA third of Africa is under threat of desertification.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: deserve
Meaning:
de.serve\n   deserve  deserves  deserving  deserved\n1. If you say that a person or thing deserves something, you mean that they should have it or receive it because of their actions or qualities.\nGovernment officials clearly deserve some of the blame as well...\nThese people deserve to make more than the minimum wage...\nI felt I deserved better than that...\nThe Park Hotel has a well-deserved reputation.\n  VERB: V n, V to-inf, V compar, V-ed\n\n2. If you say that someone got what they deserved, you mean that they deserved the bad thing that happened to them, and you have no sympathy for them.\nOne of them said the two dead joy riders got what they deserved.\n  PHRASE  feelings


Words: deservedly
Meaning:
de.serv.ed.ly\n   deservedly\n  You use deservedly to indicate that someone deserved what happened to them, especially when it was something good.\nHe deservedly won the Player of the Year award...\n  ADV: ADV with v, ADV adj/adv, ADV with cl


Words: deserving
Meaning:
de.serv.ing\n   deserving\n1. If you describe a person, organization, or cause as deserving, you mean that you think they should be helped.\nThe money saved could be used for more deserving causes.\n  ADJ\n  = worthy\n2. If someone is deserving of something, they have qualities or achievements which make it right that they should receive it. (FORMAL)\n...artists deserving of public subsidy.\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ of n


Words: desiccated
Meaning:
des.ic.ca.ted\n   desiccated\n1. Desiccated things have lost all the moisture that was in them. (FORMAL)\n...desiccated flowers and leaves.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n2. Desiccated food has been dried in order to preserve it.\n...desiccated coconut.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: desiccation
Meaning:
des.ic.ca.tion\n   desiccation\n  Desiccation is the process of becoming completely dried out. (FORMAL)\n...the disastrous consequences of the desiccation of the wetland.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: design
Meaning:
de.sign\n   design  designs  designing  designed\n1. When someone designs a garment, building, machine, or other object, they plan it and make a detailed drawing of it from which it can be built or made.\nThey wanted to design a machine that was both attractive and practical.\n...men wearing specially designed boots.\n  VERB: V n, V-ed\n\n2. When someone designs a survey, policy, or system, they plan and prepare it, and decide on all the details of it.\nWe may be able to design a course to suit your particular needs...\nA number of very well designed studies have been undertaken.\n  VERB: V n, V-ed\n\n3. Design is the process and art of planning and making detailed drawings of something.\nHe was a born mechanic with a flair for design...\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n4. The design of something is the way in which it has been planned and made.\n...a new design of clock...\nBMW is recalling 8,000 cars because of a design fault.\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu with supp\n\n5. A design is a drawing which someone produces to show how they would like something to be built or made.\nThey drew up the design for the house in a week.\n  N-COUNT\n  = plan\n6. A design is a pattern of lines, flowers, or shapes which is used to decorate something.\nMany pictures have been based on simple geometric designs.\n  N-COUNT\n  = motif\n7. A design is a general plan or intention that someone has in their mind when they are doing something.\nIs there some design in having him in the middle?...\n  N-COUNT\n\n8. If something is designed for a particular purpose, it is intended for that purpose.\nThis project is designed to help landless people...\nIt’s not designed for anyone under age eighteen.\n  V-PASSIVE: be V-ed to-inf, be V-ed for n\n\n9. If something happens or is done by design, someone does it deliberately, rather than by accident.\nThe pair met often.at first by chance but later by design.\n  PHRASE\n  = on purpose\n10. If someone has designs on something, they want it and are planning to get it, often in a dishonest way.\nHis colonel had designs on his wife...\n  PHRASE: V inflects


Words: designate
Meaning:
des.ig.nate\n   designate designates designating  designated\nThe verb is pronounced   The adjective is pronounced\n1. When you designate someone or something as a particular thing, you formally give them that description or name.\n...a man interviewed in one of our studies whom we shall designate as E...\nThere are efforts under way to designate the bridge a historic landmark...\nI live in Exmoor, which is designated as a national park.\n  VERB: V n as n, V n n, V-ed\n\n2. If something is designated for a particular purpose, it is set aside for that purpose.\nSome of the rooms were designated as offices.\n...scholarships designated for minorities...\n  VERB: usu passive, be V-ed as/for n, V-ed\n\n3. When you designate someone as something, you formally choose them to do that particular job.\nDesignate someone as the spokesperson...\n  VERB: V n as n\n\n4. Designate is used to describe someone who has been formally chosen to do a particular job, but has not yet started doing it.\nJapan’s Prime Minister-designate is completing his Cabinet today.\n  ADJ: n ADJ


Words: designated driver
Meaning:
des.ig.nat.ed driv.er\n   designated driver  designated drivers\n  The designated driver in a group of people travelling together is the one who has agreed to drive, or who is insured to drive.\n  N-COUNT: usu sing


Words: designation
Meaning:
des.ig.na.tion\n   designation  designations\n  A designation is a description, name, or title that is given to someone or something. Designation is the fact of giving that description, name, or title. (FORMAL)\n...the designation of Madrid as European City of Culture 1992.\n  N-VAR


Words: designer
Meaning:
de.sign.er\n   designer  designers\n1. A designer is a person whose job is to design things by making drawings of them.\nCarolyne is a fashion designer.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. Designer clothes or designer labels are expensive, fashionable clothes made by a famous designer, rather than being made in large quantities in a factory.\nHe wears designer clothes and drives an antique car...\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n3. You can use designer to describe things that are worn or bought because they are fashionable. (INFORMAL)\nDesigner beers and trendy wines have replaced the good old British pint.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: designer baby
Meaning:
de.sign.er baby\n   designer baby designer babies  also designer child\n  People sometimes refer to a baby that has developed from an embryo with certain desired characteristics as a designer baby. (mainly JOURNALISM)\n  N-COUNT


Words: desirable
Meaning:
de.sir.able\n   desirable\n1. Something that is desirable is worth having or doing because it is useful, necessary, or popular.\nProlonged negotiation was not desirable...\n  ADJ\n\n=>  de.sir.abil.ity\n...the desirability of democratic reform.\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu the N of n/-ing\n\n2. Someone who is desirable is considered to be sexually attractive.\n...the young women whom his classmates thought most desirable.\n  ADJ\n\n=>  de.sir.abil.ity\n...Veronica’s desirability.\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu poss N


Words: desire
Meaning:
de.sire\n   desire  desires  desiring  desired\n1. A desire is a strong wish to do or have something.\nI had a strong desire to help and care for people...\nThey seem to have lost their desire for life.\n  N-COUNT: oft N to-inf, N for n\n\n2. If you desire something, you want it. (FORMAL)\nShe had remarried and desired a child with her new husband...\nBut Fred was bored and desired to go home...\n  VERB: no cont, V n, V to-inf\n\n=>  de.sired\nYou may find that just threatening this course of action will produce the desired effect...\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n3. Desire for someone is a strong feeling of wanting to have sex with them.\nTeenage sex, for instance, may come not out of genuine desire but from a need to get love.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n4. If you say that something leaves a lot to be desired, you mean that it is not as good as it should be.\nThe selection of TV programmes, especially at the weekend, leaves a lot to be desired...\n  PHRASE: V inflects  disapproval


Words: desirous
Meaning:
de.sir.ous\n   desirous\n  If you are desirous of doing something or desirous of something, you want to do it very much or want it very much. (FORMAL)\nThe enemy is so desirous of peace that he will agree to any terms.\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ of -ing


Words: desist
Meaning:
de.sist\n   desist  desists  desisting  desisted\n  If you desist from doing something, you stop doing it. (FORMAL)\nFord never desisted from trying to persuade him to return to America...\n  VERB: V from -ing


Words: desk
Meaning:
desk  desks\n1. A desk is a table, often with drawers, which you sit at to write or work.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. The place in a hotel, hospital, airport, or other building where you check in or obtain information is referred to as a particular desk.\nI spoke to the girl on the reception desk...\n  N-SING: usu supp N\n\n3. A particular department of a broadcasting company, or of a newspaper or magazine company, can be referred to as a particular desk.\nOver now to Simon Ingram at the sports desk.\n  N-SING: supp N


Words: desk clerk
Meaning:
desk clerk  desk clerks\n  A desk clerk is someone who works at the main desk in a hotel. (AM; in BRIT, use receptionist)\n  N-COUNT


Words: deskill
Meaning:
de.skill\n   deskill  deskills  deskilling  deskilled\n  If workers are deskilled, they no longer need special skills to do their work, especially because of modern methods of production.\nAdministrative staff may be deskilled through increased automation and efficiency.\n  VERB: oft passive, be V-ed


Words: desktop
Meaning:
desk.top\n   desktop  desktops   also desk-top\n1. Desktop computers are a convenient size for using on a desk or table, but are not designed to be portable.\nWhen launched, the Macintosh was the smallest desktop computer ever produced.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n2. A desktop is a desktop computer.\n  N-COUNT\n\n3. The desktop of a computer is the display of icons that you see on the screen when the computer is ready to use.\n  N-COUNT


Words: desktop publishing
Meaning:
desk.top pub.lish.ing\n   desktop publishing\n  Desktop publishing is the production of printed materials such as newspapers and magazines using a desktop computer and a laser printer, rather than using conventional printing methods. The abbreviation DTP is also used.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: desolate
Meaning:
deso.late\n   desolate\n1. A desolate place is empty of people and lacking in comfort.\n...a desolate landscape of flat green fields broken by marsh...\n  ADJ\n  = bleak\n2. If someone is desolate, they feel very sad, alone, and without hope. (LITERARY)\nHe was desolate without her.\n  ADJ: usu v-link ADJ


Words: desolation
Meaning:
deso.la.tion\n   desolation\n1. Desolation is a feeling of great unhappiness and hopelessness.\nKozelek expresses his sense of desolation absolutely without self-pity.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n  = misery\n2. If you refer to desolation in a place, you mean that it is empty and frightening, for example because it has been destroyed by a violent force or army.\nWe looked out upon a scene of desolation and ruin...\n  N-UNCOUNT  disapproval\n  = devastation


Words: despair
Meaning:
des.pair\n   despair  despairs  despairing  despaired\n1. Despair is the feeling that everything is wrong and that nothing will improve.\nI looked at my wife in despair...\n...feelings of despair or inadequacy.\n  N-UNCOUNT: also N in pl\n\n2. If you despair, you feel that everything is wrong and that nothing will improve.\n`Oh, I despair sometimes,’ he says in mock sorrow...\nHe does despair at much of the press criticism.\n  VERB: V, V at n\n\n3. If you despair of something, you feel that there is no hope that it will happen or improve. If you despair of someone, you feel that there is no hope that they will improve.\nHe wished to earn a living through writing but despaired of doing so.\n  VERB: V of -ing


Words: desperado
Meaning:
des.pe.ra.do\n   desperado  desperadoes  or desperados\n  A desperado is someone who does illegal, violent things without worrying about the danger. (OLD-FASHIONED)\n  N-COUNT


Words: desperate
Meaning:
des.per.ate\n   desperate\n1. If you are desperate, you are in such a bad situation that you are willing to try anything to change it.\nTroops are needed to help get food into Kosovo where people are in desperate need...\nHe made a desperate attempt to hijack a plane.\n  ADJ\n\n=>  des.per.ate.ly\nThousands are desperately trying to leave their battered homes.\n  ADV: ADV with v\n\n2. If you are desperate for something or desperate to do something, you want or need it very much indeed.\nThey’d been married nearly four years and June was desperate to start a family...\nPeople are desperate for him to do something.\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ, usu ADJ to-inf, ADJ for n\n\n=>  des.per.ate.ly\nHe was a boy who desperately needed affection.\n  ADV: ADV with v\n\n3. A desperate situation is very difficult, serious, or dangerous.\nIndia’s United Nations ambassador said the situation is desperate...\n  ADJ\n  = dire


Words: desperation
Meaning:
des.pera.tion\n   desperation\n  Desperation is the feeling that you have when you are in such a bad situation that you will try anything to change it.\nThis feeling of desperation and helplessness was common to most of the refugees...\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: despicable
Meaning:
des.pic.able\n   despicable\n  If you say that a person or action is despicable, you are emphasizing that they are extremely nasty, cruel, or evil.\nThe Minister said the bombing was a despicable crime.\n  ADJ  emphasis


Words: despise
Meaning:
des.pise\n   despise  despises  despising  despised\n  If you despise something or someone, you dislike them and have a very low opinion of them.\nI can never, ever forgive him. I despise him...\n  VERB: V n


Words: despite
Meaning:
de.spite\n   despite\n1. You use despite to introduce a fact which makes the other part of the sentence surprising.\nThe National Health Service has visibly deteriorated, despite increased spending...\nShe will stand by husband, despite reports that he sent another woman love notes.\n  PREP: PREP n/-ing\n  = in spite of\n2. If you do something despite yourself you do it although you did not really intend or expect to.\nDespite myself, Harry’s remarks had caused me to stop and reflect.\n  PREP: PREP pron-refl


Words: despoil
Meaning:
de.spoil\n   despoil  despoils  despoiling  despoiled\n  To despoil a place means to make it less attractive, valuable, or important by taking things away from it or by destroying it. (FORMAL)\n...people who despoil the countryside.\n  VERB: V n


Words: despondency
Meaning:
de.spond.en.cy\n   despondency\n  Despondency is a strong feeling of unhappiness caused by difficulties which you feel you cannot overcome.\nThere’s a mood of gloom and despondency in the country.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n  = dejection


Words: despondent
Meaning:
de.spond.ent\n   despondent\n  If you are despondent, you are very unhappy because you have been experiencing difficulties that you think you will not be able to overcome.\nI feel despondent when my work is rejected.\n  ADJ\n\n=>  de.spond.ent.ly\nDespondently, I went back and told Bill the news.\n  ADV: ADV with v


Words: despot
Meaning:
des.pot\n   despot  despots\n  A despot is a ruler or other person who has a lot of power and who uses it unfairly or cruelly.\n  N-COUNT\n  = tyrant, dictator


Words: despotic
Meaning:
des.pot.ic\n   despotic\n  If you say that someone is despotic, you are emphasizing that they use their power over other people in a very unfair or cruel way.\nThe country was ruled by a despotic tyrant.\n  ADJ  emphasis\n  = tyrannical


Words: despotism
Meaning:
des.pot.ism\n   despotism\n  Despotism is cruel and unfair government by a ruler or rulers who have a lot of power.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n  = tyranny


Words: dessert
Meaning:
des.sert\n   dessert  desserts\n  Dessert is something sweet, such as fruit or a pudding, that you eat at the end of a meal.\nShe had homemade ice cream for dessert...\n  N-MASS\n  = sweet, pudding


Words: dessert wine
Meaning:
des.sert wine\n   dessert wine  dessert wines\n  A dessert wine is a sweet wine, usually a white wine, that is served with dessert.\n  N-MASS


Words: dessertspoon
Meaning:
dessert.spoon\n   dessertspoon  dessertspoons   also dessert spoon\n1. A dessertspoon is a spoon which is midway between the size of a teaspoon and a tablespoon. You use it to eat desserts.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. You can refer to an amount of food resting on a dessertspoon as a dessertspoon of food. (BRIT)\n...a rounded dessertspoon of flour.\n  N-COUNT: oft N of n


Words: dessertspoonful
Meaning:
dessert.spoon.ful\n   dessertspoonful  dessertspoonfuls  or dessertspoonsful\n  You can refer to an amount of food resting on a dessertspoon as a dessertspoonful of food. (BRIT)\n...a dessertspoonful of olive oil.\n  N-COUNT: oft N of n


Words: destabilize
Meaning:
de.sta.bi.lize\n   destabilize  destabilizes  destabilizing  destabilized\nin BRIT, also use destabilise\n  To destabilize something such as a country or government means to create a situation which reduces its power or influence.\nTheir sole aim is to destabilize the Indian government.\n  VERB: V n\n\n=>  de.sta.bi.li.za.tion\n...the destabilization of the country.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: destination
Meaning:
des.ti.na.tion\n   destination  destinations\n  The destination of someone or something is the place to which they are going or being sent.\nSpain is still our most popular holiday destination...\nOnly half of the emergency supplies have reached their destination.\n  N-COUNT


Words: destined
Meaning:
des.tined\n   destined\n1. If something is destined to happen or if someone is destined to behave in a particular way, that thing seems certain to happen or be done.\nLondon seems destined to lose more than 2,000 hospital beds...\nEveryone knew that Muriel was destined for great things.\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ, ADJ to-inf, ADJ for n\n\n2. If someone is destined for a particular place, or if goods are destined for a particular place, they are travelling towards that place or will be sent to that place.\n...products destined for Saudi Arabia.\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ for n\n  = bound


Words: destiny
Meaning:
des.ti.ny\n   destiny  destinies\n1. A person’s destiny is everything that happens to them during their life, including what will happen in the future, especially when it is considered to be controlled by someone or something else.\nWe are masters of our own destiny...\n  N-COUNT: usu sing, usu with poss\n  = fate\n2. Destiny is the force which some people believe controls the things that happen to you in your life.\nIs it destiny that brings people together, or is it accident?\n  N-UNCOUNT\n  = fate


Words: destitute
Meaning:
des.ti.tute\n   destitute\n  Someone who is destitute has no money or possessions. (FORMAL)\n...destitute children who live on the streets.\n  ADJ


Words: destitution
Meaning:
des.ti.tu.tion\n   destitution\n  Destitution is the state of having no money or possessions. (FORMAL)\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: destroy
Meaning:
de.stroy\n   destroy  destroys  destroying  destroyed\n1. To destroy something means to cause so much damage to it that it is completely ruined or does not exist any more.\nThat’s a sure recipe for destroying the economy and creating chaos...\n  VERB: V n\n\n2. To destroy someone means to ruin their life or to make their situation impossible to bear.\nIf I was younger or more naive, the criticism would have destroyed me.\n  VERB: V n\n\n3. If an animal is destroyed, it is killed, either because it is ill or because it is dangerous.\nLindsay was unhurt but the horse had to be destroyed.\n  VERB: usu passive, be V-ed\n  = put down\n4.\n  see also soul-destroying


Words: destruction
Meaning:
de.struc.tion\n   destruction\n  Destruction is the act of destroying something, or the state of being destroyed.\n...an international agreement aimed at halting the destruction of the ozone layer.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: destructive
Meaning:
de.struc.tive\n   destructive\n  Something that is destructive causes or is capable of causing great damage, harm, or injury.\n...the awesome destructive power of nuclear weapons...\n  ADJ\n\n=>  de.struc.tive.ness\n...the size of armies and the destructiveness of their weapons.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n=>  de.struc.tive.ly\nPower can be used creatively or destructively.\n  ADV


Words: desultory
Meaning:
des.ul.tory\n   desultory\n  Something that is desultory is done in an unplanned and disorganized way, and without enthusiasm. (FORMAL)\nThe constables made a desultory attempt to keep them away from the barn.\n  ADJ


Words: detach
Meaning:
de.tach\n   detach  detaches  detaching  detached\n1. If you detach one thing from another that it is fixed to, you remove it. If one thing detaches from another, it becomes separated from it. (FORMAL)\nDetach the white part of the application form and keep it...\nIt is easy to detach the currants from the stems...\nThere was an accident when the towrope detached from the car.\n  VERB: V n, V n from n, V from n\n\n2. If you detach yourself from something, you become less involved in it or less concerned about it than you used to be.\nIt helps them detach themselves from their problems and become more objective.\n  VERB: V pron-refl from n


Words: detachable
Meaning:
de.tach.able\n   detachable\n  If a part of an object is detachable, it has been made so that it can be removed from the object.\n...a cake tin with a detachable base.\n  ADJ\n  = removable


Words: detached
Meaning:
de.tached\n   detached\n1. Someone who is detached is not personally involved in something or has no emotional interest in it.\nHe tries to remain emotionally detached from the prisoners, but fails...\n  ADJ\n\n2. A detached house is one that is not joined to any other house. (mainly BRIT)\n  ADJ


Words: detachment
Meaning:
de.tach.ment\n   detachment  detachments\n1. Detachment is the feeling that you have of not being personally involved in something or of having no emotional interest in it.\n...a doctor’s professional detachment...\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. A detachment is a group of soldiers who are sent away from the main group to do a special job.\n  N-COUNT: oft N of n


Words: detail
Meaning:
de.tail\n   detail  details  detailing  detailed\n1. The details of something are its individual features or elements.\nThe details of the plan are still being worked out...\nI recall every detail of the party.\n  N-COUNT: usu with supp, oft N of n\n\n2. Details about someone or something are facts or pieces of information about them.\nSee the bottom of this page for details of how to apply for this exciting offer...\n  N-PLURAL: oft N of n/wh, adj N\n\n3. A detail is a minor point or aspect of something, as opposed to the central ones.\nOnly minor details now remain to be settled.\n  N-COUNT: oft adj N\n\n4. You can refer to the small features of something which are often not noticed as detail.\nWe like his attention to detail and his enthusiasm.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n5. A detail of a picture is a part of it that is printed separately and perhaps made bigger, so that smaller features can be clearly seen.\n  N-COUNT\n\n6. If you detail things, you list them or give information about them.\nThe report detailed the human rights abuses committed during the war.\n  VERB: V n\n\n7. If someone does not go into details about a subject, or does not go into the detail, they mention it without explaining it fully or properly.\nHe said he had been in various parts of Britain but did not go into details...\n  PHRASE: V inflects\n\n8. If you examine or discuss something in detail, you do it thoroughly and carefully.\nWe examine the wording in detail before deciding on the final text.\n  PHRASE


Words: detailed
Meaning:
de.tailed\n   detailed\n  A detailed report or plan contains a lot of details.\nYesterday’s letter contains a detailed account of the decisions...\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: detain
Meaning:
de.tain\n   detain  detains  detaining  detained\n1. When people such as the police detain someone, they keep them in a place under their control. (FORMAL)\nThe act allows police to detain a suspect for up to 48 hours...\n  VERB: V n\n\n2. To detain someone means to delay them, for example by talking to them. (FORMAL)\nThank you. We won’t detain you any further.\n  VERB: V n


Words: detainee
Meaning:
de.tainee\n   detainee  detainees\n  A detainee is someone who is held prisoner by a government because of his or her political views or activities.\n  N-COUNT


Words: detect
Meaning:
de.tect\n   detect  detects  detecting  detected\n1. To detect something means to find it or discover that it is present somewhere by using equipment or making an investigation.\n...a sensitive piece of equipment used to detect radiation...\n...a device which can detect who is more at risk of a heart attack.\n  VERB: V n, V wh\n\n2. If you detect something, you notice it or sense it, even though it is not very obvious.\nArnold could detect a certain sadness in the old man’s face.\n  VERB: V n\n  = sense


Words: detectable
Meaning:
de.tect.able\n   detectable\n  Something that is detectable can be noticed or discovered.\nDoctors say the disease is probably inherited but not detectable at birth.\n  ADJ


Words: detection
Meaning:
de.tec.tion\n   detection\n1. Detection is the act of noticing or sensing something.\n...the early detection of breast cancer.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft N of n\n\n2. Detection is the discovery of something which is supposed to be hidden.\nThey are cheating but are sophisticated enough to avoid detection.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft N of n\n\n3. Detection is the work of investigating a crime in order to find out what has happened and who committed it.\nThe detection rate for motor vehicle theft that year was just 11.7 per cent...\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: detective
Meaning:
de.tec.tive\n   detective  detectives\n1. A detective is someone whose job is to discover what has happened in a crime or other situation and to find the people involved. Some detectives work in the police force and others work privately.\nDetectives are appealing for witnesses who may have seen anything suspicious...\nShe hired a private detective in an attempt to find her daughter.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. A detective novel or story is one in which a detective tries to solve a crime.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: detector
Meaning:
de.tec.tor\n   detector  detectors\n  A detector is an instrument which is used to discover that something is present somewhere, or to measure how much of something there is.\n...a metal detector.\n...fire alarms and smoke detectors.\n  N-COUNT: oft n N


Words: detente
Meaning:
de.tente\n   detente   also detente\n  Detente is a state of friendly relations between two countries when previously there had been problems between them. (FORMAL)\n...their desire to pursue a policy of detente...\n  N-UNCOUNT: also a N


Words: detention
Meaning:
de.ten.tion\n   detention  detentions\n1. Detention is when someone is arrested or put into prison, especially for political reasons.\n...the detention without trial of government critics...\n  N-UNCOUNT: also N in pl\n\n2. Detention is a punishment for naughty schoolchildren, who are made to stay at school after the other children have gone home.\nThe teacher kept the boys in detention after school.\n  N-VAR


Words: detention centre
Meaning:
de.ten.tion cen.tre\n   detention centre  detention centres\nin AM, use detention center\n  A detention centre is a sort of prison, for example a place where people who have entered a country illegally are kept while a decision is made about what to do with them.\n  N-COUNT


Words: deter
Meaning:
de.ter\n   deter  deters  deterring  deterred\n  To deter someone from doing something means to make them not want to do it or continue doing it.\nSupporters of the death penalty argue that it would deter criminals from carrying guns...\nArrests and jail sentences have done nothing to deter the protesters...\n  VERB: V n from -ing, V n\n  = discourage


Words: detergent
Meaning:
de.ter.gent\n   detergent  detergents\n  Detergent is a chemical substance, usually in the form of a powder or liquid, which is used for washing things such as clothes or dishes.\n  N-MASS


Words: deteriorate
Meaning:
de.terio.rate\n   deteriorate  deteriorates  deteriorating  deteriorated\n  If something deteriorates, it becomes worse in some way.\nThere are fears that the situation might deteriorate into full-scale war...\n  VERB: V\n  !=improve\n=>  de.terio.ra.tion\n...concern about the rapid deterioration in relations between the two countries.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n  !=improvement


Words: determinant
Meaning:
de.ter.mi.nant\n   determinant  determinants\n  A determinant of something causes it to be of a particular kind or to happen in a particular way. (FORMAL)\n  N-COUNT: usu with supp


Words: determinate
Meaning:
de.ter.mi.nate\n   determinate\n  Determinate means fixed and definite. (FORMAL)\n...a contract for the exclusive possession of land for some determinate period.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n  !=indeterminate


Words: determination
Meaning:
de.ter.mi.na.tion\n   determination\n  Determination is the quality that you show when you have decided to do something and you will not let anything stop you.\nEveryone concerned acted with great courage and determination...\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft N to-inf


Words: determine
Meaning:
de.ter.mine\n   determine  determines  determining  determined\n1. If a particular factor determines the nature of a thing or event, it causes it to be of a particular kind. (FORMAL)\nThe size of the chicken pieces will determine the cooking time...\nWhat determines whether you are a career success or a failure?\n  VERB: V n, V wh\n  = dictate\n=>  de.ter.mi.na.tion\n...the gene which is responsible for male sex determination.\n  N-UNCOUNT: with supp\n\n2. To determine a fact means to discover it as a result of investigation. (FORMAL)\nThe investigation will determine what really happened...\nTesting needs to be done to determine the long-term effects on humans...\nScience has determined that the risk is very small.\n  VERB: V wh, V n, V that\n  = identify\n3. If you determine something, you decide it or settle it.\nThe Baltic people have a right to determine their own future...\nMy aim was first of all to determine what I should do next.\n  VERB: V n, V wh, also V that, V wh-to-inf\n\n=>  de.ter.mi.na.tion      determinations\nWe must take into our own hands the determination of our future.\n  N-COUNT: usu sing, usu the N of n\n\n4. If you determine to do something, you make a firm decision to do it. (FORMAL)\nHe determined to rescue his two countrymen...\nI determined that I would ask him outright.\n  VERB: V to-inf, V that


Words: determined
Meaning:
de.ter.mined\n   determined\n  If you are determined to do something, you have made a firm decision to do it and will not let anything stop you.\nHis enemies are determined to ruin him...\nHe made determined efforts to overcome the scandal.\n  ADJ: oft ADJ to-inf\n\n=>  de.ter.mined.ly\nShe shook her head, determinedly.\n  ADV\n  = resolutely


Words: determiner
Meaning:
de.ter.min.er\n   determiner  determiners\n  In grammar, a determiner is a word which is used at the beginning of a noun group to indicate, for example, which thing you are referring to or whether you are referring to one thing or several. Common English determiners are `a’, `the’, `some’, `this’, and `each’.\n  N-COUNT


Words: determinism
Meaning:
de.ter.min.ism\n   determinism\n  Determinism is the belief that all actions and events result from other actions, events, or situations, so people cannot in fact choose what to do. (FORMAL)\nI don’t believe in historical determinism.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft adj N


Words: determinist
Meaning:
de.ter.min.ist\n   determinist  determinists\n1. A determinist is someone who believes in determinism. (FORMAL)\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. Determinist ideas are based on determinism. (FORMAL)\nThe determinist doctrines in question maintained that certain people were born to be slaves.\n  ADJ


Words: deterministic
Meaning:
de.ter.min.is.tic\n   deterministic\n1. Deterministic ideas or explanations are based on determinism. (FORMAL)\n...a deterministic view of human progress.\n  ADJ\n\n2. Deterministic forces and factors cause things to happen in a way that cannot be changed. (FORMAL)\nThe rise or decline of the United States is not a function of deterministic forces.\n  ADJ


Words: deterrence
Meaning:
de.ter.rence\n   deterrence\n  Deterrence is the prevention of something, especially war or crime, by having something such as weapons or punishment to use as a threat.\n...policies of nuclear deterrence.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: deterrent
Meaning:
de.ter.rent\n   deterrent  deterrents\n1. A deterrent is something that prevents people from doing something by making them afraid of what will happen to them if they do it.\nThey seriously believe that capital punishment is a deterrent...\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. A deterrent is a weapon or set of weapons designed to prevent enemies from attacking by making them afraid to do so.\n...a nuclear deterrent.\n  N-COUNT\n\n3. If something has a deterrent effect, it has the effect of preventing people from doing certain things.\n...his belief in the deterrent value of capital punishment.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: detest
Meaning:
de.test\n   detest  detests  detesting  detested\n  If you detest someone or something, you dislike them very much.\nMy mother detested him...\nJean detested being photographed.\n  VERB: V n/-ing, V n/-ing\n  = loathe


Words: detestable
Meaning:
de.test.able\n   detestable\n  If you say that someone or something is detestable, you mean you dislike them very much. (FORMAL)\nI find their views detestable.\n  ADJ\n  = loathsome, abhorrent


Words: dethrone
Meaning:
de.throne\n   dethrone  dethrones  dethroning  dethroned\n  If a king, queen, or other powerful person is dethroned, they are removed from their position of power.\nHe was dethroned and went into exile.\n  VERB: usu passive, be V-ed\n  = depose


Words: detonate
Meaning:
deto.nate\n   detonate  detonates  detonating  detonated\n  If someone detonates a device such as a bomb, or if it detonates, it explodes.\nFrance is expected to detonate its first nuclear device in the next few days...\nAn explosive device detonated on the roof of the building.\n  VERB: V n, V


Words: detonation
Meaning:
deto.na.tion\n   detonation  detonations\n1. A detonation is a large or powerful explosion. (FORMAL)\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. Detonation is the action of causing a device such as a bomb to explode. (FORMAL)\n...accidental detonation of nuclear weapons.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: detonator
Meaning:
deto.na.tor\n   detonator  detonators\n  A detonator is a small amount of explosive or a piece of electrical or electronic equipment which is used to explode a bomb or other explosive device.\n  N-COUNT


Words: detour
Meaning:
de.tour\n   detour  detours\n1. If you make a detour on a journey, you go by a route which is not the shortest way, because you want to avoid something such as a traffic jam, or because there is something you want to do on the way.\nHe did not take the direct route to his home, but made a detour around the outskirts of the city.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. A detour is a special route for traffic to follow when the normal route is blocked, for example because it is being repaired. (AM; in BRIT, use diversion)\n  N-COUNT


Words: detox
Meaning:
de.tox\n   detox  detoxes detoxing detoxed\n1. Detox is treatment given to people who are addicted to drugs or alcohol in order to stop them from being addicted.\nA patient going through acute detox will have an assigned nurse nearby.\n...a detox therapist.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft N n\n\n2. A detox is a treatment that is intended to remove poisonous or harmful substances from your body.\nOverhaul your body with a cleansing detox...\nGive yourself a healthy glow on our detox diet.\n  N-COUNT: oft N n\n\n3. If someone who is addicted to drugs or alcohol detoxes, or if another person detoxes them, they undergo treatment which stops them from being addicted.\n...mums trying to detox their kids.\n...drugs binges and failed attempts to detox.\n  VERB: V n, V\n\n4. If you detox, or if something detoxes your body, you do something to remove poisonous or harmful substances from your body.\nIt might be an idea to detox after the indulgences of Christmas...\nHoney can help to detox the body.\n  VERB: V, V n


