put [pʊt] transitive verb ( preterite & past participle put) mettre; question poser; put the cost at estimer le prix à put across transitive verb idea etc faire comprendre put aside transitive verb money mettre de côté; work mettre de côté put away transitive verb in closet etc ranger; in institution enfermer; in prison emprisonner; (consume) consommer, s’enfiler familiar; money mettre de côté; animal faire piquer put back transitive verb (replace) remettre put by transitive verb money mettre de côté put down transitive verb poser; deposit verser; rebellion réprimer; (belittle) rabaisser; in writing mettre (par écrit); put one’s foot down in car appuyer sur le champignon familiar; (be firm) se montrer ferme; put something down to something (attribute) mettre quelque chose sur le compte de quelque chose put forward transitive verb idea etc soumettre, suggérer put in transitive verb mettre; time passer; request, claim présenter, déposer put in for transitive verb (apply for) demander put off transitive verb light, radio, TV éteindre; (postpone) repousser; (deter) dissuader; (repel) dégoûter ( new spelling dégouter); put someone off something dégoûter ( new spelling dégouter) quelqu’un de quelque chose; you’ve put me off (the idea) tu m’as coupé l’envie put on transitive verb light, radio, TV allumer; music, jacket etc mettre; (perform) monter; accent etc prendre; put on makeup se mettre du maquillage; put on the brake freiner; put on weight prendre du poids; she’s just putting it on (pretending) elle fait semblant put out transitive verb hand tendre; fire, light éteindre put through transitive verb on phone passer put together transitive verb (assemble) monter; (organize) organiser put up transitive verb hand lever; person héberger; (erect) ériger; prices augmenter; poster accrocher; money fournir; put something up for sale mettre quelque chose en vente; put your hands up! haut les mains! put up with transitive verb (tolerate) supporter, tolérer account [ə'kaʊnt] financial compte m; (report, description) récit m; give an account of faire le récit de; on no account en aucun cas; on account of en raison de; take … into account, take account of … tenir compte de … account for transitive verb (explain) expliquer; (make up, constitute) représenter add [æd] 1 transitive verb ajouter; mathematics additionner 2 intransitive verb of person faire des additions add up 1 transitive verb additionner 2 intransitive verb figurative avoir du sens allow [ə'laʊ] transitive verb (permit) permettre; period of time, amount compter; it’s not allowed ce n’est pas permis; allow someone to do something permettre à quelqu’un de faire quelque chose allow for transitive verb prendre en compte apply [ə'plaɪ] 1 transitive verb ( preterite & past participle -ied) appliquer 2 intransitive verb of rule, law s’appliquer apply for transitive verb job poser sa candidature pour; passport etc faire une demande de apply to transitive verb (contact) s’adresser à; of rules etc s’appliquer à approve [ə'pru:v] 1 intransitive verb être d’accord 2 transitive verb plan, suggestion approuver; application accepter approve of transitive verb plan, suggestion approuver; person aimer ask [æsk] 1 transitive verb favor demander; question poser; (invite) inviter; can I ask you something? est-ce que je peux vous demander quelque chose?; I asked him about his holidays je lui ai demandé comment ses vacances s’étaient passées; ask someone for something demander quelque chose à quelqu’un; ask someone to do something demander à quelqu’un de faire quelque chose 2 intransitive verb demander ask after transitive verb person demander des nouvelles de ask for transitive verb demander; person demander à parler à; you asked for that! tu l’as cherché! ask out transitive verb : he’s asked me out il m’a demandé de sortir avec lui attend [ə'tend] transitive verb assister à; school aller à attend to transitive verb s’occuper de back [bæk] 4 transitive verb (support) soutenir; car faire reculer; horse in race miser sur 5 intransitive verb of driver faire marche arrière back away intransitive verb s’éloigner à reculons back down intransitive verb faire marche arrière back off intransitive verb reculer back onto transitive verb donner à l’arrière sur back out intransitive verb of commitment se dégager back up 1 transitive verb (support) soutenir; file sauvegarder; be backed up of traffic être ralenti 2 intransitive verb in car reculer be [bi:] intransitive verb ( preterite was/were, past participle been) être; be 15 avoir 15 ans; it’s me c’est moi; was she there? est-ce qu’elle était là?; how much is …? combien coûte ( new spelling coute) …?; there is/are il y a; be careful sois prudent; (polite or plural) soyez prudent; don’t be sad ne sois/soyez pas triste; he’s very well il va très bien; how are you? comment ça va? : has the mailman been? est-ce que le facteur est passé?; I’ve never been to Japan je ne suis jamais allé au Japon; I’ve been here for hours je suis ici depuis des heures tags: that’s right, isn’t it? c’est juste, n’est-ce pas?; she’s American, isn’t she? elle est américaine, n’est-ce pas? auxiliary verb : I am thinking je pense; he was running il courrait; stop being stupid arrête de faire l’imbécile; he was just being sarcastic il faisait juste de l’ironie; I have been looking at your file j’ai jeté un œil à votre fichier obligation: you are to do what I tell you vous devez faire ce que je vous dis; I was to tell you this je devais vous dire ceci; you were not to tell anyone vous ne deviez rien dire à personne passive: he was killed il a été tué; they have been sold ils ont été vendus; it hasn’t been decided on n’a encore rien décidé be in for transitive verb aller avoir; he’s in for it! familiar il va se faire engueuler familiar bear (2) [ber] 1 transitive verb ( preterite bore, past participle borne) weight porter; costs prendre en charge; (tolerate) supporter; child donner naissance à; she bore him six children elle lui a donné six enfants 2 intransitive verb ( preterite bore, past participle borne) (weigh) peser; bring pressure to bear on exercer une pression sur; bear left/right prendre à gauche/droite bear out transitive verb (confirm) confirmer; bear someone out confirmer ce que quelqu’un a dit beat [bi:t] 1 noun of heart battement m, pulsation f; of music mesure f 2 intransitive verb ( preterite beat, past participle beaten) of heart battre; of rain s’abattre; beat about the bush tourner autour du pot 3 transitive verb ( preterite beat, past participle beaten) in competition battre; (hit) battre; (pound) frapper; beat it! familiar filez! familiar; it beats me familiar je ne pige pas familiar beat up transitive verb tabasser beef [bi:f] 2 intransitive verb familiar (complain) grommeler beef up transitive verb familiar étoffer transitive verb strengthen something: to make something stronger or more effective (informal) beef up the article with some statistics bend [bend] 1 noun tournant m 2 transitive verb ( preterite & past participle bent) head baisser; arm, knees plier; metal, plastic tordre 3 intransitive verb ( preterite & past participle bent) of road, river tourner; of person se pencher; of rubber etc se plier bend down intransitive verb se pencher bend 1 bend [bend] verb (3rd person present singular bends, present participle bending, past and past participle bent [bent]) 1. transitive and intransitive verb become or make curved: to take on a curved or angled shape, or cause something to do this The wooden struts bent under pressure. 2. transitive and intransitive verb stoop: to make a stooping or inclined movement, or cause somebody to do this I bent to pick up the ball. 3. transitive and intransitive verb change or cause to change direction: to change direction or course, or cause something to do this The path bends to the right. 4. transitive and intransitive verb yield or force to yield: to yield in response to a strong will or force, or force somebody or something to do this 5. transitive verb distort for somebody's benefit: to adapt or interpret something in a way that was not originally intended, especially for personal benefit or to help somebody else bend the rules 6. transitive and intransitive verb concentrate on doing something: to concentrate the mind on an activity bent her mind to the task in hand 7. transitive verb nautical attach: to attach or fasten something, especially a rope noun (plural bends) 1. curve: a curved part of something, especially a curve in a road 2. act of bending: an act of bending 3. nautical knot joining two ropes: a knot that joins one line to another [ Old English bendan 'tie, curve' < Germanic] -bendability [béndə bílləti], noun -bendable [béndəb'l], adjective -bendily, adverb -bendiness, noun -bendy, adjective round the bend wild, distracted, or irrational (informal) The prehistoric Germanic word from which bend is derived is also the ancestor of English band2, bind, and bond, and possibly also of bundle. blast [blæst] 2 transitive verb tunnel etc percer (à l’aide d’explosifs); blast! familiar mince! blast off intransitive verb of rocket décoller blend [blend] 2 transitive verb mélanger blend in 1 intransitive verb of person s’intégrer; of furniture se marier 2 transitive verb in cooking mélanger block in transitive verb with vehicle bloquer le passage de block out transitive verb light empêcher de passer; memory refouler block up transitive verb sink etc boucher blow (2) [bloʊ] 1 transitive verb ( preterite blew, past participle blown) souffler; familiar (spend) claquer familiar; familiar opportunity rater; blow one’s whistle donner un coup de sifflet; blow one’s nose se moucher 2 intransitive verb ( preterite blew, past participle blown) of wind, person souffler; of whistle retentir; of fuse sauter; of tire éclater blow off 1 transitive verb arracher 2 intransitive verb of hat etc s’envoler blow out 1 transitive verb candle souffler 2 intransitive verb of candle s’éteindre blow over 1 transitive verb renverser 2 intransitive verb se renverser; (pass) passer blow up 1 transitive verb with explosives faire sauter, faire exploser; balloon gonfler; photograph agrandir 2 intransitive verb of car, boiler etc sauter, exploser; familiar (get angry) devenir furieux blurt out [blɜ:rt] transitive verb lâcher board [bɔ:rd] 2 transitive verb plane, ship monter à bord de; train, bus monter dans 3 intransitive verb of passengers embarquer; on train, bus monter (à bord) board up transitive verb windows condamner board with transitive verb être en pension chez bob (2) [bɑ:b] intransitive verb ( preterite & past participle -bed) of boat etc se balancer, danser bob up intransitive verb se lever subitement boil (2) [bɔɪl] 1 transitive verb faire bouillir 2 intransitive verb bouillir boil down to transitive verb se ramener à amount to: to mean or amount to something in essence (informal) It all boils down to the single question: Is he telling the truth? boil off transitive and intransitive verb remove something by rapid boiling: to remove something such as alcohol from a mixture by heating the mixture rapidly until it turns to steam, or be removed in this way boil over verb 1. transitive and intransitive verb of milk etc déborder froth up and overflow: to reach or cause a liquid to reach boiling point and be so full of bubbles that some of it spills from the container 2. intransitive verb overflow with emotion: to become too intense or out of control her anger boiled over boot out transitive verb familiar virer familiar force somebody to leave: to force somebody to leave a place, group of people, or job (informal) boot up computers, IT term 1 intransitive verb démarrer 2 transitive verb faire démarrer border ['bɔ:rdər] 1 noun between countries frontière f; (edge) bordure f 2 transitive verb country avoir une frontière avec; river longer border on transitive verb country avoir une frontière avec; (be almost) friser be nearly something else: to be almost the same as something an admissions policy bordering on the ridiculous bottle up transitive verb feelings réprimer contain feelings: to conceal or repress strong feelings all the resentment she's been bottling up for years bottom verb (3rd person present singular bottoms, present participle bottoming, past and past participle bottomed) 1. intransitive verb hit sea floor: to scrape the underside against the floor of the sea or a river, because the water is too shallow (refers to boats) 2. transitive verb overload transistor: to overload a transistor to the point where additional input produces no additional output bottom out intransitive verb se stabiliser bowl (2) [boʊl] intransitive verb jouer au bowling bowl over transitive verb figurative (astonish) renverser branch off intransitive verb of road bifurquer branch off intransitive verb of road bifurquer branch out intransitive verb (diversify) se diversifier break 2 TRANSITIVE VERB ( PRETERITE broke, PAST PARTICIPLE broken) casser; rules, law, promise violer; news annoncer; record battre; break one’s arm/leg se casser le bras/la jambe break away intransitive verb (escape) s’échapper; from family, organization, tradition rompre ( from avec) break down 1 intransitive verb of vehicle, machine tomber en panne; of talks échouer; in tears s’effondrer; mentally faire une dépression 2 transitive verb door défoncer; figures détailler break even intransitive verb commerce, business rentrer dans ses frais break in intransitive verb (interrupt) interrompre quelqu’un; of burglar s’introduire par effraction break off 1 transitive verb casser; relationship rompre; they’ve broken it off engagement ils ont rompu leurs fiançailles; relationship ils ont rompu 2 intransitive verb (stop talking) s’interrompre break out intransitive verb (start up) éclater; of prisoners s’échapper; he broke out in a rash il a eu une éruption (cutanée) break up 1 transitive verb into component parts décomposer; fight interrompre 2 intransitive verb of ice se briser; of couple, band se séparer; of meeting se dissoudre bring [brɪŋ] transitive verb ( preterite & past participle brought) object apporter; person, peace amener; hope, happiness etc donner; bring shame on déshonorer; bring it here, will you? tu veux bien l’apporter ici?; can I bring a friend? puis-je amener un ami? bring about transitive verb amener, causer bring around transitive verb from a faint ranimer; (persuade) faire changer d’avis bring back transitive verb (return) ramener; (re-introduce) réintroduire; it brought back memories of my childhood ça m’a rappelé mon enfance bring down transitive verb also figurative : government faire tomber; bird, airplane abattre; inflation, prices etc faire baisser bring in transitive verb interest, income rapporter; legislation introduire; verdict rendre; (involve) faire intervenir bring on transitive verb illness donner; it brings on my asthma ça me donne des crises d’asthme bring out transitive verb (produce) sortir bring to transitive verb from a faint ranimer bring up transitive verb child élever; subject soulever; (vomit) vomir brush [brʌ∫] 2 transitive verb jacket, floor brosser; (touch lightly) effleurer; brush one’s teeth/hair se brosser les dents/les cheveux brush against transitive verb effleurer brush aside transitive verb person mépriser; remark, criticism écarter brush off transitive verb dust etc enlever; criticism ignorer brush up transitive verb figurative réviser buck (2) [bʌk] intransitive verb of horse ruer buckle down intransitive verb s’y mettre buck up 1. transitive and intransitive verb make or become more cheerful: to become more cheerful, confident, or encouraged, or make somebody do this (informal) 2. transitive verb improve something: to make something better (informal) 3. intransitive verb hurry up: to hurry or act more quickly (dated informal) 4. transitive and intransitive verb meet: to meet somebody by chance, or meet by chance (slang) (used in Black English) build up 1 transitive verb strength développer; relationship construire; build up a collection faire collection ( of de) 2 intransitive verb s’accumuler; figurative s’intensifier bump [bʌmp] 2 transitive verb se cogner [bump] verb (3rd person present singular bumps, present participle bumping, past and past participle bumped) 1. transitive and intransitive verb knock something: to hit or knock something, especially accidentally 2. transitive and intransitive verb move unsteadily: to jolt or bounce along, or move something in a jolting or bouncing way We bumped along the dirt track. 3. transitive verb turn away passenger: to turn away an airline passenger with a reserved seat because the flight has been overbooked (informal) 4. transitive verb football nudge somebody off ball: in Australian Rules football, to nudge an opponent off the ball with the hip or shoulder bump into transitive verb 1. collide accidentally: to knock against or hit somebody or something accidentally 2. meet by chance: to meet somebody by chance transitive verb se cogner contre; (meet) rencontrer (par hasard) bump off transitive verb familiar (murder) zigouiller familiar to murder somebody (slang) bump up transitive verb increase: to increase prices suddenly and sharply (informal) transitive verb familiar prices gonfler bundle up transitive verb mettre en paquet; (dress warmly) emmitoufler 1. transitive verb gather into bundle: to gather things into a bundle : collection of things held together 2. transitive and intransitive verb dress warmly: to dress in warm clothes, or dress somebody in warm clothes (informal) Bundle up, it's cold outside. bundle off transitive verb hurry somebody away: to send somebody away hurriedly (informal) We bundled the children off to school. bung bung [bung] noun (plural bungs) transitive verb (3rd person present singular bungs, present participle bunging, past and past participle bunged) 1. plug hole: to plug or seal a hole with a bung 2. place carelessly: to put something somewhere roughly or hurriedly (informal) Bung it in the bin when you're finished. bung up transitive verb block hole: to block or obstruct a hole or passage (informal) bunk off transitive verb be absent without permission: to sneak away or be absent from somewhere without permission, especially from school (informal) burn 1 burn [burn] verb (3rd person present singular burns, present participle burning, past and past participle burnt [burnt] or burned) 1. transitive and intransitive verb be or set on fire: to be on fire, or cause something to be on fire 2. transitive and intransitive verb destroy something by fire: to destroy something by fire, or be destroyed by fire The house was burnt to the ground. 3. transitive verb damage something by fire: to injure, damage, or affect somebody or something with fire or extreme heat I burnt my hand on the iron. 4. transitive and intransitive verb overcook something: to spoil food or a cooking pan by subjecting it to too intense or long a heat, or be spoiled in this way 5. transitive verb use something up: to use up or consume something You won't burn many calories watching TV. 6. transitive verb use something as fuel: to use something for heat or energy burn gas 7. transitive and intransitive verb kill or die by fire: to kill somebody with fire, or die by fire, usually as a form of execution 8. intransitive verb suffer pain: to suffer pain through fire 9. intransitive verb feel feverish: to feel or look extremely hot or feverish because of illness or embarrassment Her cheeks were burning. 10. transitive and intransitive verb cause or feel stinging: to feel an intense stinging or smarting sensation, or cause such a sensation in a part of the body That hot coffee will burn your throat. 11. intransitive verb impress deeply: to create a deep and lasting impression on somebody or something His words were burning in my brain. 12. transitive verb make mark: to cause a mark, hole, or other sign of damage to appear in something because of intense heat or fire I burnt a hole in my shirt with the iron. 13. transitive and intransitive verb sunburn: to become sunburnt, or cause a person or part of the body to become sunburnt My skin burns easily. 14. intransitive verb emit energy: to emit heat or light A light was burning in the front room. 15. intransitive verb contain fire: to contain a fire, or operate by means of fire a fireplace burning brightly 16. intransitive verb feel strong emotion: to feel an emotion very intensely burning with shame 17. intransitive verb yearn: to yearn to do or acquire something burning to succeed 18. transitive and intransitive verb chemistry combust: to undergo combustion, or cause something to undergo combustion 19. transitive verb comput copy data to CD: to copy data onto a CD-ROM or DVD-ROM. It can then be used to transport the content or to create multiple copies. 20. transitive and intransitive verb card games discard: to exchange or discard unwanted playing cards in the course of a game (informal) 21. intransitive verb drive fast: to drive a motor vehicle at high speed (informal) 22. transitive and intransitive verb US electrocute: to electrocute somebody, or be electrocuted (informal) 23. transitive verb North America cheat somebody: to cheat or swindle somebody (informal) (usually passive) We really got burnt on that deal. noun (plural burns) burn down transitive and intransitive verb burn to ground: to catch fire and burn until almost nothing remains, or burn something such as a building in order to destroy it burn in transitive verb 1. expose part of picture: to expose a specific part of an image on photographic paper while masking other areas so that they are not exposed any further 2. test something by running it continuously: to operate a semiconductor-based device or piece of software continuously to test for defects burn off verb 1. transitive verb get rid of excess fat: to use up energy or get rid of unwanted fat by exercising burn off a few extra calories 2. transitive verb agriculture remove vegetation: to remove vegetation by fire or with chemicals, either to clear the land or in preparation for harvesting a root crop 3. transitive verb energy get rid of excess gas: to get rid of unwanted gas by burning it, e.g. at an oil-well head 4. transitive and intransitive verb meteorology dissipate: to dissipate fog or clouds by the heat of the sun, or be dissipated in this way burn out TRANSITIVE VERB : burn oneself out s’épuiser; a burned-out car incendié verb 1. intransitive verb finish burning: to stop burning when reduced to nothing 2. transitive and intransitive verb wear out through heat: to stop working because of too much heat or friction, or cause something to stop working in this way The car's clutch has burned out. 3. transitive and intransitive verb become exhausted: to become exhausted or unwell through too much hard work, stress, or reckless living, or make somebody exhausted or unwell in this way (informal) You'll burn yourself out if you don't slow down. burn up verb 1. transitive and intransitive verb destroy by fire: to destroy something by intense heat or fire, or be destroyed in this way 2. transitive verb use fuel: to use up fuel by burning 3. intransitive verb be very hot: to be very hot or overheated burning up with fever 4. transitive verb speed over road: to drive at high speed on a road or track (informal) 5. transitive verb drive faster than somebody: to drive faster than somebody else (informal) Some idiot tried to burn me up on the motorway. burst burst [burst] verb (3rd person present singular bursts, present participle bursting, past and past participle burst) 1. intransitive verb split or break: to split or break apart suddenly and violently because of excess internal pressure The suitcase had burst open. 2. transitive verb make something split: to cause something to split open suddenly and disgorge its contents, e.g. by piercing it or applying external pressure 3. intransitive verb be very full: to be so full as to appear close to splitting open or overflowing Every hotel in town was bursting with tourists. 4. transitive verb rupture something: to rupture an internal organ or blood vessel 5. transitive verb flow over something: to overflow the normal limit of containment The river burst its banks. 6. intransitive verb move suddenly: to go, come, or move suddenly and with great energy and speed Angry protesters burst in on the meeting. 