Definitions & Meanings - English Dictionary

♦♦♦ a / ə, STRONG eɪ / or an / ən , STRONG æn / A or an is the indefinite article. It is used at the beginning of noun groups which refer to only one person or thing. The form an is used in front of words that begin with vowel sounds. 1 [DET] DET sing-n You use a or an when you are referring to someone or something for the first time or when people may not know which particular person or thing you are talking about. A waiter entered with a tray... He started eating an apple... Today you've got a new teacher taking you... I manage a hotel. 2 [DET] DET sing-n You use a or an when you are referring to any person or thing of a particular type and do not want to be specific. I suggest you leave it to an expert... Bring a sleeping bag... I was waiting for a bus. 3 [DET] DET n-uncount with supp You use a or an in front of an uncount noun when that noun follows an adjective, or when the noun is followed by words that describe it more fully. Ther...

aback / əb'æk / [PHRASE] usu v-link PHR, oft PHR by n If you are taken aback by something, you are surprised or shocked by it and you cannot respond at once. Roland was taken aback by our strength of feeling...

aba|cus / 'æbəkəs / (abacuses) [N-COUNT] An abacus is a frame used for counting. It has rods with sliding beads on them.

aba|lo|ne / æbəl'oʊni / (abalones) [N-VAR] Abalone is a shellfish that you can eat and that has a shiny substance called mother-of-pearl inside its shell.

♦ aban|don / əb'ændən / (abandons abandoning abandoned) 1 [VERB] V n, V-ed If you abandon a place, thing, or person, you leave the place, thing, or person permanently or for a long time, especially when you should not do so. He claimed that his parents had abandoned him... The road is strewn with abandoned vehicles. 2 [VERB] V n If you abandon an activity or piece of work, you stop doing it before it is finished. The authorities have abandoned any attempt to distribute food... = give up ≠ continue 3 [VERB] V n If you abandon an idea or way of thinking, you stop having that idea or thinking in that way. Logic had prevailed and he had abandoned the idea. = give up 4 [N-UNCOUNT] usu with N If you say that someone does something with abandon , you mean that they behave in a wild, uncontrolled way and do not think or care about how they should behave. He has spent money with gay abandon... 5 see also abandoned 6 [PHRASE] v inflects If p...

♦ aban|doned / əb'ændənd / [ADJ] usu ADJ n An abandoned place or building is no longer used or occupied. All that digging had left a network of abandoned mines and tunnels.

aban|don|ment / əb'ændənmənt / 1 [N-UNCOUNT] oft N of n The abandonment of a place, thing, or person is the act of leaving it permanently or for a long time, especially when you should not do so. ...memories of her father's complete abandonment of her. 2 [N-UNCOUNT] oft N of n The abandonment of a piece of work or activity is the act of stopping doing it before it is finished. Constant rain forced the abandonment of the next day's competitions. 3 [N-UNCOUNT] oft N of n The abandonment of an idea or way of thinking is the act of stopping having the idea or of stopping thinking in that way.

abashed / əb'æʃt / [ADJ] usu v-link ADJ If you are abashed , you feel embarrassed and ashamed. (WRITTEN) He looked abashed, uncomfortable.

abate / əb'eɪt / (abates abating abated) [VERB] V If something bad or undesirable abates , it becomes much less strong or severe. (FORMAL) The storms had abated by the time they rounded Cape Horn.

abate|ment / əb'eɪtmənt / [N-UNCOUNT] also a N Abatement means a reduction in the strength or power of something or the reduction of it. (FORMAL) ...the abatement of carbon dioxide emissions. ...noise abatement.

ab|at|toir / 'æbətwɑː r / (abattoirs) [N-COUNT] An abattoir is a place where animals are killed in order to provide meat. (BRIT; in AM, use slaughterhouse ) = slaughterhouse

ab|bess / 'æbes / (abbesses) [N-COUNT] An abbess is the nun who is in charge of the other nuns in a convent.

ab|bey / 'æbi / (abbeys) [N-COUNT] An abbey is a church with buildings attached to it in which monks or nuns live or used to live.

ab|bot / 'æbət / (abbots) [N-COUNT] An abbot is the monk who is in charge of the other monks in a monastery or abbey.

ab|bre|vi|ate / əbr'iːvieɪt / (abbreviates abbreviating abbreviated) [VERB] V n to n, also V n If you abbreviate something, especially a word or a piece of writing, you make it shorter. He abbreviated his first name to Alec. = shorten

ab|bre|via|tion / əbr'iːvi'eɪʃ ə n / (abbreviations) [N-COUNT] An abbreviation is a short form of a word or phrase, made by leaving out some of the letters or by using only the first letter of each word. The postal abbreviation for Kansas is KS.

ab|di|cate / 'æbdɪkeɪt / (abdicates abdicating abdicated) 1 [VERB] V, also V n If a king or queen abdicates , he or she gives up being king or queen. The last French king was Louis Philippe, who abdicated in 1848. ● abdication [N-UNCOUNT] usu with poss ...the most serious royal crisis since the abdication of Edward VIII. 2 [VERB] V n If you say that someone has abdicated responsibility for something, you disapprove of them because they have refused to accept responsibility for it any longer. (FORMAL) Many parents simply abdicate all responsibility for their children. ● abdication [N-UNCOUNT] N of n There had been a complete abdication of responsibility.