Words: detoxification
Meaning:
de.toxi.fi.ca.tion\n   detoxification\n1. Detoxification is treatment given to people who are addicted to drugs or alcohol in order to stop them from being addicted.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. Detoxification is treatment that is intended to remove poisonous or harmful substances from your body.\nDrink at least 2 litres of still mineral water throughout the day to aid detoxification.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: detoxify
Meaning:
de.toxi.fy\n   detoxify  detoxifies  detoxifying  detoxified\n1. If someone who is addicted to drugs or alcohol detoxifies, or if they are detoxified, they undergo treatment which stops them from being addicted.\n...drugs which block the affects of heroin use and rapidly detoxify addicts...\nQueensland heroin users will be able to detoxify rapidly on Naltrexone after a two-year clinical trial of the controversial drug begins in Brisbane this week.\n  VERB: V n, V\n\n2. If you detoxify, or if something detoxifies your body, you do something to remove poisonous or harmful substances from your body.\nMany people have made it a rule to detoxify once a year...\nSeaweed baths can help to detoxify the body.\n  VERB: V, V n\n\n3. To detoxify a poisonous substance means to change it chemically so that it is no longer poisonous.\nVitamin C helps to detoxify pollutants in the body.\n  VERB: V n


Words: detract
Meaning:
de.tract\n   detract  detracts  detracting  detracted\n  If one thing detracts from another, it makes it seem less good or impressive.\nThe publicity could detract from our election campaign.\n  VERB: V from n, also V n from n


Words: detractor
Meaning:
de.trac.tor\n   detractor  detractors\n  The detractors of a person or thing are people who criticize that person or thing. (JOURNALISM)\nThis performance will silence many of his detractors...\n  N-COUNT: usu pl, usu with poss\n  = critic


Words: detriment
Meaning:
det.ri.ment\n   detriment\n1. If something happens to the detriment of something or to a person’s detriment, it causes harm or damage to them. (FORMAL)\nChildren spend too much time on schoolwork, to the detriment of other activities.\n  PHRASE: usu PHR after v, v-link PHR\n\n2. If something happens without detriment to a person or thing, it does not harm or damage them. (FORMAL)\n  PHRASE: PHR n


Words: detrimental
Meaning:
det.ri.men.tal\n   detrimental\n  Something that is detrimental to something else has a harmful or damaging effect on it.\n...foods suspected of being detrimental to health...\n  ADJ: oft ADJ to n\n  = harmful


Words: detritus
Meaning:
de.tri.tus\n   detritus\n  Detritus is the small pieces of rubbish that remain after an event has finished or when something has been used. (FORMAL)\n...the detritus of war.\n  N-UNCOUNT: with supp


Words: deuce
Meaning:
deuce  deuces\n  Deuce is the score in a game of tennis when both players have forty points. One player has to win two points one after the other to win the game.\n  N-UNCOUNT: also N in pl


Words: devalue
Meaning:
de.value\n   devalue  devalues  devaluing  devalued\n1. To devalue something means to cause it to be thought less impressive or less deserving of respect.\nThey spread tales about her in an attempt to devalue her work...\n  VERB: V n\n\n=>  de.valued\nShe feels devalued because she knows her husband has had affairs.\n  ADJ\n\n2. To devalue the currency of a country means to reduce its value in relation to other currencies.\nIndia has devalued the Rupee by about eleven per cent...\n  VERB: V n by amount\n\n=>  de.valua.tion      devaluations\nIt will lead to devaluation of a number of European currencies...\n  N-VAR


Words: devastate
Meaning:
dev.as.tate\n   devastate  devastates  devastating  devastated\n  If something devastates an area or a place, it damages it very badly or destroys it totally.\nA few days before, a fire had devastated large parts of Windsor Castle.\n  VERB: V n\n  = ravage, wreck


Words: devastated
Meaning:
dev.as.tat.ed\n   devastated\n  If you are devastated by something, you are very shocked and upset by it.\nTeresa was devastated, her dreams shattered.\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ


Words: devastating
Meaning:
dev.as.tat.ing\n   devastating\n1. If you describe something as devastating, you are emphasizing that it is very harmful or damaging.\nAffairs do have a devastating effect on marriages.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n  emphasis\n\n2. You can use devastating to emphasize that something is very shocking, upsetting, or terrible.\nThe diagnosis was devastating. She had cancer.\n  ADJ  emphasis\n\n3. You can use devastating to emphasize that something or someone is very impressive.\n...a devastating display of galloping and jumping...\n  ADJ  emphasis\n\n=>  dev.as.tat.ing.ly\nIts advertising is devastatingly successful...\n  ADV: usu ADV adj/-ed


Words: devastation
Meaning:
dev.as.ta.tion\n   devastation\n  Devastation is severe and widespread destruction or damage.\nA huge bomb blast brought chaos and devastation to the centre of Belfast yesterday.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: develop
Meaning:
de.vel.op\n   develop  develops  developing  developed\n1. When something develops, it grows or changes over a period of time and usually becomes more advanced, complete, or severe.\nIt’s hard to say at this stage how the market will develop...\nThese clashes could develop into open warfare...\nSociety begins to have an impact on the developing child.\n  VERB: V, V into n, V-ing\n\n=>  de.vel.oped\nTheir bodies were well-developed and super fit.\n  ADJ\n\n2. If a problem or difficulty develops, it begins to occur.\nA huge row has developed about the pollution emanating from a chemical plant.\n...blood clots in his lungs, a problem which developed from a leg injury.\n  VERB: V, V from/out of n\n  = arise\n3. If you say that a country develops, you mean that it changes from being a poor agricultural country to being a rich industrial country.\nAll countries, it was predicted, would develop and develop fast.\n  VERB: V\n\n  see also developed, developing\n4. If you develop a business or industry, or if it develops, it becomes bigger and more successful. (BUSINESS)\nShe won a grant to develop her own business...\nOver the last few years tourism here has developed considerably.\n  VERB: V n, V\n\n=>  de.vel.oped\nHousing finance is less developed in continental Europe.\n  ADJ\n\n5. To develop land or property means to make it more profitable, by building houses or factories or by improving the existing buildings.\nEntrepreneurs developed fashionable restaurants and bars in the area.\n  VERB: V n\n\n=>  de.vel.oped\nDeveloped land was to grow from 5.3% to 6.9%.\n  ADJ\n\n6. If you develop a habit, reputation, or belief, you start to have it and it then becomes stronger or more noticeable.\nMr Robinson has developed the reputation of a ruthless cost-cutter.\n  VERB: V n\n  = acquire\n7. If you develop a skill, quality, or relationship, or if it develops, it becomes better or stronger.\nNow you have an opportunity to develop a greater understanding of each other...\nTheir friendship developed through their shared interest in the Arts.\n  VERB: V n, V\n\n=>  de.vel.oped\n...a highly developed instinct for self-preservation.\n  ADJ\n\n8. If you develop an illness, or if it develops, you become affected by it.\nThe test should identify which smokers are most prone to develop lung cancer...\nA sharp ache developed in her back muscles.\n  VERB: V n, V\n\n9. If a piece of equipment develops a fault, it starts to have the fault.\nThe aircraft made an unscheduled landing after developing an electrical fault.\n  VERB: V n\n\n10. If someone develops a new product, they design it and produce it.\nHe claims that several countries have developed nuclear weapons secretly.\n  VERB: V n\n\n11. If you develop an idea, theory, story, or theme, or if it develops, it gradually becomes more detailed, advanced, or complex.\nI would like to thank them for allowing me to develop their original idea...\nThe idea of weather forecasting developed incredibly quickly.\n  VERB: V n, V\n\n12. To develop photographs means to make negatives or prints from a photographic film.\n  VERB


Words: developed
Meaning:
de.vel.oped\n   developed\n  If you talk about developed countries or the developed world, you mean the countries or the parts of the world that are wealthy and have many industries.\nThis scarcity is inevitable in less developed countries.\n  ADJ


Words: developer
Meaning:
de.vel.op.er\n   developer  developers\n1. A developer is a person or a company that buys land and builds houses, offices, shops, or factories on it, or buys existing buildings and makes them more modern. (BUSINESS)\n...common land which would have a high commercial value if sold to developers.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. A developer is someone who develops something such as an idea, a design, or a product.\nJohn Bardeen was also co-developer of the theory of superconductivity.\n  N-COUNT: with supp


Words: developing
Meaning:
de.vel.op.ing\n   developing\n  If you talk about developing countries or the developing world, you mean the countries or the parts of the world that are poor and have few industries.\nIn the developing world cigarette consumption is increasing.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: development
Meaning:
de.vel.op.ment\n   development  developments\n1. Development is the gradual growth or formation of something.\n...an ideal system for studying the development of the embryo...\n  N-UNCOUNT: with supp, oft N of n\n\n2. Development is the growth of something such as a business or an industry. (BUSINESS)\nEducation is central to a country’s economic development...\n  N-UNCOUNT: with supp, oft N of n\n\n3. Development is the process or result of making a basic design gradually better and more advanced.\nWe are spending $850m on research and development.\n  N-VAR\n\n4. Development is the process of making an area of land or water more useful or profitable.\nThe talks will focus on economic development of the region.\n  N-UNCOUNT: with supp\n\n5. A development is an event or incident which has recently happened and is likely to have an effect on the present situation.\nPolice said there had been a significant development in the case.\n  N-COUNT\n\n6. A development is an area of houses or buildings which have been built by property developers.\n  N-COUNT


Words: development bank
Meaning:
de.vel.op.ment bank\n   development bank  development banks\n  A development bank is a bank that provides money for projects in poor countries or areas. (BUSINESS)\n  N-COUNT


Words: developmental
Meaning:
de.vel.op.men.tal\n   developmental\n  Developmental means relating to the development of someone or something.\n...the emotional, educational, and developmental needs of the child.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: deviant
Meaning:
de.vi.ant\n   deviant  deviants\n1. Deviant behaviour or thinking is different from what people normally consider to be acceptable.\n...the social reactions to deviant and criminal behaviour...\n  ADJ\n\n=>  de.vi.ance\n...sexual deviance, including the abuse of children.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. A deviant is someone whose behaviour or beliefs are different from what people normally consider to be acceptable.\n  N-COUNT


Words: deviate
Meaning:
de.vi.ate\n   deviate  deviates  deviating  deviated\n  To deviate from something means to start doing something different or not planned, especially in a way that causes problems for others.\nThey stopped you as soon as you deviated from the script...\n  VERB: V from n\n  = depart


Words: deviation
Meaning:
de.via.tion\n   deviation  deviations\n  Deviation means doing something that is different from what people consider to be normal or acceptable.\nDeviation from the norm is not tolerated.\n  N-VAR: oft N from n\n  = departure


Words: device
Meaning:
de.vice\n   device  devices\n1. A device is an object that has been invented for a particular purpose, for example for recording or measuring something.\n...an electronic device that protects your vehicle 24 hours a day.\n  N-COUNT: usu with supp\n\n2. A device is a method of achieving something.\nThey claim that military spending is used as a device for managing the economy.\n  N-COUNT\n\n3. If you leave someone to their own devices, you leave them alone to do as they wish.\nLeft to his own devices, Osborn is a fluent.and often original.guitarist.\n  PHRASE: V inflects


Words: devil
Meaning:
dev.il\n   devil  devils\n1. In Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, the Devil is the most powerful evil spirit.\n  N-PROPER: the N\n  = Satan\n2. A devil is an evil spirit.\n...the idea of angels with wings and devils with horns and hoofs.\n  N-COUNT\n  = demon\n3. You can use devil to emphasize the way you feel about someone. For example, if you call someone a poor devil, you are saying that you feel sorry for them. You can call someone you are fond of but who sometimes annoys or irritates you an old devil or a little devil. (INFORMAL)\nI felt sorry for Blake, poor devil...\n  N-COUNT  feelings\n\n4. If you say that you are between the devil and the deep blue sea, you mean that you are in a difficult situation where you have to choose between two equally unpleasant courses of action.\n  PHRASE: v-link PHR\n\n5. People say speak of the devil, or in British English talk of the devil, if someone they have just been talking about appears unexpectedly.\nWell, talk of the devil!\n  PHRASE\n\n6. When you want to emphasize how annoyed or surprised you are, you can use an expression such as what the devil, how the devil, or why the devil. (INFORMAL)\n`What the devil’s the matter?’\n  PHRASE  emphasis


Words: devil’s advocate
Meaning:
dev.il’s ad.vo.cate\n   devil’s advocate\n  If you play devil’s advocate in a discussion or debate, you express an opinion which you may not agree with but which is very different to what other people have been saying, in order to make the argument more interesting.\n  N-UNCOUNT: also with det


Words: devil-may-care
Meaning:
devil-may-care\n  If you say that someone has a devil-may-care attitude, you mean that they seem relaxed and do not seem worried about the consequences of their actions.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n  approval


Words: devilish
Meaning:
dev.il.ish\n   devilish\n1. A devilish idea or action is cruel or unpleasant.\n...the devilish destructiveness of modern weapons.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n2. You can use devilish to emphasize how extreme or difficult something is.\n...a devilish puzzle.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n  emphasis\n\n=>  dev.il.ish.ly\nIt is devilishly painful.\n  ADV


Words: devious
Meaning:
de.vi.ous\n   devious\n  If you describe someone as devious you do not like them because you think they are are dishonest and like to keep things secret, often in a complicated way.\nNewman was devious, prepared to say one thing in print and another in private...\n  ADJ  disapproval\n\n=>  de.vi.ous.ness\n...the deviousness of drug traffickers.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: devise
Meaning:
de.vise\n   devise  devises  devising  devised\n  If you devise a plan, system, or machine, you have the idea for it and design it.\nWe devised a scheme to help him...\n  VERB: V n


Words: devoid
Meaning:
de.void\n   devoid\n  If you say that someone or something is devoid of a quality or thing, you are emphasizing that they have none of it. (FORMAL)\nI have never looked on a face that was so devoid of feeling...\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ of n  emphasis\n  = bereft


Words: devolution
Meaning:
de.vo.lu.tion\n   devolution\n  Devolution is the transfer of some authority or power from a central organization or government to smaller organizations or government departments.\n...the devolution of power to the regions...\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft N of n


Words: devolve
Meaning:
de.volve\n   devolve  devolves  devolving  devolved\n  If you devolve power, authority, or responsibility to a less powerful person or group, or if it devolves upon them, it is transferred to them.\n...the need to decentralize and devolve power to regional governments...\nWe have made a conscious effort to devolve responsibility...\nA large portion of this cost devolves upon the patient.\n  VERB: V n to n, V n, V upon/on n


Words: devote
Meaning:
de.vote\n   devote  devotes  devoting  devoted\n1. If you devote yourself, your time, or your energy to something, you spend all or most of your time or energy on it.\nHe decided to devote the rest of his life to scientific investigation...\nConsiderable resources have been devoted to proving him a liar...\nShe gladly gave up her part-time job to devote herself entirely to her art.\n  VERB: V n to n/-ing, V n to n/-ing, V pron-refl to n/-ing\n  = dedicate\n2. If you devote a particular proportion of a piece of writing or a speech to a particular subject, you deal with the subject in that amount of space or time.\nHe devoted a major section of his massive report to an analysis of US aircraft design...\n  VERB: V n to n


Words: devoted
Meaning:
de.vot.ed\n   devoted\n1. Someone who is devoted to a person loves that person very much.\n...a loving and devoted husband...\n50 years on, the couple are still devoted to one another.\n  ADJ: ADJ n, v-link ADJ to n\n  = dedicated\n2. If you are devoted to something, you care about it a lot and are very enthusiastic about it.\nI have personally been devoted to this cause for many years...\nJoyce Bryt is a devoted Star Trek fan.\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ to n, ADJ n\n  = dedicated\n3. Something that is devoted to a particular thing deals only with that thing or contains only that thing.\nThe shop is devoted to a new range of accessories.\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ to n\n  = dedicated


Words: devotee
Meaning:
devo.tee\n   devotee  devotees\n  Someone who is a devotee of a subject or activity is very enthusiastic about it.\nMr Carpenter is obviously a devotee of Britten’s music.\n  N-COUNT: with supp, oft N of n\n  = fan


Words: devotion
Meaning:
de.vo.tion\n   devotion\n1. Devotion is great love, affection, or admiration for someone.\nAt first she was flattered by his devotion.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft poss N\n\n2. Devotion is commitment to a particular activity.\n...devotion to the cause of the people and to socialism...\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft N to n\n  = dedication


Words: devotional
Meaning:
de.vo.tion.al\n   devotional\n  Devotional activities, writings, or objects relate to religious worship.\n...devotional pictures.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: devotions
Meaning:
de.vo.tions\n   devotions\n  Someone’s devotions are the prayers that they say.\nNormally he performs his devotions twice a day.\n  N-PLURAL: oft poss N


Words: devour
Meaning:
de.vour\n   devour  devours  devouring  devoured\n1. If a person or animal devours something, they eat it quickly and eagerly.\nA medium-sized dog will devour at least one can of food per day...\n  VERB: V n\n\n2. If you devour a book or magazine, for example, you read it quickly and with great enthusiasm.\nShe began devouring newspapers when she was only 12.\n  VERB: V n


Words: devout
Meaning:
de.vout\n   devout\n1. A devout person has deep religious beliefs.\nShe was a devout Christian...\n  ADJ\n\n  The devout are people who are devout.\n...priests instructing the devout.\n  N-PLURAL: the N\n\n2. If you describe someone as a devout supporter or a devout opponent of something, you mean that they support it enthusiastically or oppose it strongly.\n...devout Marxists.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: devoutly
Meaning:
de.vout.ly\n   devoutly\n1. Devoutly is used to emphasize how sincerely or deeply you hope for something or believe in something. (FORMAL)\nHe devoutly hoped it was true.\n  ADV: ADV with v  emphasis\n\n2. Devoutly is used to emphasize how deep someone’s religious beliefs are, or to indicate that something is done in a devout way.\n...a devoutly Buddhist country.\n  ADV: ADV adj, ADV with v  emphasis


Words: dew
Meaning:
dew\n  Dew is small drops of water that form on the ground and other surfaces outdoors during the night.\nThe dew gathered on the leaves.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: dewy
Meaning:
dewy\n1. Something that is dewy is wet with dew. (LITERARY)\n  ADJ\n\n2. If your skin looks dewy, it looks soft and glows healthily.\n  ADJ


Words: dewy-eyed
Meaning:
dewy-eyed\n  If you say that someone is dewy-eyed, you are criticizing them because you think that they are unrealistic and think events and situations are better than they really are.\n  ADJ  disapproval


Words: dexterity
Meaning:
dex.ter.ity\n   dexterity\n  Dexterity is skill in using your hands, or sometimes your mind.\n...Reid’s dexterity on the guitar.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: dexterous
Meaning:
dex.ter.ous\n   dexterous   also dextrous\n  Someone who is dexterous is very skilful and clever with their hands.\nAs people grow older they generally become less dexterous.\n  ADJ


Words: dextrose
Meaning:
dex.trose\n   dextrose\n  Dextrose is a natural form of sugar that is found in fruits, honey, and in the blood of animals.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: diabetes
Meaning:
dia.be.tes\n   diabetes\n  Diabetes is a medical condition in which someone has too much sugar in their blood.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: diabetic
Meaning:
dia.bet.ic\n   diabetic  diabetics\n1. A diabetic is a person who suffers from diabetes.\n...an insulin-dependent diabetic.\n  N-COUNT\n\n  Diabetic is also an adjective.\n...diabetic patients.\n  ADJ\n\n2. Diabetic means relating to diabetes.\nHe found her in a diabetic coma.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n3. Diabetic foods are suitable for diabetics.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: diabolic
Meaning:
dia.bol.ic\n   diabolic\n1. Diabolic is used to describe things that people think are caused by or belong to the Devil. (FORMAL)\n...the diabolic forces which lurk in all violence.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n2. If you describe something as diabolic, you are emphasizing that it is very bad, extreme, or unpleasant. (mainly AM)\nPitt’s smile returned, and it was hideously diabolic.\n  ADJ  emphasis\n  = diabolical


Words: diabolical
Meaning:
dia.boli.cal\n   diabolical\n  If you describe something as diabolical, you are emphasizing that it is very bad, extreme, or unpleasant. (INFORMAL)\nIt was a diabolical error, a schoolboy error...\n  ADJ  emphasis\n  = appalling\n=>  dia.boli.cal.ly\n...diabolically difficult clues.\n  ADV


Words: diagnose
Meaning:
di.ag.nose\n   diagnose  diagnoses  diagnosing  diagnosed\n  If someone or something is diagnosed as having a particular illness or problem, their illness or problem is identified. If an illness or problem is diagnosed, it is identified.\nThe soldiers were diagnosed as having flu...\nSusan had a mental breakdown and was diagnosed with schizophrenia...\nIn 1894 her illness was diagnosed as cancer...\nHe could diagnose an engine problem simply by listening...\n  VERB: be V-ed as -ing/adj, be V-ed with n, be V-ed as n, V n


Words: diagnosis
Meaning:
di.ag.no.sis\n   diagnosis  diagnoses\n  Diagnosis is the discovery and naming of what is wrong with someone who is ill or with something that is not working properly.\nI need to have a second test to confirm the diagnosis...\n  N-VAR


Words: diagnostic
Meaning:
di.ag.nos.tic\n   diagnostic\n  Diagnostic equipment, methods, or systems are used for discovering what is wrong with people who are ill or with things that do not work properly.\n...X-rays and other diagnostic tools.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: diagonal
Meaning:
di.ago.nal\n   diagonal  diagonals\n1. A diagonal line or movement goes in a sloping direction, for example, from one corner of a square across to the opposite corner.\n...a pattern of diagonal lines.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n=>  di.ago.nal.ly\nVaulting the stile, he headed diagonally across the paddock...\n  ADV: ADV with v, oft ADV prep\n\n2. A diagonal is a line that goes in a sloping direction.\nThe bed linen is patterned in stylish checks, stripes, diagonals and triangles.\n  N-COUNT\n\n3. In geometry, a diagonal is a straight line that joins two opposite corners in a flat four-sided shape such as a square.\nMark five points an equal distance apart along the diagonals.\n  N-COUNT


Words: diagram
Meaning:
dia.gram\n   diagram  diagrams\n  A diagram is a simple drawing which consists mainly of lines and is used, for example, to explain how a machine works.\nYou can reduce long explanations to simple charts or diagrams.\n  N-COUNT: usu with supp


Words: diagrammatic
Meaning:
dia.gram.mat.ic\n   diagrammatic\n  Something that is in diagrammatic form is arranged or drawn as a diagram.\nThis is the virus in very crude simple diagrammatic form.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: dial
Meaning:
dial  dials  dialling  dialled\nin AM, use dialing, dialed\n1. A dial is the part of a machine or instrument such as a clock or watch which shows you the time or a measurement that has been recorded.\nThe luminous dial on the clock showed five minutes to seven...\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. A dial is a control on a device or piece of equipment which you can move in order to adjust the setting, for example to select or change the frequency on a radio or the temperature of a heater.\nHe turned the dial on the radio...\n  N-COUNT\n\n3. On some telephones, especially older ones, the dial is the disc on the front that you turn with your finger to choose the number that you want to call. The disc has holes in it, and numbers or letters behind the holes.\n  N-COUNT\n\n4. If you dial or if you dial a number, you turn the dial or press the buttons on a telephone in order to phone someone.\nHe lifted the phone and dialled her number...\nHe dialled, and spoke briefly to the duty officer.\n  VERB: V n, V


Words: dialect
Meaning:
dia.lect\n   dialect  dialects\n  A dialect is a form of a language that is spoken in a particular area.\nIn the fifties, many Italians spoke only local dialect...\nThey began to speak rapidly in dialect.\n  N-COUNT: also in N


Words: dialectic
Meaning:
dia.lec.tic\n   dialectic  dialectics\n1. People refer to the dialectic or dialectics of a situation when they are referring to the way in which two very different forces or factors work together, and the way in which their differences are resolved. (TECHNICAL or FORMAL)\n...the dialectics of class struggle and of socio-economic change.\n  N-COUNT: with supp, oft the N of/between n\n\n2. In philosophy, dialectics is a method of reasoning and reaching conclusions by considering theories and ideas together with ones that contradict them. (TECHNICAL)\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: dialectical
Meaning:
dia.lec.ti.cal\n   dialectical\n  In philosophy, Dialectical is used to describe situations, theories, and methods which depend on resolving opposing factors.\nThe essence of dialectical thought is division.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: dialling code
Meaning:
dial.ling code\n   dialling code  dialling codes\n  A dialling code for a particular city or region is the series of numbers that you have to dial before a particular telephone number if you are making a call to that place from a different area. (mainly BRIT; in AM, use area code)\n  N-COUNT


Words: dialling tone
Meaning:
dial.ling tone\n   dialling tone  dialling tones\n  The dialling tone is the noise which you hear when you pick up a telephone receiver and which means that you can dial the number you want. (BRIT; in AM, use dial tone)\n  N-COUNT


Words: dialog box
Meaning:
dia.log box\n   dialog box  dialog boxes\n  A dialog box is a small area containing information or questions that appears on a computer screen when you are performing particular operations. (COMPUTING)\n  N-COUNT


Words: dialogue
Meaning:
dia.logue\n   dialogue  dialogues\nin AM, also use dialog\n1. Dialogue is communication or discussion between people or groups of people such as governments or political parties.\nPeople of all social standings should be given equal opportunities for dialogue...\n  N-VAR\n\n2. A dialogue is a conversation between two people in a book, film, or play.\nThe dialogue is amusing but the plot is weak...\n  N-VAR


Words: dialysis
Meaning:
di.aly.sis\n   dialysis\n  Dialysis or kidney dialysis is a method of treating kidney failure by using a machine to remove waste material from the kidneys.\nI was on dialysis for seven years before my first transplant.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: diamante
Meaning:
dia.man.te\n   diamante   also diamante\n  Diamante jewellery is made from small pieces of cut glass which look like diamonds.\n...diamante earrings.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft N n


Words: diameter
Meaning:
di.am.eter\n   diameter  diameters\n  The diameter of a round object is the length of a straight line that can be drawn across it, passing through the middle of it.\n...a tube less than a fifth of the diameter of a human hair.\n  N-COUNT: also in N


Words: diametrically
Meaning:
dia.met.ri.cal.ly\n   diametrically\n  If you say that two things are diametrically opposed, you are emphasizing that they are completely different from each other.\n  ADV: ADV adj  emphasis


Words: diamond
Meaning:
dia.mond\n   diamond  diamonds\n1. A diamond is a hard, bright, precious stone which is clear and colourless. Diamonds are used in jewellery and for cutting very hard substances.\n...a pair of diamond earrings.\n  N-VAR\n\n2. A diamond is a shape with four straight sides of equal length where the opposite angles are the same, but none of the angles is equal to 90.: ..\nHe formed his hands into the shape of a diamond.\n  N-COUNT\n\n3. Diamonds is one of the four suits of cards in a pack of playing cards. Each card in the suit is marked with one or more red symbols in the shape of a diamond.\nHe drew the seven of diamonds.\n  N-UNCOUNT-COLL\n\n  A diamond is a playing card of this suit.\n  N-COUNT


Words: diamond jubilee
Meaning:
dia.mond ju.bi.lee\n   diamond jubilee  diamond jubilees\n  A diamond jubilee is the sixtieth anniversary of an important event.\n  N-COUNT


Words: diaper
Meaning:
dia.per\n   diaper  diapers\n  A diaper is a piece of soft towel or paper, which you fasten round a baby’s bottom in order to soak up its urine and faeces. (AM; in BRIT, use nappy)\nHe never changed her diapers, never bathed her.\n  N-COUNT


Words: diaphanous
Meaning:
di.apha.nous\n   diaphanous\n  Diaphanous cloth is very thin and almost transparent. (LITERARY)\n...a diaphanous dress of pale gold.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: diaphragm
Meaning:
dia.phragm\n   diaphragm  diaphragms\n1. Your diaphragm is a muscle between your lungs and your stomach. It is used when you breathe.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. A diaphragm is a circular rubber contraceptive device that a woman places inside her vagina.\n  N-COUNT


Words: diarist
Meaning:
dia.rist\n   diarist  diarists\n  A diarist is a person who records things in a diary which is later published.\n  N-COUNT


Words: diarrhoea
Meaning:
di.ar.rhoea\n   diarrhoea\nin AM, use diarrhea\n  If someone has diarrhoea, a lot of liquid faeces comes out of their body because they are ill.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: diary
Meaning:
dia.ry\n   diary  diaries\n  A diary is a book which has a separate space for each day of the year. You use a diary to write down things you plan to do, or to record what happens in your life day by day.\n  N-COUNT


Words: diaspora
Meaning:
di.as.po.ra\n   diaspora\n  People who come from a particular nation, or whose ancestors came from it, but who now live in many different parts of the world are sometimes referred to as the diaspora. (FORMAL)\n...the history of peoples from the African diaspora.\n  N-SING: usu the N


Words: diatribe
Meaning:
dia.tribe\n   diatribe  diatribes\n  A diatribe is an angry speech or article which is extremely critical of someone’s ideas or activities.\nThe book is a diatribe against the academic left.\n  N-COUNT: usu with supp\n  = tirade


Words: dice
Meaning:
dice  dices  dicing  diced\n1. A dice is a small cube which has between one and six spots or numbers on its sides, and which is used in games to provide random numbers. In old-fashioned English, `dice’ was used only as a plural form, and the singular was die, but now `dice’ is used as both the singular and the plural form.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. If you dice food, you cut it into small cubes.\nDice the onion...\n  VERB: V n


Words: dicey
Meaning:
dicey  dicier  diciest\n  Something that is dicey is slightly dangerous or uncertain. (BRIT INFORMAL)\nThere was a dicey moment as one of our party made a risky climb up the cliff wall.\n  ADJ


Words: dichotomy
Meaning:
di.choto.my\n   dichotomy  dichotomies\n  If there is a dichotomy between two things, there is a very great difference or opposition between them. (FORMAL)\nThere is a dichotomy between the academic world and the industrial world.\n  N-COUNT: usu sing, oft N between pl-n


Words: dicker
Meaning:
dick.er\n   dicker  dickers  dickering  dickered\n  If you say that people are dickering about something, you mean that they are arguing or disagreeing about it, often in a way that you think is foolish or unnecessary. (mainly AM)\nManagement and labor are dickering over pay, benefits and working conditions...\nHe may be expecting us to dicker. Don’t.\n  V-RECIP: pl-n V over/about n, V (non-recip), also pl-n V  disapproval


Words: dickhead
Meaning:
dick.head\n   dickhead  dickheads\n  If someone calls a man a dickhead, they are saying that they think he is very stupid. (INFORMAL, RUDE)\n  N-COUNT


Words: dictate
Meaning:
dic.tate\n   dictate dictates dictating  dictated\nThe verb is pronounced   The noun is pronounced\n1. If you dictate something, you say or read it aloud for someone else to write down.\nSheldon writes every day of the week, dictating his novels in the morning...\n  VERB: V n\n\n2. If someone dictates to someone else, they tell them what they should do or can do.\nWhat right has one country to dictate the environmental standards of another?...\nHe cannot be allowed to dictate what can and cannot be inspected...\nWhat gives them the right to dictate to us what we should eat?...\nThe officers were more or less able to dictate terms to successive governments...\n  VERB: V n, V wh, V to n wh, V n to n\n\n3. If one thing dictates another, the first thing causes or influences the second thing.\nThe film’s budget dictated a tough schedule...\nOf course, a number of factors will dictate how long an apple tree can survive...\nCircumstances dictated that they played a defensive rather than attacking game.\n  VERB: V n, V wh, V that\n\n4. You say that reason or common sense dictates that a particular thing is the case when you believe strongly that it is the case and that reason or common sense will cause other people to agree.\nCommonsense now dictates that it would be wise to sell a few shares.\n  VERB: V that\n\n5. A dictate is an order which you have to obey.\nTheir job is to ensure that the dictates of the Party are followed.\n  N-COUNT: usu with supp, oft N of n\n\n6. Dictates are principles or rules which you consider to be extremely important.\nWe have followed the dictates of our consciences and have done our duty.\n  N-COUNT: usu pl, with supp, usu N of n