7. intransitive verb be overwhelmed: to feel an emotion so intensely that it is almost overwhelming I thought I would burst with excitement. 8. intransitive verb become suddenly noticed: to appear suddenly and become noticed and prominent at a particular time and in a particular situation an exciting new product about to burst onto the market 9. transitive verb divide paper: to separate continuous stationery such as computer printout into individual sheets burst into transitive verb 1. change state suddenly: to start to happen or appear suddenly and often dramatically The truck crashed and burst into flames. Spring saw the landscape burst into life. 2. start to express something: to give sudden and full expression to a strong emotion such as laughter or tears burst into tears burst out verb 1. intransitive verb suddenly start: to start expressing something suddenly and fully burst out laughing 2. transitive verb exclaim: to say something suddenly, as if a suppressed emotion or opinion had been welling up inside bust 2 bust [bust] verb (3rd person present singular busts, present participle busting, past and past participle busted or bust) 1. transitive and intransitive verb make or become useless: to stop operating properly, or cause something to stop operating properly (informal) Your brother just busted our telly! 2. transitive and intransitive verb break or get broken: to break or damage something by hitting it or by subjecting it to a powerful impact, or be broken in this way (informal) I busted my leg skiing. 3. transitive and intransitive verb burst: to burst something, or undergo bursting 4. transitive verb North America hit somebody: to hit somebody hard (informal) He busted the villain over the head. 5. transitive verb US break up organization: to break up an organization when it has become too powerful (informal) 6. transitive verb crime raid place: to mount a police raid on a place, especially in connection with illegal drugs (slang) 7. transitive verb crime catch somebody doing something illegal: to catch and punish somebody for doing something illegal or against the rules (informal) got busted for skipping class 8. transitive and intransitive verb finance make or become bankrupt: to make somebody bankrupt, or become bankrupt (informal) 9. transitive verb North America military demote somebody: to demote a member of the armed forces (informal) 10. transitive verb North America riding tame horse for riding: to break in a horse (informal) 11. intransitive verb card games go over limit: in pontoon, to accumulate cards totalling more than 21 points 12. intransitive verb card games fail to complete hand: in poker, to fail to complete a flush or straight bust up verb (informal) 1. intransitive verb break up: to end a relationship in a violent quarrel 2. transitive verb disrupt or stop: to disrupt or stop something such as a meeting or gathering butt 1 butt [but] verb (3rd person present singular butts, present participle butting, past and past participle butted) 1. transitive verb ram somebody or something: to hit or push against somebody or something with the head or horns 2. intransitive verb stick out: to project or jut out butt in intervenir intransitive verb interrupt: to interrupt and attempt to join in a conversation or activity without being invited He's always trying to butt in on our conversations. butt out intransitive verb leave others alone: to keep out of other people's business or conversation (informal) buy buy [bī] verb (3rd person present singular buys, present participle buying, past and past participle bought [bawt]) 1. transitive and intransitive verb acquire something by payment: to pay money for something in order to obtain it They bought me a bike for my birthday. People just aren't buying at the moment. 2. transitive verb obtain something from somebody by bribery: to obtain information, help, or loyalty from somebody in exchange for money 3. transitive verb obtain time: to obtain more time to reach a desired end by taking strategic action a manoeuvre that should buy us another week 4. transitive verb obtain something by sacrifice: to obtain something by sacrificing something else of equivalent value buy peace with land 5. intransitive verb be buyer for company or person: to purchase goods on behalf of a company or another person She buys for a large London store. 6. transitive verb believe something: to accept or believe something proposed as true (informal) I don't buy the part about an international conspiracy. buy back ou buy home transitive verb Malaysia buy and take home: to buy something and take it home We bought back pizzas for supper. buy in verb 1. transitive and intransitive verb purchase something in quantity: to purchase something in large quantities, usually in preparation for an expected period of hardship 2. intransitive verb purchase shares in company: to purchase shares in a company as the controlling interest 3. intransitive verb pay to take part in something: to pay in order to take part in or have a share of something 4. transitive verb withdraw item from auction: to withdraw an item from sale at an auction because it has failed to reach its reserve price buy into transitive verb 1. purchase shares in company: to purchase an amount of shares in a company 2. pay to participate in something: to pay money in order to take part in something buy into a timeshare 3. accept something: to accept or believe in a proposition or idea (informal) I don't buy into that 'greed is good' attitude. buy off (bribe) acheter transitive verb bribe somebody to ensure cooperation: to bribe somebody in order to prevent something happening or ensure cooperation They tried to buy off the entire jury. buy out COMMERCE, BUSINESS racheter la part de transitive verb 1. pay somebody to relinquish interest: to pay somebody to relinquish interest in a property or other enterprise She was bought out by her partners. 2. military release somebody from military service: to pay money to release somebody from military service He bought himself out of the army and set up a business in London. 3. commerce purchase entire shares of company: to purchase the entire shares of or controlling financial interest in a company or business buy up transitive verb 1. purchase all of commodity: to purchase all, or all that is available, of a commodity They've been buying up property in the area. 2. purchase something in quantity: to purchase something in great quantity without regard to expense buying up modern paintings buzz buzz [buz] verb (3rd person present singular buzzes, present participle buzzing, past and past participle buzzed) 1. intransitive verb make steady humming sound: to make a steady low humming sound like that of a bee 2. intransitive verb be animated: to be animated by the talk or activity of people The room was buzzing with excitement. 3. intransitive verb move speedily: to move around speedily and busily buzzing about in small cars that dodged through traffic 4. transitive and intransitive verb work buzzer: to activate a buzzer 5. transitive verb let somebody into building electronically: to admit somebody to a building by activating an electronic system that controls a door waiting for them to buzz me in 6. intransitive verb make electronic humming sound: to make an electronic humming noise when activated When the timer buzzes, turn the oven down. 7. intransitive verb be excited: to be filled with anxious or excited thoughts My head was buzzing with all the things I'd heard that night. 8. intransitive verb be ringing: to be filled with a continuous ringing sound, e.g. after being exposed to loud noise My ears were buzzing after the concert. 9. transitive verb telephone somebody: to call somebody on the telephone or on an intercom (informal) 10. transitive verb aviation fly low over people or place: to fly an aircraft low over people or buildings, or across the path of other aircraft (informal) buzz off intransitive verb leave: to go away (informal) call call [kawl] verb (3rd person present singular calls, present participle calling, past and past participle called) 1. transitive verb name somebody or something: to give somebody or something a name What are you going to call the baby? 2. transitive verb refer to somebody: to use a particular term to address or refer to somebody He always called his father 'Sir'. 3. transitive verb describe somebody or something as something: to describe or think of somebody or something in a particular way I'd call him a fool. 4. transitive and intransitive verb say something or speak loudly: to say something or speak in a loud voice 'Supper's ready', he called from the kitchen. 5. intransitive verb cry: to give a characteristic cry (refers to birds or animals) 6. transitive verb summon somebody or something: to summon or alert somebody or something by means of a formal request I'll call a taxi. 7. transitive and intransitive verb make request for something to happen: to make an official order or request for something such as a meeting A council meeting has been called for July 15th. 8. transitive and intransitive verb telephone somebody: to contact somebody by telephone or radio 9. transitive verb read something out: to read names or numbers from a list 10. intransitive verb visit somebody: to visit somebody or the place where somebody lives or works I called to see her yesterday. 11. intransitive verb transport stop somewhere: to stop at a particular place on a regular bus, coach, or train route Do you call at George Square? 12. transitive and intransitive verb declare choice in game: to make a declaration in a game, e.g. to choose heads or tails, or choose trumps in a card game I'll toss, you call. 13. transitive verb North America predict something: to predict what is going to happen, especially in politics It's a very hard result to call. 14. transitive verb sports officially decide something in game: to make an official decision in a sporting event or a game called a foul 15. transitive and intransitive verb dance instruct dancers: to direct people who are dancing, e.g. in a square dance 16. transitive verb finance demand repayment of something: to demand repayment of a loan or bond issue call a loan 17. transitive verb Australia New Zealand commentate on event: to commentate on radio or television on a sporting event, especially a horse race call back verb 1. transitive and intransitive verb telephone somebody again: to contact somebody by telephone again If she's busy, I'll call back later. 2. transitive and intransitive verb return telephone call to somebody: to telephone somebody in order to return that person's telephone call My money's running out - can you call me back? 3. intransitive verb visit somebody again: to visit somebody again 4. transitive verb ask to return: to recall somebody, e.g. for a second audition or interview, or to return to a job 5. transitive verb ask workers back to work: to contact previously laid-off workers to ask them to return to a job site call down transitive verb 1. invoke something: to pray or appeal for good or bad things to happen to somebody 2. North America reprimand: to rebuke somebody who has done something wrong The judge called the lawyers down for their unseemly courtroom antics. call for transitive verb 1. make request for something to happen: to make a demand or request for something to be done 2. need: to need or require a particular thing or quality 3. collect: to collect somebody call in verb 1. transitive verb ask help from somebody: to ask somebody to come and give advice or help 2. intransitive verb pay quick visit to somebody: to make a brief visit to somebody 3. intransitive verb telephone place of work: to telephone a place of work in order to collect or leave a message 4. transitive verb ask for something to be repaid: to ask for a debt or loan to be repaid 5. transitive verb arrange return of something: to arrange for or request that something be returned, e.g. outdated currency or defective goods call off transitive verb 1. cancel event: to cancel or stop an event 2. stop from attacking: to order a dog or a person to stop attacking somebody call on transitive verb 1. ask to do something: to ask or tell somebody to do something 2. visit: to visit somebody, often in a formal manner call out transitive verb 1. summon somebody to help: to summon a person or an organization to give help 2. order workers to strike: to tell workers to stop work and go on strike 3. challenge somebody to fight: to challenge somebody to a duel or fight (archaic) call up transitive verb 1. recruit somebody to fight: to order somebody to join the armed services in time of war. North American term draft 2. summon somebody or something in reserve: to summon somebody or something that is available in reserve 3. telephone somebody: to contact somebody by telephone (informal) 4. computer display something on computer screen: to instruct a computer to find and display a particular piece of information call up last month's sales figures 5. evoke something: to bring back memories of something call upon transitive verb 1. ask formally: to ask somebody in a formal way to do something 2. make demands on: to make demands on somebody or on somebody's abilities camp out intransitive verb 1. live outdoors: to live or sleep outdoors, with or without a tent camping out under the stars for a few nights. 2. stay somewhere temporarily: to take up a temporary position somewhere, e.g. as a protester or in alternative accommodation Hordes of journalists camped out in the palace grounds. cancel cancel [kánss'l] verb (3rd person present singular cancels, present participle cancelling, past and past participle cancelled) 1. transitive and intransitive verb stop something happening: to stop a previously arranged event from happening We had to cancel five classes because nobody showed up. The guest speaker is ill and has had to cancel. 2. transitive and intransitive verb end contract: to withdraw officially or legally from a contract Members are free to cancel at any time. 3. transitive verb reverse instruction: to reverse an instruction to a machine, especially a computer, or bring a machine's operation to an end Cancel the download from the Internet. 4. transitive verb mark document as used: to invalidate a legal or official document to show that it has been used and cannot be reused machines that cancel postage stamps 5. transitive verb delete something: to mark something for deletion, usually by drawing a line through it 6. transitive and intransitive verb negate identical factor: to neutralize the effect of another factor or circumstance 7. transitive verb mathematics remove common factor: to remove a common factor from the numerator and denominator of a fraction or the common terms from the two sides of an equation The twelves cancel and you end up with 8 by 6 again. cancel out transitive verb neutralize effect: to combine two opposite or equally powerful things with the result that their strengths, qualities, or effects are neutralized card 1 card [kaard] transitive verb (3rd person present singular cards, present participle carding, past and past participle carded) (informal) 1. North America ask somebody for identification: to ask somebody to show identification, usually to check that the person is of legal age to drink alcohol or be admitted somewhere 2. golf record golf score: to record a score after playing a hole or round of golf get or be given your cards to be dismissed from your job (informal) have or keep a card up your sleeve to have a secret plan or tactic ready to be used if necessary (informal) hold all the cards to be in complete control of a situation (informal) on the cards likely to happen (informal) card in intransitive verb US use card to sign in: to sign into a place, usually a place of work, by using a magnetic card card out intransitive verb US sign out with magnetic card: to sign out of a place, usually a place of work, by using a magnetic card carry carry [kárri] verb (3rd person present singular carries, present participle carrying, past and past participle carried) 1. transitive verb hold and transport somebody or something: to take somebody or something that you are holding or supporting to another place The case was too heavy for her to carry. 2. transitive verb take somebody or something to another place: to take somebody or something to another place a lorry carrying farm produce 3. transitive verb move somebody or something along: to take and move somebody or something by a flow or impetus The current carried them swiftly downstream. She could hear children's voices, carried on the light breeze. 4. transitive verb be channel or route for something: to be the means by which something passes or is transmitted from one place to another The pipeline will carry oil to the coast. 5. transitive verb tell something: to communicate or convey information, an idea, or a feeling by way of content or in an indirect manner The article carries wider implications than you may think. 6. transitive verb have something with you: to have something with you, e.g. in your pocket or in a handbag Staff should carry identification at all times. 7. transitive verb have transmissible disease: to be infected with a disease and capable of infecting others You may be carrying a virus without knowing it. 8. transitive verb publish, broadcast, or display something: to feature or include an article, picture, item of news, or piece of information That evening, all the major networks carried the story. Every packet carries a government health warning. 9. transitive verb keep something for sale: to keep something as stock in a shop We don't carry household goods. 10. intransitive verb be heard at distance: to be audible at a distance Sound carries a long way over water. 11. transitive verb support weaker element: to support or compensate for a weaker element or participant The rest of the department has to carry him. 12. transitive verb make somebody succeed or endure: to give somebody the incentive, impetus, or encouragement to achieve or deal with something Their exhilaration at this success may carry them further up the league table. The audience cheered, carried along on a wave of enthusiasm. 13. transitive verb include or result in something: to have something as a quality, feature, or consequence Reckless driving carries a heavy penalty. 14. transitive and intransitive verb be pregnant: to be pregnant with a child She carried the child to term. 15. transitive verb develop idea: to develop an idea in discussion or action If you carry that argument to its logical conclusion, no one should get married at all. 16. transitive verb move or behave: to move or behave in a particular way, especially with confidence or dignity He was a handsome man who carried himself with dignity. She carried her head high, and looked her accusers in the eye. 17. transitive verb be responsible for something: to bear the responsibility for something The Prime Minister carries heavy duties. 18. transitive and intransitive verb accept or be accepted by voting: to accept a proposal by voting for it, or be so accepted The nomination was carried, 40-29. 19. transitive verb gain somebody's support: to win the support or sympathy of a person or group, especially by making a speech or appeal It looked for a moment as if he would carry the crowd. 20. transitive verb stay in tune when singing: to be able to sing and stay in tune Can you carry a tune? 21. transitive verb transfer item in account or calculation: to transfer a figure from one group or column to another in accounts or in a calculation 22. intransitive verb be hit particular distance: to reach a particular distance after being struck Her approach shot didn't carry to the green. 23. transitive verb capture place: to capture a place in battle Their charge carried the hill. 24. intransitive verb have firepower range: to have a particular range of fire an artillery shell that carried for miles 25. transitive verb palm ball in basketball: in basketball, to keep a hand in illegal contact with the ball 26. transitive verb provide forage for animals: to yield enough forage or grazing crops for animals to survive fields that can carry llamas as well as cattle 27. transitive verb North America win votes of area: to win a majority of the votes in an area or in an election The incumbent carried all the cities in her district, and won. 28. transitive verb transport accommodate vehicular traffic: to be able to withstand a particular degree or amount of vehicular traffic a motorway that can carry hundreds of thousands of vehicles a day 29. transitive verb move with ball in sport: in a sport such as American football, to bring a ball forward a particular distance Their first rush carried the ball well into the defenders' half. 30. transitive verb sustain effects of alcohol: to be able to drink alcohol without showing adverse effects (informal) North American term hold1 carry away transitive verb make somebody emotional, excited, or interested: to make somebody become less controlled, reasonable, or attentive by arousing his or her emotion or interest (usually passive) I was completely carried away by the beauty of it. carry back transitive verb make tax adjustment: to transfer something such as a tax credit so that it is calculated against the previous year's income carry forward transitive verb 1. transfer item in account or calculation: to transfer an item to the next section or column in accounts or in a calculation 2. transfer something to next year: to transfer something such as a tax credit or liability so that it is calculated against the next year's income carry off transitive verb 1. remove somebody or something: to take something or somebody away purposefully or by force carried him off, kicking and screaming, to his crib 2. win something: to win a prize (informal) She carried off the award for best newcomer. 3. do something well: to succeed in doing something well or producing a good effect He was nervous about chairing the meeting, but carried it off in style. It's a very sophisticated outfit, but she can't quite carry it off. 4. cause death of somebody: to kill somebody (usually passive) Half the settlers were carried off by smallpox. carry on verb 1. transitive and intransitive verb keep doing something: to continue to do something Please just carry on with your work and pretend we're not here. She carried on the business after her father retired. 2. transitive verb be involved in something: to be engaged in something They were carrying on an intense conversation in a corner of the bar. 3. intransitive verb behave foolishly or improperly: to behave or talk in a way that is socially awkward or improper (informal) I'm ashamed of the way he's been carrying on in public. 4. intransitive verb have affair: to have a casual affair with somebody (informal disapproving) carry out transitive verb 1. do or perform: to complete a task or activity carry out research 2. do what was ordered or planned: to do something that has been ordered, planned, or stated as an aim We shall carry out your instructions to the letter. carry over verb 1. transitive and intransitive verb leave something to be finished later: to leave the last part of something to be done at a later date There were so many candidates that the ceremonies were carried over to the next morning. 2. transitive verb transfer item in account or calculation: to transfer an item to the next group or column in accounts or in a calculation 3. transitive verb transfer something to next year: to transfer an allowance or entitlement from one year to the next 4. intransitive verb continue to exist: to continue to exist or produce an effect in changed circumstances The dislike he always felt for me has obviously carried over into our relationship at work. 5. transitive verb stock exchange postpone deal on Stock Exchange: to postpone a payment or settlement on the Stock Exchange until the next account day carry through verb 1. transitive verb do what was planned: to complete or accomplish something planned We outlined our policy before the election, and we are determined to carry it through. 