ab|do|men / 'æbdəmən, AM æbd'oʊ- / (abdomens) [N-COUNT] oft poss N Your abdomen is the part of your body below your chest where your stomach and intestines are. (FORMAL) He was suffering from pains in his abdomen.

ab|domi|nal / æbd'ɒmɪn ə l / [ADJ] ADJ n Abdominal is used to describe something that is situated in the abdomen or forms part of it. (FORMAL) ...vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal pain.

ab|duct / æbd'ʌkt / (abducts abducting abducted) [VERB] be V-ed, V n If someone is abducted by another person, he or she is taken away illegally, usually using force. His car was held up and he was abducted by four gunmen... She was charged with abducting a six-month-old child. = kidnap ● abduction [N-VAR] ...the abduction of four youths. ● abductor [N-COUNT] She co-operated with her abductor.

ab|er|rant / æb'erənt / [ADJ] usu ADJ n Aberrant means unusual and not socially acceptable. (FORMAL) Ian's rages and aberrant behavior worsened.

ab|er|ra|tion / 'æbər'eɪʃ ə n / (aberrations) [N-VAR] An aberration is an incident or way of behaving that is not typical. (FORMAL) It became very clear that the incident was not just an aberration, it was not just a single incident.

abet / əb'et / (abets abetting abetted) [VERB] V n If one person abets another, they help or encourage them to do something criminal or wrong. Abet is often used in the legal expression `aid and abet'. (LEGAL FORMAL) His wife was sentenced to seven years imprisonment for aiding and abetting him...

abey|ance / əb'eɪəns / [PHRASE] v-link PHR, PHR after v If something is in abeyance , it is not operating or being used at the present time. (FORMAL) The Russian threat is, at the least, in abeyance...

ab|hor / æbh'ɔː r / (abhors abhorring abhorred) [VERB] V n If you abhor something, you hate it very much, especially for moral reasons. (FORMAL) He was a man who abhorred violence and was deeply committed to reconciliation... = detest

ab|hor|rence / æbh'ɒrəns, AM -h'ɔːr- / [N-UNCOUNT] usu with supp, oft poss N, N of n Someone's abhorrence of something is their strong hatred of it. (FORMAL) They are anxious to show their abhorrence of racism. = hatred

ab|hor|rent / æbh'ɒrənt, AM -h'ɔːr- / [ADJ] usu v-link ADJ, oft ADJ to n If something is abhorrent to you, you hate it very much or consider it completely unacceptable. (FORMAL) Racial discrimination is abhorrent to my council and our staff...

abide / əb'aɪd / (abides abiding abided) [PHRASE] with brd-neg If you can't abide someone or something, you dislike them very much. I can't abide people who can't make up their minds... see also abiding , law-abiding = can't stand abide by [PHRASAL VERB] V P n If you abide by a law, agreement, or decision, you do what it says you should do. They have got to abide by the rules. = observe

abid|ing / əb'aɪdɪŋ / [ADJ] ADJ n An abiding feeling, memory, or interest is one that you have for a very long time. He has a genuine and abiding love of the craft... = lasting ≠ short-lived

♦♦ abil|ity / əb'ɪlɪti / (abilities) 1 [N-SING] N to-inf, oft with poss Your ability to do something is the fact that you can do it. The public never had faith in his ability to handle the job... He has the ability to bring out the best in others. = capability 2 [N-VAR] oft with poss Your ability is the quality or skill that you have which makes it possible for you to do something. Her drama teacher spotted her ability... They repeatedly questioned his leadership abilities... Does the school cater for all abilities? 3 [PHRASE] If you do something to the best of your abilities or to the best of your ability , you do it as well as you can. I take care of them to the best of my abilities... mixed abil|ity [ADJ] usu ADJ n A mixed ability class or teaching system is one in which pupils are taught together in the same class, even though their abilities are different. (BRIT)

ab|ject / 'æbdʒekt / [ADJ] usu ADJ n You use abject to emphasize that a situation or quality is extremely bad. Both of them died in abject poverty... This scheme was an abject failure. = total ● abjectly [ADV] Both have failed abjectly.

ab|jure / æbdʒ'ʊə r / (abjures abjuring abjured) [VERB] V n If you abjure something such as a belief or way of life, you state publicly that you will give it up or that you reject it. (FORMAL) ...a formal statement abjuring military action.

ablaze / əbl'eɪz / 1 [ADJ] v n ADJ, v-link ADJ Something that is ablaze is burning very fiercely. Shops, houses, and vehicles were set ablaze. 2 [ADJ] v-link ADJ, usu ADJ with n If a place is ablaze with lights or colours, it is very bright because of them. The chamber was ablaze with light...