Words: dictation
Meaning:
dic.ta.tion\n   dictation\n  Dictation is the speaking or reading aloud of words for someone else to write down.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: dictator
Meaning:
dic.ta.tor\n   dictator  dictators\n  A dictator is a ruler who has complete power in a country, especially power which was obtained by force and is used unfairly or cruelly.\n  N-COUNT


Words: dictatorial
Meaning:
dic.ta.tor.ial\n   dictatorial\n1. Dictatorial means controlled or used by a dictator.\nHe suspended the constitution and assumed dictatorial powers.\n  ADJ\n\n2. If you describe someone’s behaviour as dictatorial, you do not like the fact that they tell people what to do in a forceful and unfair way.\n...his dictatorial management style.\n  ADJ  disapproval


Words: dictatorship
Meaning:
dic.ta.tor.ship\n   dictatorship  dictatorships\n1. Dictatorship is government by a dictator.\n...a new era of democracy after a long period of military dictatorship in the country.\n  N-VAR\n\n2. A dictatorship is a country which is ruled by a dictator or by a very strict and harsh government.\nEvery country in the region was a military dictatorship.\n  N-COUNT


Words: diction
Meaning:
dic.tion\n   diction\n  Someone’s diction is how clearly they speak or sing.\nHis diction wasn’t very good...\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: dictionary
Meaning:
dic.tion.ary\n   dictionary  dictionaries\n  A dictionary is a book in which the words and phrases of a language are listed alphabetically, together with their meanings or their translations in another language.\n...a Welsh-English dictionary.\n  N-COUNT


Words: dictum
Meaning:
dic.tum\n   dictum  dictums  or dicta\n1. A dictum is a saying that describes an aspect of life in an interesting or wise way.\n...the dictum that it is preferable to be roughly right than precisely wrong...\n  N-COUNT: oft N that\n  = saying\n2. A dictum is a formal statement made by someone who has authority.\n...Disraeli’s dictum that the first priority of the government must be the health of the people.\n  N-COUNT: oft N that


Words: didactic
Meaning:
di.dac.tic\n   didactic\n1. Something that is didactic is intended to teach people something, especially a moral lesson. (FORMAL)\nIn totalitarian societies, art exists for didactic purposes.\n  ADJ\n\n2. Someone who is didactic tells people things rather than letting them find things out or discussing things. (FORMAL)\nHe is more didactic in his approach to the learning process.\n  ADJ


Words: diddle
Meaning:
did.dle\n   diddle  diddles  diddling  diddled\n1. If someone diddles you, they take money from you dishonestly or unfairly. (mainly BRIT INFORMAL)\nThey diddled their insurance company by making a false claim.\n  VERB: V n\n  = con\n2. If someone diddles, they waste time and do not achieve anything. (AM INFORMAL)\n...if Congress were to just diddle around and not take any action at all.\n  VERB: oft V adv, V around


Words: didgeridoo
Meaning:
did.geri.doo\n   didgeridoo  didgeridoos\n  A didgeridoo is an Australian musical instrument that consists of a long pipe which makes a low sound when you blow into it.\n  N-COUNT


Words: die
Meaning:
die  dies  dying  died\n1. When people, animals, and plants die, they stop living.\nA year later my dog died...\nSadly, both he and my mother died of cancer...\nI would die a very happy person if I could stay in music my whole life...\n...friends who died young.\n  VERB: no passive, V, V of/from n, V n, V adj\n\n2. If a person, animal, or plant is dying, they are so ill or so badly injured that they will not live very much longer.\nThe elm trees are all dying...\nEvery working day I treat people who are dying from lung diseases caused by smoking.\n  VERB: only cont, V, V of/from n\n  !=recover\n3. If someone dies a violent, unnatural, or painful death, they die in a violent, unnatural, or painful way.\nHe watched helplessly as his mother died an agonizing death...\n  VERB: no passive, V n\n\n4. If a machine or device dies, it stops completely, especially after a period of working more and more slowly or inefficiently. (WRITTEN)\nThen suddenly, the engine coughed, spluttered and died.\n  VERB: V\n\n5. You can say that you are dying of thirst, hunger, boredom, or curiosity to emphasize that you are very thirsty, hungry, bored, or curious. (INFORMAL)\nOrder me a pot of tea, I’m dying of thirst.\n  VERB: only cont, V of n  emphasis\n\n6. You can say that you are dying for something or are dying to do something to emphasize that you very much want to have it or do it. (INFORMAL)\nI’m dying for a breath of fresh air...\nShe was dying to talk to Frank.\n  VERB: only cont, V for n, V to-inf  emphasis\n\n7. You can use die in expressions such as `I almost died’ or `I’d die if anything happened’ where you are emphasizing your feelings about a situation, for example to say that it is very shocking, upsetting, embarrassing, or amusing. (INFORMAL, mainly SPOKEN)\nI nearly died when I learned where I was ending up...\nI nearly died of shame...\nI thought I’d die laughing.\n  VERB: V, V of n, V -ing  emphasis\n\n8. A die is a specially shaped or patterned block of metal which is used to press or cut other metal into a particular shape.\n  N-COUNT\n\n9.\n  see also dying\n10. You can say that the die is cast to draw attention to the importance of an event or decision which is going to affect your future and which cannot be changed or avoided.\n  PHRASE: V inflects\n\n11. If you say that habits or attitudes die hard, you mean that they take a very long time to disappear or change, so that it may not be possible to get rid of them completely.\nOld habits die hard...\n  PHRASE: V inflects


Words: die away
Meaning:
die away\n  If a sound dies away, it gradually becomes weaker or fainter and finally disappears completely.\nThe firing finally began to die away in the late afternoon...\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P\n  = fade away


Words: die down
Meaning:
die down\n  If something dies down, it becomes very much quieter or less intense.\nThe controversy is unlikely to die down.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P


Words: die out
Meaning:
die out\n1. If something dies out, it becomes less and less common and eventually disappears completely.\nWe used to believe that capitalism would soon die out.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P\n\n2. If something such as a fire or wind dies out, it gradually stops burning or blowing. (AM)\nOnce the fire has died out, the salvage team will move in.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P


Words: diehard
Meaning:
die.hard\n   diehard  diehards   also die-hard\n  A diehard is someone who is very strongly opposed to change and new ideas, or who is a very strong supporter of a person or idea.\n  N-COUNT: oft N n


Words: diesel
Meaning:
die.sel\n   diesel  diesels\n1. Diesel or diesel oil is the heavy oil used in a diesel engine.\n  N-MASS\n\n2. A diesel is a vehicle which has a diesel engine.\n  N-COUNT


Words: diesel engine
Meaning:
die.sel en.gine\n   diesel engine  diesel engines\n  A diesel engine is an internal combustion engine in which oil is burnt by very hot air. Diesel engines are used in buses and trucks, and in some trains and cars.\n  N-COUNT


Words: diet
Meaning:
diet  diets  dieting  dieted\n1. Your diet is the type and range of food that you regularly eat.\nIt’s never too late to improve your diet.\n...a healthy diet rich in fruit and vegetables...\n  N-VAR\n\n2. If a doctor puts someone on a diet, he or she makes them eat a special type or range of foods in order to improve their health.\nHe was put on a diet of milky food.\n  N-COUNT: usu with supp\n\n3. If you are on a diet, you eat special kinds of food or you eat less food than usual because you are trying to lose weight.\nHave you been on a diet? You’ve lost a lot of weight...\n  N-VAR\n\n4. If you are dieting, you eat special kinds of food or you eat less food than usual because you are trying to lose weight.\nI’ve been dieting ever since the birth of my fourth child...\n  VERB: V\n\n=>  diet.ing\nShe has already lost around two stone through dieting.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n5. Diet drinks or foods have been specially produced so that they do not contain many calories.\n...sugar-free diet drinks.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n6. If you are fed on a diet of something, especially something unpleasant or of poor quality, you receive or experience a very large amount of it.\nThe radio had fed him a diet of pop songs...\n  N-COUNT: usu N of n


Words: dietary
Meaning:
di.etary\n   dietary\n1. You can use dietary to describe anything that concerns a person’s diet.\nDr Susan Hankinson has studied the dietary habits of more than 50,000 women...\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n2. You can use the word dietary to describe substances such as fibre and fat that are found in food.\n...a source of dietary fibre.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: dieter
Meaning:
di.et.er\n   dieter  dieters\n  A dieter is someone who is on a diet or who regularly goes on diets.\n  N-COUNT\n  = slimmer


Words: dietetic
Meaning:
di.etet.ic\n   dietetic\n  Dietetic food or drink is food or drink that has been specially produced so that it does not contain many calories. (AM FORMAL)\nAll dietetic meals are low in sugar.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n  = diet, low-calorie


Words: dietician
Meaning:
di.eti.cian\n   dietician  dieticians\nin AM usually use, and in BRIT sometimes use dietitian\n  A dietician is a person whose job is to give people advice about the kind of food they should eat. Dieticians often work in hospitals.\n  N-COUNT


Words: differ
Meaning:
dif.fer\n   differ  differs  differing  differed\n1. If two or more things differ, they are unlike each other in some way.\nThe story he told police differed from the one he told his mother...\nManagement styles differ.\n  V-RECIP: V from n, pl-n V\n\n2. If people differ about something, they do not agree with each other about it.\nThe two leaders had differed on the issue of sanctions...\nThat is where we differ...\nSince his retirement, Crowe has differed with the President on several issues.\n  V-RECIP: pl-n V prep, pl-n V, V with n\n\n3.\nto agree to differ: see agree\n`I beg to differ’: see beg


Words: difference
Meaning:
dif.fer.ence\n   difference  differences\n1. The difference between two things is the way in which they are unlike each other.\nThat is the fundamental difference between the two societies...\n...the vast difference in size...\n  N-COUNT: usu N prep\n\n2. A difference between two quantities is the amount by which one quantity is less than the other.\nThe difference is 8532.\n  N-SING\n\n3. If people have their differences about something, they disagree about it.\nThe two communities are learning how to resolve their differences.\n  N-COUNT: usu pl, oft poss N\n\n4. If something makes a difference or makes a lot of difference, it affects you and helps you in what you are doing. If something makes no difference, it does not have any effect on what you are doing.\nWhere you live can make such a difference to the way you feel...\nHis retirement won’t make any difference to the way we conduct our affairs.\n  PHRASE: V inflects\n\n5. If you split the difference with someone, you agree on an amount or price which is halfway between two suggested amounts or prices.\nShall we split the difference and say $7,500?\n  PHRASE: V inflects\n\n6. If you describe a job or holiday, for example, as a job with a difference or a holiday with a difference, you mean that the job or holiday is very interesting and unusual. (INFORMAL)\nFor a beach resort with a difference, try Key West.\n  PHRASE: n PHR\n\n7. If there is a difference of opinion between two or more people or groups, they disagree about something.\nWas there a difference of opinion over what to do with the Nobel Prize money?\n  PHRASE: difference inflects


Words: different
Meaning:
dif.fer.ent\n   different\n1. If two people or things are different, they are not like each other in one or more ways.\nLondon was different from most European capitals...\nIf he’d attended music school, how might things have been different?...\nWe have totally different views.\n  ADJ: oft ADJ from n\n\n  In British English, people sometimes say that one thing is different to another. Some people consider this use to be incorrect.\nMy approach is totally different to his.\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ to n\n\n  People sometimes say that one thing is different than another. This use is often considered incorrect in British English, but it is acceptable in American English.\nWe’re not really any different than they are.\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ than n/cl\n\n=>  dif.fer.ent.ly\nEvery individual learns differently...\n  ADV: ADV after v, ADV -ed, oft ADV from n\n\n2. You use different to indicate that you are talking about two or more separate and distinct things of the same kind.\nDifferent countries specialised in different products...\nThe number of calories in different brands of drinks varies enormously.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n  !=identical\n3. You can describe something as different when it is unusual and not like others of the same kind.\nThis recipe is certainly interesting and different.\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ\n  = distinctive


Words: differential
Meaning:
dif.fer.en.tial\n   differential  differentials\n1. In mathematics and economics, a differential is a difference between two values in a scale.\nGermany and France pledged to maintain the differential between their two currencies.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. A differential is a difference between things, especially rates of pay. (mainly BRIT)\nDuring the Second World War, industrial wage differentials in Britain widened.\n  N-COUNT\n\n3. Differential means relating to or using a difference between groups or things. (FORMAL)\n...differential voting rights.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: differentiate
Meaning:
dif.fer.en.ti.ate\n   differentiate  differentiates  differentiating  differentiated\n1. If you differentiate between things or if you differentiate one thing from another, you recognize or show the difference between them.\nA child may not differentiate between his imagination and the real world...\nAt this age your baby cannot differentiate one person from another.\n  VERB: V between pl-n, V n from n\n  = distinguish\n2. A quality or feature that differentiates one thing from another makes the two things different.\n...distinctive policies that differentiate them from the other parties.\n  VERB: V n from n\n  = distinguish\n=>  dif.fer.en.tia.tion\nThe differentiation between the two product ranges will increase.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: difficult
Meaning:
dif.fi.cult\n   difficult\n1. Something that is difficult is not easy to do, understand, or deal with.\nThe lack of childcare provisions made it difficult for single mothers to get jobs...\nIt was a very difficult decision to make...\nWe’re living in difficult times...\n  ADJ: oft it v-link ADJ to-inf, it v-link ADJ -ing\n  = hard  !=easy\n2. Someone who is difficult behaves in an unreasonable and unhelpful way.\nI had a feeling you were going to be difficult about this.\n  ADJ\n  = awkward


Words: difficulty
Meaning:
dif.fi.cul.ty\n   difficulty  difficulties\n1. A difficulty is a problem.\n...the difficulty of getting accurate information...\nThe country is facing great economic difficulties.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. If you have difficulty doing something, you are not able to do it easily.\nDo you have difficulty getting up?...\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n3. If you are in difficulty or in difficulties, you are having a lot of problems.\n  PHRASE: v-link PHR


Words: diffident
Meaning:
dif.fi.dent\n   diffident\n  Someone who is diffident is rather shy and does not enjoy talking about themselves or being noticed by other people.\nHelen was diffident and reserved.\n  ADJ\n\n=>  dif.fi.dence\nHe entered the room with a certain diffidence.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n=>  dif.fi.dent.ly\n`Would you,’ he asked diffidently, `like to talk to me about it?’\n  ADV: ADV with v


Words: diffuse
Meaning:
dif.fuse\n   diffuse diffuses  diffusing  diffused\nThe verb is pronounced   The adjective is pronounced\n1. If something such as knowledge or information is diffused, or if it diffuses somewhere, it is made known over a wide area or to a lot of people. (WRITTEN)\nOver time, the technology is diffused and adopted by other countries.\n...an attempt to diffuse new ideas...\nAs agriculture developed, agricultural ideas diffused across Europe.\n  VERB: be V-ed, V n, V prep\n  = spread\n=>  dif.fu.sion\n...the development and diffusion of ideas.\n  N-UNCOUNT: with supp\n\n2. To diffuse a feeling, especially an undesirable one, means to cause it to weaken and lose its power to affect people.\nThe arrival of letters from the Pope did nothing to diffuse the tension.\n  VERB: V n\n  = dissipate\n3. If something diffuses light, it causes the light to spread weakly in different directions.\nDiffusing a light also reduces its power...\n  VERB: V n\n  !=concentrate\n4. To diffuse or be diffused through something means to move and spread through it.\nIt allows nicotine to diffuse slowly and steadily into the bloodstream...\nThe moisture present in all foods absorbs the flavour of the smoke and eventually diffuses that flavour into its interior.\n  VERB: V prep, V n prep, also V, V n\n  = permeate\n=>  dif.fu.sion\nThere are data on the rates of diffusion of molecules.\n  N-UNCOUNT: with supp\n\n5. Something that is diffuse is not directed towards one place or concentrated in one place but spread out over a large area. (WRITTEN)\n...a diffuse community...\n  ADJ\n\n6. If you describe something as diffuse, you mean that it is vague and difficult to understand or explain.\nHis writing is so diffuse and obscure that it is difficult to make out what it is he is trying to say.\n  ADJ


Words: dig
Meaning:
dig  digs  digging  dug\n1. If people or animals dig, they make a hole in the ground or in a pile of earth, stones, or rubbish.\nThey tried digging in a patch just below the cave...\nDig a largish hole and bang the stake in first...\nRescue workers are digging through the rubble in search of other victims...\nThey dug for shellfish at low tide...\n  VERB: V, V n, V through n, V for n\n\n2. If you dig into something such as a deep container, you put your hand in it to search for something.\nHe dug into his coat pocket for his keys.\n  VERB: V into/in n\n  = delve\n3. If you dig one thing into another or if one thing digs into another, the first thing is pushed hard into the second, or presses hard into it.\nShe digs the serving spoon into the moussaka...\nHe could feel the beads digging into his palm...\n  VERB: V n into n, V into n\n\n4. If you dig into a subject or a store of information, you study it very carefully in order to discover or check facts.\nThe enquiry dug deeper into the alleged financial misdeeds of his government...\nHe has been digging into the local archives...\n  VERB: V into n, V into n\n  = probe\n5. If you dig yourself out of a difficult or unpleasant situation, especially one which you caused yourself, you manage to get out of it.\nHe’s taken these measures to try and dig himself out of a hole.\n  VERB: V pron-refl\n\n6. A dig is an organized activity in which people dig into the ground in order to discover ancient historical objects.\nHe’s an archaeologist and has been on a dig in Crete for the past year.\n  N-COUNT: oft on N\n  = excavation\n7. If you have a dig at someone, you say something which is intended to make fun of them or upset them.\nShe couldn’t resist a dig at Dave after his unfortunate performance.\n  N-COUNT: usu N at n\n  = gibe\n8. If you give someone a dig in a part of their body, you push them with your finger or your elbow, usually as a warning or as a joke.\n  N-COUNT\n\n9. If you live in digs, you live in a room in someone else’s house and pay them rent. (BRIT INFORMAL, OLD-FASHIONED)\nHe went to London and lived in digs in Gloucester Road...\n  N-PLURAL: oft in N\n  = lodgings\n10.\nto dig one’s heels in: see heel


Words: dig around
Meaning:
dig around\n1. If you dig around in a place or container, you search for something in every part of it.\nI went home to dig around in my closets for some old tapes.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P in n, also V P\n  = rummage around\n2. If you dig around, you try to find information about someone or something.\nThey said, after digging around, the photo was a fake.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P


Words: dig in
Meaning:
dig in\n1. If you dig a substance in, or dig it into the soil, you mix it into the soil by digging.\nI usually dig in a small barrow load of compost in late summer...\nTo dig calcium into the soil, he warned, does not help the plant.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron), V n P n\n\n2. When soldiers dig in or dig themselves in, they dig trenches and prepare themselves for an attack by the enemy.\nThe battalion went directly to the airport to begin digging in...\nThe enemy must be digging themselves in now ready for the attack...\nOur forces are dug in along the river.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P, V pron-refl P, V-ed P\n\n3. If someone digs in, or digs into some food, they start eating eagerly. If you tell someone to dig in, you are inviting them to start eating, and encouraging them to eat as much as they want. (INFORMAL)\n`Listen,’ said Daisy, digging into her oatmeal...\nPull up a chair and dig in!\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n, V P\n  = tuck in


Words: dig out
Meaning:
dig out\n1. If you dig someone or something out of a place, you get them out by digging or by forcing them from the things surrounding them.\n...digging minerals out of the Earth...\nShe dug out a photograph from under a pile of papers.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V n P of n, V P n (not pron), also V n P\n\n2. If you dig something out, you find it after it has been stored, hidden, or forgotten for a long time. (INFORMAL)\nRecently, I dug out Barstow’s novel and read it again...\nWe’ll try and dig the number out for you if you want it.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron), V n P


Words: dig up
Meaning:
dig up\n1. If you dig up something, you remove it from the ground where it has been buried or planted.\nYou would have to dig up the plant yourself...\nDig it up once the foliage has died down.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron), V n P\n\n2. If you dig up an area of land, you dig holes in it.\nYesterday they continued the search, digging up the back yard of a police station.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron), also V n P\n\n3. If you dig up information or facts, you discover something that has not previously been widely known.\nManagers are too expensive and important to spend time digging up market information...\nHis description fits perfectly the evidence dug up by Clyde.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron), V-ed P, also V n P\n  = unearth


Words: digest
Meaning:
di.gest\n   digest digests digesting  digested\nThe verb is pronounced   The noun is pronounced\n1. When food digests or when you digest it, it passes through your body to your stomach. Your stomach removes the substances that your body needs and gets rid of the rest.\nDo not undertake strenuous exercise for a few hours after a meal to allow food to digest...\nShe couldn’t digest food properly...\nNutrients from the digested food can be absorbed into the blood.\n  VERB: V, V n, V-ed\n\n2. If you digest information, you think about it carefully so that you understand it.\nThey learn well but seem to need time to digest information...\n  VERB: V n\n\n3. If you digest some unpleasant news, you think about it until you are able to accept it and know how to deal with it.\nAll this has upset me. I need time to digest it all.\n  VERB: V n\n\n4. A digest is a collection of pieces of writing. They are published together in a shorter form than they were originally published.\n...the Middle East Economic Digest.\n  N-COUNT


Words: digestible
Meaning:
di.gest.ible\n   digestible\n1. Digestible food is food that is easy to digest.\nBananas are easily digestible.\n  ADJ: oft adv ADJ\n\n2. If a theory or idea is digestible, it is easy to understand.\nThe book’s aim was to make economic theory more digestible.\n  ADJ\n  = accessible


Words: digestion
Meaning:
di.ges.tion\n   digestion  digestions\n1. Digestion is the process of digesting food.\nNo liquids are served with meals because they interfere with digestion.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. Your digestion is the system in your body which digests your food.\n  N-COUNT: usu poss N


Words: digestive
Meaning:
di.ges.tive\n   digestive\n  You can describe things that are related to the digestion of food as digestive.\n...digestive juices that normally work on breaking down our food...\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: digestive system
Meaning:
di.ges.tive sys.tem\n   digestive system  digestive systems\n  Your digestive system is the set of organs in your body that digest the food you eat.\n  N-COUNT: usu poss N


Words: digger
Meaning:
dig.ger\n   digger  diggers\n  A digger is a machine that is used for digging.\n...a mechanical digger.\n  N-COUNT


Words: digit
Meaning:
dig.it\n   digit  digits\n1. A digit is a written symbol for any of the ten numbers from 0 to 9.\nHer telephone number differs from mine by one digit.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. A digit is a finger, thumb, or toe. (FORMAL)\n  N-COUNT


Words: digital
Meaning:
digi.tal\n   digital\n1. Digital systems record or transmit information in the form of thousands of very small signals.\nThe new digital technology would allow a rapid expansion in the number of TV channels.\n  ADJ\n\n=>  digi.tal.ly\n...digitally recorded sound.\n  ADV\n\n2. Digital devices such as watches or clocks give information by displaying numbers rather than by having a pointer which moves round a dial. Compare analogue.\n...a digital display.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: digital audio tape
Meaning:
digi.tal audio tape\n   digital audio tape\n  Digital audio tape is a type of magnetic tape used to make very high quality recordings of sound by recording it in digital form. The abbreviation DAT is often used.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: digital camera
Meaning:
digi.tal cam.era\n   digital camera digital cameras\n  A digital camera is a camera that produces digital images that can be stored on a computer, displayed on a screen, and printed.\nThe speed with which digital cameras can take, process and transmit an image is phenomenal.\n  N-COUNT


Words: digital radio
Meaning:
digi.tal ra.dio\n   digital radio digital radios\n1. Digital radio is radio in which the signals are transmitted in digital form and decoded by the radio receiver.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. A digital radio is a radio that can receive digital signals.\nManufacturers are working on a new generation of cheaper digital radios.\n  N-COUNT


Words: digital recording
Meaning:
digi.tal re.cord.ing\n   digital recording  digital recordings\n1. Digital recording is the process of converting sound or images into numbers.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. A digital recording is a recording made by converting sound or images into numbers.\n  N-COUNT


Words: digital television
Meaning:
digi.tal tele.vi.sion\n   digital television digital televisions\n1. Digital television is television in which the signals are transmitted in digital form and decoded by the television receiver.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. A digital television is a television that can receive digital signals.\n...wide screen digital televisions.\n  N-COUNT


Words: digital TV
Meaning:
digi.tal TV\n   digital TV digital TVs\n1. Digital TV is the same as digital television.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. A digital TV is the same as a digital television.\n  N-COUNT


Words: digitize
Meaning:
dig.it.ize\n   digitize  digitizes  digitizing  digitized\nin BRIT, also use digitise\n  To digitize information means to turn it into a form that can be read easily by a computer.\nThe picture is digitised by a scanner.\n  VERB: V n


Words: dignified
Meaning:
dig.ni.fied\n   dignified\n  If you say that someone or something is dignified, you mean they are calm, impressive and deserve respect.\nHe seemed a very dignified and charming man...\n  ADJ


Words: dignify
Meaning:
dig.ni.fy\n   dignify  dignifies  dignifying  dignified\n1. To dignify something means to make it impressive. (LITERARY)\nTragic literature dignifies sorrow and disaster...\n  VERB: V n\n\n2. If you say that a particular reaction or description dignifies something you have a low opinion of, you mean that it makes it appear acceptable.\nWe won’t dignify this kind of speculation with a comment...\n  VERB: V n  disapproval


Words: dignitary
Meaning:
dig.ni.tary\n   dignitary  dignitaries\n  Dignitaries are people who are considered to be important because they have a high rank in government or in the Church.\n  N-COUNT: usu pl


Words: dignity
Meaning:
dig.nity\n   dignity\n1. If someone behaves or moves with dignity, they are calm, controlled, and admirable.\n...her extraordinary dignity and composure.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n  = poise\n2. If you talk about the dignity of people or their lives or activities, you mean that they are valuable and worthy of respect.\n...the sense of human dignity.\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu with supp\n\n3. Your dignity is the sense that you have of your own importance and value, and other people’s respect for you.\nShe still has her dignity.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n  = self-respect


Words: digress
Meaning:
di.gress\n   digress  digresses  digressing  digressed\n  If you digress, you move away from the subject you are talking or writing about and talk or write about something different for a while.\nI’ve digressed a little to explain the situation so far, so let me now recap...\nShe digressed from her prepared speech to pay tribute to the President.\n  VERB: V, V from n\n\n=>  di.gres.sion      digressions\nThe text is dotted with digressions.\n  N-VAR


Words: diktat
Meaning:
dik.tat\n   diktat  diktats\n  You use diktat to refer to something such as a law or government which people have to obey even if they do not agree with it, especially one which seems unfair.\n  N-VAR  disapproval


Words: dilapidated
Meaning:
di.lapi.da.ted\n   dilapidated\n  A building that is dilapidated is old and in a generally bad condition.\n  ADJ\n  = run-down


Words: dilate
Meaning:
di.late\n   dilate  dilates  dilating  dilated\n  When things such as blood vessels or the pupils of your eyes dilate or when something dilates them, they become wider or bigger.\nAt night, the pupils dilate to allow in more light...\nExercise dilates blood vessels on the surface of the brain.\n  VERB: V, V n\n  = enlarge\n=>  di.lat.ed\nHis eyes seemed slightly dilated.\n  ADJ


Words: dilatory
Meaning:
di.la.tory\n   dilatory\n  Someone or something that is dilatory is slow and causes delay. (FORMAL)\nYou might expect politicians to smooth things out when civil servants are being dilatory.\n  ADJ


Words: dildo
Meaning:
dil.do\n   dildo  dildos\n  A dildo is an object shaped like a penis, which women can use to get sexual pleasure. (INFORMAL)\n  N-COUNT


Words: dilemma
Meaning:
di.lem.ma\n   dilemma  dilemmas\n  A dilemma is a difficult situation in which you have to choose between two or more alternatives.\nHe was faced with the dilemma of whether or not to return to his country...\n  N-COUNT\n\non the horns of a dilemma: see horn


Words: dilettante
Meaning:
dil.et.tan.te\n   dilettante  dilettantes  or dilettanti\n  You can use dilettante to talk about someone who seems interested in a subject, especially in art, but who does not really know very much about it. (FORMAL)\n  N-COUNT  disapproval


Words: diligent
Meaning:
dili.gent\n   diligent\n  Someone who is diligent works hard in a careful and thorough way.\nMeyers is a diligent and prolific worker...\n  ADJ\n\n=>  dili.gence\nThe police are pursuing their inquiries with great diligence.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n=>  dili.gent.ly\nThe two sides are now working diligently to resolve their differences.\n  ADV: ADV with v


Words: dilute
Meaning:
di.lute\n   dilute  dilutes  diluting  diluted\n1. If a liquid is diluted or dilutes, it is added to or mixes with water or another liquid, and becomes weaker.\nIf you give your baby juice, dilute it well with cooled, boiled water...\nThe liquid is then diluted...\nThe poisons seeping from Hanford’s contaminated land quickly dilute in the water.\n  VERB: V n prep, be V-ed, V, also V n\n\n=>  di.lu.tion\n...ditches dug for sewage dilution.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. A dilute liquid is very thin and weak, usually because it has had water added to it.\n...a dilute solution of bleach.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n3. If someone or something dilutes a belief, quality, or value, they make it weaker and less effective.\nThere was a clear intention to dilute black voting power...\n  VERB: V n\n\n=>  di.lu.tion\n...a potentially devastating dilution of earnings per share.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft N of n


Words: dilution
Meaning:
di.lu.tion\n   dilution  dilutions\n  A dilution is a liquid that has been diluted with water or another liquid, so that it becomes weaker.\n`Aromatherapy oils’ are not pure essential oils but dilutions.\n  N-COUNT


Words: dim
Meaning:
dim  dimmer  dimmest  dims  dimming  dimmed\n1. Dim light is not bright.\nShe stood waiting, in the dim light...\n  ADJ\n\n=>  dim.ly\nHe followed her into a dimly lit kitchen.\n  ADV: ADV after v, ADV -ed\n\n=>  dim.ness\n...the dimness of an early September evening.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. A dim place is rather dark because there is not much light in it.\nThe room was dim and cool and quiet.\n  ADJ\n\n=>  dim.ness\nI squinted to adjust my eyes to the dimness.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n3. A dim figure or object is not very easy to see, either because it is in shadow or darkness, or because it is far away.\nPete’s torch picked out the dim figures of Bob and Chang.\n  ADJ\n  = faint\n=>  dim.ly\nThe shoreline could be dimly seen.\n  ADV: usu ADV with v\n\n4. If you have a dim memory or understanding of something, it is difficult to remember or is unclear in your mind.\nIt seems that the ’60s era of social activism is all but a dim memory.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n  = hazy\n=>  dim.ly\nChristina dimly recalled the procedure...\n  ADV: ADV with v, ADV adj\n\n5. If the future of something is dim, you have no reason to feel hopeful or positive about it.\nThe prospects for a peaceful solution are dim.\n  ADJ\n  !=bright\n6. If you describe someone as dim, you think that they are stupid. (INFORMAL)\n  ADJ\n\n7. If you dim a light or if it dims, it becomes less bright.\nDim the lighting.it is unpleasant to lie with a bright light shining in your eyes...\nThe houselights dimmed.\n  VERB: V n, V\n\n8. If your future, hopes, or emotions dim or if something dims them, they become less good or less strong.\nTheir economic prospects have dimmed...\nForty eight years of marriage have not dimmed the passion between Bill and Helen.\n  VERB: V, V n\n\n9. If your memories dim or if something dims them, they become less clear in your mind.\nTheir memory of what happened has dimmed...\nThe intervening years had dimmed his memory.\n  VERB: V, V n\n\n10.\nto take a dim view: see view


Words: dim-witted
Meaning:
dim-witted   also dimwitted\n  If you describe someone as dim-witted, you are saying in quite an unkind way that you do not think they are very clever. (INFORMAL)\n  ADJ\n  = stupid


Words: dimension
Meaning:
di.men.sion\n   dimension   dimensions\n1. A particular dimension of something is a particular aspect of it.\nThere is a political dimension to the accusations...\nThis adds a new dimension to our work.\n  N-COUNT: usu with supp\n  = aspect\n2. If you talk about the dimensions of a situation or problem, you are talking about its extent and size.\nThe dimensions of the market collapse were certainly not anticipated.\n  N-PLURAL: usu with supp\n  = scale\n3. A dimension is a measurement such as length, width, or height. If you talk about the dimensions of an object or place, you are referring to its size and proportions.\nDrilling will continue on the site to assess the dimensions of the new oilfield...\n  N-COUNT: usu pl, usu N of n\n\n4.\n  see also fourth dimension