2. transitive verb help somebody survive: to give somebody the support or strength needed to overcome a difficulty It was my family's support that carried me through. Only his determination not to be humiliated carried him through the next five hours. 3. intransitive verb survive: to continue to exist It is an old tradition that has carried through into the information age. carve carve [kaarv] (3rd person present singular carves, present participle carving, past and past participle carved) verb 1. transitive and intransitive verb make something by cutting and shaping: to make an object or design by cutting and shaping a hard material such as wood or stone statues carved from marble I remembered carving her name on a tree, years ago. 2. transitive verb cut substance to make something: to cut and shape a material such as wood or stone in order to make an object or design 3. transitive and intransitive verb cut meat: to cut cooked meat into slices 4. transitive verb make shape by natural force: to make a shape by an eroding action dunes carved into strange shapes by the wind [ Old English ceorfan < Germanic, 'to scratch'] carve out transitive verb make something by working hard: to make or achieve something through sustained hard work She carved out a niche for herself in the world of investigative journalism. carve up transitive verb 1. divide something up: to divide something, or ownership of something, into rough or crude parts (informal) Their intention was to invade and carve up the kingdom among themselves. 2. injure somebody with knife: to wound somebody with a blade (slang) cash in verb 1. transitive verb take what is owed: to withdraw from a business investment such as an insurance policy and take the money that is due 2. intransitive verb make lot of money: to make large amounts of money (slang) When the stock was sold, she really cashed in. cash in on transitive verb profit from situation: to exploit a situation in order to get personal benefit, especially money Everyone who knew him wanted to cash in on his rise to fame. cash out verb 1. transitive and intransitive verb sell asset to profit: to sell off an asset such as land that has been held for a long time in order to make a profit 2. intransitive verb North America commerce Same as cash up 3. intransitive verb US commit suicide: to commit suicide (slang) cash up intransitive verb add up day's takings: to add up the day's takings of a shop or similar business. North American term cash out cast cast [kaast] verb (3rd person present singular casts, present participle casting, past and past participle cast) 1. transitive verb throw somebody or something: to throw somebody or something, especially somebody or something that is light in weight casting pebbles into a river 2. transitive verb carry somebody or something ashore: to carry somebody or something to the seashore (refers to the sea) pieces of driftwood cast up by the incoming tide 3. transitive verb fling something down or away: to throw something away from yourself, usually with force We cast pieces of bread onto the lake to attract fish. 4. transitive verb fishing throw fishing line into water: to throw a line, baited hook, or fishing net into the water 5. transitive verb politics register vote: to register or deposit a vote 6. transitive verb cause something to appear somewhere: to make something such as light or shadow appear in a place The bulb cast an eerie green glow over everything. 7. transitive verb have dispiriting effect: to produce a dispiriting, sobering, or saddening effect on somebody or something Her mother's absence cast a shadow over the wedding plans. 8. transitive verb create mistrust: to generate a sense of uncertainty, distrust, or suspicion about somebody or something an accident that has cast doubt over the project's future 9. transitive verb direct look at somebody or something: to direct the eyes or a look towards somebody or something, often in a surreptitious, disapproving, or anxious manner casting a discreet glance at his watch 10. transitive verb dismiss something from mind: to remove or banish something from the mind deliberately, decisively, and often with difficulty (formal) 11. transitive verb put somebody somewhere roughly: to put or throw somebody or something somewhere, especially in a rough or brutal way (formal) cast into the dungeon 12. transitive and intransitive verb performing arts select participants for performance: to choose somebody for a particular role in a drama, dance, or other performance, or choose people for all the roles in a production He was badly cast as Othello. 13. transitive verb describe somebody as something: to classify or describe somebody in a particular way I seem to have been cast as the villain in this affair. 14. transitive verb manufacturing form something using mould: to pour something such as molten metal or plaster into a mould and allow it to solidify in order to create an object 15. transitive verb shed something: to shed something such as the skin a snake that had cast its skin 16. transitive verb drop something: to drop or lose something a horse that had cast a shoe 17. transitive verb accounting calculate something: to add something up or calculate something 18. transitive verb astrology predict somebody's future: to predict somebody's future 19. transitive verb Scotland use something to reproach somebody: to use something as a reproach against somebody (informal) cast around or about intransitive verb seek or devise: to search for something or try to devise a solution to a problem cast around or about intransitive verb seek or devise: to search for something or try to devise a solution to a problem cast away transitive verb shipwreck somebody: to shipwreck somebody, especially on a desert island cast off verb 1. transitive verb get rid of somebody or something: to reject or abandon somebody or something regarded as no longer useful or attractive I cast off that old coat years ago. 2. transitive and intransitive verb nautical untie mooring lines: to untie the ropes securing a boat to its mooring so that it can move away 3. transitive and intransitive verb handicraft finish knitting: to make the last row of stitches in a piece of knitting by looping each stitch over the next and removing it from the needle 4. transitive and intransitive verb publishing fit text: to calculate the amount of space a piece of text will take up when it has been typeset cast on transitive and intransitive verb begin knitting: to make the first row of stitches in a piece of knitting cast out verb 1. transitive verb eject somebody: to reject, abandon, or eject somebody or something (formal) 2. intransitive verb Scotland have disagreement: to have a quarrel with somebody (informal) catch catch [kach] verb (3rd person present singular catches, present participle catching, past and past participle caught [kawt]) 1. transitive and intransitive verb stop something with hands: to take hold of or stop something that is travelling through the air 2. transitive verb collect falling objects from below: to collect from below something such as rain that is falling 3. transitive verb grasp somebody or something: to take tight hold of somebody or something suddenly He caught me by the shoulder. 4. transitive verb capture animal: to capture or trap an animal 5. transitive verb capture criminal: to capture somebody, especially a criminal or somebody suspected of wrongdoing, after a search or chase Have they caught the culprit? 6. transitive verb reach somebody or something: to reach or get alongside a person or vehicle moving ahead, usually at speed trying to catch the car in front 7. transitive verb get on board public transport: to arrive in time to board a bus, train, or other form of public transport I have a plane to catch. 8. transitive and intransitive verb get disease: to become infected with a disease 9. transitive verb surprise somebody doing wrong: to surprise or stop somebody who is in the act of doing something illegal or forbidden He caught her taking money from the till. caught me reading her diary 10. transitive verb surprise somebody doing something embarrassing: to surprise or observe somebody who is doing something considered embarrassing, impolite, or private I caught him gazing at himself in the mirror. 11. transitive verb attract somebody's attention: to attract the interest or attention of others a campaign that had caught the nation's imagination 12. transitive and intransitive verb manage to hear something: to manage to hear what is being said I'm sorry, I didn't quite catch that. 13. transitive verb understand something: to understand the right meaning of something He didn't seem to catch the drift of what was being said. 14. transitive verb notice something subtle or fleeting: to notice something subtle in the way somebody is speaking or behaving that tells you how that person really feels I caught a note of sarcasm in his voice. 15. transitive verb see performer or production: to see a particular television programme, film, or play, or see a particular person performing in something (informal) If you get the chance, try and catch the new production of 'Hamlet'. 16. transitive verb manage to meet somebody: to manage to meet or talk to somebody, especially somebody who is very busy (informal) I was hoping to catch the doctor before she left. 17. transitive verb get something you need: to get food, drink, or rest only hurriedly or in small amounts (informal) We can stop and catch a bite to eat. 18. transitive verb strike somebody: to strike somebody with a blow a blow that caught him on the side of the head 19. transitive verb take impact of something: to receive the impact or force from something such as a blow or the force of somebody's anger or emotions He caught the full impact of the blast. 20. transitive and intransitive verb entangle something: to entangle or hook something such as clothing on something sharp, or become entangled or hooked, sometimes resulting in damage She caught her blouse on a nail. 21. transitive and intransitive verb trap something: to trap something in an opening or door, or become trapped I caught my fingers in the letter box. 22. transitive verb delay somebody: to delay somebody or hold somebody up (usually passive) 23. reflexive verb stop yourself from doing something: to stop yourself from saying or doing something He was about to make a sarcastic remark but caught himself just in time. 24. transitive verb surprise somebody: to take somebody by surprise (usually passive) She got caught in the rain and was absolutely soaked. 25. transitive verb trick somebody: to trick or deceive somebody a scam that caught most people who had any sense of compassion 26. transitive verb reproduce aspects of something or somebody: to reproduce successfully the most typical aspects of somebody or something a novel that catches the mood of prewar Berlin 27. transitive verb record something on film: to record somebody or something on film or tape the very first time this elusive bird has been caught on film 28. intransitive verb be carried by emotion: to be eager to do something, or reach for something eagerly She caught at the opportunity of making some extra cash. 29. intransitive verb begin to burn: to ignite, become alight, or begin to burn catch fire 30. intransitive verb play baseball as catcher: to act as catcher on a baseball team Clevenger will be catching again in the second game of the season. 31. transitive verb cricket dismiss batsman: in cricket, to cause the person hitting the ball to be out by catching the ball before it reaches the ground 32. transitive verb place something on or against something: to put or rest something on or lean something against something else (slang) (used in Black English) catch on intransitive verb (informal) 1. become popular or widespread: to become popular or widely used 2. get idea: to understand a new idea, task, or process pretty slow to catch on catch out transitive verb 1. devise way to show somebody's mistakes: to find ways of exposing errors or ignorance in order to embarrass somebody or show superiority (informal) He would try to catch me out by asking awkward questions during safety inspections. 2. expose wrongdoer: to catch somebody doing something wrong or illegal, especially when deliberately setting out to do so (informal) 3. sports catch ball hit by somebody: in baseball, rounders, or cricket, to catch a ball hit by a player while it is still in the air, forcing the player or the player's team to retire catch up verb 1. transitive and intransitive verb reach somebody or something travelling ahead: to get alongside a person or vehicle that was moving ahead 2. transitive verb pick something or somebody up: to quickly pick something or somebody up in the hands or arms He caught up all the papers and strode off. 3. intransitive verb get or bring up to date: to make up for lost time by working harder in order to be up to date I must catch up on my reading. 4. transitive verb engross somebody: to absorb somebody's attention completely (usually passive) I was so caught up in my work that I didn't have time for lunch. 5. transitive verb involve somebody unhappily: to involve somebody in something undesirable (usually passive) They were caught up in the whole messy affair even though they tried to stay out of it. 6. intransitive verb Malaysia Singapore stay even with: to progress at the same rate as somebody else 7. intransitive verb hear somebody's news: to speak to somebody in order to hear what he or she has been doing since the last meeting We spent an hour catching up with old friends. enjoyed catching up on all their news catch up on transitive verb have effect eventually: to have a delayed effect on somebody Three nights without sleep is beginning to catch up on me. catch up with transitive verb 1. find wrongdoer: to find somebody who has committed a crime or done something wrong, especially after a search or chase By the time the police caught up with him, he had changed his name and moved to Brazil. 2. finally affect somebody: to finally have an effect on somebody who has, until now, seemed to be free from the usual consequences All those late nights will catch up with you eventually. cave in verb 1. transitive and intransitive verb collapse: to collapse or cause something to collapse because of pressure or because of being undermined 2. intransitive verb yield: to yield to persuasion or threats, after trying to resist chat up transitive verb talk flirtatiously to somebody: to talk to somebody flirtatiously or flatteringly (informal) check check [chek] verb (3rd person present singular checks, present participle checking, past and past participle checked) 1. transitive and intransitive verb examine something: to examine something in order to establish its state or condition Check the doors and windows to make sure they're locked. 2. transitive and intransitive verb confirm truth or accuracy of something: to confirm or establish that something is true or accurate We need to check with the insurance company to find out whether we're covered. 3. intransitive verb be consistent: to be the same as or consistent with something else What you're telling me now doesn't check with what you told me last week. 4. transitive verb halt or slow something: to stop or slow the progress of some unwelcome process efforts to check inflation 5. transitive and intransitive verb stop suddenly: to stop or pause suddenly, or make somebody or something stop suddenly In mid-sentence, he checked himself abruptly, looking terribly embarrassed. 6. transitive verb prevent something being expressed: to prevent or inhibit something from being expressed Checking the urge to laugh out loud, I buried my head in the newspaper. 7. transitive verb reprimand somebody: to criticize somebody for a fault or bad behaviour 8. transitive verb sports block opponent: in sports such as ice hockey, to move directly into the path of an opponent, usually making physical contact, in order to block his or her progress 9. transitive verb football follow opponent closely: in Australian Rules football, to follow an opponent closely, attempting to keep the player clear of the ball by shepherding or bumping 10. transitive verb North America Same as tick1v (sense 3) 11. transitive verb North America hand over baggage: to hand over something, especially baggage, so that it can be transported separately from passengers, usually in the same aircraft or vehicle You must check your luggage before boarding. 12. transitive verb North America hand something over for temporary keeping: to hand over something such as a coat in a restaurant or museum, so that it can be looked after until you need it again Do you want to check your coat? 13. transitive verb chess put opponent's king in jeopardy: in chess, to put an opponent's king in a situation in which one of your pieces directly threatens it 14. transitive verb look at somebody or something: to look at or see somebody or something (informal) 15. transitive verb visit somebody: to go and see or find somebody (slang) (used in Black English) check in verb 1. transitive and intransitive verb register at hotel: to register as a guest, or register a guest, on arrival at a hotel Has my colleague checked in yet? 2. transitive and intransitive verb arrive for journey: to register and go through the necessary formalities before beginning a journey, especially by air All passengers should check in at least one hour before departure. 3. intransitive verb make contact: to make routine contact with a person or organization to exchange information The patrols are supposed to check in by radio at half-hourly intervals. check into transitive verb investigate something: to investigate something in order to get more information about it or to establish its truth or accuracy When we checked into his background, we found that he had several convictions for fraud. check off transitive verb North America Same as tick off (sense 1) check out verb 1. intransitive verb leave hotel: to pay the bill and leave a hotel or other place We'll be checking out later this morning. 2. intransitive verb North America leave: to leave a particular place or person (informal) 3. transitive verb investigate something: to establish that something is correct or valid (informal) The date is probably 1961. Check it out, will you? 4. transitive verb take a look at something: to visit a place briefly to get information about it (informal) Let's check out the new pizza place down the High Street. 5. intransitive verb be proved true: to prove after investigation to be correct or valid If the DNA checks out, he's our man. 6. transitive and intransitive verb US pay in supermarket: to pay for something in a supermarket When I went to check out, I realized I'd left my purse in the car. 7. transitive verb US take money for goods at supermarket: to calculate and take payment from a customer in a supermarket This person's in a hurry, so do you mind if I check her out first? check over transitive verb 1. examine something: to examine something to make sure that it is correct or satisfactory Could you check over my essay to make sure there are no errors, please? 2. examine somebody for health and fitness: to examine somebody carefully to establish his or her state of health I've checked her over, and there are no broken bones. check through transitive verb examine something: to examine or review systematically all the parts of something to make sure that it is satisfactory check up intransitive verb investigate: to make enquiries to establish a point I checked up: no one of that name lives at that address. check up on transitive verb make enquiries: to make enquiries or obtain information about somebody or something, often secretly and usually because of suspicion or worry cheer cheer [cheer] noun (plural cheers) 1. shout of approval: a shout that expresses happiness, excitement, encouragement, or praise A huge cheer went up as the band walked onto the stage. 2. well-being and optimism: a sense of general well-being and optimism The latest sales figures will bring little cheer. verb (3rd person present singular cheers, present participle cheering, past and past participle cheered) 1. transitive and intransitive verb shout encouragement or support: to shout encouragement, support, or appreciation, especially to people who are performing or competing The audience clapped and cheered and demanded three encores. 2. transitive verb make somebody feel cheerful: to make somebody feel more cheerful, confident, or optimistic (often passive) They were cheered by the news. 3. transitive verb approve of something: to express or feel enthusiasm for something Business will cheer this decision. [13th century. Via Anglo-Norman chere 'face' < Latin cara < Greek kara 'head'] -cheerer, noun -cheeringly, adverb cheer on transitive verb support and encourage somebody: to give active or vocal support, especially at a sports event We went to cheer our team on. cheer up transitive and intransitive verb 1. make somebody feel less sad: to become, or make somebody feel, less sad She cheered up a little when I suggested lunch. 2. make place brighter or more attractive: to become, or make something, brighter or more attractive and welcoming in appearance A coat of bright yellow paint will cheer up the dingiest of kitchens. chew chew [choo] verb (3rd person present singular chews, present participle chewing, past and past participle chewed) 1. transitive and intransitive verb grind up food before swallowing: to grind up food or other material with the action of the teeth and jaws 2. transitive and intransitive verb damage something by biting: to gnaw at something repeatedly, usually causing damage chewing her nails 3. intransitive verb North America chew tobacco: to chew a piece of tobacco -chewable, adjective -chewer, noun chew out transitive verb North America tell somebody off: to tell somebody off for doing something wrong (informal) She really chewed me out for being late. chew over transitive verb think about or discuss something: to think about or discuss something over a period of time We chewed the problem over for a couple of days before coming to a decision. chew up transitive verb 1. damage or destroy something: to damage or destroy something, especially something passing through machinery (informal) I'm afraid the machine chewed up your tape. 2. destroy something by biting: to destroy something by biting or chewing it chip verb (3rd person present singular chips, present participle chipping, past and past participle chipped) 1. transitive verb break small piece off something: to break one or more small pieces from something hard or brittle 2. intransitive verb lose small pieces: to become damaged by having a small piece or small pieces break off paint that will not chip easily 3. transitive verb hit something in high arc: to hit or kick a ball or puck so that it travels a short distance in a high arc 4. intransitive verb make chip shot: in golf, to play a chip shot 5. transitive verb carve something by removing small pieces: to carve or shape something by cutting small pieces off or out of it 6. transitive verb chop something into chips: to cut something up into chips Will you chip the ice for drinks? chip away verb 1. transitive and intransitive verb gradually destroy or reduce: to destroy, reduce, or make something weaker by gradually and persistently attacking it comments designed to chip away at my self-esteem 2. intransitive verb break pieces off something: to break small pieces off something solid persistently and over a period of time chip in verb 1. transitive and intransitive verb contribute: to contribute something to a common fund or resource (informal) 2. intransitive verb interrupt: to interrupt a conversation in order to make a comment (informal) 3. intransitive verb put money into poker pool: in poker and other games, to put chips or money into the pool in order to play choke 1 choke [chōk] verb (3rd person present singular chokes, present participle choking, past and past participle choked) 1. intransitive verb stop breathing through blockage of throat: to stop breathing, or breathe with great difficulty, because of a blockage in or restriction of the throat 2. transitive verb constrict throat of somebody: to prevent somebody from breathing by blocking or squeezing the throat 3. transitive verb block passage or channel: to form an obstruction in a passage, channel, pipe, or roadway and prevent anything from passing along it 4. transitive verb prevent plants from growing: to prevent plants from developing by growing over them and depriving them of light and air The bed was choked with weeds. 