♦♦♦ able / 'eɪb ə l / (abler / 'eɪblə r / ablest /'eɪblɪst/ ) 1 [PHRASE] If you are able to do something, you have skills or qualities which make it possible for you to do it. The older child should be able to prepare a simple meal... The company say they're able to keep pricing competitive... They seemed able to work together very efficiently. = can 2 [PHRASE] If you are able to do something, you have enough freedom, power, time, or money to do it. You'll be able to read in peace... It would be nice to be able to afford to retire earlier. = can 3 [ADJ] Someone who is able is very clever or very good at doing something. ...one of the brightest and ablest members of the government... = capable

ab|lu|tions / əbl'uːʃ ə nz / [N-PLURAL] oft poss N Someone's ablutions are all the activities that are involved in washing himself or herself. (FORMAL or HUMOROUS)

ably / 'eɪbli / [ADV] ADV with v Ably means skilfully and successfully. He was ably assisted by a number of other members.

ab|nor|mal / æbn'ɔː r m ə l / [ADJ] Someone or something that is abnormal is unusual, especially in a way that is worrying. (FORMAL) ...abnormal heart rhythms and high anxiety levels. ...a child with an abnormal fear of strangers. ● abnormally [ADV] usu ADV adj/adv, also ADV with v ...abnormally high levels of glucose...

ab|nor|mal|ity / 'æbnɔː r m'ælɪti / (abnormalities) [N-VAR] An abnormality in something, especially in a person's body or behaviour, is an unusual part or feature of it that may be worrying or dangerous. (FORMAL) Further scans are required to confirm the diagnosis of an abnormality...

aboard / əb'ɔː r d / [PREP] If you are aboard a ship or plane, you are on it or in it. She invited 750 people aboard the luxury yacht, the Savarona... They said goodbye to him as he got aboard the train at Union Station. = on board [ADV] ADV after v Aboard is also an adverb. It had taken two hours to load all the people aboard... = on board

abode / əb'oʊd / (abodes) 1 [N-COUNT] usu poss N Your abode is the place where you live. (FORMAL) I went round the streets and found his new abode. 2 [PHRASE] oft of PHR If someone has no fixed abode , they are homeless. (LEGAL) 30 per cent of psychiatric hospital beds are occupied by people of no fixed abode.

abol|ish / əb'ɒlɪʃ / (abolishes abolishing abolished) [VERB] V n If someone in authority abolishes a system or practice, they formally put an end to it. The following year Parliament voted to abolish the death penalty for murder...

abo|li|tion / 'æbəl'ɪʃ ə n / [N-UNCOUNT] also a N, usu with supp, oft N of n The abolition of something such as a system or practice is its formal ending. ...the abolition of slavery in Brazil and the Caribbean.

abo|li|tion|ist / 'æbəl'ɪʃ ə nɪst / (abolitionists) [N-COUNT] oft N n An abolitionist is someone who campaigns for the abolition of a particular system or practice. As long as most people are happy to have the monarchy, the abolitionist position is an arrogant fantasy.

abomi|nable / əb'ɒmɪnəb ə l / [ADJ] Something that is abominable is very unpleasant or bad. The President described the killings as an abominable crime... ● abominably [ADV] ADV after v, ADV -ed/adj Chloe has behaved abominably... Wallis was often abominably rude.

abom|ina|tion / əb'ɒmɪn'eɪʃ ə n / (abominations) [N-COUNT] If you say that something is an abomination , you think that it is completely unacceptable. (FORMAL) = outrage

abo|rigi|nal / 'æbər'ɪdʒɪn ə l / (aboriginals) 1 [N-COUNT] An Aboriginal is an Australian Aborigine. He remained fascinated by the Aboriginals' tales. = Aborigine 2 [ADJ] ADJ n Aboriginal means belonging or relating to the Australian Aborigines. ...Aboriginal art. 3 [ADJ] ADJ n The aboriginal people or animals of a place are ones that have been there from the earliest known times or that were there before people or animals from other countries arrived. = native, indigenous

abort / əb'ɔː r t / (aborts aborting aborted) 1 [VERB] V n, V-ed If an unborn baby is aborted , the pregnancy is ended deliberately and the baby is not born alive. (FORMAL) Her lover walked out on her after she had aborted their child. ...tissue from aborted fetuses. 2 [VERB] V n If someone aborts a process, plan, or activity, they stop it before it has been completed. The decision was made to abort the mission...

♦ abor|tion / əb'ɔː r ʃ ə n / (abortions) [N-VAR] If a woman has an abortion , she ends her pregnancy deliberately so that the baby is not born alive. His girlfriend had an abortion.

abor|tion|ist / əb'ɔː r ʃənɪst / (abortionists) [N-COUNT] An abortionist is someone who performs abortions, usually illegally. see also anti-abortionist

abor|tive / əb'ɔː r tɪv / [ADJ] usu ADJ n An abortive attempt or action is unsuccessful. (FORMAL) ...an abortive attempt to prevent the current President from taking office. = unsuccessful

abound / əb'aʊnd / (abounds abounding abounded) [VERB] V, V with/in n If things abound , or if a place abounds with things, there are very large numbers of them. (FORMAL) Stories abound about when he was in charge... The book abounds with close-up images from space.