Words: diminish
Meaning:
di.min.ish\n   diminish  diminishes  diminishing  diminished\n1. When something diminishes, or when something diminishes it, it becomes reduced in size, importance, or intensity.\nThe threat of nuclear war has diminished...\nFederalism is intended to diminish the power of the central state...\nUniversities are facing grave problems because of diminishing resources...\nThis could mean diminished public support for the war.\n  VERB: V, V n, V-ing, V-ed\n  !=increase\n2. If you diminish someone or something, you talk about them or treat them in a way that makes them appear less important than they really are.\nHe never put her down or diminished her...\n  VERB: V n


Words: diminished responsibility
Meaning:
di.min.ished re.spon.sibil.ity\n   diminished responsibility\n  In law, diminished responsibility is a defence which states that someone is not mentally well enough to be totally responsible for their crime.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: diminishing returns
Meaning:
di.min.ish.ing re.turns\n   diminishing returns\n  In economics, diminishing returns is a situation in which the increase in production, profits, or benefits resulting from something is less than the money or energy that is invested.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: diminution
Meaning:
dimi.nu.tion\n   diminution\n  A diminution of something is its reduction in size, importance, or intensity. (FORMAL)\n...despite a slight diminution in asset value.\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu N of/in n\n  = reduction


Words: diminutive
Meaning:
di.minu.tive\n   diminutive  diminutives\n1. A diminutive person or object is very small.\nShe noticed a diminutive figure standing at the entrance.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n  = tiny\n2. A diminutive is an informal form of a name. For example, `Jim’ and `Jimmy’ are diminutives of `James’.\n  N-COUNT


Words: dimmer
Meaning:
dim.mer\n   dimmer  dimmers\n  A dimmer or a dimmer switch is a switch that allows you to gradually change the brightness of an electric light.\n  N-COUNT


Words: dimple
Meaning:
dim.ple\n   dimple  dimples\n  A dimple is a small hollow in someone’s cheek or chin, often one that you can see when they smile.\nBess spoke up, smiling so that her dimples showed.\n  N-COUNT


Words: dimpled
Meaning:
dim.pled\n   dimpled\n  Something that is dimpled has small hollows in it.\n...a man with a dimpled chin.\n  ADJ


Words: dimwit
Meaning:
dim.wit\n   dimwit  dimwits\n  If you say that someone is a dimwit, you mean that they are ignorant and stupid. (INFORMAL)\n  N-COUNT\n  = idiot


Words: din
Meaning:
din\n  A din is a very loud and unpleasant noise that lasts for some time.\nThey tried to make themselves heard over the din of the crowd.\n  N-SING\n  = racket


Words: dinar
Meaning:
di.nar\n   dinar  dinars\n  The dinar is the unit of money that is used in some north African and Middle Eastern countries, and also in the republics which were part of Yugoslavia.\n  N-COUNT: num N\n\n  The dinar is also used to refer to the currency system of these countries.\n  N-SING: the N


Words: dine
Meaning:
dine  dines  dining  dined\n  When you dine, you have dinner. (FORMAL)\nHe dines alone most nights...\nThey used to enjoy going out to dine.\n  VERB: no passive, V adv/prep, V\n\nto wine and dine: see wine


Words: diner
Meaning:
din.er\n   diner  diners\n1. A diner is a small cheap restaurant that is open all day. (AM)\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. The people who are having dinner in a restaurant can be referred to as diners.\nThey sat in a corner, away from other diners.\n  N-COUNT


Words: dingy
Meaning:
din.gy\n   dingy  dingier  dingiest\n1. A dingy building or place is rather dark and depressing, and perhaps dirty.\nShaw took me to his rather dingy office.\n  ADJ\n\n2. Dingy clothes, curtains, or furnishings look dirty or dull.\n...wallpaper with stripes of dingy yellow.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: dining car
Meaning:
din.ing car\n   dining car  dining cars\n  A dining car is a carriage on a train where passengers can have a meal.\n  N-COUNT


Words: dining room
Meaning:
din.ing room\n   dining room  dining rooms   also dining-room\n  The dining room is the room in a house where people have their meals, or a room in a hotel where meals are served.\n  N-COUNT: usu the N


Words: dining table
Meaning:
din.ing ta.ble\n   dining table  dining tables   also dining-table\n  A dining table is a table that is used for having meals on.\n  N-COUNT


Words: dinky
Meaning:
dinky\n1. If you describe something as dinky, you mean that it is attractive and appealing, usually because it is quite small and well-designed. (BRIT INFORMAL)\nDarby drove a dinky old Fiat sports car.\n  ADJ  approval\n\n2. If you describe something as dinky, you mean that it is small and unimportant. (AM INFORMAL)\nThe hotels are full up, and the guests have had to go to this dinky little motel way out on Stewart Avenue.\n  ADJ  disapproval


Words: dinner
Meaning:
din.ner\n   dinner  dinners\n1. Dinner is the main meal of the day, usually served in the early part of the evening.\nShe invited us to her house for dinner...\nWould you like to stay and have dinner?...\n  N-VAR\n\n  see also TV dinner\n2. Any meal you eat in the middle of the day can be referred to as dinner.\n  N-VAR\n\n3. A dinner is a formal social event at which a meal is served. It is held in the evening.\n...a series of official lunches and dinners...\n  N-COUNT


Words: dinner dance
Meaning:
din.ner dance\n   dinner dance  dinner dances   also dinner-dance\n  A dinner dance is a social event where a large number of people come to have dinner and to dance. Dinner dances are held in the evening at hotels, restaurants, and social clubs. (BRIT)\n  N-COUNT


Words: dinner jacket
Meaning:
din.ner jack.et\n   dinner jacket  dinner jackets   also dinner-jacket\n  A dinner jacket is a jacket, usually black, worn by men for formal social events. (BRIT; in AM, use tuxedo)\n  N-COUNT


Words: dinner party
Meaning:
din.ner par.ty\n   dinner party  dinner parties\n  A dinner party is a social event where a small group of people are invited to have dinner and spend the evening at someone’s house.\n  N-COUNT


Words: dinner service
Meaning:
din.ner ser.vice\n   dinner service  dinner services\n  A dinner service is a set of plates and dishes from which meals are eaten and served. It may also include cups and saucers. (BRIT; in AM, use dinnerware set)\n  N-COUNT


Words: dinner table
Meaning:
din.ner ta.ble\n   dinner table  dinner tables   also dinner-table\n  You can refer to a table as the dinner table when it is being used for dinner. (BRIT)\nSam was left at the dinner table with Peg.\n  N-COUNT: usu sing, usu the/poss N


Words: dinnertime
Meaning:
din.ner.time\n   dinnertime   also dinner time\n  Dinnertime is the period of the day when most people have their dinner.\nThe telephone call came shortly before dinnertime.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft prep N


Words: dinnerware
Meaning:
din.ner.ware\n   dinnerware\n  You can refer to the plates and dishes you use during a meal as dinnerware. (mainly AM)\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: dinnerware set
Meaning:
din.ner.ware set\n   dinnerware set  dinnerware sets\n  A dinnerware set is the same as a dinner service. (AM)\n  N-COUNT


Words: dinosaur
Meaning:
di.no.saur\n   dinosaur  dinosaurs\n1. Dinosaurs were large reptiles which lived in prehistoric times.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. If you refer to an organization as a dinosaur, you mean that it is large, inefficient, and out of date.\n...industrial dinosaurs.\n  N-COUNT  disapproval


Words: dint
Meaning:
dint\n  If you achieve a result by dint of something, you achieve it by means of that thing. (WRITTEN)\nHe succeeds by dint of sheer hard work...\n  PREP-PHRASE\n  = by means of


Words: diocesan
Meaning:
di.oc.esan\n   diocesan\n  Diocesan means belonging or relating to a diocese.\n...the diocesan synod.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: dioxin
Meaning:
di.ox.in\n   dioxin  dioxins\n  Dioxins are poisonous chemicals which occur as a by-product of the manufacture of certain weedkillers and disinfectants.\n  N-VAR


Words: dip
Meaning:
dip  dips  dipping  dipped\n1. If you dip something in a liquid, you put it into the liquid for a short time, so that only part of it is covered, and take it out again.\nQuickly dip the base in and out of cold water.\n  VERB: V n into/in n\n\n  Dip is also a noun.\nOne dip into the bottle should do an entire nail.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. If you dip your hand into a container or dip into the container, you put your hand into it in order to take something out of it.\nShe dipped a hand into the jar of sweets and pulled one out...\nWatch your fingers as you dip into the pot...\nAsk the children to guess what’s in each container by dipping their hands in.\n  VERB: V n into n, V into n, V n with in\n\n3. If something dips, it makes a downward movement, usually quite quickly.\nBlake jumped in expertly; the boat dipped slightly under his weight...\nThe sun dipped below the horizon.\n  VERB: V, V prep\n\n  Dip is also a noun.\nI noticed little things, a dip of the head, a twitch in the shoulder.\n  N-COUNT\n\n4. If an area of land, a road, or a path dips, it goes down quite suddenly to a lower level.\nThe road dipped and rose again.\n...a path which suddenly dips down into a tunnel.\n  VERB: V, V adv/prep\n\n  Dip is also a noun.\nWhere the road makes a dip, turn right.\n  N-COUNT\n\n5. If the amount or level of something dips, it becomes smaller or lower, usually only for a short period of time.\nUnemployment dipped to 6.9 per cent last month...\nThe president became more cautious as his popularity dipped.\n  VERB: V prep/adv, V\n  = fall\n  Dip is also a noun.\n...the current dip in farm spending.\n  N-COUNT: oft N in n\n\n6. A dip is a thick creamy sauce. You dip pieces of raw vegetable or biscuits into the sauce and then eat them.\nMaybe we could just buy some dips.\n...prawns with avocado dip.\n  N-VAR\n\n7. If you have or take a dip, you go for a quick swim in the sea, a river, or a swimming pool.\nShe flicked through a romantic paperback between occasional dips in the pool.\n  N-COUNT\n  = swim\n8. If you are driving a car and dip the headlights, you operate a switch that makes them shine downwards, so that they do not shine directly into the eyes of other drivers. (BRIT; in AM, use dim)\nHe dipped his headlights as they came up behind a slow-moving van...\nThis picture shows the view from a car using normal dipped lights.\n  VERB: V n, V-ed\n\n9. If you dip into a book, you have a brief look at it without reading or studying it seriously.\n...a chance to dip into a wide selection of books on Tibetan Buddhism.\n  VERB: V into n\n\n10. If you dip into a sum of money that you had intended to save, you use some of it to buy something or pay for something.\nJust when she was ready to dip into her savings, Greg hastened to her rescue.\n  VERB: V into n\n\n11.\nto dip your toes: see toe\n  see also lucky dip


Words: diphtheria
Meaning:
diph.theria\n   diphtheria\n  Diphtheria is a dangerous infectious disease which causes fever and difficulty in breathing and swallowing.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: diphthong
Meaning:
diph.thong\n   diphthong   diphthongs\n  A diphthong is a vowel in which the speaker’s tongue changes position while it is being pronounced, so that the vowel sounds like a combination of two other vowels. The vowel sound in `tail’ is a diphthong.\n  N-COUNT


Words: diploma
Meaning:
di.plo.ma\n   diploma  diplomas\n  A diploma is a qualification which may be awarded to a student by a university or college, or by a high school in the United States.\n...a new two-year course leading to a diploma in social work.\n  N-COUNT


Words: diplomacy
Meaning:
di.plo.ma.cy\n   diplomacy\n1. Diplomacy is the activity or profession of managing relations between the governments of different countries.\nToday’s Security Council resolution will be a significant success for American diplomacy...\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n  see also shuttle diplomacy\n2. Diplomacy is the skill of being careful to say or do things which will not offend people.\nHe stormed off in a fury, and it took all Minnelli’s powers of diplomacy to get him to return.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: diplomat
Meaning:
dip.lo.mat\n   diplomat  diplomats\n  A diplomat is a senior official who discusses affairs with another country on behalf of his or her own country, usually working as a member of an embassy.\n  N-COUNT


Words: diplomatic
Meaning:
dip.lo.mat.ic\n   diplomatic\n1. Diplomatic means relating to diplomacy and diplomats.\n...before the two countries resume full diplomatic relations...\nEfforts are being made to avert war and find a diplomatic solution...\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n=>  dip.lo.mati.cal.ly\n...a growing sense of doubt that the conflict can be resolved diplomatically...\n  ADV: ADV with v, ADV adj\n\n2. Someone who is diplomatic is able to be careful to say or do things without offending people.\nShe is very direct. I tend to be more diplomatic, I suppose.\n  ADJ\n\n=>  dip.lo.mati.cal.ly\n`Their sound is very interesting,’ he says, diplomatically.\n  ADV: ADV with v


Words: diplomatic bag
Meaning:
dip.lo.mat.ic bag\n   diplomatic bag  diplomatic bags\n  A diplomatic bag is a bag or container in which mail is sent to and from foreign embassies. Diplomatic bags are protected by law, so that they are not opened by anyone except the official or embassy they are addressed to. (BRIT; in AM, use diplomatic pouch)\n  N-COUNT


Words: diplomatic corps
Meaning:
dip.lo.mat.ic corps\n   diplomatic corps  diplomatic corps\n  The diplomatic corps is the group of all the diplomats who work in one city or country.\n  N-COUNT-COLL: usu the N


Words: diplomatic immunity
Meaning:
dip.lo.mat.ic im.mun.ity\n   diplomatic immunity\n  Diplomatic immunity is the freedom from legal action and from paying taxes that a diplomat has in the country in which he or she is working.\nThe embassy official claimed diplomatic immunity and was later released.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: diplomatic pouch
Meaning:
dip.lo.mat.ic pouch\n   diplomatic pouch  diplomatic pouches\n  A diplomatic pouch is the same as a diplomatic bag. (mainly AM)\n  N-COUNT


Words: diplomatic service
Meaning:
dip.lo.mat.ic ser.vice\n   diplomatic service   also Diplomatic Service\n  The diplomatic service is the government department that employs diplomats to work in foreign countries. (mainly BRIT; in AM, usually use foreign service)\n  N-PROPER: the N


Words: dippy
Meaning:
dip.py\n   dippy\n  If you describe someone as dippy, you mean that they are slightly odd or unusual, but in a way that you find charming and attractive. (INFORMAL)\n  ADJ


Words: dipstick
Meaning:
dip.stick\n   dipstick  dipsticks\n  A dipstick is a metal rod with marks along one end. It is used to measure the amount of liquid in a container, especially the amount of oil in a car engine.\n  N-COUNT


Words: dire
Meaning:
dire\n1. Dire is used to emphasize how serious or terrible a situation or event is.\nA government split would have dire consequences for domestic peace...\nHe was in dire need of hospital treatment.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n  emphasis\n  = awful, desperate\n2. If you describe something as dire, you are emphasizing that it is of very low quality. (INFORMAL)\n  ADJ: usu v-link ADJ  emphasis


Words: direct
Meaning:
di.rect\n   direct   directs   directing   directed\n1. Direct means moving towards a place or object, without changing direction and without stopping, for example in a journey.\nThey’d come on a direct flight from Athens.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n  !=indirect\n  Direct is also an adverb.\nYou can fly direct to Amsterdam from most British airports.\n  ADV: ADV after v\n\n=>  di.rect.ly\nThe jumbo jet is due to fly the hostages directly back to London.\n  ADV: ADV after v\n\n2. If something is in direct heat or light, it is strongly affected by the heat or light, because there is nothing between it and the source of heat or light to protect it.\nMedicines should be stored away from direct sunlight...\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n3. You use direct to describe an experience, activity, or system which only involves the people, actions, or things that are necessary to make it happen.\nHe has direct experience of the process of privatisation...\nHe seemed to be in direct contact with the Boss...\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n  Direct is also an adverb.\nI can deal direct with your Inspector Kimble...\n  ADV: ADV after v\n\n=>  di.rect.ly\nWe cannot measure pain directly. It can only be estimated...\n  ADV: ADV with v\n\n4. You use direct to emphasize the closeness of a connection between two things.\nThey were unable to prove that she died as a direct result of his injection...\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n  emphasis\n  !=indirect\n5. If you describe a person or their behaviour as direct, you mean that they are honest and open, and say exactly what they mean.\nHe avoided giving a direct answer...\n  ADJ\n  !=indirect\n=>  di.rect.ly\nAt your first meeting, explain simply and directly what you hope to achieve...\n  ADV: ADV after v\n\n=>  di.rect.ness\nUsing `I’ adds directness to a piece of writing...\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n6. If you direct something at a particular thing, you aim or point it at that thing.\nI directed the extinguisher at the fire without effect...\n  VERB: V n at/towards/on n\n  = aim\n7. If your attention, emotions, or actions are directed at a particular person or thing, you are focusing them on that person or thing.\nThe learner’s attention needs to be directed to the significant features...\nDo not be surprised if, initially, she directs her anger at you...\n  VERB: be V-ed to/towards n/-ing, V n at n\n  = focus\n8. If a remark or look is directed at you, someone says something to you or looks at you.\nShe could hardly believe the question was directed towards her...\nThe abuse was directed at the TV crews...\nArnold directed a meaningful look at Irma.\n  VERB: be V-ed towards n, be V-ed at n, V n at n\n\n9. If you direct someone somewhere, you tell them how to get there.\nCould you direct them to Dr Lamont’s office, please?...\n  VERB: V n to n\n\n10. When someone directs a project or a group of people, they are responsible for organizing the people and activities that are involved.\nChristopher will direct day-to-day operations.\n  VERB: V n\n\n=>  di.rec.tion\nOrganizations need clear direction...\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n11. When someone directs a film, play, or television programme, they are responsible for the way in which it is performed and for telling the actors and assistants what to do.\nHe directed various TV shows...\n...Miss Birkin’s long-held ambition to direct as well as act.\n  VERB: V n, V\n\n12. If you are directed to do something, someone in authority tells you to do it. (FORMAL)\nThey have been directed to give special attention to the problem of poverty...\nThe Bishop directed the faithful to stay at home.\n  VERB: be V-ed to-inf, V n to-inf\n\n13. If you are a direct descendant of someone, you are related to them through your parents and your grandparents and so on.\nShe is a direct descendant of Queen Victoria.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n14.\n  see also direction, directly


Words: direct action
Meaning:
di.rect ac.tion\n   direct action\n  Direct action involves doing something such as going on strike or demonstrating in order to put pressure on an employer or government to do what you want, instead of trying to talk to them.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: direct current
Meaning:
di.rect cur.rent\n   direct current  direct currents\n  A direct current is an electric current that always flows in the same direction. The abbreviation DC is also used.\nSome kinds of batteries can be recharged by connecting them to a source of direct current.\n  N-VAR


Words: direct debit
Meaning:
di.rect deb.it\n   direct debit  direct debits\n  If you pay a bill by direct debit, you give permission for the company who is owed money to transfer the correct amount from your bank account into theirs, usually every month. (mainly BRIT)\nSwitch to paying your mortgage by direct debit.\n  N-VAR


Words: direct discourse
Meaning:
di.rect dis.course\n   direct discourse\n  In grammar, direct discourse is speech which is reported by using the exact words that the speaker used. (mainly AM; in BRIT, usually use direct speech)\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: direct hit
Meaning:
di.rect hit\n   direct hit  direct hits\n  If a place suffers a direct hit, a bomb, bullet, or other missile that has been aimed at it lands exactly in that place, rather than some distance away.\nThe dug-outs were secure from everything but a direct hit.\n  N-COUNT


Words: direct mail
Meaning:
di.rect mail\n   direct mail\n  Direct mail is a method of marketing which involves companies sending advertising material directly to people who they think may be interested in their products. (BUSINESS)\n...efforts to solicit new customers by direct mail and television advertising...\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft N n


Words: direct marketing
Meaning:
di.rect mar.ket.ing\n   direct marketing\n  Direct marketing is the same as direct mail. (BUSINESS)\nThe direct marketing industry has become adept at packaging special offers.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft N n


Words: direct object
Meaning:
di.rect ob.ject\n   direct object  direct objects\n  In grammar, the direct object of a transitive verb is the noun group which refers to someone or something directly affected by or involved in the action performed by the subject. For example, in `I saw him yesterday’, `him’ is the direct object. Compare indirect object.\n  N-COUNT\n  = object


Words: direct rule
Meaning:
di.rect rule\n   direct rule\n  Direct rule is a system in which a central government rules an area which has had its own parliament or law-making organization in the past.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: direct speech
Meaning:
di.rect speech\n   direct speech\n  In grammar, direct speech is speech which is reported by using the exact words that the speaker used. (mainly BRIT; in AM, usually use direct discourse)\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: direct tax
Meaning:
di.rect tax\n   direct tax  direct taxes\n  A direct tax is a tax which a person or organization pays directly to the government, for example income tax. (BUSINESS)\n  N-COUNT


Words: direct taxation
Meaning:
di.rect taxa.tion\n   direct taxation\n  Direct taxation is a system in which a government raises money by means of direct taxes.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: direction
Meaning:
di.rec.tion\n   direction   directions\n1. A direction is the general line that someone or something is moving or pointing in.\nSt Andrews was ten miles in the opposite direction...\nHe drove off in the direction of Larry’s shop...\nThe instruments will register every change of direction or height.\n  N-VAR: usu with supp\n\n2. A direction is the general way in which something develops or progresses.\nThey threatened to walk out if the party did not change direction...\n  N-VAR: usu with supp\n\n3. Directions are instructions that tell you what to do, how to do something, or how to get somewhere.\nI should know by now not to throw away the directions until we’ve finished cooking...\n  N-PLURAL: with supp\n\n4. The direction of a film, play, or television programme is the work that the director does while it is being made.\nHis failures underline the difference between theatre and film direction.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n5.\n  see also direct


Words: directional
Meaning:
di.rec.tion.al\n   directional\n1. If something such as a radio aerial, microphone, or loudspeaker is directional, it works most effectively in one direction, rather than equally in all directions at once. (TECHNICAL)\nDish aerials are highly directional...\n  ADJ\n\n2. Directional means relating to the direction in which something is pointing or going. (TECHNICAL)\nJets of compressed air gave the aircraft lateral and directional stability.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: directionless
Meaning:
di.rec.tion.less\n   directionless\n  If you describe an activity or an organization as directionless, you mean that it does not seem to have any point or purpose. If you describe a person as directionless, you mean that they do not seem to have any plans or ideas.\n...his seemingly disorganized and directionless campaign...\n  ADJ\n  = aimless


Words: directive
Meaning:
di.rec.tive\n   directive   directives\n  A directive is an official instruction that is given by someone in authority.\nThanks to a new EU directive, insecticide labelling will be more specific.\n  N-COUNT\n  = ruling


Words: directly
Meaning:
di.rect.ly\n   directly\n1. If something is directly above, below, or in front of something, it is in exactly that position.\nThe naked bulb was directly over his head...\n  ADV: ADV prep/adv\n  = right\n2. If you do one action directly after another, you do the second action as soon as the first one is finished.\nDirectly after the meeting, a senior cabinet minister spoke to the BBC...\n  ADV: ADV prep/adv\n  = immediately\n3. If something happens directly, it happens without any delay. (BRIT OLD-FASHIONED)\nHe will be there directly.\n  ADV: ADV after v\n\n4.\n  see also direct


Words: director
Meaning:
di.rec.tor\n   director   directors\n1. The director of a play, film, or television programme is the person who decides how it will appear on stage or screen, and who tells the actors and technical staff what to do.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. In some organizations and public authorities, the person in charge is referred to as the director.\n...the director of the intensive care unit at Guy’s Hospital.\n  N-COUNT: oft the N\n\n3. The directors of a company are its most senior managers, who meet regularly to make important decisions about how it will be run. (BUSINESS)\nHe served on the board of directors of a local bank.\n  N-COUNT\n\n4. The director of an orchestra or choir is the person who is conducting it. (AM; in BRIT, use conductor)\n  N-COUNT


Words: director general
Meaning:
di.rec.tor gen.er.al\n   director general  directors general\n  The director general of a large organization such as the BBC is the person who is in charge of it. (BUSINESS)\n  N-COUNT: usu sing


Words: directorate
Meaning:
di.rec.to.rate\n   directorate   directorates\n1. A directorate is a board of directors in a company or organization. (BUSINESS)\nThe Bank would be managed by a directorate of professional bankers.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. A directorate is a part of a government department which is responsible for one particular thing.\n...the Health and Safety Directorate of the EU.\n  N-COUNT: with supp


Words: directorial
Meaning:
di.rec.to.rial\n   directorial\n  Directorial means relating to the job of being a film or theatre director.\n...Sam Mendes’ directorial debut.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: directorship
Meaning:
di.rec.tor.ship\n   directorship   directorships\n  A directorship is the job or position of a company director. (BUSINESS)\nBarry resigned his directorship in December 1973.\n  N-COUNT


Words: directory
Meaning:
di.rec.tory\n   directory   directories\n  A directory is a book which gives lists of facts, for example people’s names, addresses, and telephone numbers, or the names and addresses of business companies, usually arranged in alphabetical order.\n  N-COUNT: oft N of n, n N\n\n1...a telephone directory.\n\n2. A directory is an area of a computer disk which contains one or more files or other directories. (COMPUTING)\nThis option lets you create new files or directories.\n  N-COUNT\n\n3. On the World Wide Web, a directory is a list of the subjects that you can find information on. (COMPUTING)\nYahoo is the oldest and best-known Web directory service.\n  N-COUNT


Words: directory enquiries
Meaning:
di.rec.tory en.quiries\n   directory enquiries\n  Directory enquiries is a service which you can telephone to find out someone’s telephone number. (BRIT; in AM, use information, directory assistance)\nHe dialled directory enquiries.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: dirge
Meaning:
dirge  dirges\n  A dirge is a slow, sad song or piece of music. Dirges are sometimes performed at funerals.\n  N-COUNT: usu sing


Words: dirt
Meaning:
dirt\n1. If there is dirt on something, there is dust, mud, or a stain on it.\nI started to scrub off the dirt.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. You can refer to the earth on the ground as dirt, especially when it is dusty.\nThey all sit on the dirt in the dappled shade of a tree.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n  = earth\n3. A dirt road or track is made from hard earth. A dirt floor is made from earth without any cement, stone, or wood laid on it.\nI drove along the dirt road...\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n4. If you say that you have the dirt on someone, you mean that you have information that could harm their reputation or career. (INFORMAL)\nSteve was keen to get all the dirt he could on her...\n  N-SING: oft the N, N on n\n\n5. If someone dishes the dirt on you, they say bad things about you, without worrying if they are true or not, or if they will damage your reputation. (mainly BRIT INFORMAL)\nHe dishes the dirt on his buddies.\n  PHRASE: V inflects, oft PHR on n  disapproval\n\n6. If you say that someone treats you like dirt, you are angry with them because you think that they treat you unfairly and with no respect.\nPeople think they can treat me like dirt!\n  PHRASE: V inflects  disapproval


Words: dirt bike
Meaning:
dirt bike dirt bikes\n  A dirt bike is a type of motorbike that is designed to be used on rough ground.\n  N-COUNT


Words: dirt-cheap
Meaning:
dirt-cheap\n  If you say that something is dirt-cheap, you are emphasizing that it is very cheap indeed. (INFORMAL)\nThey’re always selling off stuff like that dirt cheap...\n  ADJ  emphasis


Words: dirty
Meaning:
dirty  dirtier  dirtiest  dirties  dirtying  dirtied\n1. If something is dirty, it is marked or covered with stains, spots, or mud, and needs to be cleaned.\nShe still did not like the woman who had dirty fingernails...\n  ADJ\n  = grubby  !=clean\n2. To dirty something means to cause it to become dirty.\nHe was afraid the dog’s hairs might dirty the seats...\n  VERB: V n\n\n3. If you describe an action as dirty, you disapprove of it and consider it unfair, immoral, or dishonest.\nThe gunman had been hired by a rival Mafia family to do the dirty deed.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n  disapproval\n\n  Dirty is also an adverb.\nJim Browne is the kind of fellow who can fight dirty.\n  ADV: ADV after v\n\n4. If you describe something such as a joke, a book, or someone’s language as dirty, you mean that it refers to sex in a way that some people find offensive.\nThey told dirty jokes and sang raucous ballads...\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n  Dirty is also an adverb.\nI’m often asked whether the men talk dirty to me. The answer is no.\n  ADV: ADV after v\n\n5. Dirty is used before words of criticism to emphasize that you do not approve of someone or something. (INFORMAL)\nYou dirty liar.\n  ADJ: ADJ n  emphasis\n\n6. If you say that someone washes their dirty linen in public, you disapprove of their discussing or arguing about unpleasant or private things in front of other people. There are several other forms of this expression, for example wash your dirty laundry in public, or in American English, air your dirty laundry in public.\nWe shouldn’t wash our dirty laundry in public and if I was in his position, I’d say nothing at all.\n  PHRASE: V inflects  disapproval\n\n7. If someone gives you a dirty look, they look at you in a way which shows that they are angry with you. (INFORMAL)\nMichael gave him a dirty look and walked out.\n  PHRASE: N inflects, PHR after v\n\n8. Dirty old man is an expression some people use to describe an older man who they think shows an unnatural interest in sex.\n  PHRASE: N inflects, usu vlink PHR  disapproval\n\n9. To do someone’s dirty work means to do a task for them that is dishonest or unpleasant and which they do not want to do themselves.\nAs a member of an elite army hit squad, the army would send us out to do their dirty work for them.\n  PHRASE: V inflects\n\n10. If you say that an expression is a dirty word in a particular group of people, you mean it refers to an idea that they strongly dislike or disagree with.\nMarketing became a dirty word at the company.\n  PHRASE: v-link PHR


Words: dirty bomb
Meaning:
dirty bomb dirty bombs\n  A dirty bomb is a nuclear bomb that uses explosives to release radioactive material over a wide area.\n  N-COUNT


Words: dirty trick
Meaning:
dirty trick  dirty tricks\n  You describe the actions of an organization or political group as dirty tricks when you think they are using illegal methods to harm the reputation or effectiveness of their rivals.\nHe claimed he was the victim of a dirty tricks campaign..\n  N-COUNT: usu pl


Words: dis-
Meaning:
dis-\n  Dis- is added to some words that describe processes, qualities, or states, in order to form words describing the opposite processes, qualities, or states. For example, if you do not agree with someone, you disagree with them; if one thing is not similar to something else, it is dissimilar to it.\n  PREFIX


Words: disability
Meaning:
dis.abil.ity\n   disability  disabilities\n1. A disability is a permanent injury, illness, or physical or mental condition that tends to restrict the way that someone can live their life.\nFacilities for people with disabilities are still insufficient.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. Disability is the state of being disabled.\nDisability can make extra demands on financial resources.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: disable
Meaning:
dis.able\n   disable  disables  disabling  disabled\n1. If an injury or illness disables someone, it affects them so badly that it restricts the way that they can live their life.\nShe did all this tendon damage and it really disabled her...\nAlthough disabled by polio during the Second World War, Proctor was also a first-rate helmsman.\n  VERB: V n, V-ed\n\n=>  dis.abling\n...skin ulcers which are disfiguring and sometimes disabling.\n  ADJ\n\n2. If someone or something disables a system or mechanism, they stop it working, usually temporarily.\n...if you need to disable a car alarm.\n  VERB: V n


Words: disabled
Meaning:
dis.abled\n   disabled\n  Someone who is disabled has an illness, injury, or condition that tends to restrict the way that they can live their life, especially by making it difficult for them to move about.\n...practical problems encountered by disabled people in the workplace.\n  ADJ\n\n  People who are disabled are sometimes referred to as the disabled.\nThere are toilet facilities for the disabled.\n  N-PLURAL: the N


Words: disablement
Meaning:
dis.able.ment\n   disablement\n  Disablement is the state of being disabled or the experience of becoming disabled. (FORMAL)\n...permanent total disablement resulting in inability to work.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: disabuse
Meaning:
dis.abuse\n   disabuse  disabuses  disabusing  disabused\n  If you disabuse someone of something, you tell them or persuade them that what they believe is in fact untrue. (FORMAL)\nTheir view of country people was that they like to please strangers. I did not disabuse them of this notion.\n  VERB: V n of n, also V n


Words: disadvantage
Meaning:
dis.ad.vant.age\n   disadvantage  disadvantages\n1. A disadvantage is a factor which makes someone or something less useful, acceptable, or successful than other people or things.\nHis two main rivals suffer the disadvantage of having been long-term political exiles...\n...the advantages and disadvantages of allowing priests to marry.\n  N-COUNT: oft N of n\n  !=advantage\n2. If you are at a disadvantage, you have a problem or difficulty that many other people do not have, which makes it harder for you to be successful.\nThe children from poor families were at a distinct disadvantage...\n  PHRASE: v-link PHR\n\n3. If something is to your disadvantage or works to your disadvantage, it creates difficulties for you.\nA snap election would be to their disadvantage...\n  PHRASE: v-link PHR, PHR after v