5. transitive and intransitive verb become too moved to speak: to be overcome with emotion and unable to speak, or make somebody feel so much emotion that he or she cannot speak (informal) 6. intransitive verb lose nerve and falter: to lose nerve or confidence and falter in the middle of saying or doing something (informal) He gets ahead, two sets to one, and then he chokes! 7. intransitive verb US refuse to cooperate: to refuse to cooperate when presented with something unacceptable (informal) We choked on their last demand. noun (plural chokes) 1. noise of choking: a sound or movement made by somebody choking 2. fuel mixture regulator for engine: a device that controls the ratio of air to fuel in the mixture supplied to an internalcombustion engine pull the choke out -choking, adjective choke off transitive verb stop something abruptly: to stop the flow, supply, or development of something, usually abruptly choke up transitive and intransitive verb Same as choke1v (sense 5) I should have said thank-you, but I choked up completely when I saw everyone there. chuck 1 chuck [chuk] transitive verb (3rd person present singular chucks, present participle chucking, past and past participle chucked) 1. throw something carelessly: to throw something, especially in a careless or casual way (informal) 2. discard something: to get rid of something unwanted (informal) 3. eject somebody: to remove somebody from a place or a position (informal) 4. abandon something: to give something up, especially a job (informal) 5. break off with somebody: to end a relationship with a boyfriend or girlfriend (informal) 6. tickle somebody under chin: to give somebody an affectionate pat or tickle under the chin chuck in verb (informal) 1. transitive verb give up something: to give something up, especially a job 2. intransitive verb share in cost: to contribute to the cost of something chuck up transitive and intransitive verb Same as vomitv (sense 1) (informal) churn churn [churn] noun (plural churns) 1. milk can: a large metal container for transporting milk 2. butter maker: a container or device in which milk or cream is stirred vigorously to produce butter verb (3rd person present singular churns, present participle churning, past and past participle churned) 1. transitive verb stir milk or cream: to stir or beat milk or cream vigorously to make butter 2. transitive verb make butter: to make butter by beating milk or cream 3. transitive and intransitive verb splash violently: to move about violently, or cause a liquid or soft solid to move about violently 4. intransitive verb feel unsettled: to move unpleasantly, as if in a churn My stomach was churning. 5. transitive verb stock exchange trade stocks frequently for commission: to buy and sell stocks and bonds on a frequent basis in order to earn brokerage commissions -churner, noun churn out transitive verb produce quantities of things: to produce or issue something quickly or regularly and in large quantities clam 2 clam [klam] transitive and intransitive verb regional Same as clem clam up intransitive verb refuse to talk: to become suddenly secretive or unwilling to talk (informal) clean [kli:n] 3 transitive verb nettoyer; clean one’s teeth se laver les dents; have something cleaned donner quelque chose à nettoyer clean out transitive verb room, closet nettoyer à fond; figurative dévaliser clean up 1 transitive verb also figurative nettoyer 2 intransitive verb in house faire le ménage; (wash) se débarbouiller; on stock market etc faire fortune clear [klɪr] 3 transitive verb roads etc dégager; people out of a place, place (faire) évacuer; table débarrasser; ball dégager; (acquit) innocenter; (authorize) autoriser; (earn) toucher net; clear one’s throat s’éclaircir la voix 4 intransitive verb of sky se dégager; of mist se dissiper; of face s’éclairer clear away transitive verb ranger clear off intransitive verb familiar ficher le camp familiar clear out 1 transitive verb closet vider 2 intransitive verb ficher le camp familiar clear up 1 intransitive verb in room etc ranger; of weather s’éclaircir; of illness, rash disparaître ( new spelling disparaitre) 2 transitive verb (tidy) ranger; mystery éclaircir; problem résoudre close (2) [kloʊz] transitive verb & intransitive verb fermer close down transitive verb & intransitive verb fermer close in intransitive verb of troops se rapprocher ( on de); of fog descendre close up 1 transitive verb building fermer 2 intransitive verb (move closer) se rapprocher come about intransitive verb (happen) arriver come across 1 transitive verb (find) tomber sur 2 intransitive verb of humor etc passer; she comes across as being … elle donne l’impression d’être … come along intransitive verb (come too) venir (aussi); (turn up) arriver; (progress) avancer come apart intransitive verb tomber en morceaux; (break) se briser come around intransitive verb to quelqu’un home passer; (regain consciousness) revenir à soi come away intransitive verb (leave), of button etc partir come back intransitive verb revenir; it came back to me ça m’est revenu come by 1 intransitive verb passer 2 transitive verb (acquire) obtenir; bruise avoir; (find) trouver come down intransitive verb descendre; in price, amount etc baisser; of rain, snow tomber come for transitive verb (attack) attaquer; (to collect) venir chercher come forward intransitive verb (present oneself) se présenter come in intransitive verb entrer; of train, in race arriver; of tide monter; come in! entrez! come in for transitive verb recevoir; come in for criticism recevoir des critiques come in on transitive verb prendre part à; come in on a deal prendre part à un marché come off intransitive verb of handle etc se détacher come on intransitive verb (progress) avancer; come on! (hurry) dépêche-toi!; in disbelief allons! come out intransitive verb of person sortir; of results être communiqué; of sun, product apparaître ( new spelling apparaitre); of stain partir come to 1 transitive verb (reach) arriver à; that comes to $70 ça fait 70 $ 2 intransitive verb (regain consciousness) revenir à soi, reprendre conscience come up intransitive verb monter; of sun se lever; something has come up quelque chose est arrivé come up with transitive verb new idea etc trouver cordon off transitive verb boucler; street barrer cotton on intransitive verb familiar piger familiar cotton on to transitive verb familiar piger familiar cotton to transitive verb familiar accrocher avec count (1) [kaʊnt] 2 intransitive verb (also: matter) compter; that doesn’t count ça ne compte pas 3 transitive verb compter count on transitive verb compter sur cover ['kʌvər] 2 transitive verb couvrir cover up 1 transitive verb couvrir; crime, scandal dissimuler 2 intransitive verb figurative cacher la vérité; cover up for someone couvrir quelqu’un crack [kræk] 2 transitive verb cup, glass fêler; nut casser; (solve) résoudre; code décrypter; crack a joke sortir une blague familiar 3 intransitive verb se fêler; get cracking British familiar s’y mettre crack down on transitive verb sévir contre crack up intransitive verb (have breakdown) craquer; familiar (laugh) exploser de rire familiar crash [kræ∫] 2 intransitive verb s’écraser; of car avoir un accident; commerce, business : of market s’effondrer; computers, IT term se planter familiar; familiar (sleep) pioncer familiar; the car crashed into a wall la voiture a percuté un mur 3 transitive verb car avoir un accident avec crash out intransitive verb familiar (fall asleep) pioncer familiar crawl with transitive verb grouiller de creep creep [kreep] intransitive verb (3rd person present singular creeps, present participle creeping, past participle crept [krept] or creeped) 1. move quietly: to move along silently and stealthily 2. move near ground: to move along with the body close to the ground 3. proceed slowly: to move along very slowly 4. gradually develop: to appear, approach, or develop gradually 5. shiver with disgust: to tingle uncomfortably as if covered with crawling insects, especially from fear or disgust 6. spread over surface: to grow along a surface by sending out tendrils, suckers, or roots 7. be displaced slightly: to move slightly from the original or proper position 8. be obsequious: to behave in a servile manner to somebody in authority (informal) 9. industry deform from stress or heat: to become deformed over a period of time due to stress or heat creep out US make feel uneasy: to make somebody feel fear, disgust, or another emotion that produces extreme uneasiness (slang) It creeps me out to watch a horror film. creep up on transitive verb 1. make quiet approach to: to approach somebody or something stealthily 2. gradually dawn on: to enter somebody's consciousness or feelings gradually crop crop [krop] verb (3rd person present singular crops, present participle cropping, past and past participle cropped) 1. transitive verb cut something short: to cut something short, e.g. hair or a lawn 2. transitive and intransitive verb agriculture graze: to eat the top parts of growing plants, especially grass 3. transitive and intransitive verb agriculture gather produce: to cut or gather the produce of plants or of a cultivated area crop a field 4. transitive and intransitive verb agriculture produce crop: to produce a crop, or make an area of land produce a crop The tomatoes cropped well this summer. 5. transitive verb cut part of photo: to cut off or conceal unwanted parts of an image, especially a photograph crop out intransitive verb geology Same as outcrop : affleurer to show on the surface to be level crop up intransitive verb happen unexpectedly: to appear or arrive, especially unexpectedly or from time to time (informal) Her name keeps cropping up in conversation. cry cry [krī] verb (3rd person present singular cries, present participle crying, past and past participle cried) 1. transitive and intransitive verb shed tears: to shed tears as the result of a strongly felt emotion 2. transitive and intransitive verb shout: to call or shout out loudly 3. intransitive verb zoology make distinctive sound: to make a natural high-pitched characteristic call (refers to birds or animals) 4. transitive verb give something as reason: to plead or profess something as a reason or explanation cry hardship 5. transitive verb announce for sale: to proclaim something publicly as being for sale (archaic) cry down transitive verb disparage: to say disparaging or belittling things about somebody or something cry off intransitive verb cancel: to withdraw from an arrangement or activity previously agreed to (informal) cry out verb 1. transitive and intransitive verb shout loudly: to exclaim something loudly because of pain, shock, or fear 2. intransitive verb be in need: to be in obvious and urgent need cry up transitive verb praise highly: to praise somebody or something highly cut cut [kut] verb (3rd person present singular cuts, present participle cutting, past and past participle cut) 1. transitive and intransitive verb divide something with sharp tool: to divide something into pieces using a knife, scissors, or a similar sharp-edged tool 2. transitive verb sever part using sharp tool: to sever something or separate a part of something using a sharpedged tool such as a knife, scissors, or a saw cut a slice of bread 3. transitive and intransitive verb make hole in something: to pierce or make a hole in something using a sharp instrument 4. intransitive verb be sharp: to be sharp enough to slice or pierce things easily These scissors won't cut. 5. transitive verb injure somebody with sharp edge: to injure somebody or yourself with something sharp, usually enough to draw blood 6. transitive verb shorten something with sharp tool: to make something shorter by removing some of it with a sharp tool such as scissors I'm having my hair cut this afternoon. 7. transitive verb shape garment: to shape fabric in a particular way in order to fashion a garment You can tell a jacket that has been nicely cut. 8. transitive verb reduce quantity: to reduce an amount, e.g. of money or time, or remove an amount from something cut a budget 9. transitive verb stop providing something: to stop providing a service or supply of something cut the supply of water to the farmers 10. transitive verb switch something off: to stop something operating cut the engine 11. intransitive verb take or be short-cut: to cross, travel, or make a line through or across an area, especially in order to save time This path cuts through the woods. 12. transitive and intransitive verb intersect: to cross something or cross each other at a particular point The road cuts the river in three places. 13. intransitive verb change direction sharply: to make a sharp change in direction You need to cut to the right here. 14. transitive and intransitive verb delete data: to delete data on a computer, often in order to insert it somewhere else. See also paste1v (sense 3) 15. transitive verb shorten something by editing: to make something such as a film, text, or speech shorter by removing parts of it, or remove a part to make it shorter 16. transitive and intransitive verb cinema broadcasting edit film or video: to edit a film or other work intended for performance or broadcast 17. intransitive verb cinema stop filming: to stop filming a particular scene (usually used as a command) 18. intransitive verb cinema change scene: to switch suddenly from one scene to another when filming or showing a film 19. transitive verb make recording: to make a recording of a song or group of songs (informal) The band cut 12 new tracks for the album. 20. transitive verb castrate animal: to castrate or geld a male animal 21. transitive and intransitive verb divide pack of cards: to divide a pack of cards in two, usually after shuffling them 22. transitive verb dilute: to add a substance to another, especially to a drug or an alcoholic drink, usually in order to make it weaker or cheaper 23. transitive and intransitive verb remove grime: to dissolve something such as dirt or grease from something else in the process of cleaning it 24. transitive verb grow teeth through gums: to produce a tooth through the surface of the gums The baby's cutting a tooth. 25. transitive verb snub somebody: to pay no attention to somebody in a public place or in an obvious way 26. transitive and intransitive verb upset somebody: to hurt somebody's feelings a cruel remark that cut me deeply 27. transitive verb stop doing something: to stop doing something that is annoying somebody (informal) Cut that racket! 28. transitive verb not attend event: to fail to attend a scheduled event as expected, e.g. not go to school (informal) expelled for cutting classes 29. transitive verb racket games hit ball so it spins: to hit a ball with a racket in such a way that it spins as it flies through the air 30. transitive verb cricket hit cricket ball with bat horizontal: to strike a cricket ball square on the offside with the bat more or less parallel to the ground cut across transitive verb affect equally: to affect a widely differing group of people or things equally cut along intransitive verb hurry off: go somewhere promptly (dated informal) (usually used as a command) cut back verb 1. transitive and intransitive verb reduce something: to reduce the amount of something cut back on spending 2. transitive verb remove top of plant: to cut the tops or all of the stems or branches off a plant in order to remove dead growth or produce bushier growth cut back the roses cut down verb 1. transitive and intransitive verb reduce something: to consume, use, or do less of something, especially because it is considered harmful The doctor says I have to cut down on fried foods. 2. transitive verb fell or clear away plants: to cut through the trunk or stem of a plant so that it can be removed or harvested 3. transitive verb kill somebody: to kill somebody, especially suddenly or unexpectedly (usually passive) 4. transitive verb make clothing smaller: to alter a piece of clothing so that it will fit somebody smaller 5. transitive verb automotive remodel car by removing extras: to remodel a car by removing unnecessary extras, especially in order to make it more suitable for racing cut in verb 1. transitive and intransitive verb interrupt: to interrupt when somebody is speaking 2. intransitive verb join traffic dangerously: to join a lane of traffic too close in front of another car so that it has to brake sharply 3. transitive and intransitive verb join middle of queue: to enter a queue of people by pushing in front of others who have been waiting 4. intransitive verb start to operate: to start working as part of a machine or electrical device 5. transitive verb allow somebody to share: to allow somebody to have a share in something, especially money cut us in on the profits 6. intransitive verb partner somebody already dancing: to interrupt a dancing couple and take one of them as your own partner 7. intransitive verb card games replace card player: to take the place of a person who has abandoned a card game 8. transitive verb cookery mix fat with flour: to mix fat into flour using a metal blade cut off verb 1. transitive verb remove part of something: to remove something that is part of something else by cutting it 2. transitive verb stop supply: to stop supplying something cut off the electricity 3. transitive verb isolate somebody or something: to separate a person, group, or place from usual communication or contact a town cut off by the blizzard 4. transitive verb stop somebody talking: to interrupt what somebody is saying and stop him or her talking cut him off in mid-sentence 5. transitive verb disconnect somebody on telephone: to disconnect somebody who is talking on the telephone 6. transitive verb disinherit somebody: to exclude somebody from an inheritance They cut their son off without a penny. 7. transitive and intransitive verb bring something to abrupt end: to bring something to an abrupt end, or be brought to an abrupt end The noise cut off suddenly. 8. transitive verb make somebody die prematurely: to bring somebody to an early death (usually passive) She was cut off in her prime. cut out verb 1. transitive verb remove something by cutting: to remove part of something using a cutting tool 2. transitive verb cut shape from something: to cut a shaped piece from a larger part or whole 3. transitive verb stop doing something: to stop doing something, especially because it is considered harmful I've cut out all dairy products. 4. transitive verb remove part from text: to remove part of a text or broadcast 5. transitive verb omit something: to exclude, eliminate, or omit something I followed the recipe but cut out the walnuts. 6. transitive verb exclude somebody: to exclude or eliminate somebody from a group or activity cut them out of future negotiations 7. transitive verb disinherit somebody: to change a will so that somebody will no longer inherit 8. intransitive verb cease functioning: to stop functioning suddenly, especially to stop providing power The engine cut out. 9. transitive verb separate animal from herd: to separate an animal, especially a cow, from a herd 10. intransitive verb end: to finish or come to an end (informal) The road cuts out at the creek. 11. transitive verb stop something annoying: to stop doing something that is annoying somebody (informal) (often used as a command) Cut out the wisecracks. adjective naturally suited: naturally suited for a particular activity or profession I wasn't cut out to be a driving instructor. cut over transitive verb transfer system: to transfer existing data, functions, or users of a computer system to new facilities or equipment in a synchronized manner cut through transitive verb eliminate obstacle: to deal with a problem or obstacle in a way that reduces or eliminates it Can't we cut through the formalities? cut up verb 1. transitive verb cut somebody or something into pieces: to divide somebody or something into pieces by cutting 2. transitive verb injure somebody: to injure somebody, especially enough to draw blood 3. transitive verb endanger traffic: to endanger fellow road users by driving suddenly in front of them or across their path 4. transitive verb upset somebody: to upset and distress somebody greatly (informal) (usually passive) He was cut up over his mother's death. 5. transitive verb criticize somebody: to criticize somebody severely (dated informal) 6. intransitive verb North America misbehave: to behave in a humorous and disruptive way (slang) cutting up in class cut up rough to become very angry or unpleasant (dated informal) dab [dæb] 2 transitive verb ( preterite & past participle -bed) with cloth etc tamponner dab off transitive verb enlever (en tamponnant) dab on transitive verb appliquer dash [dæ∫] 2 intransitive verb se précipiter; I must dash il faut que je file familiar 3 transitive verb hopes anéantir dash off 1 intransitive verb partir précipitamment 2 transitive verb (write quickly) griffonner deal [di :l] 2 transitive verb ( preterite & past participle dealt) cards distribuer; deal a blow to porter un coup à deal in transitive verb (trade in) être dans le commerce de; deal in drugs faire du trafic de drogue, dealer familiar deal out transitive verb cards distribuer deal with transitive verb (handle) s’occuper de; (do business with) traiter avec; (be about) traiter de die [daɪ] intransitive verb mourir; die of cancer/Aids mourir d’un cancer/du sida; I’m dying to know je meurs d’envie de savoir; I’m dying for a beer je meurs d’envie de boire une bière die away intransitive verb of noise diminuer, mourir die down intransitive verb of noise diminuer; of storm se calmer; of fire mourir, s’éteindre; of excitement s’apaiser die out intransitive verb disparaître ( new spelling disparaitre) dig [dɪg] 1 transitive verb ( preterite & past participle dug) creuser 2 intransitive verb ( preterite & past participle dug): it was digging into my back cela me rentrait dans le dos dig out transitive verb (find) retrouver, dénicher dig up transitive verb (find) déterrer; garden, earth fouiller, retourner do away with transitive verb (abolish) supprimer do in transitive verb familiar (exhaust) épuiser; I’m done in je suis mort (de fatigue) familiar do out of transitive verb : do someone out of something by cheating escroquer quelqu’un de quelque chose do up transitive verb building rénover; street refaire; (fasten), coat etc fermer; laces faire do with transitive verb : I could do with a cup of coffee j’aurais bien besoin d’un café; this room could do with new drapes cette pièce aurait besoin de nouveux rideaux; he won’t have anything to do with it (won’t get involved) il ne veut pas y être impliqué do without 1 intransitive verb s’en passer 2 transitive verb se passer de dole out transitive verb distribuer doll up transitive verb : get dolled up se bichonner , pancer, toilletter. double up intransitive verb in pain se plier en deux; sharing room partager une chambre doze [doʊz] 2 intransitive verb sommeiller doze off intransitive verb s’assoupir, somnoler. drag [dræg] 2 transitive verb ( preterite & past participle -ged) traîner ( new spelling trainer), tirer; (search) draguer; drag oneself into work se traîner ( new spelling trainer) jusqu’au boulot 3 intransitive verb of time se traîner ( new spelling trainer); of show, movie traîner ( new spelling trainer) en longueur; drag someone into something (involve) mêler quelqu’un à quelque chose; drag something out of someone (get idrag away transitive verb : drag oneself away from the TV s’arracher de la télé drag down transitive verb 1. bring to lower level: to reduce somebody or something to a lower level or an inferior status by force or pressure Don't allow yourself to be dragged down by a timid banker. 