♦♦♦ about / əb'aʊt / In addition to the uses shown below, about is used after some verbs, nouns, and adjectives to introduce extra information. About is also often used after verbs of movement, such as `walk' and `drive', and in phrasal verbs such as `mess about'♦♦♦ about 1 [PREP] You use about to introduce who or what something relates to or concerns. She came in for a coffee, and told me about her friend Shona... She knew a lot about food... He never complains about his wife. 2 [PREP] When you mention the things that an activity or institution is about , you are saying what it involves or what its aims are. Leadership is about the ability to implement change. 3 [PREP] You use about after some adjectives to indicate the person or thing that a feeling or state of mind relates to. `I'm sorry about Patrick,' she said... I feel so guilty and angry about the whole issue. 4 [PREP] If you do something about a problem, you take a...

♦♦ above / əb'ʌv / 1 [PREP] If one thing is above another one, it is directly over it or higher than it. He lifted his hands above his head... Apartment 46 was a quiet apartment, unlike the one above it... He was staring into the mirror above him. ≠ below [ADV] ADV after v, from ADV Above is also an adverb. A long scream sounded from somewhere above. ...a picture of the new plane as seen from above... ≠ below 2 [ADV] ADV after v, n ADV In writing, you use above to refer to something that has already been mentioned or discussed. Several conclusions could be drawn from the results described above... ≠ below [N-SING-COLL] the N Above is also a noun. For additional information, contact any of the above. [ADJ] ADJ n Above is also an adjective. For a copy of their brochure, write to the above address. 3 [PREP] If an amount or measurement is above a particular level, it is greater than that level. The temperature crept up to just...

ab|ra|ca|dab|ra / 'æbrəkəd'æbrə / [EXCLAM] Abracadabra is a word that someone says when they are performing a magic trick in order to make the magic happen.

abrade / əbr'eɪd / (abrades abrading abraded) [VERB] be V-ed To abrade something means to scrape or wear down its surface by rubbing it. (FORMAL) My skin was abraded and very tender.

abra|sion / əbr'eɪʒ ə n / (abrasions) [N-COUNT] An abrasion is an area on a person's body where the skin has been scraped. (FORMAL) He had severe abrasions to his right cheek. = graze, cut

abra|sive / əbr'eɪsɪv / 1 [ADJ] Someone who has an abrasive manner is unkind and rude. His abrasive manner has won him an unenviable notoriety... 2 [ADJ] An abrasive substance is rough and can be used to clean hard surfaces. ...a new all-purpose, non-abrasive cleaner.

abreast / əbr'est / 1 [ADV] ADV after v, num ADV If people or things walk or move abreast , they are next to each other, side by side, and facing in the same direction. The steep pavement was too narrow for them to walk abreast. 2 [PREP-PHRASE] If you are abreast of someone or something, you are level with them or in line with them. As he drew abreast of the man he pretended to stumble. 3 [PREP-PHRASE] If you keep abreast of a subject, you know all the most recent facts about it. He will be keeping abreast of the news...

abridged / əbr'ɪdʒd / [ADJ] usu ADJ n An abridged book or play has been made shorter by removing some parts of it. This is an abridged version of her new novel `The Queen and I'. = shortened

♦ abroad / əbr'ɔːd / [ADV] ADV after v, n ADV, be ADV, from ADV If you go abroad , you go to a foreign country, usually one which is separated from the country where you live by an ocean or a sea. I would love to go abroad this year, perhaps to the South of France. ...public opposition here and abroad... About 65 per cent of its sales come from abroad. = overseas

ab|ro|gate / 'æbrəgeɪt / (abrogates abrogating abrogated) [VERB] V n If someone in a position of authority abrogates something such as a law, agreement, or practice, they put an end to it. (FORMAL) The next prime minister could abrogate the treaty. = revoke

ab|rupt / əbr'ʌpt / 1 [ADJ] An abrupt change or action is very sudden, often in a way which is unpleasant. Rosie's idyllic world came to an abrupt end when her parents' marriage broke up... ● abruptly [ADV] ADV with v He stopped abruptly and looked my way. = suddenly 2 [ADJ] Someone who is abrupt speaks in a rather rude, unfriendly way. He was abrupt to the point of rudeness... Cross was a little taken aback by her abrupt manner. = brusque ● abruptly [ADV] `Good night, then,' she said abruptly.

ab|scess / 'æbses / (abscesses) [N-COUNT] An abscess is a painful swelling containing pus.

ab|scond / æbsk'ɒnd / (absconds absconding absconded) 1 [VERB] V, V from n If someone absconds from somewhere such as a prison, they escape from it or leave it without permission. (FORMAL) He was ordered to appear the following day, but absconded... A dozen inmates have absconded from Forest Jail in the past year. = run away 2 [VERB] V with n If someone absconds with something, they leave and take it with them, although it does not belong to them. (FORMAL) Unfortunately, his partners were crooks and absconded with the funds. = run off

