Disaster
Target Words
Definitions and Samples
1. anticipate v. To expect; to sense something before it happensBy placing sensors in earthquake-prone areas, scientists can anticipatesome tremors in time to warn the public.Parts of speech anticipation n, anticipatory adj
2. catastrophic adj. Extremely harmful; causing financial or physicalruinThe architect died in a catastrophic elevator accident.Parts of speech catastrophe n, catastrophically adv
3. collide v. To come together with great or violent forceAs usual, their holiday was ruined when their in-laws’ views on politicscollided with their own.Parts of speech collision n
4. eruption n. A sudden, often violent, outburstThe eruption of Mount St. Helens in 1980 caused 57 deaths andimmeasurable change to the face of the mountain.Usage tips Eruption is often followed by an of phrase.Parts of speech erupt v
5. famine n. Severe hunger; a drastic food shortageThe potato famine in Ireland in the mid-nineteenth century causedlarge numbers of Irish people to emigrate to America.
6. flood n. An overflowing of water; an excessive amountThe constant rain and poor drainage system caused a flood in town.The political party sent out a flood of letters criticizing theiropponents.Parts of speech flood v
7. impact n. A strong influenceThe speech about the importance of education made an impacton me.Usage tips Impact is usually followed by on or of.Parts of speech impact v
8. persevere v. To keep going, despite obstacles or discouragement; tomaintain a purposeThe hikers persevered despite the bad weather and the icy trail.Parts of speech persist v, persistent adj
9. plunge v. To go down suddenly; to decrease by a great amount in ashort timeHe jumped off the diving board and plunged into the pool.The value of the company’s stock plunged after its chief executivewas arrested.8 NatureUsage tips Plunge is often followed by an into phrase.Parts of speech plunge n
10. unleash v. To release a thing or an emotionWhen they saw the strange man on their property, they unleashedtheir dogs.He is from such an unemotional family, he will never learn to unleashhis feelings.