2. make somebody listless or tired: to make somebody feel listless, uninterested, or physically weak and tired Sitting at home alone drags me down. drag in transitive verb into conversation placer 1. mention something in conversation: to insist on introducing an irrelevant topic into a conversation always drags in his own accomplishments 2. involve somebody in situation: to involve an unwilling person in a particular situation Liz was going to the reunion and dragged me in. drag into transitive verb 1. involve somebody in something undesirable: to involve somebody in something dishonest, disreputable, or otherwise undesirable What are you trying to drag me into? They were dragged into the scandal. 2. mention something in conversation: to insist on introducing an irrelevant topic or name into a conversation always drags his political opinions into our conversations drag on INTRANSITIVE VERB (last long time) s’éterniser go on too long: to continue for a very long time, especially past the expected or desired finishing time drag out transitive verb (prolong) faire durer prolong something: to make something last longer than is necessary or desirable drag out of transitive verb force information from: to force somebody to reveal or admit something Are you going to tell me, or do I have to drag it out of you? drag up transitive verb 1. bring up past: to mention something that somebody does not want discussed or known, especially something unpleasant, upsetting, or embarrassing from that person's past 2. rear without manners or discipline: to bring somebody up in a lazy or undisciplined way (informal humorous) (usually passive) Where were you dragged up? draw draw [draw] verb (3rd person present singular draws, present participle drawing, past drew [droo], past participle drawn [drawn]) 1. transitive and intransitive verb make picture: to make a line, picture, or plan on a surface using a pencil, pen, or crayon rather than paints She drew a picture of a flower. 2. transitive verb describe something: to depict or describe something in words He drew a vivid picture of life in 18th-century London. 3. intransitive verb move: to move in a particular direction, often alongside, towards, or away from something else, and with a smooth steady motion Another car drew alongside ours. 4. intransitive verb approach: to approach through time, or move towards a point or stage in something, especially its end The meeting was drawing to a close. 5. transitive verb pull somebody or something: to pull something, or lead or pull somebody, in a particular direction, especially towards or away from something She drew him towards the door. 6. transitive verb transport pull vehicle: to pull a vehicle along a carriage drawn by six horses 7. transitive verb open or close curtain: to pull a curtain or blind across a window so that it covers or uncovers it 8. transitive verb pull on string: to pull on a string, rope, or cord, usually in order to tighten it around something 9. transitive verb archery pull back string of bow: to pull back the string of a bow prior to shooting an arrow 10. transitive verb take something out: to take or pull an object out of something in which it has been enclosed or embedded drew the letter out of the envelope 11. transitive and intransitive verb pull weapon from sheath: to pull a weapon from a holster or sheath in order to use it 12. transitive verb remove liquid: to remove liquid from a large container such as a barrel by means of a tap 13. transitive verb medicine drain wound: to drain a liquid such as blood, pus, or water from a wound or incision 14. transitive verb haul up water: to haul up water from a well or other source using a bucket on a rope 15. transitive verb elicit response: to cause somebody or something to make a response or sound drew hoots of derision from the crowd 16. transitive verb obtain something from source: to obtain a physical or a moral resource from a place or thing drew courage from her example 17. transitive verb obtain information from somebody: to obtain information, a secret, or an opinion from somebody by questioning or persuasion (often passive) She refused to be drawn on the subject. 18. transitive verb attract attention or interest: to cause somebody's attention, eye, or interest to be directed towards somebody or something draw admiring glances 19. transitive verb attract people: to attract a person or group to come to see something or somebody The performance always drew crowds. 20. transitive verb suck something in: to suck something in, especially air into the lungs I drew a long breath. 21. intransitive verb smoke cigarette or pipe: to suck smoke in from a cigarette or pipe 22. intransitive verb allow air through: to allow a current of air to flow through, removing smoke or gases 23. transitive verb withdraw money: to take money out of a bank, savings account, or similar source You can draw up to £200 a day with this card. 24. transitive verb finance receive money: to receive money regularly from a source draws a regular salary 25. transitive verb write cheque: to write a cheque, bill of exchange, or promissory note 26. transitive verb law write out legal document: to compose or write out a legal document in the proper form 27. transitive verb arrive at conclusion: to arrive at a conclusion or inference by examining the evidence for something You'll have to draw your own conclusions. 28. transitive verb formulate something: to formulate or state a distinction, comparison, or parallel between two or more things drew a distinction between the causes of the two events 29. transitive verb choose something at random: to choose or be given something at random, usually in order to ensure that all participants are treated fairly They drew lots to see who would have to go. 30. transitive verb card games take playing card: in card games, to take a card from a stack, the pack, or the dealer 31. transitive verb card games make players play particular suit: in card games, to make the other players play the cards they have in a specific suit by repeatedly leading that suit drew trumps and played twelve tricks 32. transitive and intransitive verb finish equal: to finish a game with the scores for the opposing sides level or with neither side having won drew 1-1 in the semifinal 33. transitive verb nautical need particular depth of water: to need a particular depth of water in which to float 34. transitive and intransitive verb cookery steep in boiling water: to steep tea leaves in water to extract the flavour, or steep in this way Let the tea draw for five minutes. 35. transitive verb manufacturing make wire: to make wire by pulling a length of metal through a conical hole 36. transitive verb remove innards from carcass: to remove the innards from a carcass before cooking it 37. transitive verb disembowel somebody: to disembowel a hanged person 38. transitive verb cue games give backspin to ball: in cue games, especially billiards, to give a backward spin to a ball when making a stroke 39. transitive verb golf make ball curve: in golf, to hit a ball so that it curves in flight following the direction of the golfer's swing instead of travelling straight. The ball is drawn to the left by a right-handed player and to the right by a left-handed player. 40. transitive verb bowling send bowl in curve: in bowling, to make the bowl travel along a curved path to the point aimed at draw back 1. back away: pull back suddenly, e.g.( in fear intransitive verb (recoil) reculer ) 2. not continue with something: to decide not to continue with some contemplated, planned, or agreed action They drew back from the deal at the last moment.( transitive verb (pull back) retirer; drapes ouvrir ) draw in 1. intransitive verb begin earlier: to begin earlier, so that darkness comes sooner (refers to nights or evenings in autumn) 2. intransitive verb become shorter: to become shorter, so that darkness comes sooner (refers to days in autumn) 3. transitive verb involve somebody: to get somebody involved in something unwillingly (often passive) I got drawn in before I realized what the argument was really about. 4. transitive verb suck something in: to breathe or suck something in draw off transitive verb siphon off: to remove a small amount of liquid from a larger amount by means of a tube or pipe draw on 1. transitive verb use something: to make use of a resource for personal benefit The novel draws on her experiences in Alaska. 2. intransitive verb enter later stage: to enter a later stage, or move towards an end as the day drew on 3. transitive verb take in smoke: to inhale the smoke from a cigarette or pipe He drew on his pipe. 4. transitive verb withdraw money from account: to take money out of a bank or savings account draw out 1. transitive verb prolong something: to make something continue longer than is usual, necessary, or desirable I drew the conversation out as long as I could. 2. intransitive verb grow longer: to have more hours of daylight (refers to days) 3. transitive verb get somebody to talk: to encourage a shy, hostile, or reserved person to talk at length or in detail, or to become more forthcoming in a social or legal situation drew the witness out during cross-examination 4. intransitive verb move away from something: to move away from a close or inner position The car drew out unexpectedly and hit the passing cyclist. draw up 1. transitive verb write something out: to prepare or write out a plan, list, or other document drawing up the terms of the contract 2. transitive and intransitive verb come to stop: to arrive at a point or place in a vehicle or on a horse and stop, or bring a vehicle or horse to a halt saw the bus draw up 3. transitive verb bring something nearer: to place a chair or seat near something or somebody and sit down on it 4. reflexive verb straighten up: to straighten the body in order to reach full height and look as imposing or dignified as possible drew herself up proudly before speaking dream up transitive verb invent something: to devise or invent something, especially a complicated, ingenious, or ridiculous plan dredge 1 dredge [drej] verb (3rd person present singular dredges, present participle dredging, past and past participle dredged) 1. transitive verb dig something up with dredge: to remove or recover material from under water by means of a dredge 2. transitive and intransitive verb shipping clear channel: to clear, deepen, or widen a waterway, especially one intended for shipping, using a dredge 3. transitive and intransitive verb use dredge in searching something: to search something, or search for something, using a dredge or a similar device dredge up transitive verb figurative déterrer revive old story: to bring something to light from an obscure source, e.g. to recall something bad that happened long ago or unearth some scandalous information dress up intransitive verb s’habiller chic, se mettre sur son trente et un; (wear a disguise) se déguiser; dress up as se déguiser en 1. intransitive verb dress formally: to put on formal or especially elegant clothes, usually for a special occasion such as a party 2. intransitive verb put on costumes: to put on a special costume or different clothes from those normally worn in order to look like or pretend to be somebody else 3. transitive verb disguise something: to disguise something unpleasant and try to make it look more pleasant drink in transitive verb 1. absorb liquid: to absorb as much liquid as is available The plants drank in the welcome rain. 2. absorb something with mind and senses: to absorb eagerly every aspect of something with the mind and senses She stood silently on the beach, drinking in the beauty. drink to transitive and intransitive verb toast somebody by raising glass: to wish somebody or something happiness, luck, success, or good health by raising a glass and then drinking from it Let's drink to the success of the venture. We drank a toast to absent friends. drink up transitive verb finir finir son verre 1. finish drink: to drink all of something 2. absorb liquid completely: to absorb a liquid completely The dry earth drank up the rain. drive at transitive verb what are you driving at? où voulez-vous en venir? be getting at: to be trying to say or intending to make understood (informal) It was hard to tell what she was driving at. drive away 1 transitive verb emmener; (chase off) chasser 2 intransitive verb partir drive in transitive verb nail enfoncer drive off → see drive away drop [drɑ:p] 2 transitive verb ( preterite & past participle -ped) object faire tomber; bomb lancer; person from car déposer; person from team écarter; (stop seeing), charges, demand, subject laisser tomber; (give up) arrêter; drop a line to envoyer un mot à 3 intransitive verb ( preterite & past participle -ped) tomber drop in intransitive verb (visit) passer drop off 1 transitive verb person, goods déposer; (deliver) 2 intransitive verb (fall asleep) s’endormir; (decline) diminuer drop out intransitive verb (withdraw) se retirer ( of de); of school abandonner ( of something quelque chose) drum [drʌm] noun music tambour m; container tonneau m; drums batterie f drum into enfoncer quelque chose dans la tête de quelqu’un transitive verb tell somebody something repeatedly: to tell somebody something repeatedly and persistently until the person has learned it or will always remember it (often passive) drum out transitive verb (usually passive) 1. expel somebody from group: to force somebody to leave a group or an organization, usually in disgrace 2. make somebody stop doing something: to force somebody to stop doing something drum up transitive verb 1. try to elicit: to try actively to get more of something such as business or support 2. invent explanation: to create or think up an explanation What excuse can I drum up this time? dry [draɪ] 2 transitive verb ( preterite & past participle -ied) clothes faire sécher; dishes, eyes essuyer 3 intransitive verb ( preterite & past participle -ied) sécher dry out intransitive verb sécher; of alcoholic subir une cure de désintoxication dry up intransitive verb of river s’assécher; familiar (be quiet) se taire duck out intransitive verb avoid something: to avoid or dodge doing something (informal) She's trying to duck out of paying her part of the bill. dude up intransitive verb US dress elaborately or stylishly: to dress up, especially in very elaborate or stylish clothes (slang) duff 1 duff [duf] transitive verb (3rd person present singular duffs, present participle duffing, past and past participle duffed) mishit golf ball: to play a bad shot in golf by hitting the ground behind the ball (informal) duff up transitive verb beat somebody up: to hit or kick somebody repeatedly so as to cause injury (slang) dummy up intransitive verb keep or become silent: to remain or become silent (slang) dump dump [dump] transitive verb (3rd person present singular dumps, present participle dumping, past and past participle dumped) 1. drop or put down something carelessly: to deposit something on a surface in a careless and usually noisy manner dumped the reports on my desk 2. throw something out as unwanted: to get rid of something that is unwanted, especially by taking it and leaving it somewhere 3. dispose of waste: to dispose of waste by moving it to a prearranged site 4. terminate relationship with somebody: to end a romantic or sexual relationship with somebody, especially abruptly and hurtfully (informal) 5. remove somebody undesirable: to remove somebody deemed undesirable or a liability from a position such as leadership in a group, especially abruptly and unceremoniously (informal) 6. leave somebody to be cared for: to entrust the care of somebody, e.g. a child or a person of advanced years, to somebody else or to an institution (informal disapproving) 7. commerce offload cheap merchandise on market: to offer large quantities of cheaply priced merchandise for sale in a market often in order to maintain a higher price for the goods elsewhere 8. stock exchange get rid of stocks: to sell off large quantities of stock all at once, thereby driving the price down 9. psychology confide negative feelings: to talk to somebody, especially a friend or therapist, about your negative feelings in order to relieve yourself of them I'm sorry to dump all this on you, but I've got no one else to talk to. 10. comput transfer data without processing: to transfer computer data from one site to another without processing it dump on transitive verb North America denigrate somebody: to insult, criticize, or otherwise denigrate somebody else severely (slang) dust up transitive verb attack somebody: to attack somebody verbally or physically (slang) dwell on ou dwell upon s’étendre sur transitive verb concentrate on something at length: to think, write, or talk about something at considerable length earth up transitive verb cover bottom of plant with soil: to cover part of a plant, especially the lower stem, with soil, in order to protect it against frost or light, or in order to prevent it from turning green ease ease [eez] noun verb (3rd person present singular eases, present participle easing, past and past participle eased) 1. transitive verb make less unpleasant: to make something less unpleasant, difficult, or restrictive 2. transitive and intransitive verb relieve or abate: to become, or to cause something to become, less strong or intense The rain eased. The medication soon started to ease the pain. 3. transitive and intransitive verb manoeuvre gently: to manoeuvre gently and carefully, especially in a tight space, or to manoeuvre something in this way eased the truck into the space 4. transitive verb loosen something: to slacken something that is tied or fitted tightly 5. transitive verb make easier: to enable something to take place more easily This would certainly ease the measure's passage through Parliament. ease off verb 1. intransitive verb moderate: to lessen in intensity The rain had begun to ease off. 2. transitive verb slacken: to slacken a rope or cable eat away transitive verb erode: to consume or destroy something gradually The surface has been eaten away in parts by acid rain. eat away at transitive verb 1. worry: to worry or be a continual source of distress to somebody Guilt had been eating away at him all day. 2. consume gradually: to deplete or use up something gradually by taking small amounts regularly medical expenses eating away at our income eat in intransitive verb have a meal at home: to consume a meal at home Would you rather eat in or go to a restaurant? eat into transitive verb use up: to use up part of something, especially in a wasteful or nonproductive way ate into their savings eat out intransitive verb eat away from home: to consume a meal away from home, usually in a restaurant or similar establishment Let's eat out tonight. eat up verb 1. transitive and intransitive verb eat completely: to consume food completely or with great appetite 2. transitive verb obsess somebody: to absorb or obsess somebody (usually passive) hard to avoid being eaten up by envy 3. transitive verb receive something enthusiastically: to receive something with enthusiasm or pleasure (informal) The reading public eats up everything she writes. 4. transitive verb consume something quickly: to consume or deal with something quickly (informal) Commuting eats up my time. edge in (3rd person present plural edges in, present participle edging in, past and past participle edged in) transitive verb US work in: to accommodate something with effort, e.g. because of lack of time, space, or opportunity usually manage to edge in a swim after work edge out transitive verb 1. move somebody or something out: to move somebody or something gradually out of position trying to edge him out of the presidency 2. defeat somebody narrowly: to defeat a competitor by a narrow margin (informal) She was edged out of the championship. edit out transitive verb delete: to delete an unwanted part of a text, film, or recording Her walk-on part was eventually edited out. eke eke [eek] (3rd person present singular ekes, present participle eking, past and past participle eked) [ Old English ēacan, ēacian 'increase, add' < Germanic] eke out transitive verb 1. make something last with sparing use: to make a supply of something last by using it as slowly and economically as possible 2. supplement something insufficient or inadequate: to supplement something that is insufficient or inadequate, usually with difficulty and by hard work 3. get something only with effort: to manage to achieve something but only on a small scale and with a great deal of effort eked out a bare existence end in intransitive verb 1. have as final part: to have a particular kind of tip or extremity The dog's tail ends in a tuft of hair. 2. result in: to have a particular outcome The relationship ended in an acrimonious split. end up intransitive verb 1. turn out to be: to become something eventually 2. arrive at last: to arrive at a destination at long last enter into transitive verb 1. take part in something enthusiastically: to get actively involved in something Enter into the spirit of things. 2. be relevant to something: to be one of the factors that are relevant to something Money doesn't enter into it. 3. sign up to something: to become one of the parties bound by a contract 4. consider something formally: to go into a discussion or investigation about something I do not propose to enter into the issue of who is responsible. enter on ou enter upon transitive verb begin: to start out on something such as an important task or a significant period even 1 even i:v'n] transitive and intransitive verb (3rd person present singular evens, present participle evening [ vəning], past and past participle evened) level or equalize: to make something more level or equal, or become more level or equal Atlanta scored three quick runs to even the score. [ Old English efen < Germanic] -evener, noun -evenly, adverb -evenness, noun get even (with somebody) to take revenge on somebody They took advantage of me, and I was determined to get even. even out transitive and intransitive verb 1. flatten or level something: to become or make something more flat, smooth, or level 2. equalize things: to make two or more different things more equal, or become more equal even up transitive and intransitive verb balance: to become or make something more equal, fair, or well balanced face about transitive and intransitive verb turn to face other way: to turn to face the other way, or turn somebody or something to face the other way face down transitive verb confront: to prevail against somebody in a direct confrontation face off intransitive verb 1. begin play: in ice hockey, lacrosse, and other sports, to start or restart play by dropping the puck or ball between two opposing players 2. confront somebody: to confront each other or somebody else (informal) face out transitive verb endure bravely: to endure something such as criticism or misfortune bravely face up to transitive verb 1. accept: to accept having to deal with something unpleasant 2. confront: to confront somebody or something bravely factor in transitive verb take something into account: to include or consider something as contributing to or influencing something else, e.g. when making a decision fade fade [fayd] verb (3rd person present singular fades, present participle fading, past and past participle faded) 1. transitive and intransitive verb gradually become less bright or loud: to lose brightness, colour, or loudness gradually, or make something do this The clothes had faded from months of washing. 2. intransitive verb become tired: to lose strength, freshness, and vigour His concentration faded after about an hour. 3. intransitive verb disappear slowly: to die away or vanish gradually The film ends with a close-up that gradually fades to black. 