♦ ab|sence / 'æbs ə ns / (absences) 1 [N-VAR] with supp Someone's absence from a place is the fact that they are not there. ...a bundle of letters which had arrived for me in my absence... Eleanor would later blame her mother-in-law for her husband's frequent absences. ≠ presence 2 [N-SING] with supp The absence of something from a place is the fact that it is not there or does not exist. The presence or absence of clouds can have an important impact on heat transfer... In the absence of a will the courts decide who the guardian is. = lack ≠ presence 3 conspicuous by one's absence: see conspicuous see also leave of absence leave of ab|sence (leaves of absence) [N-VAR] If you have leave of absence you have permission to be away from work for a certain period.

ab|sent / 'æbs ə nt / 1 [ADJ] usu v-link ADJ, oft ADJ from n If someone or something is absent from a place or situation where they should be or where they usually are, they are not there. He has been absent from his desk for two weeks... Any soldier failing to report would be considered absent without leave and punished accordingly. 2 [ADJ] If someone appears absent , they are not paying attention because they are thinking about something else. `Nothing,' Rosie said in an absent way. ● absently [ADV] He nodded absently. 3 [ADJ] ADJ n An absent parent does not live with his or her children. ...absent fathers who fail to pay towards the costs of looking after their children. 4 [PREP] If you say that absent one thing, another thing will happen, you mean that if the first thing does not happen, the second thing will happen. (AM FORMAL) Absent a solution, people like Sue Godfrey will just keep on fighting. = without

ab|sen|tee / 'æbs ə nt'iː / (absentees) 1 [N-COUNT] An absentee is a person who is expected to be in a particular place but who is not there. 2 [ADJ] ADJ n Absentee is used to describe someone who is not there to do a particular job in person. Absentee fathers will be forced to pay child maintenance. 3 [ADJ] ADJ n In elections in the United States, if you vote by absentee ballot or if you are an absentee voter, you vote in advance because you will be away. (AM)

ab|sen|tee|ism / 'æbs ə nt'iːɪzəm / [N-UNCOUNT] Absenteeism is the fact or habit of frequently being away from work or school, usually without a good reason. ≠ attendance

ab|sinthe / 'æbsɪnθ / [N-UNCOUNT] Absinthe is a very strong alcoholic drink that is green and tastes bitter.

♦ ab|so|lute / 'æbsəluːt / (absolutes) 1 [ADJ] usu ADJ n Absolute means total and complete. It's not really suited to absolute beginners... A sick person needs absolute confidence and trust in a doctor. = complete 2 [ADJ] ADJ n You use absolute to emphasize something that you are saying. About 12 inches wide is the absolute minimum you should consider... I think it's absolute nonsense. = complete 3 [ADJ] ADJ n An absolute ruler has complete power and authority over his or her country. He ruled with absolute power. 4 [ADJ] usu ADJ n Absolute is used to say that something is definite and will not change even if circumstances change. They had given an absolute assurance that it would be kept secret. 5 [ADJ] ADJ n An amount that is expressed in absolute terms is expressed as a fixed amount rather than referring to variable factors such as what you earn or the effects of inflation. In absolute terms British wages remain low by E...

♦♦ ab|so|lute|ly / 'æbsəl'uːtli / 1 [ADV] usu ADV adj/adv, also ADV with v Absolutely means totally and completely. Jill is absolutely right... I absolutely refuse to get married... There is absolutely no difference! 2 [ADV] ADV as reply Some people say absolutely as an emphatic way of saying yes or of agreeing with someone. They say absolutely not as an emphatic way of saying no or of disagreeing with someone. `It's worrying, isn't it?'--`Absolutely.'...

ab|so|lu|tion / 'æbsəl'uːʃ ə n / [N-UNCOUNT] If someone is given absolution , they are forgiven for something wrong that they have done. (FORMAL) She felt as if his words had granted her absolution. = forgiveness

ab|so|lut|ism / 'æbsəl'uːtɪzəm / 1 [N-UNCOUNT] Absolutism is a political system in which one ruler or leader has complete power and authority over a country. ...royal absolutism. 2 [N-UNCOUNT] You can refer to someone's beliefs as absolutism if they think that their beliefs are true, right, or relevant in all situations, especially if you think they are wrong to behave in this way. ● absolutist [ADJ] This absolutist belief is replaced by an appreciation that rules can vary.

ab|solve / æbz'ɒlv / (absolves absolving absolved) [VERB] V n of/from n, V n If a report or investigation absolves someone from blame or responsibility, it formally states that he or she is not guilty or is not to blame. A police investigation yesterday absolved the police of all blame in the incident. ...the inquiry which absolved the soldiers. = excuse

ab|sorb / əbz'ɔː r b / (absorbs absorbing absorbed) 1 [VERB] V n, be V-ed into n If something absorbs a liquid, gas, or other substance, it soaks it up or takes it in. Plants absorb carbon dioxide from the air and moisture from the soil... Refined sugars are absorbed into the bloodstream very quickly. = soak up 2 [VERB] V n If something absorbs light, heat, or another form of energy, it takes it in. A household radiator absorbs energy in the form of electric current and releases it in the form of heat. 3 [VERB] be V-ed into n, V n If a group is absorbed into a larger group, it becomes part of the larger group. The Colonial Office was absorbed into the Foreign Office. ...an economy capable of absorbing thousands of immigrants. 4 [VERB] V n If something absorbs a force or shock, it reduces its effect. ...footwear which does not absorb the impact of the foot striking the ground. 5 [VERB] V n If a system or society absorbs changes, effect...