Words: disadvantaged
Meaning:
dis.ad.van.taged\n   disadvantaged\n  People who are disadvantaged or live in disadvantaged areas live in bad conditions and tend not to get a good education or have a reasonable standard of living.\n...the educational problems of disadvantaged children...\n  ADJ\n  = underprivileged\n  The disadvantaged are people who are disadvantaged.\n  N-PLURAL: the N


Words: disadvantageous
Meaning:
dis.ad.van.ta.geous\n   disadvantageous\n  Something that is disadvantageous to you puts you in a worse position than other people.\nThe Second World War started in the most disadvantageous possible way for the western powers.\n  ADJ: oft ADJ to/for n\n  = unfavourable  !=advantageous


Words: disaffected
Meaning:
dis.af.fect.ed\n   disaffected\n  Disaffected people no longer fully support something such as an organization or political ideal which they previously supported.\nHe attracts disaffected voters...\n  ADJ


Words: disaffection
Meaning:
dis.af.fec.tion\n   disaffection\n  Disaffection is the attitude that people have when they stop supporting something such as an organization or political ideal.\n...people’s disaffection with their country and its leaders.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft N with n


Words: disagree
Meaning:
dis.agree\n   disagree  disagrees  disagreeing  disagreed\n1. If you disagree with someone or disagree with what they say, you do not accept that what they say is true or correct. You can also say that two people disagree.\nYou must continue to see them no matter how much you may disagree with them...\nThey can communicate even when they strongly disagree...\n`I think it is inappropriate.’.`I disagree.’...\nThe two men had disagreed about reincarnation.\n  V-RECIP: V with n, pl-n V, V (non-recip), pl-n V prep, also V with n prep\n  !=agree\n2. If you disagree with a particular action or proposal, you disapprove of it and believe that it is wrong. (mainly BRIT)\nI respect the president but I disagree with his decision...\n  VERB: V with n\n  !=agree


Words: disagreeable
Meaning:
dis.agree.able\n   disagreeable\n1. Something that is disagreeable is rather unpleasant.\n...a disagreeable odour.\n  ADJ\n  !=agreeable\n=>  dis.agree.ably\nThe taste is bitter and disagreeably pungent.\n  ADV: usu ADV adj, also ADV with v\n\n2. Someone who is disagreeable is unfriendly or unhelpful.\nHe’s a shallow, disagreeable man.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: disagreement
Meaning:
dis.agree.ment\n   disagreement  disagreements\n1. Disagreement means objecting to something such as a proposal.\nBritain and France have expressed some disagreement with the proposal.\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu N prep\n  = opposition\n2. When there is disagreement about something, people disagree or argue about what should be done.\nMy instructor and I had a brief disagreement.\n  N-VAR: usu with supp, oft in N\n  = dispute


Words: disallow
Meaning:
dis.al.low\n   disallow  disallows  disallowing  disallowed\n  If something is disallowed, it is not allowed or accepted officially, because it has not been done correctly.\nEngland scored again, but the whistle had gone and the goal was disallowed...\nThe Internal Revenue Service sought to disallow the payments...\n  VERB: be V-ed, V n


Words: disappear
Meaning:
dis.ap.pear\n   disappear  disappears  disappearing  disappeared\n1. If you say that someone or something disappears, you mean that you can no longer see them, usually because you or they have changed position.\nThe black car drove away from them and disappeared...\nClive disappeared into a room by himself...\n  VERB: V, V prep\n  = vanish\n2. If someone or something disappears, they go away or are taken away somewhere where nobody can find them.\n...a Japanese woman who disappeared thirteen years ago...\n  VERB: V\n\n3. If something disappears, it stops existing or happening.\nThe immediate security threat has disappeared.\n  VERB: V


Words: disappearance
Meaning:
dis.ap.pear.ance\n   disappearance  disappearances\n1. If you refer to someone’s disappearance, you are referring to the fact that nobody knows where they have gone.\nHer disappearance has baffled police...\n  N-VAR: oft with poss\n\n2. If you refer to the disappearance of an object, you are referring to the fact that it has been lost or stolen.\nPolice are investigating the disappearance from council offices of confidential files.\n  N-COUNT: usu sing, usu with poss, oft N from n\n  = loss\n3. The disappearance of a type of thing, person, or animal is a process in which it becomes less common and finally no longer exists.\n...the virtual disappearance of the red telephone box.\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu with supp, oft N of n


Words: disappoint
Meaning:
dis.ap.point\n   disappoint  disappoints  disappointing  disappointed\n  If things or people disappoint you, they are not as good as you had hoped, or do not do what you hoped they would do.\nShe knew that she would disappoint him.\n  VERB: V n\n  = let down


Words: disappointed
Meaning:
dis.ap.point.ed\n   disappointed\n1. If you are disappointed, you are rather sad because something has not happened or because something is not as good as you had hoped.\nCastle-hunters won’t be disappointed with the Isle of Man...\nI was disappointed that Kluge was not there...\nI was disappointed to see the lack of coverage afforded to this event.\n  ADJ: oft ADJ prep, ADJ that, ADJ to-inf\n\n2. If you are disappointed in someone, you are rather sad because they have not behaved as well as you expected them to.\nYou should have accepted that. I’m disappointed in you.\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ in n


Words: disappointing
Meaning:
dis.ap.point.ing\n   disappointing\n  Something that is disappointing is not as good or as large as you hoped it would be.\nThe wine was excellent, but the food was disappointing...\n  ADJ\n\n=>  dis.ap.point.ing.ly\nProgress is disappointingly slow...\n  ADV: ADV adj, ADV with cl


Words: disappointment
Meaning:
dis.ap.point.ment\n   disappointment  disappointments\n1. Disappointment is the state of feeling disappointed.\nDespite winning the title, their last campaign ended in great disappointment...\nBook early to avoid disappointment.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. Something or someone that is a disappointment is not as good as you had hoped.\nFor many, their long-awaited homecoming was a bitter disappointment.\n  N-COUNT


Words: disapproval
Meaning:
dis.ap.prov.al\n   disapproval\n  If you feel or show disapproval of something or someone, you feel or show that you do not approve of them.\nHis action had been greeted with almost universal disapproval.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft N of n


Words: disapprove
Meaning:
dis.ap.prove\n   disapprove  disapproves  disapproving  disapproved\n  If you disapprove of something or someone, you feel or show that you do not like them or do not approve of them.\nMost people disapprove of such violent tactics...\nThe Prime Minister made it clear that he disapproved.\n  VERB: V of n/-ing, V\n  !=approve


Words: disapproving
Meaning:
dis.ap.prov.ing\n   disapproving\n  A disapproving action or expression shows that you do not approve of something or someone.\nJanet gave him a disapproving look.\n  ADJ\n\n=>  dis.ap.prov.ing.ly\nAntonio looked at him disapprovingly.\n  ADV: ADV after v


Words: disarm
Meaning:
dis.arm\n   disarm  disarms  disarming  disarmed\n1. To disarm a person or group means to take away all their weapons.\nWe will agree to disarming troops and leaving their weapons at military positions.\n  VERB: V n\n\n2. If a country or group disarms, it gives up the use of weapons, especially nuclear weapons.\nThere has also been a suggestion that the forces in Lebanon should disarm...\n  VERB: V\n\n3. If a person or their behaviour disarms you, they cause you to feel less angry, hostile, or critical towards them.\nHis unease disarmed her...\n  VERB: V n


Words: disarmament
Meaning:
dis.arma.ment\n   disarmament\n  Disarmament is the act of reducing the number of weapons, especially nuclear weapons, that a country has.\n...the pace of nuclear disarmament.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: disarming
Meaning:
dis.arm.ing\n   disarming\n  If someone or something is disarming, they make you feel less angry or hostile.\nLeonard approached with a disarming smile...\n  ADJ\n\n=>  dis.arm.ing.ly\nHe is, as ever, business-like, and disarmingly honest...\n  ADV: usu ADV adj, also ADV with v


Words: disarray
Meaning:
dis.ar.ray\n   disarray\n1. If people or things are in disarray, they are disorganized and confused.\nThe nation is in disarray following rioting led by the military...\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft in N\n  = disorder\n2. If things or places are in disarray, they are in a very untidy state.\nShe was left lying on her side and her clothes were in disarray...\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft in N


Words: disassemble
Meaning:
dis.as.sem.ble\n   disassemble  disassembles  disassembling  disassembled\n  To disassemble something means to take it to pieces. (FORMAL)\nYou’ll have to disassemble the drill.\n  VERB: V n\n  = dismantle


Words: disassociate
Meaning:
dis.as.so.ci.ate\n   disassociate  disassociates  disassociating  disassociated\n1. If you disassociate yourself from something or someone, you say or show that you are not connected with them, usually in order to avoid trouble or blame.\nI wish to disassociate myself from this very sad decision...\n  VERB: V pron-refl from n\n  = distance  !=associate\n2. If you disassociate one group or thing from another, you separate them.\n...an attempt by the president to disassociate the military from politics.\n  VERB: V n from n


Words: disaster
Meaning:
dis.as.ter\n   disaster  disasters\n1. A disaster is a very bad accident such as an earthquake or a plane crash, especially one in which a lot of people are killed.\nIt was the second air disaster in the region in less than two months...\n  N-COUNT\n  = tragedy\n2. If you refer to something as a disaster, you are emphasizing that you think it is extremely bad or unacceptable.\nThe whole production was just a disaster!\n  N-COUNT  emphasis\n  = catastrophe\n3. Disaster is something which has very bad consequences for you.\nThe government brought itself to the brink of fiscal disaster...\n  N-UNCOUNT\n  = catastrophe\n4. If you say that something is a recipe for disaster, you mean that it is very likely to have unpleasant consequences.\n  PHRASE: v-link PHR


Words: disaster area
Meaning:
dis.as.ter area\n   disaster area  disaster areas\n1. A disaster area is a part of a country or the world which has been very seriously affected by a disaster such as an earthquake or a flood.\nThe region has been declared a disaster area.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. If you describe a place, person, or situation as a disaster area, you mean that they are in a state of great disorder or failure. (INFORMAL)\nHe’s a nice old rascal but a disaster area as a politician.\n  N-COUNT: usu sing


Words: disastrous
Meaning:
dis.as.trous\n   disastrous\n1. A disastrous event has extremely bad consequences and effects.\n...the recent, disastrous earthquake...\n  ADJ\n  = catastrophic\n=>  dis.as.trous.ly\nThe vegetable harvest is disastrously behind schedule...\n  ADV: ADV adj/prep, ADV with v\n\n2. If you describe something as disastrous, you mean that it was very unsuccessful.\n...their disastrous performance in the general election of 1906.\n  ADJ\n\n=>  dis.as.trous.ly\n...the company’s disastrously timed venture into property development.\n  ADV: ADV adj, ADV with v


Words: disavow
Meaning:
dis.avow\n   disavow  disavows  disavowing  disavowed\n  If you disavow something, you say that you are not connected with it or responsible for it. (FORMAL)\nDr. Samuels immediately disavowed the newspaper story.\n  VERB: V n\n  = disown, repudiate


Words: disavowal
Meaning:
dis.avow.al\n   disavowal  disavowals\n  A disavowal of something is a statement that you are not connected with it or responsible for it, or that you no longer agree with or believe in it. (FORMAL)\n...a public disavowal of his beliefs.\n  N-COUNT: oft N of n\n  = repudiation


Words: disband
Meaning:
dis.band\n   disband  disbands  disbanding  disbanded\n  If someone disbands a group of people, or if the group disbands, it stops operating as a single unit.\nAll the armed groups will be disbanded...\nThe rebels were to have fully disbanded by June the tenth.\n  VERB: be V-ed, V, also V n


Words: disbelief
Meaning:
dis.be.lief\n   disbelief\n  Disbelief is not believing that something is true or real.\nShe looked at him in disbelief.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft in N


Words: disbelieve
Meaning:
dis.be.lieve\n   disbelieve  disbelieves  disbelieving  disbelieved\n  If you disbelieve someone or disbelieve something that they say, you do not believe that what they say is true.\nThere is no reason to disbelieve him...\n  VERB: V n, also V that\n  !=believe


Words: disburse
Meaning:
dis.burse\n   disburse  disburses  disbursing  disbursed\n  To disburse an amount of money means to pay it out, usually from a fund which has been collected for a particular purpose. (FORMAL)\nThe aid will not be disbursed until next year...\nThe bank has disbursed over $350m for the project.\n  VERB: be V-ed, V n


Words: disbursement
Meaning:
dis.burse.ment\n   disbursement  disbursements\n1. Disbursement is the paying out of a sum of money, especially from a fund. (FORMAL)\n  N-UNCOUNT\n  = payment\n2. A disbursement is a sum of money that is paid out. (FORMAL)\n  N-COUNT\n  = payment


Words: disc
Meaning:
disc  discs\n\n  The spelling disk is also used in American English, mainly for meaning 1.\n\n1. A disc is a flat, circular shape or object.\nMost shredding machines are based on a revolving disc fitted with replaceable blades.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. A disc is one of the thin, circular pieces of cartilage which separates the bones in your back.\nI had slipped a disc and was frozen in a spasm of pain.\n  N-COUNT\n\n3.\n  see also disk, compact disc, slipped disc


Words: disc jockey
Meaning:
disc jock.ey\n   disc jockey  disc jockeys\nin AM, also use disk jockey\n  A disc jockey is someone who plays and introduces CDs on the radio or at a disco.\n  N-COUNT\n  = DJ


Words: discard
Meaning:
dis.card\n   discard  discards  discarding  discarded\n  If you discard something, you get rid of it because you no longer want it or need it.\nRead the manufacturer’s guidelines before discarding the box.\n...discarded cigarette butts.\n  VERB: V n, V-ed\n  = dispose of


Words: discern
Meaning:
dis.cern\n   discern  discerns  discerning  discerned\n1. If you can discern something, you are aware of it and know what it is. (FORMAL)\nYou need a long series of data to be able to discern such a trend...\nIt was hard to discern why this was happening.\n  VERB: V n, V wh\n\n2. If you can discern something, you can just see it, but not clearly. (FORMAL)\nBelow the bridge we could just discern a narrow, weedy ditch.\n  VERB: V n


Words: discernible
Meaning:
dis.cern.ible\n   discernible\n  If something is discernible, you can see it or recognize that it exists. (FORMAL)\nFar away the outline of the island is just discernible...\n  ADJ


Words: discerning
Meaning:
dis.cern.ing\n   discerning\n  If you describe someone as discerning, you mean that they are able to judge which things of a particular kind are good and which are bad.\n...tailor-made holidays to suit the more discerning traveller...\n  ADJ  approval


Words: discernment
Meaning:
dis.cern.ment\n   discernment\n  Discernment is the ability to judge which things of a particular kind are good and which are bad.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n  = judgment


Words: discharge
Meaning:
dis.charge\n   discharge discharges discharging  discharged\nThe verb is pronounced   The noun is pronounced\n1. When someone is discharged from hospital, prison, or one of the armed services, they are officially allowed to leave, or told that they must leave.\nHe has a broken nose but may be discharged today...\nFive days later Henry discharged himself from hospital.\n  VERB: be V-ed, V pron-refl, also V n\n\n  Discharge is also a noun.\nHe was given a conditional discharge and ordered to pay compensation.\n  N-VAR\n\n2. If someone discharges their duties or responsibilities, they do everything that needs to be done in order to complete them. (FORMAL)\n...the quiet competence with which he discharged his many college duties.\n  VERB: V n\n\n3. If someone discharges a debt, they pay it. (FORMAL)\nThe goods will be sold for a fraction of their value in order to discharge the debt.\n  VERB: V n\n\n4. If something is discharged from inside a place, it comes out. (FORMAL)\nThe resulting salty water will be discharged at sea...\nThe bird had trouble breathing and was discharging blood from the nostrils.\n  VERB: be V-ed prep, V n prep\n\n5. When there is a discharge of a substance, the substance comes out from inside somewhere. (FORMAL)\nThey develop a fever and a watery discharge from their eyes...\n  N-VAR: usu with supp


Words: disciple
Meaning:
dis.ci.ple\n   disciple  disciples\n  If you are someone’s disciple, you are influenced by their teachings and try to follow their example.\n...a disciple of Freud.\n  N-COUNT: oft with poss\n  = follower


Words: disciplinarian
Meaning:
dis.ci.pli.nar.ian\n   disciplinarian  disciplinarians\n  If you describe someone as a disciplinarian, you mean that they believe in making people obey strict rules of behaviour and in punishing severely anyone who disobeys.\nHe has a reputation for being a strict disciplinarian.\n  N-COUNT\n  = authoritarian


Words: disciplinary
Meaning:
dis.ci.pli.nary\n   disciplinary\n  Disciplinary bodies or actions are concerned with making sure that people obey rules or regulations and that they are punished if they do not.\nHe will now face a disciplinary hearing for having an affair...\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: discipline
Meaning:
dis.ci.pline\n   discipline  disciplines  disciplining  disciplined\n1. Discipline is the practice of making people obey rules or standards of behaviour, and punishing them when they do not.\nOrder and discipline have been placed in the hands of headmasters and governing bodies.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. Discipline is the quality of being able to behave and work in a controlled way which involves obeying particular rules or standards.\nIt was that image of calm and discipline that appealed to voters.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n  = self-control\n3. If you refer to an activity or situation as a discipline, you mean that, in order to be successful in it, you need to behave in a strictly controlled way and obey particular rules or standards.\nThe discipline of studying music can help children develop good work habits.\n  N-VAR\n\n4. If someone is disciplined for something that they have done wrong, they are punished for it.\nThe workman was disciplined by his company but not dismissed...\nHer husband had at last taken a share in disciplining the boy.\n  VERB: be V-ed, V n\n\n5. If you discipline yourself to do something, you train yourself to behave and work in a strictly controlled and regular way.\nOut on the course you must discipline yourself to let go of detailed theory...\nI’m very good at disciplining myself.\n  VERB: V pron-refl to-inf, V pron-refl\n\n6. A discipline is a particular area of study, especially a subject of study in a college or university. (FORMAL)\nWe’re looking for people from a wide range of disciplines.\n  N-COUNT\n  = subject\n7.\n  see also self-discipline


Words: disciplined
Meaning:
dis.ci.plined\n   disciplined\n  Someone who is disciplined behaves or works in a controlled way.\nFor me it meant being very disciplined about how I run my life...\n  ADJ


Words: disclaim
Meaning:
dis.claim\n   disclaim  disclaims  disclaiming  disclaimed\n  If you disclaim knowledge of something or disclaim responsibility for something, you say that you did not know about it or are not responsible for it. (FORMAL)\nShe disclaims any knowledge of her husband’s business.\n  VERB: V n\n  = deny


Words: disclaimer
Meaning:
dis.claim.er\n   disclaimer  disclaimers\n  A disclaimer is a statement in which a person says that they did not know about something or that they are not responsible for something. (FORMAL)\nThe disclaimer asserts that the company won’t be held responsible for any inaccuracies.\n  N-COUNT


Words: disclose
Meaning:
dis.close\n   disclose  discloses  disclosing  disclosed\n  If you disclose new or secret information, you tell people about it.\nNeither side would disclose details of the transaction...\nThe company disclosed that he will retire in May.\n  VERB: V n, V that\n  = reveal


Words: disclosure
Meaning:
dis.clo.sure\n   disclosure  disclosures\n  Disclosure is the act of giving people new or secret information.\n...insufficient disclosure of negative information about the company.\n  N-VAR\n  = revelation


Words: disco
Meaning:
dis.co\n   disco  discos\n  A disco is a place or event at which people dance to pop music.\n  N-COUNT


Words: discography
Meaning:
dis.cog.ra.phy\n   discography  discographies\n  A discography is a list of all the recordings made by a particular artist or group. (mainly JOURNALISM)\n  N-COUNT


Words: discolour
Meaning:
dis.col.our\n   discolour  discolours  discolouring  discoloured\nin AM, use discolor\n  If something discolours or if it is discoloured by something else, its original colour changes, so that it looks unattractive.\nA tooth which has been hit hard may discolour...\nSome oil had seeped out, discolouring the grass.\n  VERB: V, V n\n\n=>  dis.col.oured\nSome of the prints were badly discoloured.\n  ADJ\n\n=>  dis.col.ora.tion\n...the discoloration of the soil from acid spills.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: discomfit
Meaning:
dis.com.fit\n   discomfit  discomfits  discomfiting  discomfited\n  If you are discomfited by something, it causes you to feel slightly embarrassed or confused. (WRITTEN)\nHe will be particularly discomfited by the minister’s dismissal of his plan...\nThe opposition leader has regularly discomfited him in parliament.\n  VERB: be V-ed, V n\n\n=>  dis.com.fit.ed\nWill wanted to do likewise, but felt too discomfited.\n  ADJ: usu v-link ADJ


Words: discomfiture
Meaning:
dis.com.fi.ture\n   discomfiture\n  Discomfiture is a feeling of slight embarrassment or confusion. (WRITTEN)\n  N-UNCOUNT\n  = unease


Words: discomfort
Meaning:
dis.com.fort\n   discomfort  discomforts\n1. Discomfort is a painful feeling in part of your body when you have been hurt slightly or when you have been uncomfortable for a long time.\nSteve had some discomfort, but no real pain.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. Discomfort is a feeling of worry caused by shame or embarrassment.\nShe hears the discomfort in his voice.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n  = uneasiness\n3. Discomforts are conditions which cause you to feel physically uncomfortable.\n...the discomforts of camping.\n  N-COUNT: with supp\n  !=comfort


Words: disconcert
Meaning:
dis.con.cert\n   disconcert  disconcerts  disconcerting  disconcerted\n  If something disconcerts you, it makes you feel anxious, confused, or embarrassed.\nAntony’s wry smile disconcerted Sutcliffe...\n  VERB: V n\n\n=>  dis.con.cert.ed\nHe was disconcerted to find his fellow diners already seated.\n  ADJ: usu v-link ADJ, oft ADJ to-inf


Words: disconcerting
Meaning:
dis.con.cert.ing\n   disconcerting\n  If you say that something is disconcerting, you mean that it makes you feel anxious, confused, or embarrassed.\nThe reception desk is not at street level, which is a little disconcerting.\n  ADJ\n\n=>  dis.con.cert.ing.ly\nShe looks disconcertingly like a familiar aunt or grandmother...\n  ADV: usu ADV adj/-ed/prep


Words: disconnect
Meaning:
dis.con.nect\n   disconnect  disconnects  disconnecting  disconnected\n1. To disconnect a piece of equipment means to separate it from its source of power or to break a connection that it needs in order to work.\nThe device automatically disconnects the ignition when the engine is switched off...\nShe ran back to the phone. The line was disconnected.\n  VERB: V n, be V-ed\n  !=connect\n2. If you are disconnected by a gas, electricity, water, or telephone company, they turn off the connection to your house, usually because you have not paid the bill.\nYou will be given three months to pay before you are disconnected.\n  VERB: usu passive, be V-ed\n  !=connect\n3. If you disconnect something from something else, you separate the two things.\nHe disconnected the IV bottle from the overhead hook.\n  VERB: V n from n\n  !=connect


Words: disconnected
Meaning:
dis.con.nect.ed\n   disconnected\n  Disconnected things are not linked in any way.\n...sequences of utterly disconnected events...\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n  = unconnected


Words: disconnection
Meaning:
dis.con.nec.tion\n   disconnection  disconnections\n  The disconnection of a gas, water, or electricity supply, or of a telephone, is the act of disconnecting it so that it cannot be used.\n  N-VAR: oft the N of n


Words: disconsolate
Meaning:
dis.con.so.late\n   disconsolate\n  Someone who is disconsolate is very unhappy and depressed. (WRITTEN)\nHe did not have much success, but tried not to get too disconsolate.\n  ADJ\n  = dejected\n=>  dis.con.so.late.ly\nDisconsolately, he walked back down the course.\n  ADV: ADV with v


Words: discontent
Meaning:
dis.con.tent\n   discontent  discontents\n  Discontent is the feeling that you have when you are not satisfied with your situation.\nThere are reports of widespread discontent in the capital.\n  N-UNCOUNT: also N in pl\n  = dissatisfaction


Words: discontented
Meaning:
dis.con.tent.ed\n   discontented\n  If you are discontented, you are not satisfied with your situation.\nThe government tried to appease discontented workers.\n  ADJ: oft ADJ with n\n  = dissatisfied


Words: discontinue
Meaning:
dis.con.tinue\n   discontinue  discontinues  discontinuing  discontinued\n1. If you discontinue something that you have been doing regularly, you stop doing it. (FORMAL)\nDo not discontinue the treatment without consulting your doctor.\n  VERB: V n\n\n2. If a product is discontinued, the manufacturer stops making it.\nThe Leica M2 was discontinued in 1967...\n  VERB: usu passive, be V-ed


Words: discontinuity
Meaning:
dis.con.ti.nu.ity\n   discontinuity  discontinuities\n  Discontinuity in a process is a lack of smooth or continuous development. (FORMAL)\nThere may appear to be discontinuities between broadcasts.\n  N-VAR


Words: discontinuous
Meaning:
dis.con.tinu.ous\n   discontinuous\n  A process that is discontinuous happens in stages with intervals between them, rather than continuously.\n  ADJ\n  = intermittent


Words: discord
Meaning:
dis.cord\n   discord\n  Discord is disagreement and argument between people. (LITERARY)\n  N-UNCOUNT\n  = conflict


Words: discordant
Meaning:
dis.cord.ant\n   discordant\n1. Something that is discordant is strange or unpleasant because it does not fit in with other things.\nHis agenda is discordant with ours.\n  ADJ\n\n2. A discordant sound or musical effect is unpleasant to hear.\n  ADJ


Words: discotheque
Meaning:
dis.co.theque\n   discotheque  discotheques\n  A discotheque is the same as a disco. (OLD-FASHIONED)\n  N-COUNT


Words: discount
Meaning:
dis.count\n   discount discounts discounting  discounted\nPronounced   for meanings 1 and 2, and   for meaning 3.\n1. A discount is a reduction in the usual price of something.\nThey are often available at a discount...\nFull-time staff get a 20 per cent discount.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. If a shop or company discounts an amount or percentage from something that they are selling, they take the amount or percentage off the usual price.\nThis has forced airlines to discount fares heavily in order to spur demand...\n  VERB: V n\n\n3. If you discount an idea, fact, or theory, you consider that it is not true, not important, or not relevant.\nHowever, traders tended to discount the rumor...\n  VERB: V n\n  = disregard


Words: discounter
Meaning:
dis.count.er\n   discounter  discounters\n  A discounter is a shop or organization which specializes in selling things very cheaply. Discounters usually sell things in large quantities, or offer only a very limited range of goods.\n  N-COUNT


Words: discourage
Meaning:
dis.cour.age\n   discourage  discourages  discouraging  discouraged\n1. If someone or something discourages you, they cause you to lose your enthusiasm about your actions.\nIt may be difficult to do at first. Don’t let this discourage you.\n  VERB: V n\n  = dishearten  !=encourage\n=>  dis.cour.aged\nShe was determined not to be too discouraged.\n  ADJ: usu v-link ADJ\n\n=>  dis.cour.ag.ing\nToday’s report is rather more discouraging for the economy.\n  ADJ: usu v-link ADJ\n\n2. To discourage an action or to discourage someone from doing it means to make them not want to do it.\n...typhoons that discouraged shopping and leisure activities.\n...a campaign to discourage children from smoking.\n  VERB: V n/-ing, V n from -ing\n  = deter  !=encourage


Words: discouragement
Meaning:
dis.cour.age.ment\n   discouragement  discouragements\n1. Discouragement is the act of trying to make someone not want to do something.\nHe persevered despite discouragement from those around him.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n  !=encouragement\n2. A discouragement is something that makes you unwilling to do something because you are afraid of the consequences.\nUncertainty is a discouragement to investment.\n  N-COUNT\n  = deterrent  !=encouragement


Words: discourse
Meaning:
dis.course\n   discourse discourses discoursing  discoursed\nThe noun is pronounced   The verb is pronounced\n1. Discourse is spoken or written communication between people, especially serious discussion of a particular subject.\n...a tradition of political discourse.\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu with supp\n\n2. A discourse is a serious talk or piece of writing which is intended to teach or explain something. (FORMAL)\nGates responds with a lengthy discourse on deployment strategy.\n  N-COUNT\n\n3. If someone discourses on something, they talk for a long time about it in a confident way. (FORMAL)\nHe discoursed for several hours on French and English prose.\n  VERB: V prep, also V\n\n4.\n  see also direct discourse, indirect discourse


Words: discourteous
Meaning:
dis.cour.teous\n   discourteous\n  If you say that someone is discourteous, you mean that they are rude and have no consideration for the feelings of other people. (FORMAL)\n  ADJ: usu v-link ADJ, oft ADJ to n\n  = ill-mannered  !=courteous


Words: discourtesy
Meaning:
dis.cour.tesy\n   discourtesy  discourtesies\n  Discourtesy is rude and bad-mannered behaviour. (FORMAL)\n  N-VAR\n  = rudeness


Words: discover
Meaning:
dis.cov.er\n   discover  discovers  discovering  discovered\n1. If you discover something that you did not know about before, you become aware of it or learn of it.\nShe discovered that they’d escaped...\nIt was difficult for the inspectors to discover which documents were important...\nHaskell did not live to discover the deception...\nIt was discovered that the tapes were missing.\n  VERB: V that, V wh, V n, it be V-ed that\n  = find out, learn\n2. If a person or thing is discovered, someone finds them, either by accident or because they have been looking for them.\nA few days later his badly beaten body was discovered on a roadside outside the city.\n  VERB: be V-ed, also V n\n  = find\n3. When someone discovers a new place, substance, scientific fact, or scientific technique, they are the first person to find it or become aware of it.\n...the first European to discover America...\nThey discovered how to form the image in a thin layer on the surface.\n  VERB: V n, V wh, also V that\n\n=>  dis.cov.er.er      discoverers\n...the myth of Columbus as the heroic discoverer of the Americas 500 years ago.\n  N-COUNT: oft N of n\n\n4. If you say that someone has discovered a particular activity or subject, you mean that they have tried doing it or studying it for the first time and that they enjoyed it.\nI wish I’d discovered photography when I was younger...\n  VERB: V n\n\n5. When a actor, musician, or other performer who is not well-known is discovered, someone recognizes that they have talent and helps them in their career.\nThe Beatles were discovered in the early 1960’s.\n  VERB: usu passive, be V-ed


Words: discovery
Meaning:
dis.cov.ery\n   discovery  discoveries\n1. If someone makes a discovery, they become aware of something that they did not know about before.\nI felt I’d made an incredible discovery.\n...the discovery that both his wife and son are HIV positive.\n  N-VAR: usu with supp\n\n2. If someone makes a discovery, they are the first person to find or become aware of a place, substance, or scientific fact that no one knew about before.\nIn that year, two momentous discoveries were made.\n  N-VAR: usu with supp\n\n3. If someone makes a discovery, they recognize that an actor, musician, or other performer who is not well-known has talent.\nHis job is the discovery and promotion of new artists.\n  N-VAR: usu with supp\n\n4. When the discovery of people or objects happens, someone finds them, either by accident or as a result of looking for them.\n...the discovery and destruction by soldiers of millions of marijuana plants.\n  N-VAR: usu with supp


Words: discredit
Meaning:
dis.cred.it\n   discredit  discredits  discrediting  discredited\n1. To discredit someone or something means to cause them to lose people’s respect or trust.\n...a secret unit within the company that had been set up to discredit its major rival...\n  VERB: V n\n\n=>  dis.cred.it.ed\nThe previous government is, by now, thoroughly discredited.\n  ADJ\n\n2. To discredit an idea or evidence means to make it appear false or not certain.\nThey realized there would be difficulties in discrediting the evidence.\n  VERB: V n


Words: discreditable
Meaning:
dis.cred.it.able\n   discreditable\n  Discreditable behaviour is not acceptable because people consider it to be shameful and wrong. (FORMAL)\nShe had been suspended from her job for discreditable behaviour.\n  ADJ\n  = improper