4. intransitive verb lose effectiveness: to become less effective temporarily the engine faded 5. transitive and intransitive verb make golf ball curve: in golf, to hit a ball so that, in a right-handed shot, it curves slightly from left to right, or be hit in this way fade away intransitive verb 1. gradually disappear: to become gradually fainter or weaker and finally disappear 2. waste away: to become thin and unhealthy fade in transitive and intransitive verb emerge gradually: to make a sound gradually audible or an image gradually visible, or become gradually audible or visible fade out transitive and intransitive verb disappear gradually: to make an image or sound gradually fainter until it disappears, or become gradually fainter before disappearing fade up transitive and intransitive verb broadcasting cinema Same as fade in fair 1 fair [fair] verb (3rd person present singular fairs, present participle fairing, past and past participle faired) 1. intransitive verb Scotland improve: to become bright after cloud or rain (refers to the weather or sky) 2. transitive verb make smooth and even: to smooth or streamline the surface of something such as an aircraft wing or tabletop [ Old English faeger 'beautiful' < Germanic, 'suitable'] fair and square justly, fairly, or according to the rules fair do's used to call for fairness or justice, especially as a warning that an injustice may be occurring (informal) fair enough 1. used to say that you accept something, though you would have been happier with something better (informal) 2. acceptable and understandable, but not ideal fair's fair used to urge or appeal for just or even treatment (informal) fair to middling reasonably good or reasonably well (informal) (hyphenated when used before a noun) no fair North America used to indicate that something is unfair or against the rules (informal) fair or fare? Do not confuse the spelling of fair and fare, which sound similar. Fair is chiefly used as an adjective and has many meanings, including 'reasonable and just', 'light in colour', and 'moderately good', as in fair treatment, fair hair, fair weather. Fair is also used as a noun, denoting an outdoor entertainment or a commercial exhibition. The noun fare, on the other hand, means 'cost of travel', 'food', or 'entertainment', as in fare-paying passengers, good wholesome fare, dull fare for viewers. Fare is also used as a verb, meaning 'get on in a particular way': How did she fare in the exam? fair off ou fair up intransitive verb Southern US clear up: to become bright after cloudiness or rain (refers to the weather or sky) An essentially Southern term concerning clearing of the weather, fair off is used alongside the less frequent fair up and fair. Today, fair off is found most frequently in the Lower South, especially in Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana, beyond the New Orleans focal area. Taken together, the use of fair off and fair up surpasses that of all other synonyms except break, break off, and the general currency term clear up. fake 1 fake [fayk] noun (plural fakes) somebody or something not genuine: a person or thing that appears or is presented as being genuine but is not verb (3rd person present singular fakes, present participle faking, past and past participle faked) 1. transitive verb falsely present something as genuine: to make or produce something and claim it is genuine when it is not 2. transitive and intransitive verb pretend feeling or knowledge: to pretend to have, feel, or know something faked a knowledge of Italian 3. transitive verb performing arts improvise while performing: to improvise or ad-lib a piece of music or lines in a play during a performance [Late 18th century. < feague, 16th century criminal slang for 'rob, tamper with', origin ?] -faker, noun fake out transitive verb North America mislead or deceive somebody: to deceive or surprise somebody, especially by bluffing (informal) fall about intransitive verb laugh heartily: to laugh noisily and uncontrollably (informal) fall among transitive verb become involved with group of people: to become associated unwittingly with a group of people fall apart intransitive verb 1. break down: to collapse, fail, or break into pieces 2. be distressed: to be in a state of great emotional distress (informal) fall away intransitive verb 1. decrease: to become smaller in number, quantity, or size Attendance fell away after the third week of the course. 2. slope: to slope downwards 3. stop associating with somebody: to withdraw friendship, devotion, or support fall back intransitive verb 1. retreat: to retreat or move back, e.g. during a battle 2. be overtaken: to be overtaken by others in a race or contest fall back on ou fall back upon transitive verb have recourse to something: to resort to something, especially something familiar, if other plans fail fall behind verb 1. transitive and intransitive verb fail to keep up: to fail to keep up with somebody or something 2. intransitive verb be late: to be late in doing something such as making a regular payment or completing a task He fell behind with the car payments. fall down intransitive verb 1. collapse: to collapse or drop to the ground 2. fail: to be invalid or unsuccessful fall down on transitive verb be unsuccessful: to be unsuccessful or negligent in something fall for transitive verb 1. fall in love with: to become infatuated or in love with somebody or something 2. be duped by something: to be deceived by something (informal) fall in intransitive verb 1. form ranks: to join or form an organized rank The whistle blew and the soldiers fell in. 2. cave in: to collapse inwards fall in with transitive verb 1. meet and join: to meet and start associating with somebody or a group 2. agree with: to agree or comply with somebody or something fall off verb 1. intransitive verb decline: to decrease in size, number, or quality Share prices have fallen off in the last couple of days. 2. transitive and intransitive verb sail downwind: to deviate from a course to sail downwind, or make a boat sail downwind fall on ou fall upon transitive verb 1. attack: to attack somebody vigorously, especially by surprise (literary) 2. begin something eagerly: to begin eating or doing something eagerly 3. be responsibility of: to be borne by somebody as a responsibility or liability It fell on the surgeon to tell the patient's family that the operation was unsuccessful. fall out verb 1. intransitive verb quarrel with somebody: to have a quarrel with somebody, especially one that leads to strained relations 2. intransitive verb occur: to happen 3. transitive and intransitive verb break military ranks: to leave organized ranks or positions, or break up organized ranks or positions fall over transitive and intransitive verb drop accidentally to ground: to drop accidentally to the ground, especially by tumbling from an upright position or tripping over something I fell over a pile of books that had been left on the floor. Be careful you don't fall over! fall over yourself to be very eager or enthusiastic in doing something He was falling over himself to make everybody feel at home. fall through intransitive verb be unsuccessful: to fail to happen in the expected way fall to verb 1. transitive verb be duty of somebody: to be the responsibility, obligation, or duty of somebody or a group It falls to the council to decide the matter. 2. transitive and intransitive verb start: to begin doing something 3. transitive verb be given: to be given by right or inheritance to somebody fall upon transitive verb Same as fall on (sense 1) (sense 2) (sense 3) fancy fancy [fánssi] verb (3rd person present singular fancies, present participle fancying, past and past participle fancied) 1. transitive verb wish for something: to want to do or have something I fancy a walk this afternoon. Do you fancy a coffee? 2. transitive verb desire somebody: to find somebody sexually desirable (informal) I'm sure he fancies you! 3. reflexive verb flatter yourself: to have too high an opinion of yourself He rather fancies himself as a musician. 4. transitive verb suppose something: to be inclined to think that something is the case I fancy that it will be bright and sunny tomorrow. 5. transitive verb imagine something: to form the idea of something in the imagination 6. transitive verb identify somebody as potential winner: to think that somebody will succeed Who do you fancy for the title? fancy up transitive verb US decorate something: to decorate something farm out transitive verb 1. send work out: to send work out to be done by somebody else 2. send elsewhere for care: to send children or animals to be looked after by somebody else feed feed [feed] verb (3rd person present singular feeds, present participle feeding, past and past participle fed [fed]) 1. transitive verb give food to somebody: to give food to a person or an animal 2. transitive verb give something as food: to give something as food to a person or an animal fed the horse carrots 3. transitive verb serve as food for somebody: to serve as or be enough food for a person or an animal This loaf won't feed us all. 4. intransitive verb eat: to eat food, or take regular nourishment Most whales feed on plankton. 5. transitive verb support something: to sustain or encourage a belief or behaviour Compliments merely feed vanity. 6. transitive verb provide something with necessary material: to provide something with the necessary materials for operation 7. transitive and intransitive verb move gradually: to move something gradually into, through, or out of something, or be moved in this way 8. transitive verb theatre give performer cue: to deliver a line or cue to another performer 9. transitive and intransitive verb pass ball to player: to pass a ball to a team-mate (informal) 10. transitive verb utilities supply with power: to supply power or an electrical signal to a system, component, or station 11. transitive verb rugby put ball in scrummage illegally: in rugby, to put the ball into the scrummage illegally at the feet of team-mates feed into transitive verb 1. contribute to something: to add weight and impetus to something 2. join with something larger: to connect with and contribute to something larger, e.g. a road or river feed up transitive verb fatten person or animal: to give a person or an animal plenty of food to eat in order to build up that person's or animal's weight feel for transitive verb have sympathy for somebody: to experience sympathy or compassion for somebody feel out transitive verb try to find things out: to try to establish, often in an indirect way, the nature of a situation or somebody's attitude or opinion about something feel up transitive verb touch somebody sexually: to touch somebody sexually, especially without permission (informal) feel up to transitive verb feel capable of something: to consider yourself ready for something or able to do something fence verb (3rd person present singular fences, present participle fencing, past and past participle fenced) 1. transitive verb enclose area with fence: to enclose an area or bar a gap by erecting a fence 2. transitive and intransitive verb deal in stolen goods: to buy or sell stolen goods (slang) 3. intransitive verb fight with sword: to fight using a slender sword, formerly in combat, now as a competitive sport 4. intransitive verb evade questioning: to avoid answering a question a candidate fencing with the press 5. intransitive verb argue: to engage in repartee or witty argument with somebody fence in transitive verb 1. enclose something with fence: to enclose somebody or something inside a fence 2. restrict somebody: to prevent somebody from moving or acting freely fence off transitive verb separate area with fence: to enclose or separate something with a fence fend fend [fend] (3rd person present singular fends, present participle fending, past and past participle fended) verb 1. transitive verb protect somebody or something: to defend somebody or something from harm (archaic) 2. intransitive verb regional strive: to strive or make an effort fend for transitive verb provide for somebody: to support or provide for somebody, especially yourself He's used to fending for himself. fend off transitive verb 1. repulse somebody or something: to push somebody or something away, or turn somebody or something aside 2. push off from: to push against an approaching vessel or object in order to prevent a collision fess 2 fess [fess] (3rd person present singular fesses, present participle fessing, past and past participle fessed) [Early 19th century. Shortening of confess] fess up intransitive verb confess: to admit to something (informal) Come on, fess up! Was it you? fetch 1 fetch [fech] verb (3rd person present singular fetches, present participle fetching, past and past participle fetched) 1. transitive verb go and get somebody or something: to go after and bring back somebody or something She went upstairs to fetch her car keys. 2. transitive verb cause somebody's or something's appearance: to make somebody or something appear or come 3. transitive verb sell something at particular price: to sell something for a particular amount of money The painting fetched £600 at an auction. 4. transitive and intransitive verb retrieve something: to retrieve animals that have been shot or something that has been thrown such as a stick or ball The boy threw the ball and told the dog to fetch it. 5. transitive verb utter deep sigh or groan: to utter a sigh or groan with a deep breath 6. transitive verb hit somebody with blow: to inflict a blow on somebody or on a part of somebody's body (informal) fetched his opponent a kick on the shins 7. transitive verb draw in breath: to draw a breath or gasp of air into the lungs 8. transitive verb please somebody: to attract or charm somebody (often passive) was fetched by the notion of going to London 9. transitive verb arrive somewhere by boat: to reach or arrive at a place by sailing fetched port at nightfall 10. transitive verb Malaysia take somewhere: to take somebody somewhere My neighbour fetches me to the office every morning. fetch up verb 1. intransitive verb arrive: to arrive or come to a halt somewhere (informal) After a week on the road, we fetched up at a small coastal town. 2. intransitive verb nautical halt suddenly: to come to a sudden halt The boat fetched up on a sandbar. 3. transitive verb cause somebody or something to stop: to make somebody or something come to a stop His abrupt tone fetched me up short. 4. transitive verb vomit: to expel something from the stomach through the mouth (informal) 5. transitive verb regional bring somebody up: to bring up children or rear animals (dated) fight back verb 1. intransitive verb get back at somebody: to resist or retaliate when attacked 2. intransitive verb counterattack: to counterattack or make a determined effort to recover after initial defeat or difficulty 3. transitive verb restrain tears or emotion: to suppress something such as tears or the outward expression of an emotion or impulse fight off transitive verb 1. fend off an attacker: to drive away or resist an attacker 2. avoid catching something: to make an effort not to succumb to something such as an illness or an unpleasant feeling figure figure [fíggər] verb (3rd person present singular figures, present participle figuring, past and past participle figured) 1. intransitive verb be included in something: to appear, take part, or be included in something did not figure in the outcome 2. transitive verb imagine something: to form an idea about or envision something 3. transitive and intransitive verb US be unsurprising: to be or happen as expected It just figures they'd show up late. figure in transitive verb US include: to take something into account She failed to figure in all the consequences. figure on transitive verb North America plan on something: to plan or assume that something should or will happen We can figure on running at a loss this year. figure out transitive verb 1. work something out: to find a solution or explanation for something 2. decide: to reach a decision or conclusion about something file away transitive verb 1. put something away: to store something in a file for future reference 2. keep something in mind: to take careful note of something in order to remember it fill in verb 1. transitive verb complete blank spaces in something: to write information into the blank spaces on a form or document 2. transitive verb colour blank space on something: to cover a blank space on something with colouring or shading 3. transitive verb plug cavity and make surface level: to put material into a cavity in a surface to make the surface level 4. transitive verb occupy time: to spend a period of time that would otherwise be unoccupied in an activity 5. intransitive verb be substitute for somebody: to act as a substitute for somebody 6. transitive verb give somebody information: to supply somebody with new or necessary information about something 7. transitive verb beat somebody up: to subject somebody to a beating (slang) fill out verb 1. transitive verb complete the blank spaces in something: to write information into the blank spaces on a form or document 2. transitive and intransitive verb become or make something bigger: to become larger and more substantial, or make something larger and more substantial fill up verb 1. transitive and intransitive verb become or make something full: to become full, or make something full 2. transitive verb satisfy somebody's hunger: to give somebody the feeling of having eaten enough 3. intransitive verb automotive make fuel tank full: to fill a vehicle's tank with fuel film over intransitive verb become covered with a thin layer: to become covered with a thin or misty layer of something find out verb 1. transitive and intransitive verb discover details: to get to know something, especially by asking somebody or searching in an appropriate source, or just by chance I don't know how they found out about the proposed merger. 2. transitive verb detect wrongdoing: to detect and expose an offence He was quickly found out and his lies exposed. finish off transitive verb 1. complete something: to bring something to an end, e.g. by making it as complete as is wished or needed 2. use something up: to eat, drink, or use up all of something 3. destroy somebody or something: to kill, ruin, or exhaust somebody or something (informal) finish up verb 1. transitive verb Same as finish off (sense 2) 2. intransitive verb arrive finally: to be in a particular place or condition in the end, often not the planned one finish up with transitive verb have in the end: to be left with something finished up with three identical pieces finish with transitive verb 1. no longer want to see: to end a relationship or partnership with somebody (informal) 2. not need any more: to stop using, wanting, or being interested in something fink 1 fink [fingk] North America noun (plural finks) intransitive verb (3rd person present singular finks, present participle finking, past and past participle finked) 1. inform on others: to give an authority information about somebody's criminal or bad behaviour (dated slang) He finked on his buddies after the police questioned him. 2. be strikebreaker: to continue to work in defiance of a strike (dated slang disapproving) fink out intransitive verb North America back out of something: to fail to do something after previously agreeing or volunteering to do it (slang) fire away intransitive verb 1. begin shooting: to begin or keep on shooting 2. begin: to begin doing something, especially asking questions (informal) fire off transitive verb 1. direct in sharp bursts: to say or ask something quickly and aggressively, especially a question or demand firing off an angry e-mail 2. shoot something: to discharge a bullet, missile or projectile fire up verb 1. transitive and intransitive verb make somebody enthusiastic: to cause somebody to become enthusiastic, or become enthusiastic 2. transitive verb get something going: to initiate the operation of something 3. transitive and intransitive verb start to burn: to begin to burn, or set something burning firm 1 firm [furm] transitive and intransitive verb (3rd person present singular firms, present participle firming, past and past participle firmed) make or become firm: to become firm or firmer, or make something firm or firmer firm up verb 1. transitive verb settle: to make something more definite, clear, or less liable to change Let's firm up the date of the meeting. 2. intransitive verb stabilize: to become less liable to fluctuation fish for transitive verb try to get something indirectly: to try to obtain something, especially in an indirect way or in difficult circumstances fish for compliments fish out transitive verb find something or take something out: to find something or take something out, especially after searching with the hands (informal) fishing out a coin from his pocket fit in verb 1. intransitive verb conform well: to conform harmoniously to other members of a group or other things in a setting She's been able to fit in well at her new school. 2. transitive verb find time for: to find a time or place for somebody or something that does not conflict with other arrangements The dentist can fit you in at three. I love the theatre but can't fit it into my schedule. fit out transitive verb equip with required items: to equip or provide something or somebody with required items such as supplies or clothes fit up transitive verb 1. equip somebody or something: to provide or equip somebody or something with something 2. make somebody appear guilty: to make somebody who is innocent appear guilty (slang) fix fix [fiks] verb (3rd person present singular fixes, present participle fixing, past and past participle fixed) 1. transitive verb mend or correct something: to repair, mend, or correct something 2. transitive verb fasten something: to fasten something in place 3. transitive verb agree something: to agree, arrange, or settle something, especially a time or a price 4. transitive verb attribute something: to attribute something, especially blame to fix the blame on other people 5. transitive verb direct something: to direct or concentrate the eyes, attention, or mind She fixed her eyes on the path ahead. 6. transitive verb influence something dishonestly: to influence a person or outcome dishonestly (informal) The trial was fixed. 7. transitive and intransitive verb make or become secure: to make something stable, firm, or secure, or become so 8. transitive verb hold somebody's attention: to hold or capture the attention or interest of somebody fixed us with a baleful smile 9. transitive verb North America prepare something as food: to prepare something, especially a meal or a drink 10. transitive verb take revenge on somebody: to take revenge on or punish somebody (informal) 11. transitive verb North America arrange or order something: to arrange or put something in order 12. transitive verb North America veterinary medicine sterilize animal: to spay or castrate an animal (informal) 13. transitive verb biochemistry convert nitrogen to a stable form: to convert atmospheric nitrogen to a stable or biologically available form, as soil bacteria do 14. transitive and intransitive verb chemistry make or become stable: to make a chemical or compound stable and nonvolatile, or undergo this process 15. transitive verb photographic arts make image permanent: to treat something such as a photographic film or plate with chemicals in order to make a permanent image 16. transitive verb biology preserve something for examination: to preserve a specimen in a chemical solution for study under a microscope 17. intransitive verb drugs inject a drug: to inject an illegal drug (slang) fix on transitive verb choose something: to select something fix up transitive verb 1. arrange something: to arrange something such as a meeting or a date 2. repair something: to restore something to working order or proper order 3. arrange a contact for somebody: to arrange a business or social contact, or a romantic or sexual partner, for somebody flag down transitive verb signal vehicle to stop: to stop a vehicle or its driver by making signs to the driver flash on transitive verb US recall something suddenly: to remember or think of something suddenly (informal) I just flashed on my first day in school. fling off transitive verb remove clothing quickly: to take off a piece of clothing quickly, or remove forcefully something that is covering you flirt flirt [flurt] verb (3rd person present singular flirts, present participle flirting, past and past participle flirted) 1. intransitive verb behave alluringly: to behave in a playfully alluring way 2. transitive verb flick something: to flick or jerk something flirt with transitive verb 1. think about casually: to consider an idea without doing anything serious about it or letting it have an effect flirted with the idea of going to college, but decided not to 2. do something dangerous: to act in a way that may bring serious trouble or damage You're flirting with disaster when you drive that fast. flunk flunk [flungk] (3rd person present singular flunks, present participle flunking, past and past participle flunked) verb (informal) 1. transitive and intransitive verb fail academically: to fail an exam or course 2. transitive verb North America give failing grade to: to give a student a failing grade flunk out intransitive verb North America fail academically and leave school: to be expelled from a school, college, or course because of poor academic performance (informal) fly at transitive verb UK Australia New Zealand Canada attack physically or verbally: to attack somebody by rushing towards and hitting him or her, or by shouting angrily. US term fly into fly in intransitive verb arrive by plane: to arrive by aircraft fly into transitive verb 1. feel strongly and suddenly: to suddenly start feeling and expressing a strong emotion fly into a rage 2. US Same as fly at fly out intransitive verb go by plane: to travel by plane to a particular destination or from a particular airport fold 1 fold [fōld] verb (3rd person present singular folds, present participle folding, past and past participle folded) 1. transitive verb bend something flat: to bend something thin and flat over on itself 2. transitive verb make something smaller by folding: to bend something over on itself more than once 3. transitive and intransitive verb bend something to make it compact: to bend part of something so as to make it more streamlined or more compact, or undergo this process This can be folded for easy storage. 