ab|sorbed / əbz'ɔː r bd / [ADJ] v-link ADJ, usu ADJ in/by n If you are absorbed in something or someone, you are very interested in them and they take up all your attention and energy. They were completely absorbed in each other... = engrossed

ab|sor|bent / əbz'ɔː r bənt / [ADJ] Absorbent material soaks up liquid easily. The towels are highly absorbent.

ab|sorb|er / əbz'ɔː r bə r / see shock absorber shock ab|sorb|er (shock absorbers) also shock-absorber [N-COUNT] A shock absorber is a device fitted near the wheels of a car or other vehicle to reduce the effects of travelling over uneven ground. ...a pair of rear shock absorbers.

ab|sorb|ing / əbz'ɔː r bɪŋ / [ADJ] An absorbing task or activity interests you a great deal and takes up all your attention and energy. `Two Sisters' is an absorbing read...

ab|sorp|tion / əbz'ɔː r pʃ ə n / 1 [N-UNCOUNT] oft N of n The absorption of a liquid, gas, or other substance is the process of it being soaked up or taken in. Vitamin C increases the absorption of iron from food. 2 [N-UNCOUNT] usu with poss, oft N into/by n The absorption of a group into a larger group is the process of it becoming part of the larger group.

ab|stain / æbst'eɪn / (abstains abstaining abstained) 1 [VERB] V from n, V If you abstain from something, usually something you want to do, you deliberately do not do it. (FORMAL) Abstain from sex or use condoms... Do you drink alcohol, smoke, or abstain? 2 [VERB] V If you abstain during a vote, you do not use your vote. Three Conservative MPs abstained in the vote.

ab|ste|mi|ous / æbst'iːmiəs / [ADJ] Someone who is abstemious avoids doing too much of something enjoyable such as eating or drinking. (FORMAL)

ab|sten|tion / æbst'enʃ ə n / (abstentions) [N-VAR] Abstention is a formal act of not voting either for or against a proposal. ...a vote of sixteen in favor, three against, and one abstention...

ab|sti|nence / 'æbstɪnəns / [N-UNCOUNT] Abstinence is the practice of abstaining from something such as alcoholic drink or sex, often for health or religious reasons. ...six months of abstinence. ...total abstinence from alcohol. = abstention

ab|stract / 'æbstrækt / (abstracts) 1 [ADJ] An abstract idea or way of thinking is based on general ideas rather than on real things and events. ...abstract principles such as justice... It's not a question of some abstract concept. = theoretical ● abstractly [ADV] It is hard to think abstractly in these conditions. 2 [PHRASE] PHR with cl/group When you talk or think about something in the abstract , you talk or think about it in a general way, rather than considering particular things or events. Money was a commodity she never thought about except in the abstract. 3 [ADJ] ADJ n In grammar, an abstract noun refers to a quality or idea rather than to a physical object. ...abstract words such as glory, honor, and courage. ≠ concrete 4 [ADJ] usu ADJ n Abstract art makes use of shapes and patterns rather than showing people or things. ...a modern abstract painting. ≠ figurative 5 [N-COUNT] An abstract is an abstract work of art. 6...

ab|stract|ed / æbstr'æktɪd / [ADJ] Someone who is abstracted is thinking so deeply that they are not fully aware of what is happening around them. (WRITTEN) The same abstracted look was still on his face. = preoccupied ● abstractedly [ADV] ADV with v She nodded abstractedly.

ab|strac|tion / æbstr'ækʃ ə n / (abstractions) [N-VAR] An abstraction is a general idea rather than one relating to a particular object, person, or situation. (FORMAL) Is it worth fighting a big war, in the name of an abstraction like sovereignty?

ab|struse / æbstr'uːs / [ADJ] You can describe something as abstruse if you find it difficult to understand, especially when you think it could be explained more simply. (FORMAL) ...fruitless discussions about abstruse resolutions.

ab|surd / æbs'ɜː r d / [ADJ] oft it v-link ADJ to-inf/that If you say that something is absurd , you are criticizing it because you think that it is ridiculous or that it does not make sense. It is absurd to be discussing compulsory redundancy policies for teachers... I've known clients of mine go to absurd lengths, just to avoid paying me a few pounds... = ridiculous [N-SING] the N The absurd is something that is absurd. (FORMAL) Parkinson had a sharp eye for the absurd. ● absurdly [ADV] Prices were still absurdly low, in his opinion... ● absurdity [N-VAR] I find myself growing increasingly angry at the absurdity of the situation.

abun|dance / əb'ʌndəns / [N-SING-COLL] usu N of n, also in N An abundance of something is a large quantity of it. The area has an abundance of wildlife... Food was in abundance. = wealth

abun|dant / əb'ʌndənt / [ADJ] Something that is abundant is present in large quantities. There is an abundant supply of cheap labour... Birds are abundant in the tall vegetation. = plentiful

abun|dant|ly / əb'ʌndəntli / 1 [ADV] ADV adj If something is abundantly clear, it is extremely obvious. He made it abundantly clear that anybody who disagrees with his policies will not last long. 2 [ADV] usu ADV with v, also ADV adj Something that occurs abundantly is present in large quantities. ...a plant that grows abundantly in the United States...