Words: discreet
Meaning:
dis.creet\n   discreet\n1. If you are discreet, you are polite and careful in what you do or say, because you want to avoid embarrassing or offending someone.\nThey were gossipy and not always discreet...\n  ADJ\n\n=>  dis.creet.ly\nI took the phone, and she went discreetly into the living room.\n  ADV: usu ADV with v, also ADV with cl\n\n2. If you are discreet about something you are doing, you do not tell other people about it, in order to avoid being embarrassed or to gain an advantage.\nShe’s making a few discreet inquiries with her mother’s friends.\n  ADJ: oft ADJ about n\n\n=>  dis.creet.ly\nEveryone tried discreetly to find out more about him.\n  ADV: usu ADV with v, also ADV with cl\n\n3. If you describe something as discreet, you approve of it because it is small in size or degree, or not easily noticed.\nShe wore discreet jewellery.\n  ADJ  approval\n\n=>  dis.creet.ly\n...stately houses, discreetly hidden behind great avenues of sturdy trees...\n  ADV: ADV -ed/adj


Words: discrepancy
Meaning:
dis.crep.an.cy\n   discrepancy  discrepancies\n  If there is a discrepancy between two things that ought to be the same, there is a noticeable difference between them.\n...the discrepancy between press and radio reports.\n  N-VAR: usu with supp, oft N between pl-n, N in n\n  = inconsistency


Words: discrete
Meaning:
dis.crete\n   discrete\n  Discrete ideas or things are separate and distinct from each other. (FORMAL)\n...instruction manuals that break down jobs into scores of discrete steps.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n  = separate, distinct


Words: discretion
Meaning:
dis.cre.tion\n   discretion\n1. Discretion is the quality of behaving in a quiet and controlled way without drawing attention to yourself or giving away personal or private information. (FORMAL)\nLarsson sometimes joined in the fun, but with more discretion...\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. If someone in a position of authority uses their discretion or has the discretion to do something in a particular situation, they have the freedom and authority to decide what to do. (FORMAL)\nThis committee may want to exercise its discretion to look into those charges...\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n3. If something happens at someone’s discretion, it can happen only if they decide to do it or give their permission. (FORMAL)\nWe may vary the limit at our discretion and will notify you of any change...\n  PHRASE: usu PHR after v, v-link PHR


Words: discretionary
Meaning:
dis.cre.tion.ary\n   discretionary\n  Discretionary things are not fixed by rules but are decided on by people in authority, who consider each individual case.\nMagistrates were given wider discretionary powers...\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: discriminate
Meaning:
dis.crimi.nate\n   discriminate  discriminates  discriminating  discriminated\n1. If you can discriminate between two things, you can recognize that they are different.\nHe is incapable of discriminating between a good idea and a terrible one...\n  VERB: V between pl-n\n\n2. To discriminate against a group of people or in favour of a group of people means to unfairly treat them worse or better than other groups.\nThey believe the law discriminates against women.\n...legislation which would discriminate in favour of racial minorities...\n  VERB: V against n, V in favour of n


Words: discriminating
Meaning:
dis.crimi.nat.ing\n   discriminating\n  Someone who is discriminating has the ability to recognize things that are of good quality.\nMore discriminating visitors now tend to shun the area.\n  ADJ  approval\n  = discerning


Words: discrimination
Meaning:
dis.crimi.na.tion\n   discrimination\n1. Discrimination is the practice of treating one person or group of people less fairly or less well than other people or groups.\nShe is exempt from sex discrimination laws.\n...discrimination against immigrants.\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu with supp\n\n2. Discrimination is knowing what is good or of high quality.\nThey cooked without skill and ate without discrimination.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n3. Discrimination is the ability to recognize and understand the differences between two things.\n...colour discrimination.\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu with supp


Words: discriminatory
Meaning:
dis.crimi.na.tory\n   discriminatory\n  Discriminatory laws or practices are unfair because they treat one group of people worse than other groups.\n  ADJ\n  = biased


Words: discursive
Meaning:
dis.cur.sive\n   discursive\n  If a style of writing is discursive, it includes a lot of facts or opinions that are not necessarily relevant. (FORMAL)\n...a livelier, more candid and more discursive treatment of the subject.\n  ADJ


Words: discus
Meaning:
dis.cus\n   discus  discuses\n1. A discus is a heavy circular object which athletes try to throw as far as they can as a sport.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. The discus is the sport of throwing a discus.\nHe won the discus at the Montreal Olympics.\n  N-SING: the N


Words: discuss
Meaning:
dis.cuss\n   discuss  discusses  discussing  discussed\n1. If people discuss something, they talk about it, often in order to reach a decision.\nI will be discussing the situation with colleagues tomorrow...\nThe cabinet met today to discuss how to respond to the ultimatum.\n  VERB: V n, V wh-to-inf\n\n2. If you discuss something, you write or talk about it in detail.\nI will discuss the role of diet in cancer prevention in Chapter 7...\n  VERB: V n


Words: discussion
Meaning:
dis.cus.sion\n   discussion  discussions\n1. If there is discussion about something, people talk about it, often in order to reach a decision.\nThere was a lot of discussion about the wording of the report...\n  N-VAR: oft N of/about/on n\n\n  If something is under discussion, it is still being talked about and a final decision has not yet been reached.\n`The proposals are still under discussion,’ she said.\n  PHRASE: v-link PHR\n\n2. A discussion of a subject is a piece of writing or a lecture in which someone talks about it in detail.\nFor a discussion of biology and sexual politics, see chapter 4.\n  N-COUNT: usu N of n\n\n3. A discussion document or paper is one that contains information and usually proposals for people to discuss.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: discussion group
Meaning:
dis.cus.sion group\n   discussion group  discussion groups\n  A discussion group is a group of people who meet regularly to discuss a particular subject.\n  N-COUNT


Words: disdain
Meaning:
dis.dain\n   disdain  disdains  disdaining  disdained\n1. If you feel disdain for someone or something, you dislike them because you think that they are inferior or unimportant.\nJanet looked at him with disdain...\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft N for n\n  = contempt, scorn\n2. If you disdain someone or something, you regard them with disdain.\nJackie disdained the servants that her millions could buy.\n  VERB: V n


Words: disdainful
Meaning:
dis.dain.ful\n   disdainful\n  To be disdainful means to dislike something or someone because you think they are unimportant or not worth your attention.\nHe is highly disdainful of anything to do with the literary establishment...\n  ADJ: oft ADJ of n\n  = scornful, contemptuous\n=>  dis.dain.ful.ly\n`We know all about you,’ she said disdainfully.\n  ADV: ADV with v


Words: disease
Meaning:
dis.ease\n   disease  diseases\n  A disease is an illness which affects people, animals, or plants, for example one which is caused by bacteria or infection.\n...the rapid spread of disease in the area.\n...illnesses such as heart disease...\n  N-VAR


Words: diseased
Meaning:
dis.eased\n   diseased\n  Something that is diseased is affected by a disease.\nThe arteries are diseased and a transplant is the only hope...\n  ADJ\n  !=healthy


Words: disembark
Meaning:
dis.em.bark\n   disembark  disembarks  disembarking  disembarked\n  When passengers disembark from a ship, aeroplane, or bus, they leave it at the end of their journey. (FORMAL)\nI looked towards the plane. Six passengers had already disembarked.\n  VERB: V, also V from n\n\n=>  dis.em.bar.ka.tion\nDisembarkation is at 7.30am.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: disembodied
Meaning:
dis.em.bod.ied\n   disembodied\n1. Disembodied means seeming not to be attached to or to come from anyone.\nA disembodied voice sounded from the back of the cabin.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n2. Disembodied means separated from or existing without a body.\n...a disembodied head.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: disembowel
Meaning:
dis.em.bow.el\n   disembowel  disembowels  disembowelling  disembowelled\nin AM, use disemboweling, disemboweled\n  To disembowel a person or animal means to remove their internal organs, especially their stomach, intestines, and bowels.\nIt shows a fox being disembowelled by a pack of hounds.\n  VERB: V n\n  = gut


Words: disempower
Meaning:
dis.em.pow.er\n   disempower  disempowers  disempowering  disempowered\n  If someone or something disempowers you, they take away your power or influence.\nShe feels that women have been disempowered throughout history.\n  VERB: oft passive, be V-ed, also V n, V-ed


Words: disenchanted
Meaning:
dis.en.chant.ed\n   disenchanted\n  If you are disenchanted with something, you are disappointed with it and no longer believe that it is good or worthwhile.\nI’m disenchanted with the state of British theatre at the moment.\n  ADJ: oft ADJ with n\n  = disillusioned


Words: disenchantment
Meaning:
dis.en.chant.ment\n   disenchantment\n  Disenchantment is the feeling of being disappointed with something, and no longer believing that it is good or worthwhile.\nThere’s growing disenchantment with the Government.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft N with n\n  = disillusionment


Words: disenfranchise
Meaning:
dis.en.fran.chise\n   disenfranchise  disenfranchises  disenfranchising  disenfranchised\n  To disenfranchise a group of people means to take away their right to vote, or their right to vote for what they really want.\n...fears of an organized attempt to disenfranchise supporters of Father Aristide.\n...the helplessness of disenfranchised minorities.\n  VERB: V n, V-ed


Words: disengage
Meaning:
dis.en.gage\n   disengage  disengages  disengaging  disengaged\n  If you disengage something, or if it disengages, it becomes separate from something which it has been attached to.\nShe disengaged the film advance mechanism on the camera...\nJohn gently disengaged himself from his sister’s tearful embrace...\nHis front brake cable disengaged.\n  VERB: V n, V pron-refl from n, V


Words: disengaged
Meaning:
dis.en.gaged\n   disengaged\n  If someone is disengaged from something, they are not as involved with it as you would expect.\n  ADJ: oft ADJ from n\n  = detached


Words: disengagement
Meaning:
dis.en.gage.ment\n   disengagement\n  Disengagement is a process by which people gradually stop being involved in a conflict, activity, or organization.\nThis policy of disengagement from the European war had its critics.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft N from n\n  = withdrawal


Words: disentangle
Meaning:
dis.en.tan.gle\n   disentangle  disentangles  disentangling  disentangled\n1. If you disentangle a complicated or confused situation, you make it easier to understand or manage to understand it, by clearly recognizing each separate element.\nIn this new book, Harrison brilliantly disentangles complex debates...\nIt’s impossible to disentangle the myth from reality.\n  VERB: V n, V n from n\n\n2. If you disentangle something or someone from an undesirable thing or situation, you separate it from that thing or remove it from that situation.\nThey are looking at ways to disentangle him from this major policy decision...\n  VERB: V n from n\n  = extricate\n3. If you disentangle something, you separate it from things that are twisted around it, or things that it is twisted or knotted around.\nShe clawed at the bushes to disentangle herself...\n  VERB: V n


Words: disequilibrium
Meaning:
dis.equi.lib.rium\n   disequilibrium\n  Disequilibrium is a state in which things are not stable or certain, but are likely to change suddenly. (FORMAL)\nThere may be a period of disequilibrium as family members adjust to the new baby.\n  N-UNCOUNT: also a N


Words: disestablish
Meaning:
dis.es.tab.lish\n   disestablish  disestablishes  disestablishing  disestablished\n  To disestablish a church or religion means to take away its official status, so that it is no longer recognized as a national institution. (FORMAL)\nIt would be right to disestablish the church.\n  VERB: V n\n\n=>  dis.es.tab.lish.ment\n...Welsh Anglican disestablishment.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: disfavour
Meaning:
dis.fa.vour\n   disfavour\nin AM, use disfavor\n  If someone or something is in disfavour, people dislike or disapprove of them. If someone or something falls into disfavour, people start to dislike or disapprove of them. (FORMAL)\nHe was in disfavour with the ruling party...\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu in/into N


Words: disfigure
Meaning:
dis.fig.ure\n   disfigure  disfigures  disfiguring  disfigured\n1. If someone is disfigured, their appearance is spoiled.\nMany of the wounded had been badly disfigured.\n  VERB: usu passive, be V-ed\n\n=>  dis.fig.ured\nShe tried not to look at the scarred, disfigured face...\n  ADJ\n\n2. To disfigure an object or a place means to spoil its appearance.\nWind turbines are large and noisy and they disfigure the landscape.\n  VERB: V n


Words: disfigurement
Meaning:
dis.fig.ure.ment\n   disfigurement  disfigurements\n  A disfigurement is something, for example a scar, that spoils a person’s appearance.\nHe had surgery to correct a facial disfigurement.\n  N-VAR: oft supp N


Words: disgorge
Meaning:
dis.gorge\n   disgorge  disgorges  disgorging  disgorged\n  If something disgorges its contents, it empties them out. (WRITTEN)\nThe ground had opened to disgorge a boiling stream of molten lava.\n  VERB: V n


Words: disgrace
Meaning:
dis.grace\n   disgrace  disgraces  disgracing  disgraced\n1. If you say that someone is in disgrace, you are emphasizing that other people disapprove of them and do not respect them because of something that they have done.\nHis vice president also had to resign in disgrace...\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft in N  emphasis\n\n2. If you say that something is a disgrace, you are emphasizing that it is very bad or wrong, and that you find it completely unacceptable.\nThe way the sales were handled was a complete disgrace...\n  N-SING: a N  emphasis\n  = scandal\n3. You say that someone is a disgrace to someone else when you want to emphasize that their behaviour causes the other person to feel ashamed.\nRepublican leaders called him a disgrace to the party...\n  N-SING: a N, usu N to n  emphasis\n\n4. If you say that someone disgraces someone else, you are emphasizing that their behaviour causes the other person to feel ashamed.\nI have disgraced my family’s name...\nI’ve disgraced myself by the actions I’ve taken.\n  VERB: V n, V pron-refl  emphasis


Words: disgraced
Meaning:
dis.graced\n   disgraced\n  You use disgraced to describe someone whose bad behaviour has caused them to lose the approval and respect of the public or of people in authority.\n...the disgraced leader of the coup.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: disgraceful
Meaning:
dis.grace.ful\n   disgraceful\n  If you say that something such as behaviour or a situation is disgraceful, you disapprove of it strongly, and feel that the person or people responsible should be ashamed of it.\nIt’s disgraceful that they have detained him for so long...\n  ADJ: oft it v-link ADJ that  disapproval\n  = shocking, scandalous\n=>  dis.grace.ful.ly\nHe felt that his brother had behaved disgracefully.\n  ADV: ADV after v, ADV adj/-ed


Words: disgruntled
Meaning:
dis.grun.tled\n   disgruntled\n  If you are disgruntled, you are cross and dissatisfied because things have not happened the way that you wanted them to happen.\nDisgruntled employees recently called for his resignation...\n  ADJ: oft ADJ by/at/over n


Words: disguise
Meaning:
dis.guise\n   disguise  disguises  disguising  disguised\n1. If you are in disguise, you are not wearing your usual clothes or you have altered your appearance in other ways, so that people will not recognize you.\nYou’ll have to travel in disguise...\nHe was wearing that ridiculous disguise...\n  N-VAR: oft in N\n\n2. If you disguise yourself, you put on clothes which make you look like someone else or alter your appearance in other ways, so that people will not recognize you.\nShe disguised herself as a man so she could fight on the battlefield.\n  VERB: V pron-refl as n, also V pron-refl\n\n=>  dis.guised\nThe extremists entered the building disguised as medical workers...\n  ADJ: usu v-link ADJ, oft ADJ as n\n\n3. To disguise something means to hide it or make it appear different so that people will not know about it or will not recognize it.\nHe made no attempt to disguise his agitation...\n  VERB: V n\n\n=>  dis.guised\nThis is lust thinly disguised as love.\n  ADJ\n\n4.\na blessing in disguise: see blessing


Words: disgust
Meaning:
dis.gust\n   disgust  disgusts  disgusting  disgusted\n1. Disgust is a feeling of very strong dislike or disapproval.\nHe spoke of his disgust at the incident...\n  N-UNCOUNT\n  = revulsion\n2. To disgust someone means to make them feel a strong sense of dislike and disapproval.\nHe disgusted many with his boorish behaviour.\n  VERB: V n


Words: disgusted
Meaning:
dis.gust.ed\n   disgusted\n  If you are disgusted, you feel a strong sense of dislike and disapproval at something.\nI’m disgusted with the way that he was treated...\n  ADJ: oft ADJ with/by/at n, ADJ that\n  = appalled\n=>  dis.gust.ed.ly\n`It’s a little late for that,’ Ritter said disgustedly.\n  ADV: ADV with v


Words: disgusting
Meaning:
dis.gust.ing\n   disgusting\n1. If you say that something is disgusting, you are criticizing it because it is extremely unpleasant.\nIt tasted disgusting...\nSmoking is a disgusting habit.\n  ADJ\n  = revolting\n2. If you say that something is disgusting, you mean that you find it completely unacceptable.\nIt’s disgusting that the taxpayer is subsidising this project.\n  ADJ: oft it v-link ADJ that\n  = disgraceful


Words: dish
Meaning:
dish  dishes  dishing  dished\n1. A dish is a shallow container with a wide uncovered top. You eat and serve food from dishes and cook food in them.\n...plastic bowls and dishes...\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. The contents of a dish can be referred to as a dish of something.\nNicholas ate a dish of spaghetti.\n  N-COUNT: usu N of n\n\n3. Food that is prepared in a particular style or combination can be referred to as a dish.\nThere are plenty of vegetarian dishes to choose from.\n  N-COUNT\n\n4. All the objects that have been used to cook, serve, and eat a meal can be referred to as the dishes.\nHe’d cooked dinner and washed the dishes.\n  N-PLURAL\n\n5. You can use dish to refer to anything that is round and hollow in shape with a wide uncovered top.\n...a dish used to receive satellite broadcasts.\n  N-COUNT: usu with supp\n\n6.\n  see also satellite dish, side dish\n7. If you do the dishes, you wash the dishes.\nI hate doing the dishes.\n  PHRASE: V inflects\n\n8.\nto dish the dirt: see dirt


Words: dish out
Meaning:
dish out\n1. If you dish out something, you distribute it among a number of people. (INFORMAL)\nDoctors, not pharmacists, are responsible for dishing out drugs...\nThe council wants to dish the money out to specific projects.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron), V n P\n\n2. If someone dishes out criticism or punishment, they give it to someone. (INFORMAL)\nLinzi is well qualified to dish out advice.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron), also V n P\n  = dish up\n3. If you dish out food, you serve it to people at the beginning of each course of a meal. (INFORMAL)\nHere in the dining hall the cooks dish out chicken a la king.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n


Words: dish towel
Meaning:
dish tow.el\n   dish towel  dish towels\n  A dish towel is a cloth used to dry dishes after they have been washed. (AM; in BRIT, use tea towel)\n  N-COUNT


Words: dish up
Meaning:
dish up\n  If you dish up food, you serve it. (INFORMAL)\nThey dished up a superb meal...\nI’ll dish up and you can grate the Parmesan.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron), V P, also V n P


Words: disharmony
Meaning:
dis.har.mo.ny\n   disharmony\n  When there is disharmony, people disagree about important things and this causes an unpleasant atmosphere. (FORMAL)\n...racial disharmony.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n  = conflict  !=harmony


Words: dishcloth
Meaning:
dish.cloth\n   dishcloth  dishcloths\n1. A dishcloth is a cloth used to dry dishes after they have been washed.\n  N-COUNT\n  = tea-towel\n2. A dishcloth is a cloth used for washing dishes, pans, and cutlery.\n  N-COUNT


Words: disheartened
Meaning:
dis.heart.ened\n   disheartened\n  If you are disheartened, you feel disappointed about something and have less confidence or less hope about it than you did before.\nHe was disheartened by their hostile reaction.\n  ADJ: usu v-link ADJ, oft ADJ by n\n  = discouraged


Words: disheartening
Meaning:
dis.heart.en.ing\n   disheartening\n  If something is disheartening, it makes you feel disappointed and less confident or less hopeful.\n  ADJ


Words: dishevelled
Meaning:
di.shev.elled\n   dishevelled\nin AM, use disheveled\n  If you describe someone’s hair, clothes, or appearance as dishevelled, you mean that it is very untidy.\nShe arrived flushed and dishevelled.\n  ADJ


Words: dishonest
Meaning:
dis.hon.est\n   dishonest\n  If you say that a person or their behaviour is dishonest, you mean that they are not truthful or honest and that you cannot trust them.\nIt would be dishonest not to present the data as fairly as possible.\n  ADJ: oft it v-link ADJ to-inf\n  !=honest\n=>  dis.hon.est.ly\nThe key issue was whether the four defendants acted dishonestly.\n  ADV: usu ADV with v


Words: dishonesty
Meaning:
dis.hon.es.ty\n   dishonesty\n  Dishonesty is dishonest behaviour.\nShe accused the government of dishonesty and incompetence.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: dishonour
Meaning:
dis.hon.our\n   dishonour  dishonours  dishonouring  dishonoured\nin AM, use dishonor\n1. If you dishonour someone, you behave in a way that damages their good reputation. (FORMAL)\nIt would dishonour my family if I didn’t wear the veil.\n  VERB: V n\n\n2. Dishonour is a state in which people disapprove of you and lose their respect for you. (FORMAL)\n...a choice between death and dishonour...\n  N-UNCOUNT\n  = disgrace\n3. If someone dishonours an agreement, they refuse to act according to its conditions.\nWe found that the bank had dishonoured some of our cheques.\n  VERB: V n


Words: dishonourable
Meaning:
dis.hon.our.able\n   dishonourable\nin AM, use dishonorable\n  Someone who is dishonourable is not honest and does things which you consider to be morally unacceptable.\nMark had done nothing dishonourable...\n  ADJ\n  = disreputable  !=honourable\n=>  dis.hon.our.ably\nHe could not bear to be seen to act dishonourably.\n  ADV: ADV after v, ADV -ed


Words: dishwasher
Meaning:
dish.washer\n   dishwasher  dishwashers\n  A dishwasher is an electrically operated machine that washes and dries plates, saucepans, and cutlery.\n  N-COUNT


Words: dishwater
Meaning:
dish.water\n   dishwater\n  Dishwater is water that dishes, pans, and cutlery have been washed in.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: dishy
Meaning:
dishy\n  If you describe someone as dishy, you mean they are very good looking and attractive; used especially by women about men. (BRIT INFORMAL)\n  ADJ


Words: disillusion
Meaning:
dis.il.lu.sion\n   disillusion  disillusions  disillusioning  disillusioned\n1. If a person or thing disillusions you, they make you realize that something is not as good as you thought.\nI’d hate to be the one to disillusion him...\n  VERB: V n\n\n2. Disillusion is the same as disillusionment.\nThere is disillusion with established political parties.\n  N-UNCOUNT: also N in pl


Words: disillusioned
Meaning:
dis.il.lu.sioned\n   disillusioned\n  If you are disillusioned with something, you are disappointed, because it is not as good as you had expected or thought.\nI’ve become very disillusioned with politics...\n  ADJ: oft ADJ with n\n  = disenchanted


Words: disillusionment
Meaning:
dis.il.lu.sion.ment\n   disillusionment\n  Disillusionment is the disappointment that you feel when you discover that something is not as good as you had expected or thought.\n...his growing disillusionment with his work.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft N with n\n  = disenchantment


Words: disincentive
Meaning:
dis.in.cen.tive\n   disincentive  disincentives\n  A disincentive is something which discourages people from behaving or acting in a particular way. (FORMAL)\nHigh marginal tax rates may act as a disincentive to working longer hours.\n  N-VAR: oft N to n/-ing, N to-inf\n  = deterrent  !=incentive


Words: disinclination
Meaning:
dis.in.cli.na.tion\n   disinclination\n  A disinclination to do something is a feeling that you do not want to do it. (FORMAL)\nThey are showing a marked disinclination to pursue these opportunities.\n  N-SING: usu N to-inf\n  = reluctance  !=inclination


Words: disinclined
Meaning:
dis.in.clined\n   disinclined\n  If you are disinclined to do something, you do not want to do it. (FORMAL)\nHe was disinclined to talk about himself, especially to his students...\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ, usu ADJ to-inf\n  = reluctant, unwilling


Words: disinfect
Meaning:
dis.in.fect\n   disinfect  disinfects  disinfecting  disinfected\n  If you disinfect something, you clean it using a substance that kills germs.\nChlorine is used to disinfect water...\n  VERB: V n\n  = sterilize


Words: disinfectant
Meaning:
dis.in.fect.ant\n   disinfectant  disinfectants\n  Disinfectant is a substance that kills germs. It is used, for example, for cleaning kitchens and bathrooms.\n  N-MASS\n  = antiseptic


Words: disinflation
Meaning:
dis.in.fla.tion\n   disinflation\n  Disinflation is a reduction in the rate of inflation, especially as a result of government policies.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n  !=inflation


Words: disinformation
Meaning:
dis.in.for.ma.tion\n   disinformation\n  If you accuse someone of spreading disinformation, you are accusing them of spreading false information in order to deceive people.\nThey spread disinformation in order to discredit politicians...\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: disingenuous
Meaning:
dis.in.genu.ous\n   disingenuous\n  Someone who is disingenuous is slightly dishonest and insincere in what they say. (FORMAL)\nIt would be disingenuous to claim that this is great art.\n  ADJ: oft it v-link ADJ to-inf\n\n=>  dis.in.genu.ous.ly\nHe disingenuously remarked that he knew nothing about strategy.\n  ADV: usu ADV with v, also ADV adj


Words: disinherit
Meaning:
dis.in.her.it\n   disinherit  disinherits  disinheriting  disinherited\n  If you disinherit someone such as your son or daughter, you arrange that they will not become the owner of your money and property after your death, usually because they have done something that you do not approve of.\nHe threatened to disinherit her if she refused to obey.\n  VERB: V n


Words: disintegrate
Meaning:
dis.in.te.grate\n   disintegrate  disintegrates  disintegrating  disintegrated\n1. If something disintegrates, it becomes seriously weakened, and is divided or destroyed.\nDuring October 1918 the Austro-Hungarian Empire began to disintegrate.\n  VERB: V\n\n=>  dis.in.te.gra.tion\n...the violent disintegration of Yugoslavia.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft N of n\n\n2. If an object or substance disintegrates, it breaks into many small pieces or parts and is destroyed.\nAt 420 mph the windscreen disintegrated.\n  VERB: V\n\n=>  dis.in.te.gra.tion\n...the catastrophic disintegration of the aircraft after the explosion.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: disinter
Meaning:
dis.in.ter\n   disinter  disinters  disinterring  disinterred\n1. When a dead body is disinterred, it is dug up from out of the ground.\nThe bones were disinterred and moved to a burial site.\n  VERB: usu passive, be V-ed\n\n2. If you disinter something, you start using it again after it has not been used for a long time. (HUMOROUS)\n...the trend for disinterring sixties soul classics for TV commercials.\n  VERB: V n


Words: disinterest
Meaning:
dis.in.ter.est\n   disinterest\n  If there is disinterest in something, people are not interested in it.\nThe fact Liberia has no oil seems to explain foreign disinterest in its internal affairs...\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft N in n


Words: disinterested
Meaning:
dis.in.ter.est.ed\n   disinterested\n1. Someone who is disinterested is not involved in a particular situation or not likely to benefit from it and is therefore able to act in a fair and unselfish way.\nScientists, of course, can be expected to be impartial and disinterested...\n  ADJ\n  = impartial\n2. If you are disinterested in something, you are not interested in it. Some users of English believe that it is not correct to use disinterested with this meaning.\n  ADJ: oft ADJ in n\n  = uninterested


Words: disjointed
Meaning:
dis.joint.ed\n   disjointed\n1. Disjointed words, thoughts, or ideas are not presented in a smooth or logical way and are therefore difficult to understand.\nSally was used to his disjointed, drunken ramblings.\n  ADJ\n  = confused\n2. Disjointed societies, systems, and activities are ones in which the different parts or elements are not as closely connected as they should be or as they used to be.\n...our increasingly fragmented and disjointed society.\n  ADJ\n  = divided


Words: disk
Meaning:
disk  disks   also disc\n  In a computer, the disk is the part where information is stored.\nThe program takes up 2.5 megabytes of disk space.\n  N-COUNT: also on/to N\n\n  see also disk drive, floppy disk, hard disk


Words: disk drive
Meaning:
disk drive  disk drives\nin BRIT, also use disc drive\n  The disk drive on a computer is the part that contains the disk or into which a disk can be inserted. The disk drive allows you to read information from the disk and store information on the disk.\n  N-COUNT


Words: dislike
Meaning:
dis.like\n   dislike  dislikes  disliking  disliked\n1. If you dislike someone or something, you consider them to be unpleasant and do not like them.\nWe don’t serve liver often because so many people dislike it...\nDavid began to dislike all his television heroes who smoked.\n  VERB: V n, V n\n\n2. Dislike is the feeling that you do not like someone or something.\nHe made no attempt to conceal his dislike of me...\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n3. Your dislikes are the things that you do not like.\nConsider what your likes and dislikes are about your job...\n  N-COUNT: usu pl\n\n4. If you take a dislike to someone or something, you decide that you do not like them.\n  PHRASE: V inflects


Words: dislocate
Meaning:
dis.lo.cate\n   dislocate  dislocates  dislocating  dislocated\n1. If you dislocate a bone or joint in your body, or in someone else’s body, it moves out of its proper position in relation to other bones, usually in an accident.\nHarrison dislocated a finger...\n  VERB: V n\n\n2. To dislocate something such as a system, process, or way of life means to disturb it greatly or prevent it from continuing as normal.\nIt would help to end illiteracy and disease, but it would also dislocate a traditional way of life...\n  VERB: V n\n  = disrupt


Words: dislocation
Meaning:
dis.lo.ca.tion\n   dislocation  dislocations\n  Dislocation is a situation in which something such as a system, process, or way of life is greatly disturbed or prevented from continuing as normal.\nMillions of refugees have suffered a total dislocation of their lives.\n  N-VAR: oft N of n\n  = disruption


Words: dislodge
Meaning:
dis.lodge\n   dislodge  dislodges  dislodging  dislodged\n1. To dislodge something means to remove it from where it was fixed or held.\nRainfall had dislodged debris from the slopes of the volcano...\n  VERB: V n from n, also V n\n\n2. To dislodge a person from a position or job means to remove them from it.\nHe may challenge the Prime Minister even if he decides he cannot dislodge her this time.\n  VERB: V n


Words: disloyal
Meaning:
dis.loy.al\n   disloyal\n  Someone who is disloyal to their friends, family, or country does not support them or does things that could harm them.\nShe was so disloyal to her deputy she made his position untenable...\n  ADJ: oft ADJ to n\n  !=loyal


Words: disloyalty
Meaning:
dis.loy.al.ty\n   disloyalty\n  Disloyalty is disloyal behaviour.\nCharges had already been made against certain officials suspected of disloyalty.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft N to n


Words: dismal
Meaning:
dis.mal\n   dismal\n1. Something that is dismal is bad in a sad or depressing way.\nIt was a dismal failure.\n  ADJ\n\n=>  dis.mal.ly\nHe failed dismally in his opening match.\n  ADV\n\n2. Something that is dismal is sad and depressing, especially in appearance.\nThe main part of the hospital is pretty dismal but the children’s ward is really lively.\n  ADJ\n  = dreary


Words: dismantle
Meaning:
dis.man.tle\n   dismantle  dismantles  dismantling  dismantled\n1. If you dismantle a machine or structure, you carefully separate it into its different parts.\nHe asked for immediate help from the United States to dismantle the warheads.\n  VERB: V n\n\n2. To dismantle an organization or system means to cause it to stop functioning by gradually reducing its power or purpose.\nPublic services of all kinds are being dismantled.\n  VERB: V n


Words: dismay
Meaning:
dis.may\n   dismay  dismays  dismaying  dismayed\n1. Dismay is a strong feeling of fear, worry, or sadness that is caused by something unpleasant and unexpected. (FORMAL)\nLocal councillors have reacted with dismay and indignation...\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft to N with poss\n\n2. If you are dismayed by something, it makes you feel afraid, worried, or sad. (FORMAL)\nThe committee was dismayed by what it had been told...\nThe thought that she was crying dismayed him.\n  VERB: be V-ed, V n\n\n=>  dis.mayed\nHe was dismayed at the cynicism of the youngsters...\n  ADJ: usu v-link ADJ, oft ADJ at n, ADJ to-inf/that


Words: dismember
Meaning:
dis.mem.ber\n   dismember  dismembers  dismembering  dismembered\n1. To dismember the body of a dead person or animal means to cut or pull it into pieces.\nHe then dismembered her, hiding parts of her body in the cellar...\n  VERB: V n\n\n2. To dismember a country or organization means to break it up into smaller parts.\n...Hitler’s plans to occupy and dismember Czechoslovakia...\n  VERB: V n