4. transitive verb draw limbs towards body: to draw in the arms, legs, or hands towards the body, or place them together with the joints bent 5. transitive verb bring wings together: to bring the wings together or next to the body 6. transitive verb cover something: to wrap or cover something folded the note inside a magazine 7. transitive verb put arms round somebody: to put your arms round somebody 8. intransitive verb go out of business: to fail and stop operating as a business 9. intransitive verb card games give up hand: in poker and other card games, to stop playing a hand in the belief that it cannot win 10. transitive and intransitive verb geology distort rock layer: to cause a layer of rock to bend, or undergo this process 11. intransitive verb biochemistry develop unique structure: to develop a specific three-dimensional structure that is unique to each different protein, in order to function properly (refers to a protein chain) fold in transitive verb add ingredient carefully: to add a food ingredient to a mixture carefully and lightly fold up verb 1. transitive and intransitive verb fold completely: to fold something completely, or become folded completely 2. intransitive verb collapse: to collapse from laughter, pain, or strong emotion follow on intransitive verb 1. continue: to continue or resume something such as a course of action or a narrative I'll follow on from where you left off. 2. bat again after finishing first innings: to begin a second innings immediately after finishing the first because the score is a specific number of runs less than that of the other team. In test cricket, a first-innings deficit of 200 runs is required for a follow-on; in county cricket, one of 150 runs. follow out transitive verb implement or fulfil: to carry something out in full or to the end follow up transitive verb 1. act on information: to act or make further investigations on the basis of information received Police are following up a new lead. 2. do something extra: to continue or add to something already done by doing some related thing I followed up my phone call with a letter of confirmation. fool around ou fool about intransitive verb 1. behave irresponsibly: to behave in a thoughtless or irresponsible way Don't fool around with those tools. 2. clown around: to behave in a silly or comical way 3. waste time: to waste time by doing silly or unimportant things 4. North America have casual sex: to participate in casual or illicit sexual relationships fool away transitive verb US fritter away: to waste time or money in an aimless manner or on foolish things fooled away the summer playing computer games fool with transitive verb play or tinker with: to treat or handle somebody or something without due care or respect Who's been fooling with the TV? force down transitive verb 1. swallow with difficulty: to eat or drink something very reluctantly, often because pressured to do so or to avoid offending somebody 2. make aircraft land: to compel an aircraft to land, usually because of lack of fuel, damage, or bad weather force on ou force upon transitive verb impose on: to make somebody or a group of people accept something unwillingly This method was forced on us by headquarters. foul foul [fowl] verb (3rd person present singular fouls, present participle fouling, past and past participle fouled) 1. transitive and intransitive verb act illegally in sport: to act illegally against an opposing player, or violate a rule of a sport 2. transitive and intransitive verb ensnarl and prevent movement: to entangle or catch something so that it cannot move, or become entangled or caught and unable to move careful not to foul her fishing line 3. transitive and intransitive verb obstruct or become obstructed: to clog or block something, or become clogged or blocked 4. transitive verb make something dirty: to make something dirty, especially by defecation 5. transitive verb bring shame on somebody: to bring disgrace to a person or to somebody's reputation [ Old English ful 'filthy, decaying' < Germanic] foul out intransitive verb North America be ejected from game: to be sent off after committing more than the permitted number of fouls in a game foul up transitive and intransitive verb 1. handle something poorly: to do something badly or incompetently, or be bungled or mismanaged (informal) 2. obstruct or become obstructed: to clog or entangle something, or become clogged or entangled free up transitive verb 1. make available: to make available for use something that is currently occupied, otherwise employed, or subject to a restriction frees up some space on my hard disk 2. loosen or unjam: to enable something that is tightly fastened, jammed, or blocked to move freely (informal) freed up the clogged intersection freshen up verb 1. intransitive verb wash and improve appearance: to make yourself clean and neat by washing or changing clothes 2. transitive verb Same as freshen (sense 3) fritter away transitive verb squander little by little: to waste something by expending it in small quantities over a period of time on things that are not worthwhile front up intransitive verb Australia New Zealand show up in place: to arrive or appear somewhere You can't just front up here and expect me to help you. frost up intransitive verb be covered with frost: to become covered in frost or ice, especially in a way that hinders a function The freezer has frosted up so much that the door won't close. gang 1 transitive verb (3rd person present singular gangs, present participle ganging, past and past participle ganged) 1. put objects in group: to group similar objects in a set 2. electronics combine switches: to combine several switches or devices on a single shaft so as to switch multiple connections at one time gang up intransitive verb unite: to join together in a group, especially for the purpose of attack, intimidation, or opposition gang up on se liguer contre transitive verb unite to attack somebody: to join together in a group in order to attack, intimidate, or oppose somebody gear gear [geer] transitive verb (3rd person present singular gears, present participle gearing, past and past participle geared) 1. put gears in something: to equip something with gears 2. engage gear of vehicle: to put a vehicle into gear gear to ou gear towards transitive verb adapt: to adapt or adjust something so that it fits in or works effectively with something else (usually passive) We've tried to gear ourselves to the younger market. gear up transitive and intransitive verb get ready for: to prepare somebody or something to do something, take action in preparation for something (usually passive or continuous) We're all geared up for the next round of talks. gee 1 gee [jee] transitive verb (3rd person present singular gees, present participle geeing, past and past participle geed) 1. hurry animal up: to urge a horse, cow, or similar animal to move faster, to go straight ahead, or to turn right 2. encourage somebody: to encourage somebody to continue doing something or to do something faster (informal) gee up interjection transitive verb gen up (3rd person present singular gens up, present participle genning up, past and past participle genned up) verb (informal) 1. intransitive verb find information: to find out all the information on a subject 2. transitive verb give somebody information: to give somebody all the information on a subject (usually passive) get 1 get [get] (3rd person present singular gets, present participle getting, past and past participle got [got]) CORE MEANING: a verb indicating that somebody obtains, receives, earns, or is given something. It is often used instead of more formal terms such as 'obtain' or 'acquire'. We're trying to ensure that our child gets a good education. Where will they get the money to buy the land?1. intransitive verb become: to become or begin to have a particular quality When I get nervous, I get scared. 2. transitive verb cause something to be done: to cause something to happen or be done I must get the car cleaned. 3. transitive verb bring something: to fetch or bring something I'm going back to my apartment to get my watch. I'll get your coat for you. 4. transitive verb catch illness: to be affected by an illness or medical condition He got chicken pox last year. 5. intransitive verb be in particular state: to enter or leave a particular state or condition Get ready to leave in five minutes. 6. intransitive verb move somewhere: to succeed in moving or arriving somewhere It was already midnight when we got home. 7. auxiliary verb forms passives: used instead of 'be' as an auxiliary verb to form passives If you play with matches you will get burned. 8. transitive verb prepare food: to prepare a meal I'll get dinner tonight. 9. transitive verb persuade somebody: to persuade somebody to do something Colleagues had tried to get her to take a vacation. 10. transitive verb use form of transportation: to take a particular form of transportation I don't want to drive - I'd rather get a plane. 11. transitive verb obtain result: to obtain a result, e.g. by experiment or calculation What's the answer? I get nine. 12. transitive verb receive signal: to receive a broadcast signal such as a radio or television broadcast I can't get Channel 5 with that aerial. 13. transitive verb have time: to have the time or opportunity to do something I'll fix it as soon as I get the time. 14. transitive verb have idea: to have or receive an idea, impression, feeling, or benefit You've got the wrong impression - I'm not like that at all. I get a lot of pleasure from his stories. 15. transitive verb manage to see something: to succeed in seeing something get a close-up look 16. transitive verb begin something: to begin doing something (informal) Let's get going - we have to be there by eight. 17. transitive verb manage something: to manage or contrive something (informal) How did she get to be so famous? 18. transitive verb understand something: to hear or understand something, e.g. a joke or somebody's point (informal) What's that? I didn't get what you said. 19. transitive verb irritate somebody: to annoy or irritate somebody (informal) That high whining noise really gets me. 20. transitive verb arrest somebody: to arrest or capture somebody (informal) They got him just as he was running out of the bank. 21. transitive verb hit somebody: to hit somebody on the body (informal) The blow got him in the face. 22. transitive verb have revenge on somebody: to have revenge on somebody, especially by killing the person (informal) The heroes get Dracula in the end. 23. intransitive verb gain access: to gain access to somebody with intent to bribe him or her (informal) I thought he was incorruptible, but they finally got to him. 24. intransitive verb leave: to go away from a place or person (informal) (often used in commands) Now get! 25. transitive verb conceive somebody: to beget or conceive somebody (archaic) The use of get instead of be to form the passive is more acceptable in some contexts than others: The house is [or gets] cleaned once a fortnight. The fête was [not got] opened by the mayor. Get is usually more informal than be: an interviewer might ask an interviewee If you are offered the job, will you accept it? whereas the interviewee might tell a friend, If I get offered the job, I'll take it. Get is probably most acceptable when it is used to imply that the subject of the sentence bears at least some responsibility for an event or action, as in If you play with matches, you may get burned as opposed to The driver of the vehicle was badly burned in the crash. Word Key: Synonyms get, acquire, obtain, gain, procure, secure, CORE MEANING: to come into possession of something get to obtain, receive, earn, or be given something; He managed to get a job on a building site. 'The public will get a worse railway for more money', he claimed.acquire to get possession of something, sometimes suggesting that time or effort was involved; the knowledge, skills, and understanding that students are expected to acquire He inherited some property and acquired more through marriage.obtain to get something, especially by making an effort or having the necessary qualifications; The best results are obtained from watercolours. Schools and colleges can obtain the documents from the relevant agencies.gain to get something through effort, skill, or merit; The candidate was steadily gaining more support. Students are encouraged to go on placement to gain experience of the world of work.procure to get something, especially with effort or special care; He procured a copy of the book from the local library.secure to get something, especially after using considerable effort to persuade somebody to grant or allow it; Having just secured world rights for her first book, she's leading a life of leisure. The team has secured lucrative support from two local firms. get about intransitive verb 1. move about: to be able to move about while affected by or recovering from a medical condition 2. become known: to become known, especially contrary to somebody's wishes 3. travel: to travel, especially contrary to expectations 4. Same as get around (sense 1) get across verb 1. transitive and intransitive verb make something understood: to make something understood, or communicate clearly I don't seem to be getting across to you. 2. transitive verb annoy somebody: to annoy or irritate somebody She's really managed to get across him, somehow. get after transitive verb nag somebody: to keep telling somebody to do something in an annoying way (informal) You'll have to get after him if you want it finished by the weekend. get ahead intransitive verb be successful: to become successful, especially when compared to others He's a good worker, but he hasn't got what it takes to get ahead in this line of business. get along intransitive verb 1. be friendly with somebody: to be on good terms with somebody socially 2. manage: to make progress in a situation How's he getting along in the new job? 3. leave: to leave a place (often used in commands) get around verb 1. intransitive verb have social life: to be socially active and aware of what is happening I have the feeling you don't get around much. 2. transitive and intransitive verb Same as get round get at transitive verb 1. reach somebody or something: to succeed in reaching, finding, or making contact with somebody or something There's no way he'll get at the data without the password. 2. mean something: to imply, suggest, or be trying to say something What exactly are you getting at? 3. criticize somebody repeatedly: to criticize somebody continually and unreasonably You're always getting at me, and I'm sick of it. 4. bribe somebody: to bribe or influence somebody It was obvious that some of the committee had been got at by our rivals. get away intransitive verb 1. escape: to escape from somebody or something They caught one man, but the rest got away. 2. leave place: to succeed in leaving or spending time away from a place We hope to get away for a few days next month. get away with transitive verb experience no bad results from something: to manage to do something without being blamed or penalized or experiencing an expected bad result You could get away with a phone call, but it would be better to write. get back transitive verb recover something: to recover something that has been given away, lent to somebody, or lost get back at transitive verb take revenge on somebody: to take revenge on somebody get back to transitive verb 1. return to something: to return to a place, topic, or activity Let's get back to what Steve was saying earlier. 2. reply to somebody: to give somebody an answer or continue a discussion, especially by letter, e-mail, or telephone Leave it with me, and I'll get back to you as soon as possible. get behind transitive verb support somebody or something: to approve or support somebody or something I'd like to think we could all get behind the initiative for a new playground. get by intransitive verb just manage to keep going: to manage to survive or just make ends meet It's hard to get by on £50 a week. get down verb 1. transitive verb demoralize somebody: to make somebody demoralized or discouraged This job is beginning to get me down. 2. transitive verb write something: to write something down, especially immediately 3. transitive verb swallow something: to swallow something, especially unwillingly or with difficulty The medicine smelled so bad I just couldn't get it down. 4. intransitive verb North America have fun: to relax and enjoy yourself in an unrestrained way (informal) It's time to get down and party. 5. intransitive verb Malaysia leave vehicle: to get out of a vehicle Where do you have to get down? get down to transitive verb start something: to start concentrating seriously on something or on getting something done get in verb 1. intransitive verb arrive: to arrive somewhere, especially home When does your plane get in? 2. intransitive verb be chosen: to succeed in being admitted to a group or organization, e.g. by election or interview You know if they get in they'll change some of the old laws. 3. transitive and intransitive verb get involved with somebody or something: to become involved with a group or in an activity, or let somebody become involved got in with the wrong crowd 4. transitive verb manage to do something: to succeed in finding or making an opportunity to do something I don't think we can get four interviews in before lunch. get into transitive verb 1. start to be in bad situation: to begin to experience difficulties, or make somebody experience difficulties You got us into this mess, you sort it out. You'll get into all kinds of trouble if you do that. 2. get involved or interested in something: to become involved or absorbed in something She's starting to get into programming. get off verb 1. intransitive verb leave: to set out from a place or position We have to get off at the crack of dawn tomorrow. 2. transitive and intransitive verb be able to leave work: to be allowed to leave work, especially at the end of the working day What time do you get off this afternoon? 3. transitive verb send communication or parcel: to send a written communication or parcel I need to get these letters off tonight. 4. intransitive verb have lucky escape: to experience only minor consequences of a mistake, misguided action, or accident Considering what might have happened, I think you got off very lightly. 5. transitive and intransitive verb gain acquittal: to be acquitted in a court of law, or successfully defend somebody in a court of law (informal) A good lawyer could get him off with no trouble. 6. intransitive verb US be so bold: to be bold enough to say or do something (informal) (usually disapproving) Where does he get off thinking he can speak to me that way? 7. intransitive verb be aroused or excited: to experience excitement, physical arousal, or the effects of a drug (slang) get off with transitive verb begin sexual relationship with somebody: to start a flirtation or sexual or romantic relationship with somebody (informal) get on intransitive verb 1. deal with situation: to deal with a situation and make reasonable progress of a particular kind How's Ben getting on at school? 2. be friendly: to have a reasonably friendly social relationship with somebody She gets on well with the neighbours. 3. keep going: to continue doing something I'd better get on - I've got a lot more to do. 4. become older: to become more advanced in years 5. be almost something: to be approaching a particular age, time, number, or amount We collected getting on for 200 signatures. get out verb 1. transitive and intransitive verb leave or make somebody leave: to leave a place or situation, or enable somebody to leave one 2. intransitive verb become known: to become widely known, especially contrary to somebody's wishes If this ever gets out, I'll be so embarrassed! 3. transitive verb produce or publish something: to produce or publish something, especially a newspaper or magazine get out of transitive verb avoid or let somebody avoid something: to avoid doing or having to experience something, or enable somebody to avoid something He got out of paying for the meal. get over transitive verb 1. recover from something: to recover from an illness or bad experience He's upset, but he'll get over it. 2. deal with difficulty: to overcome or cope with a difficulty Once she'd got over her lack of confidence, she enjoyed the meeting. 3. make people understand or accept something: to succeed in making something clear or persuasive He's very good at getting his ideas over to an audience. 4. get something finished: to finish dealing with something boring, annoying, or unpleasant I just want to get the whole thing over with as soon as possible. get round verb 1. transitive verb deal successfully with obstruction: to manage to operate in spite of a regulation, prohibition, or difficulty There must be some way of getting round the regulations. 2. transitive verb persuade somebody: to talk or charm somebody into doing what you want could rely on Sheila to get round him 3. intransitive verb say or do something at last: to say or do something after delay, hesitation, or being involved with other things She somehow never gets round to cleaning the house. 4. intransitive verb become known: to become widely known get through verb 1. transitive verb survive difficult time: to endure to the end of a difficult time or situation How I got through those weeks I just don't know. 2. transitive verb use or spend something: to use, eat, or spend something, especially a large amount in a short time We seem to be getting through the copier paper at an alarming rate. 3. transitive and intransitive verb make somebody understand: to make somebody understand something that is being communicated How can I get it through to you that this is our only hope? 4. intransitive verb succeed in contacting somebody: to contact somebody, especially by telephone I finally got through to her. get to transitive verb annoy somebody: to start to annoy somebody His whining was beginning to get to me. get together verb 1. intransitive verb meet: to meet for social or business purposes The project team needs to get together once a week or so. 2. intransitive verb form alliance: to form an alliance or relationship They may be getting together to corner the market. 