♦♦ abuse (abuses abusing abused) The noun is pronounced / əbj'uːs / The verb is pronounced / əbj'uːz / 1 [N-UNCOUNT] also N in pl, usu with supp Abuse of someone is cruel and violent treatment of them. ...investigation of alleged child abuse. ...victims of sexual and physical abuse. ...controversy over human rights abuses. 2 [N-UNCOUNT] Abuse is extremely rude and insulting things that people say when they are angry. I was left shouting abuse as the car sped off... 3 [N-VAR] with supp Abuse of something is the use of it in a wrong way or for a bad purpose. What went on here was an abuse of power. ...drug and alcohol abuse. 4 [VERB] be V-ed, V n, V-ed If someone is abused , they are treated cruelly and violently. Janet had been abused by her father since she was eleven. ...parents who feel they cannot cope or might abuse their children. ...those who work with abused children. ● abuser [N-COUNT] ...a convicted child abuser. 5 ...

abu|sive / əbj'uːsɪv / 1 [ADJ] Someone who is abusive behaves in a cruel and violent way towards other people. He became violent and abusive toward Ben's mother... One in eight women lives in an abusive relationship. 2 [ADJ] Abusive language is extremely rude and insulting. = insulting

abut / əb'ʌt / (abuts abutting abutted) [VERB] When land or a building abuts something or abuts on something, it is next to it. (FORMAL) = adjoin

abuzz / əb'ʌz / [ADJ] v-link ADJ, usu ADJ with n If someone says that a place is abuzz with rumours or plans, they mean that everyone there is excited about them. (JOURNALISM)

abys|mal / əb'ɪzm ə l / [ADJ] If you describe a situation or the condition of something as abysmal , you think that it is very bad or poor in quality. ...our abysmal record at producing a scientifically trained workforce... The general standard of racing was abysmal. = dismal ● abysmally [ADV] ADV adj, ADV after v The standard of education was abysmally low... As the chart shows, it has failed abysmally.

abyss / æb'ɪs / (abysses) 1 [N-COUNT] usu sing An abyss is a very deep hole in the ground. (LITERARY) 2 [N-COUNT] usu sing If someone is on the edge or brink of an abyss , they are about to enter into a very frightening or threatening situation. (LITERARY)

aca|cia / ək'eɪʃə / (acaciasor acacia) [N-COUNT] An acacia or an acacia tree is a tree which grows in warm countries and which usually has small yellow or white flowers.

aca|deme / 'ækədiːm / [N-UNCOUNT] The academic world of universities is sometimes referred to as academe . (FORMAL)

aca|demia / 'ækəd'iːmiə / [N-UNCOUNT] Academia refers to all the academics in a particular country or region, the institutions they work in, and their work. ...the importance of strong links between industry and academia.

♦ aca|dem|ic / 'ækəd'emɪk / (academics) 1 [ADJ] ADJ n Academic is used to describe things that relate to the work done in schools, colleges, and universities, especially work which involves studying and reasoning rather than practical or technical skills. Their academic standards are high... I was terrible at school and left with few academic qualifications... ● academically [ADV] He is academically gifted... 2 [ADJ] ADJ n Academic is used to describe things that relate to schools, colleges, and universities. ...the start of the last academic year... I'd had enough of academic life. 3 [ADJ] Academic is used to describe work, or a school, college, or university, that places emphasis on studying and reasoning rather than on practical or technical skills. The author has settled for a more academic approach... 4 [ADJ] Someone who is academic is good at studying. The system is failing most disastrously among less academic children. 5 ...

acad|emi|cian / ək'ædəm'ɪʃ ə n, AM 'ækədə- / (academicians) [N-COUNT] An academician is a member of an academy, usually one which has been formed to improve or maintain standards in a particular field.

acad|emy / ək'ædəmi / (academies) 1 [N-COUNT] usu with supp, oft in names Academy is sometimes used in the names of schools and colleges, especially those specializing in particular subjects or skills, or private high schools in the United States. ...the Royal Academy of Music. ...her experience as a police academy instructor. 2 [N-IN-NAMES] Academy appears in the names of some societies formed to improve or maintain standards in a particular field. ...the American Academy of Psychotherapists...