Words: dismemberment
Meaning:
dis.mem.ber.ment\n   dismemberment\n1. Dismemberment is the cutting or pulling into pieces of a body.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. Dismemberment is the breaking up into smaller parts of a country or organization.\n...the case for dismemberment or even abolition of the BBC.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft N of n


Words: dismiss
Meaning:
dis.miss\n   dismiss  dismisses  dismissing  dismissed\n1. If you dismiss something, you decide or say that it is not important enough for you to think about or consider.\nMr Wakeham dismissed the reports as speculation...\nI would certainly dismiss any allegations of impropriety by the Labour Party...\n  VERB: V n as n, V n\n  = discount\n2. If you dismiss something from your mind, you stop thinking about it.\nI dismissed him from my mind...\n`It’s been a lovely day,’ she said, dismissing the episode.\n  VERB: V n from n, V n\n  = banish\n3. When an employer dismisses an employee, the employer tells the employee that they are no longer needed to do the job that they have been doing.\n...the power to dismiss civil servants who refuse to work...\n  VERB: V n\n  = sack, fire\n4. If you are dismissed by someone in authority, they tell you that you can go away from them.\nTwo more witnesses were called, heard and dismissed...\n  VERB: be V-ed\n\n5. When a judge dismisses a case against someone, he or she formally states that there is no need for a trial, usually because there is not enough evidence for the case to continue.\nAn American judge yesterday dismissed murder charges against Dr Jack Kevorkian.\n...their attempt to have the case against them dismissed.\n  VERB: V n, have n V-ed


Words: dismissal
Meaning:
dis.mis.sal\n   dismissal  dismissals\n1. When an employee is dismissed from their job, you can refer to their dismissal.\n...Mr Low’s dismissal from his post at the head of the commission.\n  N-VAR: oft with poss\n\n2. Dismissal of something means deciding or saying that it is not important.\n...their high-handed dismissal of public opinion.\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu N of n


Words: dismissive
Meaning:
dis.miss.ive\n   dismissive\n  If you are dismissive of someone or something, you say or show that you think they are not important or have no value.\nMr Jones was dismissive of the report, saying it was riddled with inaccuracies.\n  ADJ: oft ADJ of n\n\n=>  dis.miss.ive.ly\n`Forget it,’ he replied dismissively.\n  ADV: usu ADV with v, also ADV adj


Words: dismount
Meaning:
dis.mount\n   dismount  dismounts  dismounting  dismounted\n  If you dismount from a horse or a bicycle, you get down from it. (FORMAL)\nEmma dismounted and took her horse’s bridle.\n  VERB: V


Words: disobedience
Meaning:
dis.obedi.ence\n   disobedience\n  Disobedience is deliberately not doing what someone tells you to do, or what a rule or law says that you should do.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: disobedient
Meaning:
dis.obedi.ent\n   disobedient\n  If you are disobedient, you deliberately do not do what someone in authority tells you to do, or what a rule or law says that you should do.\nHer tone was that of a parent to a disobedient child.\n  ADJ\n  !=obedient


Words: disobey
Meaning:
dis.obey\n   disobey  disobeys  disobeying  disobeyed\n  When someone disobeys a person or an order, they deliberately do not do what they have been told to do.\n...a naughty boy who often disobeyed his mother and father...\nThey were threatened with punishment if they disobeyed.\n  VERB: V n, V\n  !=obey


Words: disorder
Meaning:
dis.or.der\n   disorder  disorders\n1. A disorder is a problem or illness which affects someone’s mind or body.\n...a rare nerve disorder that can cause paralysis of the arms.\n  N-VAR: usu with supp\n  = complaint\n2. Disorder is a state of being untidy, badly prepared, or badly organized.\nThe emergency room was in disorder...\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft in N\n  = confusion\n3. Disorder is violence or rioting in public.\nHe called on the authorities to stop public disorder...\n  N-VAR: usu supp N\n  = unrest


Words: disordered
Meaning:
dis.or.dered\n   disordered\n  If you describe something as disordered, you mean it is untidy and is not neatly arranged.\n...a disordered heap of mossy branches.\n  ADJ\n  = messy


Words: disorderly
Meaning:
dis.or.der.ly\n   disorderly\n1. If you describe something as disorderly, you mean that it is untidy, irregular, or disorganized. (FORMAL)\n...a large and disorderly room.\n  ADJ\n  = chaotic\n2. If you describe someone as disorderly, you mean that they are behaving in a noisy, rude, or violent way in public. You can also describe a place or event as disorderly if the people there behave in this way. (FORMAL)\n  ADJ\n  = rowdy


Words: disorganization
Meaning:
dis.or.gani.za.tion\n   disorganization\nin BRIT, also use disorganisation\n  If something is in a state of disorganization, it is disorganized.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n  = disarray


Words: disorganized
Meaning:
dis.or.gan.ized\n   disorganized\nin BRIT, also use disorganised\n1. Something that is disorganized is in a confused state or is badly planned or managed.\nA report by the state prosecutor described the police action as confused and disorganised...\n  ADJ\n  !=organized\n2. Someone who is disorganized is very bad at organizing things in their life.\nMy boss is completely disorganised.\n  ADJ\n  !=organized


Words: disorient
Meaning:
dis.ori.ent\n   disorient  disorients  disorienting  disoriented\nin BRIT, also use disorientate\n  If something disorients you, you lose your sense of direction, or you generally feel lost and uncertain, for example because you are in an unfamiliar environment.\nAn overnight stay at a friend’s house disorients me...\n  VERB: V n\n  = confuse\n=>  dis.ori.ent.ed\nI feel dizzy and disoriented.\n  ADJ: usu v-link ADJ\n\n=>  dis.ori.ent.ing\nAn abrupt change of location can be disorienting.\n  ADJ\n\n=>  dis.ori.en.ta.tion\nMorris was so stunned by this that he experienced a moment of total disorientation.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: disown
Meaning:
dis.own\n   disown  disowns  disowning  disowned\n  If you disown someone or something, you say or show that you no longer want to have any connection with them or any responsibility for them.\nThe man who murdered the girl is no son of mine. I disown him.\n  VERB: V n


Words: disparage
Meaning:
dis.par.age\n   disparage  disparages  disparaging  disparaged\n  If you disparage someone or something, you speak about them in a way which shows that you do not have a good opinion of them. (FORMAL)\n...Larkin’s tendency to disparage literature.\n  VERB: V n


Words: disparagement
Meaning:
dis.par.age.ment\n   disparagement\n  Disparagement is the act of speaking about someone or something in a way which shows that you do not have a good opinion of them. (FORMAL)\nReviewers have been almost unanimous in their disparagement of this book.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft N of n\n  = denigration


Words: disparaging
Meaning:
dis.par.ag.ing\n   disparaging\n  If you are disparaging about someone or something, or make disparaging comments about them, you say things which show that you do not have a good opinion of them.\nThe Minister was alleged to have made disparaging remarks about the rest of the Cabinet.\n  ADJ: oft ADJ about/of n\n\n=>  dis.par.ag.ing.ly\nDo not talk disparagingly about your company in public.\n  ADV: ADV with v


Words: disparate
Meaning:
dis.par.ate\n   disparate\n1. Disparate things are clearly different from each other in quality or type. (FORMAL)\nScientists are trying to pull together disparate ideas in astronomy...\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n2. A disparate thing is made up of very different elements. (FORMAL)\n...a very disparate nation, with enormous regional differences.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n  = diverse


Words: disparity
Meaning:
dis.par.ity\n   disparity  disparities\n  If there is a disparity between two or more things, there is a noticeable difference between them. (FORMAL)\n...the economic disparities between East and West Berlin.\n  N-VAR: oft N between/in pl-n\n  = difference


Words: dispassionate
Meaning:
dis.pas.sion.ate\n   dispassionate\n  Someone who is dispassionate is calm and reasonable, and not affected by emotions.\nWe, as prosecutors, try to be dispassionate about the cases we bring...\n  ADJ\n  = detached\n=>  dis.pas.sion.ate.ly\nHe sets out the facts coolly and dispassionately.\n  ADV: ADV with v


Words: dispatch
Meaning:
dis.patch\n   dispatch  dispatches  dispatching  dispatched\nin BRIT, also use despatch\n1. If you dispatch someone to a place, you send them there for a particular reason. (FORMAL)\nHe dispatched scouts ahead...\nThe Italian government was preparing to dispatch 4,000 soldiers to search the island.\n  VERB: V n adv/prep, V n to-inf\n  = send\n  Dispatch is also a noun.\nThe despatch of the task force is purely a contingency measure.\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu N of n\n\n2. If you dispatch a message, letter, or parcel, you send it to a particular person or destination. (FORMAL)\nThe victory inspired him to dispatch a gleeful telegram to Roosevelt...\nFree gifts are dispatched separately so please allow 28 days for delivery.\n  VERB: V n prep/adv, be V-ed, also V n\n  = send\n  Dispatch is also a noun.\nWe have 125 cases ready for dispatch.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n3. A dispatch is a special report that is sent to a newspaper or broadcasting organization by a journalist who is in a different town or country.\n...this despatch from our West Africa correspondent.\n  N-COUNT\n  = bulletin\n4. A dispatch is a message or report that is sent, for example, by army officers or government officials to their headquarters.\nI was carrying dispatches from the ambassador.\n  N-COUNT\n\n5. To dispatch a person or an animal means to kill them. (OLD-FASHIONED)\nThe fox takes his chance with a pack of hounds which may catch him and despatch him immediately.\n  VERB: V n


Words: dispel
Meaning:
dis.pel\n   dispel  dispels  dispelling  dispelled\n  To dispel an idea or feeling that people have means to stop them having it.\nThe President is attempting to dispel the notion that he has neglected the economy.\n  VERB: V n


Words: dispensable
Meaning:
dis.pen.sable\n   dispensable\n  If someone or something is dispensable they are not really needed.\nAll those people in the middle are dispensable.\n  ADJ: usu v-link ADJ\n  !=indispensable


Words: dispensary
Meaning:
dis.pen.sa.ry\n   dispensary  dispensaries\n  A dispensary is a place, for example in a hospital, where medicines are prepared and given out.\n  N-COUNT


Words: dispensation
Meaning:
dis.pen.sa.tion\n   dispensation  dispensations\n1. A dispensation is special permission to do something that is normally not allowed.\nThey were promised dispensation from military service...\n  N-VAR\n\n2. Dispensation of something is the issuing of it, especially from a position of authority. (FORMAL)\n...our application of consistent standards in the dispensation of justice.\n  N-UNCOUNT: N of n


Words: dispense
Meaning:
dis.pense\n   dispense  dispenses  dispensing  dispensed\n1. If someone dispenses something that they own or control, they give or provide it to a number of people. (FORMAL)\nThe Union had already dispensed .40,000 in grants...\nI thought of myself as a patriarch, dispensing words of wisdom to all my children.\n  VERB: V n, V n to n\n\n2. If you obtain a product by getting it out of a machine, you can say that the machine dispenses the product.\nFor two weeks, the cash machine was unable to dispense money.\n  VERB: V n\n\n3. When a chemist dispenses medicine, he or she prepares it, and gives or sells it to the patient or customer.\nSome shops gave wrong or inadequate advice when dispensing homeopathic medicines...\nDoctors confine themselves to prescribing rather than dispensing.\n  VERB: V n, V, also V n to n


Words: dispense with
Meaning:
dispense with\n  If you dispense with something, you stop using it or get rid of it completely, especially because you no longer need it.\nMany households have dispensed with their old-fashioned vinyl turntable.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n


Words: dispenser
Meaning:
dis.pens.er\n   dispenser  dispensers\n  A dispenser is a machine or container designed so that you can get an item or quantity of something from it in an easy and convenient way.\n...cash dispensers.\n  N-COUNT: oft n N


Words: dispersal
Meaning:
dis.per.sal\n   dispersal\n1. Dispersal is the spreading of things over a wide area.\nPlants have different mechanisms of dispersal for their spores.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n  = distribution\n2. The dispersal of a crowd involves splitting it up and making the people leave in different directions.\nThe police ordered the dispersal of the crowds gathered round the building.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft N of n


Words: disperse
Meaning:
dis.perse\n   disperse  disperses  dispersing  dispersed\n1. When something disperses or when you disperse it, it spreads over a wide area.\nThe oil appeared to be dispersing...\nThe intense currents disperse the sewage...\n  VERB: V, V n\n\n2. When a group of people disperses or when someone disperses them, the group splits up and the people leave in different directions.\nPolice fired shots and used teargas to disperse the demonstrators...\nThe crowd dispersed peacefully after prayers.\n  VERB: V n, V\n  = break up


Words: dispersed
Meaning:
dis.persed\n   dispersed\n  Things that are dispersed are situated in many different places, a long way apart from each other.\n...his widely dispersed businesses...\n  ADJ\n  = scattered


Words: dispersion
Meaning:
dis.per.sion\n   dispersion\n  Dispersion is the spreading of people or things over a wide area. (FORMAL)\nThe threat will force greater dispersion of their forces.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft N of n


Words: dispirited
Meaning:
dis.pir.it.ed\n   dispirited\n  If you are dispirited, you have lost your enthusiasm and excitement.\nI left eventually at six o’clock feeling utterly dispirited and depressed.\n  ADJ\n  = dejected


Words: dispiriting
Meaning:
dis.pir.it.ing\n   dispiriting\n  Something that is dispiriting causes you to lose your enthusiasm and excitement.\nIt’s very dispiriting for anyone to be out of a job.\n  ADJ\n  = disheartening


Words: displace
Meaning:
dis.place\n   displace  displaces  displacing  displaced\n1. If one thing displaces another, it forces the other thing out of its place, position, or role, and then occupies that place, position, or role itself.\nThese factories have displaced tourism as the country’s largest source of foreign exchange...\n  VERB: V n\n\n2. If a person or group of people is displaced, they are forced to moved away from the area where they live.\nIn Europe alone thirty million people were displaced...\n...the task of resettling refugees and displaced persons.\n  VERB: usu passive, be V-ed, V-ed


Words: displaced person
Meaning:
dis.placed per.son\n   displaced person  displaced persons\n  A displaced person is someone who has been forced to leave the place where they live, especially because of a war.\n  N-COUNT


Words: displacement
Meaning:
dis.place.ment\n   displacement\n1. Displacement is the removal of something from its usual place or position by something which then occupies that place or position. (FORMAL)\n...the displacement of all my energy into caring for the baby.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. Displacement is the forcing of people away from the area or country where they live.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: display
Meaning:
dis.play\n   display  displays  displaying  displayed\n1. If you display something that you want people to see, you put it in a particular place, so that people can see it easily.\nAmong the protesters and war veterans proudly displaying their medals was Aubrey Rose...\n  VERB: V n\n  = exhibit\n  Display is also a noun.\nMost of the other artists whose work is on display were his pupils or colleagues.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft on N\n\n2. If you display something, you show it to people.\nShe displayed her wound to the twelve gentlemen of the jury...\nThe chart can then display the links connecting these groups.\n  VERB: V n to n, V n\n  = show\n3. If you display a characteristic, quality, or emotion, you behave in a way which shows that you have it.\nHe has displayed remarkable courage in his efforts to reform the party.\n  VERB: V n\n  = show\n  Display is also a noun.\nNormally, such an outward display of affection is reserved for his mother.\n  N-VAR: oft N of n\n  = show\n4. When a computer displays information, it shows it on a screen.\nThey started out by looking at the computer screens which display the images...\n  VERB: V n\n\n5. A display is an arrangement of things that have been put in a particular place, so that people can see them easily.\n...a display of your work...\n  N-COUNT: oft N of n\n\n6. A display is a public performance or other event which is intended to entertain people.\n...gymnastic displays.\n  N-COUNT: with supp\n\n7. The display on a computer screen is the information that is shown there. The screen itself can also be referred to as the display.\nA hard copy of the screen display can also be obtained from a printer.\n  N-COUNT: usu sing\n\n  see also liquid crystal display


Words: displease
Meaning:
dis.please\n   displease  displeases  displeasing  displeased\n  If something or someone displeases you, they make you annoyed or rather angry.\nNot wishing to displease her, he avoided answering the question.\n  VERB: V n


Words: displeased
Meaning:
dis.pleased\n   displeased\n  If you are displeased with something, you are annoyed or rather angry about it.\nBusinessmen are displeased with erratic economic policy-making...\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ, oft ADJ with/at n, ADJ to-inf


Words: displeasure
Meaning:
dis.pleas.ure\n   displeasure\n  Someone’s displeasure is a feeling of annoyance that they have about something that has happened.\nThe population has already begun to show its displeasure at the slow pace of change.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft poss N, N with/at n


Words: disport
Meaning:
dis.port\n   disport  disports  disporting  disported\n  If you disport yourself somewhere, you amuse yourself there in a happy and energetic way. (HUMOROUS or OLD-FASHIONED)\n...the rich and famous disporting themselves in glamorous places.\n  VERB: V pron-refl prep/adv


Words: disposable
Meaning:
dis.pos.able\n   disposable  disposables\n1. A disposable product is designed to be thrown away after it has been used.\n...disposable nappies suitable for babies up to 8lb...\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n  Disposable products can be referred to as disposables.\nIt’s estimated that around 80 per cent of babies wear disposables.\n  N-COUNT: usu pl\n\n2. Your disposable income is the amount of income you have left after you have paid income tax and social security charges.\nGerald had little disposable income...\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: disposal
Meaning:
dis.pos.al\n   disposal\n1. If you have something at your disposal, you are able to use it whenever you want, and for whatever purpose you want. If you say that you are at someone’s disposal, you mean that you are willing to help them in any way you can.\nDo you have this information at your disposal?...\nIf I can be of service, I am at your disposal.\n  PHRASE: usu PHR after v, v-link PHR\n\n2. Disposal is the act of getting rid of something that is no longer wanted or needed.\n...methods for the permanent disposal of radioactive wastes.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft n N, N of n


Words: dispose
Meaning:
dis.pose\n   dispose  disposes  disposing  disposed\n=>  dispose of\n\n1. If you dispose of something that you no longer want or need, you throw it away.\n...the safest means of disposing of nuclear waste...\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n\n\n2. If you dispose of a problem, task, or question, you deal with it.\nYou did us a great favour by disposing of that problem...\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n\n  = resolve


Words: disposed
Meaning:
dis.posed\n   disposed\n1. If you are disposed to do something, you are willing or eager to do it. (FORMAL)\nI might have been disposed to like him in other circumstances...\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ to-inf\n  = inclined\n2. You can use disposed when you are talking about someone’s general attitude or opinion. For example, if you are well or favourably disposed to someone or something, you like them or approve of them. (FORMAL)\nI saw that the publishers were well disposed towards my book...\n  ADJ: adv ADJ, usu v-link ADJ, usu ADJ to/towards n


Words: disposition
Meaning:
dis.po.si.tion\n   disposition  dispositions\n1. Someone’s disposition is the way that they tend to behave or feel.\nThe rides are unsuitable for people of a nervous disposition...\n  N-COUNT: usu supp N\n  = nature\n2. A disposition to do something is a willingness to do it. (FORMAL)\nThis has given him a disposition to consider our traditions critically...\n  N-SING: usu N to-inf\n  = inclination\n3. If you refer to the disposition of a number of objects, you mean the pattern in which they are arranged or their positions in relation to each other. (FORMAL)\n  N-SING: the N of n\n  = arrangement\n4. The disposition of money or property is the act of giving or distributing it to a number of people. (LEGAL)\nJudge Stacks was appointed to oversee the disposition of funds.\n  N-COUNT: N of n\n  = distribution


Words: dispossess
Meaning:
dis.pos.sess\n   dispossess  dispossesses  dispossessing  dispossessed\n  If you are dispossessed of something that you own, especially land or buildings, it is taken away from you.\n...people who were dispossessed of their land under apartheid...\nThey settled the land, dispossessing many of its original inhabitants...\nDroves of dispossessed people emigrated to Canada.\n  VERB: be V-ed of n, V n, V-ed, also V n of/from n


Words: disproportion
Meaning:
dis.pro.por.tion\n   disproportion  disproportions\n  A disproportion is a state in which two things are unequal. (FORMAL)\n...a disproportion in the legal resources available to the two sides.\n  N-VAR\n  = imbalance


Words: disproportionate
Meaning:
dis.pro.por.tion.ate\n   disproportionate\n  Something that is disproportionate is surprising or unreasonable in amount or size, compared with something else.\nA disproportionate amount of time was devoted to one topic...\n  ADJ: oft ADJ to n\n  = excessive  !=proportionate\n=>  dis.pro.por.tion.ate.ly\n...a disproportionately high suicide rate among young prisoners.\n  ADV: ADV group, ADV with v


Words: disprove
Meaning:
dis.prove\n   disprove  disproves  disproving  disproved  disproven\n  To disprove an idea, belief, or theory means to show that it is not true.\nThe statistics to prove or disprove his hypothesis will take years to collect.\n  VERB: V n\n  = refute  !=prove


Words: disputation
Meaning:
dis.pu.ta.tion\n   disputation  disputations\n  Disputation is discussion on a subject which people cannot agree about. (FORMAL)\nAfter much legal disputation our right to resign was established.\n  N-VAR\n  = debate


Words: dispute
Meaning:
dis.pute\n   dispute  disputes  disputing  disputed\n1. A dispute is an argument or disagreement between people or groups.\nThey have won previous pay disputes with the government...\n  N-VAR: usu with supp, oft N with/over n, N between pl-n\n\n2. If you dispute a fact, statement, or theory, you say that it is incorrect or untrue.\nHe disputed the allegations...\nNobody disputed that Davey was clever...\nSome economists disputed whether consumer spending is as strong as the figures suggest.\n  VERB: V n, V that, V wh\n\n3. When people dispute something, they fight for control or ownership of it. You can also say that one group of people dispute something with another group.\nRussia and Ukraine have been disputing the ownership of the fleet...\nFishermen from Bristol disputed fishing rights with the Danes.\n...a disputed border region.\n  V-RECIP: pl-n V n, V n with n, V-ed\n\n4. If two or more people or groups are in dispute, they are arguing or disagreeing about something.\nThe two countries are in dispute over the boundaries of their coastal waters...\n  PHRASE: v-link PHR, oft PHR with n, PHR over n\n\n5. If something is in dispute, people are questioning it or arguing about it.\nAll those matters are in dispute and it is not for me to decide them.\n  PHRASE: v-link PHR


Words: disqualify
Meaning:
dis.quali.fy\n   disqualify  disqualifies  disqualifying  disqualified\n  When someone is disqualified, they are officially stopped from taking part in a particular event, activity, or competition, usually because they have done something wrong.\nHe was convicted of corruption, and will be disqualified from office for seven years...\nThe stewards conferred and eventually decided to disqualify us.\n  VERB: be V-ed from n, V n, also V n from n\n\n=>  dis.quali.fi.ca.tion      disqualifications\nLivingston faces a four-year disqualification from athletics.\n  N-VAR: oft with poss


Words: disquiet
Meaning:
dis.qui.et\n   disquiet  disquiets  disquieting  disquieted\n1. Disquiet is a feeling of worry or anxiety. (FORMAL)\nThere is growing public disquiet about the cost of such policing.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n  = uneasiness\n2. If something disquiets you, it makes you feel anxious. (FORMAL)\nThis information disquieted him.\n  VERB: V n\n\n=>  dis.qui.et.ing\nHe found her letter disquieting.\n  ADJ


Words: disquisition
Meaning:
dis.qui.si.tion\n   disquisition  disquisitions\n  A disquisition is a detailed explanation of a particular subject. (FORMAL)\nAmanda launched into an authoritative disquisition about contracts.\n  N-VAR


Words: disregard
Meaning:
dis.re.gard\n   disregard  disregards  disregarding  disregarded\n  If you disregard something, you ignore it or do not take account of it.\nHe disregarded the advice of his executives...\n  VERB: V n\n\n  Disregard is also a noun.\nWhoever planted the bomb showed a total disregard for the safety of the public.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: disrepair
Meaning:
dis.re.pair\n   disrepair\n  If something is in disrepair or is in a state of disrepair, it is broken or in bad condition.\nThe house was unoccupied and in a bad state of disrepair...\n  PHRASE: usu v-link PHR


Words: disreputable
Meaning:
dis.repu.table\n   disreputable\n  If you say that someone or something is disreputable, you are critical of them because they are not respectable or cannot be trusted.\n...the noisiest and most disreputable bars.\n  ADJ  disapproval


Words: disrepute
Meaning:
dis.re.pute\n   disrepute\n  If something is brought into disrepute or falls into disrepute, it loses its good reputation, because it is connected with activities that people do not approve of.\nSuch people bring our profession into disrepute.\n  PHRASE: PHR after v, v-link PHR


Words: disrespect
Meaning:
dis.re.spect\n   disrespect\n1. If someone shows disrespect, they speak or behave in a way that shows lack of respect for a person, law, or custom.\n...young people with complete disrespect for authority.\n  N-UNCOUNT: also a N, oft N for n\n  !=respect\n2. You can say `no disrespect to someone or something’ when you are just about to criticize them, in order to indicate that you are not hostile towards them or admire them for other things.\nNo disrespect to John Beck, but the club has been happier since he left.\n  PHRASE: usu PHR to n


Words: disrespectful
Meaning:
dis.re.spect.ful\n   disrespectful\n  If you are disrespectful, you show no respect in the way that you speak or behave to someone.\n...accusations that he had been disrespectful to the Queen...\n  ADJ: oft ADJ to/of n\n  !=respectful\n=>  dis.re.spect.ful.ly\nThey get angry if they think they are being treated disrespectfully.\n  ADV: ADV with v


Words: disrobe
Meaning:
dis.robe\n   disrobe  disrobes  disrobing  disrobed\n  When someone disrobes, they remove their clothes. (FORMAL)\nShe stood up and began to disrobe, folding each garment neatly.\n  VERB: V\n  = undress


Words: disrupt
Meaning:
dis.rupt\n   disrupt  disrupts  disrupting  disrupted\n  If someone or something disrupts an event, system, or process, they cause difficulties that prevent it from continuing or operating in a normal way.\nAnti-war protesters disrupted the debate.\n  VERB: V n


Words: disruption
Meaning:
dis.rup.tion\n   disruption  disruptions\n  When there is disruption of an event, system, or process, it is prevented from continuing or operating in a normal way.\nThe strike is expected to cause delays and disruption to flights from Britain...\n  N-VAR


Words: disruptive
Meaning:
dis.rup.tive\n   disruptive\n  To be disruptive means to prevent something from continuing or operating in a normal way.\nAlcohol can produce violent, disruptive behavior...\n  ADJ


Words: disruptive technology
Meaning:
dis.rup.tive tech.nol.ogy\n   disruptive technology disruptive technologies\n  A disruptive technology is a new technology, such as computers and the Internet, which has a rapid and major effect on technologies that existed before. (BUSINESS)\n...the other great disruptive technologies of the 20th century, such as electricity, the telephone and the car.\n  N-COUNT


Words: diss
Meaning:
diss  disses  dissing  dissed\n  If someone disses you, they criticize you unfairly or speak to you in a way that does not show respect. (INFORMAL)\nHe believes that his records speak for themselves and ignores those who diss him.\n  VERB: V n, V n


Words: dissatisfaction
Meaning:
dis.sat.is.fac.tion\n   dissatisfaction  dissatisfactions\n  If you feel dissatisfaction with something, you are not contented or pleased with it.\nShe has already expressed her dissatisfaction with this aspect of the policy...\n  N-VAR: oft N with n\n  !=satisfaction


Words: dissatisfied
Meaning:
dis.sat.is.fied\n   dissatisfied\n  If you are dissatisfied with something, you are not contented or pleased with it.\n82% of voters are dissatisfied with the way their country is being governed...\n  ADJ: oft ADJ with n


Words: dissect
Meaning:
dis.sect\n   dissect  dissects  dissecting  dissected\n1. If someone dissects the body of a dead person or animal, they carefully cut it up in order to examine it scientifically.\nWe dissected a frog in biology class.\n  VERB: V n\n\n=>  dis.sec.tion      dissections\nResearchers need a growing supply of corpses for dissection.\n  N-VAR\n\n2. If someone dissects something such as a theory, a situation, or a piece of writing, they consider and talk about each detail of it.\nPeople want to dissect his work and question his motives.\n  VERB: V n\n\n=>  dis.sec.tion      dissections\n...her calm, condescending dissection of my proposals.\n  N-VAR: usu N of n


Words: dissemble
Meaning:
dis.sem.ble\n   dissemble  dissembles  dissembling  dissembled\n  When people dissemble, they hide their real intentions or emotions. (LITERARY)\nHenry was not slow to dissemble when it served his purposes.\n  VERB: V, also V n


Words: disseminate
Meaning:
dis.semi.nate\n   disseminate  disseminates  disseminating  disseminated\n  To disseminate information or knowledge means to distribute it so that it reaches many people or organizations. (FORMAL)\nThey disseminated anti-French propaganda.\n  VERB: V n\n  = propagate\n=>  dis.semi.na.tion\nHe promoted the dissemination of scientific ideas.\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu N of n


Words: dissension
Meaning:
dis.sen.sion\n   dissension  dissensions\n  Dissension is disagreement and argument. (FORMAL)\nThe tax cut issue has caused dissension among administration officials.\n  N-UNCOUNT: also N in pl\n  = discord


Words: dissent
Meaning:
dis.sent\n   dissent  dissents  dissenting  dissented\n1. Dissent is strong disagreement or dissatisfaction with a decision or opinion, especially one that is supported by most people or by people in authority.\nHe is the toughest military ruler yet and has responded harshly to any dissent...\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. If you dissent, you express disagreement with a decision or opinion, especially one that is supported by most people or by people in authority. (FORMAL)\nJust one of the 10 members dissented...\nNo one dissents from the decision to unify...\nThere are likely to be many dissenting voices.\n  VERB: V, V from n, V-ing


Words: dissenter
Meaning:
dis.sent.er\n   dissenter  dissenters\n  Dissenters are people who say that they do not agree with something that other people agree with or that is official policy.\nThe Party does not tolerate dissenters in its ranks.\n  N-COUNT


Words: dissertation
Meaning:
dis.ser.ta.tion\n   dissertation  dissertations\n  A dissertation is a long formal piece of writing on a particular subject, especially for a university degree.\nHe is currently writing a dissertation on the Somali civil war.\n  N-COUNT: oft N on n


Words: disservice
Meaning:
dis.ser.vice\n   disservice\n  If you do someone or something a disservice, you harm them in some way. (FORMAL)\nHe said the protesters were doing a disservice to the nation...\n  N-SING: oft N to n


Words: dissident
Meaning:
dis.si.dent\n   dissident  dissidents\n1. Dissidents are people who disagree with and criticize their government, especially because it is undemocratic.\n...political dissidents.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. Dissident people disagree with or criticize their government or a powerful organization they belong to.\n...a dissident Russian novelist...\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: dissimilar
Meaning:
dis.simi.lar\n   dissimilar\n  If one thing is dissimilar to another, or if two things are dissimilar, they are very different from each other.\nHis methods were not dissimilar to those used by Freud...\n  ADJ: oft ADJ to n\n  !=similar\n=>  dis.simi.lar.ity      dissimilarities\nOne of his main themes is the dissimilarity between parents and children.\n  N-VAR: oft N between pl-n


Words: dissimulate
Meaning:
dis.simu.late\n   dissimulate  dissimulates  dissimulating  dissimulated\n  When people dissimulate, they hide their true feelings, intentions, or nature. (FORMAL)\nThis man was too injured to dissimulate well...\nThey were decked out in tracksuits, seemingly to dissimulate their true function.\n  VERB: V, V n\n  = dissemble


Words: dissipate
Meaning:
dis.si.pate\n   dissipate  dissipates  dissipating  dissipated\n1. When something dissipates or when you dissipate it, it becomes less or becomes less strong until it disappears or goes away completely. (FORMAL)\nThe tension in the room had dissipated...\nHe wound down the windows to dissipate the heat.\n  VERB: V, V n\n\n2. When someone dissipates money, time, or effort, they waste it in a foolish way. (FORMAL)\nHe is dissipating his time and energy on too many different things...\n  VERB: V n


Words: dissipated
Meaning:
dis.si.pat.ed\n   dissipated\n  If you describe someone as dissipated, you disapprove of them because they spend a lot of time drinking alcohol and enjoying other physical pleasures, and are probably unhealthy because of this.\nFlynn was still handsome, though dissipated.\n  ADJ  disapproval\n  = dissolute