3. transitive verb gather something: to bring together or accumulate something, especially money They managed to get together enough capital to start a business. 4. transitive verb get something organized: to organize your personal affairs or focus your approach on an activity (informal) took some time off to get her life together get it together to become organized and calm so as to perform efficiently (slang) had better get it together before his boss loses patience get up verb 1. transitive and intransitive verb get out of bed: to get out of bed, or make somebody get out of bed 2. intransitive verb stand up: to rise to your feet from a seated position 3. transitive verb rouse energy: to rouse your energy, strength, courage, or similar qualities I'm trying to get up the enthusiasm to go back to work. 4. transitive verb organize something: to organize something by persuading other people to take part She got up a collection to help homeless people. 5. transitive verb dress somebody: to dress somebody in a particular way (informal) She was got up as Cleopatra. 6. intransitive verb get stronger: to become stronger or more turbulent (refers to winds or the sea) get up to transitive verb do something: to do something bad or annoying (informal) I have no idea what they've been getting up to while we've been away. ginger ginger [jínjər] transitive verb (3rd person present singular gingers, present participle gingering, past and past participle gingered) add ginger to something: to add ginger as a spice to something ginger up transitive verb make more lively: to make something more lively, active, or interesting give away transitive verb 1. give something as present: to give or offer something without charging for it 2. disclose something by mistake: to reveal information or a secret, often without meaning to 3. betray somebody: to betray somebody by providing information 4. present bride to husband at wedding: to accompany a bride to her future husband's side and formally present her to him just before the words of the wedding ceremony are spoken 5. let opponent score point: to allow an opponent to get an advantage, especially inadvertently, through poor or illegal play 6. Australia New Zealand abandon something: to abandon or give up on something give back transitive verb return something: to return something, especially to its rightful or original owner give in verb 1. intransitive verb lose: to admit defeat 2. intransitive verb accept conditions: to accept demands or conditions 3. transitive verb hand something over: to hand over or deliver something, especially a piece of school work, to somebody who is expecting it He gave his essay in a week late. 4. intransitive verb North America break: to collapse or break under pressure give of reflexive verb ou give of yourself contribute time or energy: to devote or dedicate your time or energy to something give off verb 1. transitive verb emit something: to send out or emit something 2. intransitive verb Northern Ireland say something angrily: to speak one's mind angrily (informal) give on to transitive verb be near: to overlook or lead to something The French windows give on to a small paved area. give out verb 1. transitive verb hand something over: to hand over or distribute something 2. transitive verb make something known: to declare something or make something known, especially publicly She gave out the exam marks in reverse order. 3. transitive verb emit something: to send out or emit something 4. intransitive verb be used up: to run out or be finished My courage gave out, and I couldn't face her after all. 5. intransitive verb stop working: to fail or stop working 6. transitive verb cricket dismiss batsman: in cricket, to declare that a batsman is dismissed give over intransitive verb stop doing something: to stop doing something, especially something that is annoying to others (informal) (usually as a command) give over to verb 1. transitive verb reserve something for purpose: to dedicate or assign something to a particular purpose or use This area will be given over to a children's playground. 2. ou give yourself over toreflexive verb abandon yourself to something: to abandon yourself to an emotion or experience (literary) She gave herself over to despair. give up verb 1. intransitive verb surrender: to surrender or admit defeat 2. transitive verb hand over somebody or something: to hand over or part with somebody or something She gave up her seat to the man with a baby. 3. transitive verb stop using or doing something: to stop or renounce using or doing something give up chocolate for a week 4. transitive verb stop trying: to abandon a pursuit that has a goal Darkness fell, but they didn't give up looking for the missing children. 5. transitive verb lose hope for somebody or something: to stop hoping for a good outcome with regard to somebody or something Where have you been? We'd given you up as lost. 6. transitive verb devote yourself to something: to devote or dedicate yourself to an emotion, experience, or activity, especially exclusively He gave himself up to working for the cause. 7. transitive verb reveal information: to reveal information or a secret give up on transitive verb 1. abandon plan: to abandon something, especially a plan 2. despair of somebody or something: to lose hope about somebody or something glance glance [glaanss] verb (3rd person present singular glances, present participle glancing, past and past participle glanced) 1. intransitive verb look quickly: to look at something quickly, especially for only a second or two He glanced in our direction. 2. intransitive verb make cursory examination: to look over or through something without really studying it 3. intransitive verb touch on something briefly: to make a brief or passing allusion to something an introductory course that merely glances at the wider historical issues 4. intransitive verb glint: to reflect or shine, especially intermittently or for only a short time green feathers glancing in the sunlight 5. transitive verb strike something at angle: to strike something briefly or lightly at an angle The stone glanced his shoulder. 6. transitive verb deflect cricket ball: in cricket, to hit a bowled ball with the bat held at an angle so that the ball is deflected to the leg side glance off transitive verb bounce lightly off: to come into quick light contact with something and then deflect at an angle The stone glanced off the windscreen. glory in transitive verb enjoy something: to derive great pride, pleasure, amusement, or satisfaction from something gloss 1 gloss [gloss] transitive verb (3rd person present singular glosses, present participle glossing, past and past participle glossed) 1. make something shiny: to apply a coating or gloss to a surface to make it shine 2. use gloss paint on something: to apply gloss paint to something gloss over transitive verb address too lightly or omit entirely: to intentionally leave out negative information, or treat something superficially, in order to make it appear more attractive or acceptable go about verb 1. transitive verb tackle something: to deal with a problem, assignment, or task 2. transitive verb constantly behave in particular way: to spend a lot of time behaving in a particular way She's been going about causing trouble in the office. 3. transitive and intransitive verb Same as go around (sense 1) (sense 2) (sense 3) 4. intransitive verb change tack: to change tack in a sailing boat go after transitive verb 1. try to get something: to make a deliberate effort to get or find something seen as desirable or advantageous I decided to go after a teaching job I saw in the paper. 2. chase after: to try to catch somebody who is running away go against transitive verb 1. oppose: to be in opposition to something The government went against treasury advice and raised interest rates. 2. be contrary to: to be the opposite of something This goes against everything I believe in. 3. be unfavourable to somebody: to be unfavourable to somebody He went to court wearing a confident smile but the verdict went against him. go ahead intransitive verb 1. start or continue something: to start or continue with something, especially after a period of uncertainty or delay Let's go ahead and start our meal without her. 2. expresses welcome: used to indicate that somebody is welcome to do something (informal) 'Would you mind if I used your phone?''Sure, go ahead'. go along intransitive verb 1. accompany somebody: to accompany somebody on a journey I went along just to keep her company. 2. develop in particular manner: to develop or progress in a particular manner, especially favourably (informal) Things were going along reasonably well until she lost her job again. go along with transitive verb accept something or obey somebody: to accept something or obey somebody, especially reluctantly or to the surprise of others You can't go along with it - it's breaking the law. go around verb 1. intransitive verb keep company: to spend a lot of time with a particular person or as a member of a particular group We went around together all the time. 2. intransitive verb travel from place to place: to travel from one place to another We tend to go around by taxi. 3. transitive and intransitive verb be widely known or current: to be experienced or known by a lot of people, often in a particular place 4. transitive and intransitive verb be enough for everyone: to be able to be distributed to everyone There aren't enough pens to go around, so you'll have to share. what goes around comes around used to say that whatever happens now will have an effect in the future (informal) go at transitive verb try something with vigour: to attempt something enthusiastically or energetically He went at the snow shovelling as if it were a race. go away intransitive verb 1. take holiday: to leave the place where you live, especially in order to take a holiday (informal) Are you going away this summer? 2. get out of here: used to tell somebody to leave because he or she is annoying you Go away! I'm busy. go back intransitive verb 1. originate from time: to originate from a particular date, period, or time a tradition that goes back hundreds of years to the time of Henry VIII 2. be reset hour earlier: to be required to be reset an hour earlier, to Greenwich Mean Time from British Summer Time when the clocks go back an hour 3. return to work: to return to work after being absent, e.g. because of holidays, illness, or industrial action (informal) 4. Malaysia go home: to return to your home go back on transitive verb break previous agreement: to have a change of mind about something previously agreed or promised You can't go back on your word - a deal's a deal. go back over transitive verb re-examine: to subject something to careful further consideration Shall we go back over the evidence? go by verb 1. intransitive verb pass in time: to move onwards in terms of time As the years go by, he gets more and more mellow. 2. transitive verb regard something as true: to treat advice or information as reliable or true 3. transitive verb use particular source of information: to use a particular way of doing something or finding something out All we had to go by was a soggy map. go down intransitive verb 1. sink: to sink beneath the surface of a body of water An oil tanker went down off the coast of Alaska. 2. crash: to fall from the air and crash The plane went down somewhere in the mountains. 3. go below horizon: to sink below the horizon The sun had already gone down by the time we got back. 4. be received: to be received in a particular way an idea that didn't go down at all well with shareholders 5. become ill: to become ill with a particular illness (informal) went down with flu 6. comput malfunction: to break down or stop working Since the airline's computers have gone down, we can't get flight information yet. 7. be remembered: to be remembered in a particular way She will surely go down as one of the greatest athletes of all time. 8. be defeated: to be defeated in a vote or competition (informal) Manchester United went down 2-3 to Barnsley in the third round. 9. take place: to happen or be happening (slang) Hey, what's going down? When the robbery went down, the cops rushed to the scene. 10. suffer disgrace: to be disgraced or ruined (informal) If he goes down, he'll take the whole department with him. 11. be eatable or drinkable: to be able to be eaten or drunk, especially easily or enjoyably (informal) With sick children, soup tends to go down more easily than solid foods. 12. be relegated: in sports, to be relegated or demoted The local team only just managed to avoid going down this season. 13. be sent to prison: to be sent to prison, especially for a particular period or crime (informal) went down for burglary 14. education leave university at end of term: to leave college or university at the end of term or the end of the academic year 15. bridge fail to achieve bridge tricks: in the game of bridge, to fail to attain the number of tricks that has been contracted for go down on transitive verb a highly offensive term meaning to perform oral sex on somebody (taboo) go for transitive verb 1. try to obtain something you want: to make an effort to obtain something because it is suitable for you or important to you (informal) I really think you should go for that sales job. 2. like somebody or something lot: to prefer, like, or be interested in something or somebody (informal) I don't really go for science fiction. 3. choose something: to choose one thing rather than another (informal) I think I'll go for the chocolate cheesecake - how about you? 4. attack somebody: to attack somebody physically or verbally 5. command price: to be worth or sold for a particular amount In the end the house went for far less than its market value. 6. be relevant to somebody: to apply or be relevant to somebody She needs to be more careful in her work - and that goes for you, too! go for it not to stop or relax until you aggressively reach your goal (slang) (often used as a command) The coach told the team to get out there and go for it. have something going for you to be in a situation where something is useful or helpful to you to a particular extent (informal) She has a lot going for her in the tennis championship, given her season's record. go forward intransitive verb be reset hour later: to be required to be reset an hour later, to British Summer Time from Greenwich Mean Time The clocks go forward tonight. go in intransitive verb 1. be obscured: to become hidden by clouds Once the sun went in, it got really cold. 2. begin attack: to launch an attack, or begin another manoeuvre After the police went in, things rapidly got out of hand. 3. be learnt: to be learnt, remembered, or understood (informal) However many times I read it nothing seems to go in. 4. begin innings: in cricket, to begin an innings (refers to a player or a team) go in for transitive verb 1. enter competition: to enter a competition or sporting event 2. enjoy doing something: to enjoy a particular activity I don't really go in for team sports myself. 3. choose career: to choose a particular area of study or career decided to go in for the priesthood go in with transitive verb begin joint venture: to begin participating in a scheme or venture with other people I went in with four friends to start a restaurant. go into transitive verb 1. begin career: to begin a job or career in a particular area of activity She went into advertising and made pots of money. 2. look into something: to examine or look into something in detail and with thoroughness 3. be factor of number: to be a factor of a number or amount 15 won't go into 125. 4. contribute towards something: to contribute towards something, or be one of the parts that form something all the elements that go into making a successful musical 5. be spent on something: to be used or spent for a purpose Millions have gone into finding a cure. go off verb 1. intransitive verb become bad: to become bad, stale, or rancid Milk goes off very quickly in this weather. 2. intransitive verb detonate: to explode or be fired 3. intransitive verb begin sounding: to start to ring, sound, or vibrate The smoke alarm goes off whenever we make toast. 4. intransitive verb be carried out: to be carried out or conducted in a particular manner I think the conference went off as well as could be expected. 5. intransitive verb depart: to set out in a particular manner or for a particular place or purpose We decided to go off early. endless TV images of soldiers going off to war 6. transitive and intransitive verb leave pitch or stage: to leave a sports pitch, stage, or other place The band went off early but came back to play three encores. 7. intransitive verb start behaving in particular way: to change behaviour and start behaving in a particular way When I suggested a few changes he went off into hysterics. 8. transitive verb stop liking somebody or something: to stop liking somebody or something previously liked I soon went off him once he started telling jokes. went off the idea once he found out how much it cost 9. intransitive verb Australia go well: to go exceptionally well (slang) 10. intransitive verb get angry: to become very annoyed with somebody (informal) go off at transitive verb Australia rebuke somebody: to rebuke or upbraid somebody (informal) I knew he wouldn't be happy with my performance, but I didn't expect him to go off at me like that. go off with transitive verb start new relationship with somebody: to begin a relationship with somebody, especially abandoning a spouse or partner in order to do this go on verb 1. intransitive verb carry on: to continue in progress The dispute went on for another nine months before it was resolved. 2. intransitive verb elapse: to elapse or move forwards, bringing change (refers to time) As time went on, I thought about it less. 3. intransitive verb occur: to happen or take place I asked him what was going on. 4. transitive and intransitive verb make public entrance: to make an entrance onto a sports pitch, stage, or other public place She went on every night to rapturous applause. The team went on the pitch feeling that they'd already won. 5. intransitive verb talk too much: to talk too much and much too long She's always going on about her yacht. 6. intransitive verb continue speaking: to continue speaking, especially after a pause She then went on about the latest international incident. 7. intransitive verb do something afterwards: to do something after the time or period you are referring to She finished fourth, but went on to win the championship the following year. 8. transitive verb use as reliable information: to use something as reliable information The police have very little to go on at this stage. 9. transitive verb enjoy something: to like or enjoy something (informal) I don't go much on his new haircut. 10. intransitive verb expressing encouragement: used to encourage somebody to do something, usually something the person is reluctant to do (informal) Go on, you'll have a great time! Go on, lend me a fiver -just till the weekend. 11. intransitive verb expressing disbelief: used to expressing disbelief (informal) Oh, go on! I simply don't believe she could have done such a thing! 12. transitive verb approximate something: to be close to a particular age, time, or number (used in progressive tenses) He must be going on 50. go on at transitive verb criticize or nag somebody: to criticize or nag another person persistently or at length (informal) He's always going on at me about how scruffy I look. go out intransitive verb 1. socialize: to socialize and enjoy yourself away from home She loves going out, but he prefers to stay at home. 2. flow outwards from shore: to flow away from the shoreline The tide had gone out. 3. become unfashionable: to stop being fashionable Muttonchops went out in the late 1800s. 4. finish game: to end your part in a game or competition by doing something you need to do You need to throw a six to go out. 5. be forced out of game: to be forced to quit a game or competition The two lowest scoring teams in each round go out. 6. date somebody: to go on a date with somebody They've been going out for six months. 7. be broadcast: to be broadcast on TV or the radio The programme went out last night. 8. be extinguished: to stop burning or functioning The fire has gone out. go out to transitive verb 1. be beaten by somebody in competition: to be beaten by another team or contestant in a knock-out competition Liverpool went out to Newcastle in the semifinal. 2. be extended to somebody: to be offered or extended to a person or group Our thoughts go out tonight to the friends and relatives of the victims. go over verb 1. intransitive verb change to new system: to change to a different system or way of doing things We went over from oil to gas when we got the central heating replaced. 2. intransitive verb change allegiance: to change allegiance and start supporting somebody or something else In a surprise move, the MP went over to Labour. 3. transitive verb examine something carefully: to examine or check something carefully The police went over the car looking for fingerprints. 4. transitive verb rehearse and memorize something: to practise or repeat something in order to learn it The actors were all busy going over their lines. go round verb 1. transitive and intransitive verb Same as go around 2. intransitive verb visit somebody: to go and visit another person Let's go round and see Dave. go through verb 1. transitive verb examine something thoroughly: to examine or inspect something very carefully The police went through his luggage but found nothing suspicious. 2. intransitive verb gain official approval: to be accepted or approved officially, after having gone through channels or set procedural stages 3. transitive verb undergo unpleasantness: to undergo hardship or difficulties, usually in stages and over a period of time They're going through a series of business setbacks. 4. transitive verb consume something in quantity: to use, eat, or spend something, especially a large amount in a short time They go through hundreds of pounds of groceries a week. 5. intransitive verb Australia leave: to leave or depart (informal) go through with transitive verb see something through: to carry on with something until it has been completed or resolved, especially when this requires determination I'm determined to go through with this court case, come what may. go under intransitive verb 1. sink in water: to sink below the surface of the water I managed to grab him as he went under for the third time. 2. fail: to close down or fail 3. lose consciousness: to lose consciousness, especially after being given an anaesthetic They began the operation as soon as she'd gone under. go up intransitive verb 1. be built: to be constructed A new supermarket went up where the cinema used to be. 2. be displayed: to be put on display A notice has gone up saying how we can be contacted. 3. detonate or ignite: to explode or burst into flames The whole place went up in a matter of seconds. 4. go to university: to go to or return to a college or university at the beginning of a term or academic year go with transitive verb 1. be part of something: to be a normal or usual part of something The long hours go with the job. 2. adopt or follow an idea: to adopt or follow a particular approach or point of view Just go with the plan as it stands for the time being and we'll see what happens. 3. date somebody: to spend time romantically and socially with somebody (informal) Anna's been going with Alex for a month now. 4. have sex with somebody: to have sexual intercourse with somebody (informal) go without transitive verb not have something needed: to be deprived of something such as money or food You'll have to go without breakfast if you want to catch the early train. Children from rich families had new clothes, while poor children had to go without.