GRE Vocabulary

To press into wrinkles or folds; to collapse

To unravel at the edges; a noisy fight or argument

A wood-eating insect that can cause structural damage

A rope or chain restricting movement; to fasten or restrain with a tether

The sport of sword-fighting; fence materials; dealing in stolen goods

Nearly correct or exact; to come close to

An introductory event leading to something more important; a musical introduction

To sparkle brilliantly; bright sparkling light or shiny decorative particles

To cut open for scientific study; to analyze in detail

A gradual reduction in numbers or strength through sustained pressure or natural causes; wearing away by friction

An overwhelming defeat causing disorderly retreat; to defeat completely

Situated toward the front; coming before in time

No longer close with a formerly loved one

Done in secret to conceal an illicit purpose

To spread ideas widely; to reproduce or multiply

Extremely upset or distressed; incapacitated by worry or grief

To swing from side to side; a witty, joking person

To deliberately avoid or abstain from something

A semi-aquatic mammal with webbed feet that lives near water

To shrivel or dry up from lack of water; to lose vitality

To pay back money spent on someone's behalf

Comfort in distress; to comfort or console

A layer of rock or soil; a level of society

A savage animal or cruel person; lacking reason or intelligence

To put out a fire or light; to end something completely

Money paid to free a captive; to pay or demand such money

To formally induct into office; to officially open or begin with a ceremony

Military or exploratory scouting to gather information

To bypass or evade something cleverly

A person present at an event who does not participate; an onlooker

A soft woollen or cotton cloth; a washcloth

To interfere with or alter something dishonestly; a tool for tamping

Strong contempt or disdain; to treat with contempt or reject as unworthy

To crush into a soft mass; mashed potatoes or a pulpy mixture

A temporary worker; to work as a temporary employee

A bar-type door fastening; to fasten with such a device

A solo musical performance; a detailed spoken account

A mass departure of many people from a place

To turn suddenly to avoid something; a sudden change of direction

A state of perfect happiness

Warm and comfortable; fitting closely

A fragrant substance burned in ceremonies; to make someone very angry

To cause severe destruction; grievous damage or havoc

A large triangular stringed instrument; to keep talking about something repeatedly

Very luxurious and comfortable; a soft, velvety fabric

Not lawful or authorized; born to unmarried parents

A tradesperson who installs and repairs water pipes and fixtures

To cheat by not paying a debt or going back on one's word