Words: dissipation
Meaning:
dis.si.pa.tion\n   dissipation\n  If someone leads a dissipated life, you can also say that they lead a life of dissipation. (LITERARY)\n  N-UNCOUNT\n  = debauchery


Words: dissociate
Meaning:
dis.so.ci.ate\n   dissociate  dissociates  dissociating  dissociated\n1. If you dissociate yourself from something or someone, you say or show that you are not connected with them, usually in order to avoid trouble or blame.\nIt is getting harder for the president to dissociate himself from the scandal.\n  VERB: V pron-refl from n\n\n2. If you dissociate one thing from another, you consider the two things as separate from each other, or you separate them. (FORMAL)\nAlmost the first lesson they learn is how to dissociate emotion from reason.\n  VERB: V n from n\n  = divorce\n=>  dis.so.cia.tion\nThe war between the sexes should not result in their complete dissociation from one another.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft N from n


Words: dissolute
Meaning:
dis.so.lute\n   dissolute\n  Someone who is dissolute does not care at all about morals and lives in a way that is considered to be wicked and immoral.\n  ADJ  disapproval\n  = degenerate


Words: dissolution
Meaning:
dis.so.lu.tion\n   dissolution\n1. Dissolution is the act of breaking up officially an organization or institution, or of formally ending a parliament. (FORMAL)\nPoliticians say it could lead to a dissolution of parliament.\n  N-UNCOUNT: also a N, oft N of n\n\n2. Dissolution is the act of officially ending a formal agreement, for example a marriage or a business arrangement. (FORMAL)\n...the statutory requirement for granting dissolution of a marriage.\n  N-UNCOUNT: also a N, oft N of n\n  = termination


Words: dissolve
Meaning:
dis.solve\n   dissolve  dissolves  dissolving  dissolved\n1. If a substance dissolves in liquid or if you dissolve it, it becomes mixed with the liquid and disappears.\nHeat gently until the sugar dissolves...\nDissolve the salt in a little boiled water.\n  VERB: V, V n\n\n2. When an organization or institution is dissolved, it is officially ended or broken up.\nThe committee has been dissolved...\nThe King agreed to dissolve the present commission.\n  VERB: be V-ed, V n\n\n3. When a parliament is dissolved, it is formally ended, so that elections for a new parliament can be held.\nThe present assembly will be dissolved on April 30th...\nKaifu threatened to dissolve the Parliament and call an election.\n  VERB: be V-ed, V n\n\n4. When a marriage or business arrangement is dissolved, it is officially ended.\nThe marriage was dissolved in 1976.\n  VERB: usu passive, be V-ed\n\n5. If something such as a problem or feeling dissolves or is dissolved, it becomes weaker and disappears.\nHis new-found optimism dissolved...\nLenny still could not dissolve the nagging lump of tension in his chest.\n  VERB: V, V n\n  = dissipate


Words: dissolve into
Meaning:
dissolve into\n  If you dissolve into or dissolve in tears or laughter, you begin to cry or laugh, because you cannot control yourself.\nShe dissolved into tears at the mention of Munya’s name.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n


Words: dissonance
Meaning:
dis.so.nance\n   dissonance\n  Dissonance is a lack of agreement or harmony between things. (FORMAL)\n  N-UNCOUNT\n  = discord


Words: dissuade
Meaning:
dis.suade\n   dissuade  dissuades  dissuading  dissuaded\n  If you dissuade someone from doing or believing something, you persuade them not to do or believe it. (FORMAL)\nDoctors had tried to dissuade patients from smoking...\nHe considered emigrating, but his family managed to dissuade him.\n  VERB: V n from -ing, V n


Words: distance
Meaning:
dis.tance\n   distance  distances  distancing  distanced\n1. The distance between two points or places is the amount of space between them.\n...the distance between the island and the nearby shore...\nEverything is within walking distance...\n  N-VAR: with supp, oft N between pl-n\n\n2. When two things are very far apart, you talk about the distance between them.\nThe distance wouldn’t be a problem.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n3. Distance learning or distance education involves studying at home and sending your work to a college or university, rather than attending the college or university in person.\nI’m doing a theology degree by distance learning.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n4. When you want to emphasize that two people or things do not have a close relationship or are not the same, you can refer to the distance between them.\nThere was a vast distance between psychological clues and concrete proof...\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu N between pl-n  emphasis\n\n5. If you can see something in the distance, you can see it, far away from you.\nWe suddenly saw her in the distance...\n  N-SING: in/into the N\n\n6. Distance is coolness or unfriendliness in the way that someone behaves towards you. (FORMAL)\nThere were periods of sulking, of pronounced distance, of coldness.\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu with supp\n  !=closeness\n7. If you distance yourself from a person or thing, or if something distances you from them, you feel less friendly or positive towards them, or become less involved with them.\nThe author distanced himself from some of the comments in his book...\nTelevision may actually be distancing the public from the war.\n  VERB: V pron-refl from n, V n from n\n\n=>  dis.tanced\nClough felt he’d become too distanced from his fans.\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ, usu ADJ from n\n\n8. If you are at a distance from something, or if you see it or remember it from a distance, you are a long way away from it in space or time.\nThe only way I can cope with my mother is at a distance...\nNow I can look back on the whole tragedy from a distance of forty years.\n  PHRASE: PHR after v, v-link PHR\n\n9. If you keep your distance from someone or something or keep them at a distance, you do not become involved with them.\nJay had always tended to keep his girlfriends at a distance.\n  PHRASE: V inflects\n\n10. If you keep your distance from someone or something, you do not get physically close to them. (OLD-FASHIONED)\nHe walked towards the doorway, careful to keep his distance.\n  PHRASE: V inflects


Words: distant
Meaning:
dis.tant\n   distant\n1. Distant means very far away.\nThe mountains rolled away to a distant horizon.\n...the war in that distant land.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n  !=nearby\n2. You use distant to describe a time or event that is very far away in the future or in the past.\nThere is little doubt, however, that things will improve in the not too distant future...\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n  = faraway  !=near\n3. A distant relative is one who you are not closely related to.\nHe’s a distant relative of the mayor...\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n  !=close\n=>  dis.tant.ly\nHis father’s distantly related to the Royal family.\n  ADV: usu ADV -ed\n\n4. If you describe someone as distant, you mean that you find them cold and unfriendly.\nHe found her cold, ice-like and distant...\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ\n  = aloof\n5. If you describe someone as distant, you mean that they are not concentrating on what they are doing because they are thinking about other things.\nThere was a distant look in her eyes from time to time, her thoughts elsewhere.\n  ADJ\n  = faraway


Words: distantly
Meaning:
dis.tant.ly\n   distantly\n1. Distantly means very far away. (LITERARY)\nDistantly, to her right, she could make out the town of Chiffa.\n  ADV: ADV -ed, ADV with cl\n\n2. If you are distantly aware of something or if you distantly remember it, you are aware of it or remember it, but not very strongly.\nShe became distantly aware that the light had grown brighter...\n  ADV: ADV adj, ADV with v\n  = vaguely  !=distinctly\n3.\n  see also distant


Words: distaste
Meaning:
dis.taste\n   distaste\n  If you feel distaste for someone or something, you dislike them and consider them to be unpleasant, disgusting, or immoral.\nHe professed a distaste for everything related to money.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft N for n\n  = aversion


Words: distasteful
Meaning:
dis.taste.ful\n   distasteful\n  If something is distasteful to you, you think it is unpleasant, disgusting, or immoral.\nHe found it distasteful to be offered drinks before witnessing the execution.\n  ADJ: oft ADJ to n


Words: distemper
Meaning:
dis.tem.per\n   distemper\n1. Distemper is a dangerous and infectious disease that can be caught by animals, especially dogs.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. Distemper is a kind of paint sometimes used for painting walls.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: distend
Meaning:
dis.tend\n   distend  distends  distending  distended\n  If a part of your body is distended, or if it distends, it becomes swollen and unnaturally large. (MEDICAL or FORMAL)\nThrough this incision, the abdominal cavity is distended with carbon dioxide gas...\nThe colon, or large intestine, distends and fills with gas.\n  VERB: be V-ed, V, also V n\n  = swell\n=>  dis.tend.ed\n...an infant with a distended belly.\n  ADJ


Words: distension
Meaning:
dis.ten.sion\n   distension   also distention\n  Distension is abnormal swelling in a person’s or animal’s body. (MEDICAL)\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: distil
Meaning:
dis.til\n   distil  distils  distilling  distilled\nin AM, use distill\n1. If a liquid such as whisky or water is distilled, it is heated until it changes into steam or vapour and then cooled until it becomes liquid again. This is usually done in order to make it pure.\nThe whisky had been distilled in 1926 and sat quietly maturing until 1987...\nYou can’t actually drink the water from the marshland. But you can distil it...\n  VERB: be V-ed, V n\n\n=>  dis.til.la.tion\nAny faults in the original cider stood out sharply after distillation.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. If an oil or liquid is distilled from a plant, it is produced by a process which extracts the most essential part of the plant. To distil a plant means to produce an oil or liquid from it by this process.\nThe oil is distilled from the berries of this small tree.\n...the art of distilling rose petals...\n  VERB: be V-ed from n, V n\n\n=>  dis.til.la.tion\n...the distillation of rose petals to produce rosewater.\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu N of n\n\n3. If a thought or idea is distilled from previous thoughts, ideas, or experiences, it comes from them. If it is distilled into something, it becomes part of that thing.\nReviews are distilled from articles previously published in the main column...\nRoy distills these messages into something powerful...\n  VERB: be V-ed from n, V n into n\n\n=>  dis.til.la.tion\nThe material below is a distillation of his work.\n  N-SING: usu N of n


Words: distiller
Meaning:
dis.till.er\n   distiller  distillers\n  A distiller is a person or a company that makes whisky or a similar strong alcoholic drink by a process of distilling.\n  N-COUNT


Words: distillery
Meaning:
dis.till.ery\n   distillery  distilleries\n  A distillery is a place where whisky or a similar strong alcoholic drink is made by a process of distilling.\n  N-COUNT


Words: distinct
Meaning:
dis.tinct\n   distinct\n1. If something is distinct from something else of the same type, it is different or separate from it.\nEngineering and technology are disciplines distinct from one another and from science...\nThis book is divided into two distinct parts.\n  ADJ: oft ADJ from n\n\n=>  dis.tinct.ly\n...a banking industry with two distinctly different sectors.\n  ADV: ADV adj\n\n2. If something is distinct, you can hear, see, or taste it clearly.\n...to impart a distinct flavor with a minimum of cooking fat.\n  ADJ\n\n=>  dis.tinct.ly\nI distinctly heard the loudspeaker calling passengers for the Turin-Amsterdam flight.\n  ADV: ADV with v\n\n3. If an idea, thought, or intention is distinct, it is clear and definite.\nNow that Tony was no longer present, there was a distinct change in her attitude...\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n=>  dis.tinct.ly\nI distinctly remember wishing I had not got involved.\n  ADV: ADV with v\n\n4. You can use distinct to emphasize that something is great enough in amount or degree to be noticeable or important.\nBeing 6ft 3in tall has some distinct disadvantages!\n  ADJ: ADJ n  emphasis\n  = definite\n=>  dis.tinct.ly\nHis government is looking distinctly shaky.\n  ADV: ADV adj/-ed\n\n5. If you say that you are talking about one thing as distinct from another, you are indicating exactly which thing you mean.\nThere’s a lot of evidence that oily fish, as distinct from fatty meat, has a beneficial effect.\n  PREP-PHRASE


Words: distinction
Meaning:
dis.tinc.tion\n   distinction  distinctions\n1. A distinction between similar things is a difference.\nThere are obvious distinctions between the two wine-making areas...\n  N-COUNT: usu N between pl-n\n\n  If you draw a distinction or make a distinction, you say that two things are different.\nI did not yet make a distinction between the pleasures of reading and of writing fiction...\n  PHRASE: V inflects, usu PHR between pl-n\n\n2. Distinction is the quality of being very good or better than other things of the same type. (FORMAL)\nLewis emerges as a composer of distinction and sensitivity.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n3. A distinction is a special award or honour that is given to someone because of their very high level of achievement.\nThe order was created in 1902 as a special distinction for eminent men and women...\n  N-COUNT\n  = honour\n4. If you say that someone or something has the distinction of being something, you are drawing attention to the fact that they have the special quality of being that thing. Distinction is normally used to refer to good qualities, but can sometimes also be used to refer to bad qualities.\nHe has the distinction of being regarded as the Federal Republic’s greatest living writer.\n  N-SING: oft the N of n/-ing


Words: distinctive
Meaning:
dis.tinc.tive\n   distinctive\n  Something that is distinctive has a special quality or feature which makes it easily recognizable and different from other things of the same type.\nHis voice was very distinctive.\n  ADJ\n\n=>  dis.tinc.tive.ly\n...the distinctively fragrant taste of elderflowers...\n  ADV: ADV adj/-ed\n\n=>  dis.tinc.tive.ness\nHis own distinctiveness was always evident at school.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft with poss


Words: distinguish
Meaning:
dis.tin.guish\n   distinguish  distinguishes  distinguishing  distinguished\n1. If you can distinguish one thing from another or distinguish between two things, you can see or understand how they are different.\nCould he distinguish right from wrong?...\nResearch suggests that babies learn to see by distinguishing between areas of light and dark...\nIt is necessary to distinguish the policies of two successive governments.\n  VERB: V n from n, V between pl-n, V pl-n\n\n2. A feature or quality that distinguishes one thing from another causes the two things to be regarded as different, because only the first thing has the feature or quality.\nThere is something about music that distinguishes it from all other art forms...\nThe bird has no distinguishing features.\n  VERB: V n from n, V-ing\n\n3. If you can distinguish something, you can see, hear, or taste it although it is very difficult to detect. (FORMAL)\nThere were cries, calls. He could distinguish voices.\n  VERB: V n\n  = discern\n4. If you distinguish yourself, you do something that makes you famous or important.\nOver the next few years he distinguished himself as a leading constitutional scholar...\nThey distinguished themselves at the Battle of Assaye.\n  VERB: V pron-refl as n, V pron-refl


Words: distinguishable
Meaning:
dis.tin.guish.able\n   distinguishable\n1. If something is distinguishable from other things, it has a quality or feature which makes it possible for you to recognize it and see that it is different.\n...features that make their products distinguishable from those of their rivals...\n  ADJ: usu v-link ADJ, oft ADJ from n\n\n2. If something is distinguishable, you can see or hear it in conditions when it is difficult to see or hear anything.\nIt was getting light and shapes were more distinguishable.\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ\n  = discernible


Words: distinguished
Meaning:
dis.tin.guished\n   distinguished\n1. If you describe a person or their work as distinguished, you mean that they have been very successful in their career and have a good reputation.\n...a distinguished academic family.\n  ADJ\n  = illustrious\n2. If you describe someone as distinguished, you mean that they look very noble and respectable.\nHe looked very distinguished.\n  ADJ


Words: distort
Meaning:
dis.tort\n   distort  distorts  distorting  distorted\n1. If you distort a statement, fact, or idea, you report or represent it in an untrue way.\nThe media distorts reality; categorises people as all good or all bad...\n  VERB: V n\n\n=>  dis.tort.ed\nThese figures give a distorted view of the significance for the local economy.\n  ADJ\n\n2. If something you can see or hear is distorted or distorts, its appearance or sound is changed so that it seems unclear.\nA painter may exaggerate or distort shapes and forms...\nThis caused the sound to distort.\n  VERB: V n, V\n\n=>  dis.tort.ed\nSound was becoming more and more distorted through the use of hearing aids.\n  ADJ


Words: distortion
Meaning:
dis.tor.tion\n   distortion  distortions\n1. Distortion is the changing of something into something that is not true or not acceptable.\nI think it would be a gross distortion of reality to say that they were motivated by self-interest...\n  N-VAR: usu with supp  disapproval\n\n2. Distortion is the changing of the appearance or sound of something in a way that makes it seem strange or unclear.\nAudio signals can be transmitted along cables without distortion.\n  N-VAR


Words: distract
Meaning:
dis.tract\n   distract  distracts  distracting  distracted\n  If something distracts you or your attention from something, it takes your attention away from it.\nTom admits that playing video games sometimes distracts him from his homework...\nDon’t let yourself be distracted by fashionable theories...\nA disturbance in the street distracted my attention.\n  VERB: V n from n, be V-ed, V n


Words: distracted
Meaning:
dis.tract.ed\n   distracted\n  If you are distracted, you are not concentrating on something because you are worried or are thinking about something else.\nShe had seemed curiously distracted...\n  ADJ\n\n=>  dis.tract.ed.ly\nHe looked up distractedly. `Be with you in a second.’\n  ADV: ADV with v


Words: distracting
Meaning:
dis.tract.ing\n   distracting\n  If you say that something is distracting, you mean that it makes it difficult for you to concentrate properly on what you are doing.\nIt’s distracting to have someone watching me while I work.\n  ADJ


Words: distraction
Meaning:
dis.trac.tion\n   distraction  distractions\n1. A distraction is something that turns your attention away from something you want to concentrate on.\nTotal concentration is required with no distractions.\n  N-VAR: oft N from n\n\n2. A distraction is an activity which is intended to entertain and amuse you.\nTheir national distraction is going to the disco.\n  N-COUNT\n  = diversion\n3. If you say that something or someone drives you to distraction, you are emphasizing that they annoy you a great deal.\nA very clingy child can drive a parent to distraction.\n  PHRASE: V inflects  emphasis


Words: distraught
Meaning:
dis.traught\n   distraught\n  If someone is distraught, they are so upset and worried that they cannot think clearly.\nHis distraught parents were being comforted by relatives.\n  ADJ


Words: distress
Meaning:
dis.tress\n   distress  distresses  distressing  distressed\n1. Distress is a state of extreme sorrow, suffering, or pain.\nJealousy causes distress and painful emotions.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. Distress is the state of being in extreme danger and needing urgent help.\nHe expressed concern that the ship might be in distress.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft in N\n\n3. If someone or something distresses you, they cause you to be upset or worried.\nThe idea of Toni being in danger distresses him enormously.\n  VERB: V n


Words: distressed
Meaning:
dis.tressed\n   distressed\n  If someone is distressed, they are upset or worried.\nI feel very alone and distressed about my problem.\n  ADJ


Words: distressing
Meaning:
dis.tress.ing\n   distressing\n  If something is distressing, it upsets you or worries you.\nIt is very distressing to see your baby attached to tubes and monitors...\n  ADJ\n\n=>  dis.tress.ing.ly\n...a distressingly large bloodstain.\n  ADV: usu ADV adj


Words: distribute
Meaning:
dis.trib.ute\n   distribute  distributes  distributing  distributed\n1. If you distribute things, you hand them or deliver them to a number of people.\nStudents shouted slogans and distributed leaflets...\nIn the move most of the furniture was left to the neighbours or distributed among friends.\n  VERB: V n, be V-ed among n\n\n2. When a company distributes goods, it supplies them to the shops or businesses that sell them. (BUSINESS)\nWe didn’t understand how difficult it was to distribute a national paper.\n  VERB: V n\n\n3. If you distribute things among the members of a group, you share them among those members.\nImmediately after his election he began to distribute major offices among his friends and supporters.\n  VERB: V n among n, also V n\n  = share out\n4. To distribute a substance over something means to scatter it over it. (FORMAL)\nDistribute the topping evenly over the fruit.\n  VERB: V n over n\n  = scatter\n5.\n  see also distributed


Words: distributed
Meaning:
dis.trib.ut.ed\n   distributed\n  If things are distributed throughout an area, object, or group, they exist throughout it.\nThese cells are widely distributed throughout the body...\n  ADJ: usu v-link ADJ prep/adv, adv ADJ\n  = spread


Words: distribution
Meaning:
dis.tri.bu.tion\n   distribution  distributions\n1. The distribution of things involves giving or delivering them to a number of people or places.\n...the council which controls the distribution of foreign aid...\n...emergency food distribution.\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu with supp\n\n2. The distribution of something is how much of it there is in each place or at each time, or how much of it each person has.\n...a more equitable distribution of wealth.\n  N-VAR: usu with supp\n  = spread


Words: distributional
Meaning:
dis.tri.bu.tion.al\n   distributional\n1. Distributional means relating to the distribution of goods.\nWhat they’re doing is setting up distributional networks.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n2. Distributional effects and policies relate to the share of a country’s wealth that different groups of people have. (FORMAL)\n...the distributional effects of free markets, which lead to inequalities in income.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: distributive
Meaning:
dis.tribu.tive\n   distributive\n  Distributive means relating to the distribution of goods.\nReorganization is necessary on the distributive side of this industry.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: distributor
Meaning:
dis.tribu.tor\n   distributor  distributors\n  A distributor is a company that supplies goods to shops or other businesses. (BUSINESS)\n...Spain’s largest distributor of petroleum products...\n  N-COUNT: usu with supp


Words: distributorship
Meaning:
dis.tribu.tor.ship\n   distributorship  distributorships\n  A distributorship is a company that supplies goods to shops or other businesses, or the right to supply goods to shops and businesses. (BUSINESS)\n...the general manager of an automobile distributorship.\n  N-COUNT


Words: district
Meaning:
dis.trict\n   district  districts\n1. A district is a particular area of a town or country.\nI drove around the business district.\n...Nashville’s shopping district.\n  N-COUNT: usu supp N\n\n2. A district is an area of a town or country which has been given official boundaries for the purpose of administration.\n...the home of the governor of the district.\n  N-COUNT: with supp, oft N n


Words: District Attorney
Meaning:
Dis.trict At.tor.ney\n   District Attorney  District Attorneys\n  In the United States, a District Attorney is a lawyer who works for a city, state, or federal government and puts on trial people who are accused of crimes. The abbreviation D.A. is also used.\n  N-COUNT


Words: district nurse
Meaning:
dis.trict nurse\n   district nurse  district nurses\n  In Britain, a district nurse is a nurse who goes to people’s houses to give them medical treatment and advice.\n  N-COUNT


Words: distrust
Meaning:
dis.trust\n   distrust  distrusts  distrusting  distrusted\n1. If you distrust someone or something, you think they are not honest, reliable, or safe.\nI don’t have any particular reason to distrust them.\n  VERB: V n\n  = mistrust  !=trust\n2. Distrust is the feeling of doubt that you have towards someone or something you distrust.\nWhat he saw there left him with a profound distrust of all political authority.\n  N-UNCOUNT: also a N, oft N of n\n  = mistrust


Words: distrustful
Meaning:
dis.trust.ful\n   distrustful\n  If you are distrustful of someone or something, you think that they are not honest, reliable, or safe.\nVoters are deeply distrustful of all politicians...\n  ADJ: usu v-link ADJ, oft ADJ of n


Words: disturb
Meaning:
dis.turb\n   disturb  disturbs  disturbing  disturbed\n1. If you disturb someone, you interrupt what they are doing and upset them.\nI hope I’m not disturbing you.\n  VERB: V n\n\n2. If something disturbs you, it makes you feel upset or worried.\nI dream about him, dreams so vivid that they disturb me for days...\n  VERB: V n\n  = perturb\n3. If something is disturbed, its position or shape is changed.\nHe’d placed his notes in the brown envelope. They hadn’t been disturbed...\nShe patted Mona, taking care not to disturb her costume.\n  VERB: be V-ed, V n\n\n4. If something disturbs a situation or atmosphere, it spoils it or causes trouble.\nWhat could possibly disturb such tranquility?\n  VERB: V n


Words: disturbance
Meaning:
dis.turb.ance\n   disturbance  disturbances\n1. A disturbance is an incident in which people behave violently in public.\nDuring the disturbance which followed, three Englishmen were hurt.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. Disturbance means upsetting or disorganizing something which was previously in a calm and well-ordered state.\nThe home would cause less disturbance to local residents than a school...\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu with supp\n\n3. You can use disturbance to refer to a medical or psychological problem, when someone’s body or mind is not working in the normal way.\nPoor educational performance is related to emotional disturbance.\n  N-VAR: with supp


Words: disturbed
Meaning:
dis.turbed\n   disturbed\n1. A disturbed person is very upset emotionally, and often needs special care or treatment.\n...working with severely emotionally disturbed children...\n  ADJ\n\n2. You can say that someone is disturbed when they are very worried or anxious.\nDoctors were disturbed that less than 30 percent of the patients were women...\n  ADJ: usu v-link ADJ, oft ADJ that, ADJ to-inf\n  = concerned\n3. If you describe a situation or period of time as disturbed, you mean that it is unhappy and full of problems.\n...women from disturbed backgrounds.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n  = troubled


Words: disturbing
Meaning:
dis.turb.ing\n   disturbing\n  Something that is disturbing makes you feel worried or upset.\nThere was something about him she found disturbing...\n  ADJ\n\n=>  dis.turb.ing.ly\n...the disturbingly high frequency of racial attacks.\n  ADV: usu ADV adj, ADV with v


Words: disunited
Meaning:
dis.unit.ed\n   disunited\n  If a group of people are disunited, there is disagreement and division among them.\n...an increasingly disunited party.\n  ADJ


Words: disunity
Meaning:
dis.unity\n   disunity\n  Disunity is lack of agreement among people which prevents them from working together effectively. (FORMAL)\nHe had been accused of promoting disunity within the armed forces.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n  !=unity


Words: disuse
Meaning:
dis.use\n   disuse\n  If something falls into disuse, people stop using it. If something becomes worse as a result of disuse, it becomes worse because no one uses it.\n...a church which has fallen into disuse...\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft into N


Words: disused
Meaning:
dis.used\n   disused\n  A disused place or building is empty and is no longer used.\n...a disused airfield near Maidenhead.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: ditch
Meaning:
ditch  ditches  ditching  ditched\n1. A ditch is a long narrow channel cut into the ground at the side of a road or field.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. If you ditch something that you have or are responsible for, you abandon it or get rid of it, because you no longer want it. (INFORMAL)\nI decided to ditch the sofa bed.\n  VERB: V n\n  = dump\n3. If someone ditches someone, they end a relationship with that person. (INFORMAL)\nI can’t bring myself to ditch him and start again.\n  VERB: V n\n  = dump\n4. If a pilot ditches an aircraft or if it ditches, the pilot makes an emergency landing.\nOne American pilot was forced to ditch his jet in the Gulf...\nA survivor was knocked unconscious when the helicopter ditched.\n  VERB: V n, V\n\n5.\n  see also last-ditch


Words: dither
Meaning:
dith.er\n   dither  dithers  dithering  dithered\n  When someone dithers, they hesitate because they are unable to make a quick decision about something.\nWe’re still dithering over whether to marry...\nIf you have been dithering about buying shares, now could be the time to do it.\n  VERB: V over wh, V about -ing/wh


Words: ditto
Meaning:
dit.to\n   ditto\n  In informal English, you can use ditto to represent a word or phrase that you have just used in order to avoid repeating it. In written lists, ditto can be represented by ditto marks - the symbol " - underneath the word that you want to repeat.\nLister’s dead. Ditto three Miami drug dealers and a lady.


Words: ditty
Meaning:
dit.ty\n   ditty  ditties\n  A ditty is a short or light-hearted song or poem. (HUMOROUS or WRITTEN)\n  N-COUNT


Words: ditzy
Meaning:
dit.zy\n   ditzy  ditzier  ditziest   also ditsy\n  A ditzy person is silly and not very organized. (INFORMAL)\nI sounded like a ditzy blonde!\n  ADJ\n  = dizzy


Words: diuretic
Meaning:
di.uret.ic\n   diuretic  diuretics\n  A diuretic is a substance which makes your body increase its production of waste fluids, with the result that you need to urinate more often than usual. (MEDICAL or TECHNICAL)\nAlcohol acts as a diuretic, making you even more dehydrated.\n  N-COUNT\n\n  Diuretic is also an adjective.\nMany remedies effective in joint disease are primarily diuretic.\n  ADJ


Words: diurnal
Meaning:
di.ur.nal\n   diurnal\n  Diurnal means happening or active during the daytime. (FORMAL)\nKangaroos are diurnal animals.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n  !=nocturnal


Words: divan
Meaning:
di.van\n   divan  divans\n1. A divan or divan bed is a bed that has a thick base under the mattress. (BRIT)\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. A divan is a long soft seat that has no back or arms.\n  N-COUNT


Words: dive
Meaning:
dive  dives  diving  dived\n1. If you dive into some water, you jump in head-first with your arms held straight above your head.\nHe tried to escape by diving into a river...\nShe was standing by a pool, about to dive in...\nJoanne had just learnt to dive.\n  VERB: V into n, V in, V\n\n  Dive is also a noun.\nPat had earlier made a dive of 80 feet from the Chasm Bridge.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. If you dive, you go under the surface of the sea or a lake, using special breathing equipment.\nBezanik is diving to collect marine organisms.\n  VERB: V\n\n  Dive is also a noun.\nThis sighting occurred during my dive to a sunken wreck off Sardinia.\n  N-COUNT\n\n3. When birds and animals dive, they go quickly downwards, head-first, through the air or through water.\n...a pelican which had just dived for a fish...\n  VERB: V\n\n4. If an aeroplane dives, it flies or drops down quickly and suddenly.\nHe was killed when his monoplane stalled and dived into the ground.\n  VERB: V prep/adv, also V\n\n  Dive is also a noun.\nWitnesses said the plane failed to pull out of a dive and smashed down in a field.\n  N-COUNT\n\n5. If you dive in a particular direction or into a particular place, you jump or move there quickly.\nThey dived into a taxi...\n  VERB: V prep/adv\n  = leap\n  Dive is also a noun.\nHe made a sudden dive for Uncle Jim’s legs to try to trip him up.\n  N-COUNT\n\n6. If you dive into a bag or container, you put your hands into it quickly in order to get something out.\nShe dived into her bag and brought out a folded piece of paper.\n  VERB: V into n\n\n7. If shares, profits, or figures dive, their value falls suddenly and by a large amount. (JOURNALISM)\nIf we cut interest rates, the pound would dive...\nProfits have dived from .7.7m to .7.1m...\nThe shares dived 22p to 338p.\n  VERB: V, V from/to/by amount, V amount\n\n  Dive is also a noun.\nStock prices took a dive.\n  N-COUNT\n\n8. If you describe a bar or club as a dive, you mean it is dirty and dark, and not very respectable. (INFORMAL)\n  N-COUNT  disapproval


Words: dive bomber
Meaning:
dive bomb.er\n   dive bomber  dive bombers   also dive-bomber\n  You can refer to a plane that flies down low over a place in order to drop bombs on it as a dive bomber.\nThe port had been attacked by German dive bombers for the past five days.\n  N-COUNT


Words: dive-bomb
Meaning:
dive-bomb  dive-bombs  dive-bombing  dive-bombed\n  If a plane dive-bombs an area, it suddenly flies down low over it to drop bombs onto it.\nThe Russians had to dive-bomb the cities to regain control.\n  VERB: V n, also V


Words: diver
Meaning:
div.er\n   diver  divers\n  A diver is a person who swims under water using special breathing equipment.\n  N-COUNT


Words: diverge
Meaning:
di.verge\n   diverge  diverges  diverging  diverged\n1. If one thing diverges from another similar thing, the first thing becomes different from the second or develops differently from it. You can also say that two things diverge.\nHis interests increasingly diverged from those of his colleagues...\nWhen the aims of the partners begin to diverge, there’s trouble.\n  V-RECIP: V from n, pl-n V\n\n2. If one opinion or idea diverges from another, they contradict each other or are different. You can also say that two opinions or ideas diverge.\nThe view of the Estonian government does not diverge that far from Lipmaa’s thinking...\nNeedless to say, theory and practice sometimes diverged.\n  V-RECIP: no cont, V from n, pl-n V\n\n3. If one road, path, or route diverges from another, they lead in different directions after starting from the same place. You can also say that roads, paths, or routes diverge.\n...a course that diverged from the Calvert Island coastline...\nWhere three roads diverge take the middle branch.\n  V-RECIP: V from n, pl-n V\n  !=converge


Words: divergence
Meaning:
di.ver.gence\n   divergence  divergences\n  A divergence is a difference between two or more things, attitudes, or opinions. (FORMAL)\nThere’s a substantial divergence of opinion within the party...\n  N-VAR: usu with supp\n  !=convergence


Words: divergent
Meaning:
di.ver.gent\n   divergent\n  Divergent things are different from each other. (FORMAL)\n...two people who have divergent views on this question...\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: diverse
Meaning:
di.verse\n   diverse\n1. If a group or range of things is diverse, it is made up of a wide variety of things.\n...shops selling a diverse range of gifts...\n  ADJ\n  = varied\n2. Diverse people or things are very different from each other.\nJones has a much more diverse and perhaps younger audience.\n  ADJ