ac|cede / æks'iːd / (accedes acceding acceded) 1 [VERB] V to n If you accede to someone's request, you do what they ask. (FORMAL) Britain would not accede to France's request. 2 [VERB] When a member of a royal family accedes to the throne, they become king or queen. (FORMAL)

ac|cel|er|ate / æks'eləreɪt / (accelerates accelerating accelerated) 1 [VERB] V, V n If the process or rate of something accelerates or if something accelerates it, it gets faster and faster. Growth will accelerate to 2.9 per cent next year... The government is to accelerate its privatisation programme. 2 [VERB] V, V prep/adv When a moving vehicle accelerates , it goes faster and faster. Suddenly the car accelerated... She accelerated away from the kerb.

ac|cel|era|tion / æks'elər'eɪʃ ə n / 1 [N-UNCOUNT] oft N of/in n The acceleration of a process or change is the fact that it is getting faster and faster. He has also called for an acceleration of political reforms. 2 [N-UNCOUNT] Acceleration is the rate at which a car or other vehicle can increase its speed, often seen in terms of the time that it takes to reach a particular speed. Acceleration to 60 mph takes a mere 5.7 seconds. 3 [N-UNCOUNT] Acceleration is the rate at which the speed of an object increases. (TECHNICAL)

ac|cel|era|tor / æks'eləreɪtə r / (accelerators) [N-COUNT] The accelerator in a car or other vehicle is the pedal which you press with your foot in order to make the vehicle go faster. He eased his foot off the accelerator. par|ti|cle ac|cel|era|tor (particle accelerators) [N-COUNT] A particle accelerator is a machine used for research in nuclear physics which can make particles that are smaller than atoms move very fast.

ac|cent / 'æks ə nt / (accents) 1 [N-COUNT] Someone who speaks with a particular accent pronounces the words of a language in a distinctive way that shows which country, region, or social class they come from. He had developed a slight American accent. 2 [N-COUNT] An accent is a short line or other mark which is written above certain letters in some languages and which indicates the way those letters are pronounced. 3 [N-SING] oft N on n If you put the accent on a particular feature of something, you emphasize it or give it special importance. He is putting the accent on military readiness... = emphasis

ac|cent|ed / 'æksentɪd / [ADJ] Language or speech that is accented is spoken with a particular accent. I spoke rather good, but heavily accented English... see also accent

ac|cen|tu|ate / æks'entʃueɪt / (accentuates accentuating accentuated) [VERB] V n To accentuate something means to emphasize it or make it more noticeable. His shaven head accentuates his large round face...

♦♦♦ ac|cept / æks'ept / (accepts accepting accepted) 1 [VERB] V n, V If you accept something that you have been offered, you say yes to it or agree to take it. Eventually Sam persuaded her to accept an offer of marriage... All those invited to next week's peace conference have accepted. 2 [VERB] V that, V n, V n as adj/n, V-ed If you accept an idea, statement, or fact, you believe that it is true or valid. I do not accept that there is any kind of crisis in British science... I don't think they would accept that view... He did not accept this reply as valid. ...a workforce generally accepted to have the best conditions in Europe. = acknowledge 3 [VERB] V n If you accept a plan or an intended action, you agree to it and allow it to happen. The Council will meet to decide if it should accept his resignation. ≠ reject 4 [VERB] V n, V n as n/adj, V that If you accept an unpleasant fact or situation, you get used to it or recognize ...

♦ ac|cept|able / æks'eptəb ə l / 1 [ADJ] Acceptable activities and situations are those that most people approve of or consider to be normal. It is becoming more acceptable for women to drink alcohol... The air pollution exceeds most acceptable levels by 10 times or more. ≠ unacceptable ● acceptability [N-UNCOUNT] usu N of n ...an increase in the social acceptability of divorce. ● acceptably [ADV] The aim of discipline is to teach children to behave acceptably. 2 [ADJ] oft ADJ to n If something is acceptable to someone, they agree to consider it, use it, or allow it to happen. They have thrashed out a compromise formula acceptable to Moscow... They recently failed to negotiate a mutually acceptable new contract. ≠ unacceptable 3 [ADJ] If you describe something as acceptable , you mean that it is good enough or fairly good. On the far side of the street was a restaurant that looked acceptable... ● acceptably [ADV] ADV adj, ADV with v ...

ac|cept|ance / æks'eptəns / (acceptances) 1 [N-VAR] usu with supp, oft poss N, N of n Acceptance of an offer or a proposal is the act of saying yes to it or agreeing to it. The Party is being degraded by its acceptance of secret donations... ...a letter of acceptance. ...his acceptance speech for the Nobel Peace Prize. ≠ rejection 2 [N-UNCOUNT] If there is acceptance of an idea, most people believe or agree that it is true. ...a theory that is steadily gaining acceptance... There was a general acceptance that the defence budget would shrink. 3 [N-UNCOUNT] usu N of n Your acceptance of a situation, especially an unpleasant or difficult one, is an attitude or feeling that you cannot change it and that you must get used to it. ...his calm acceptance of whatever comes his way. ≠ rejection 4 [N-UNCOUNT] Acceptance of someone into a group means beginning to think of them as part of the group and to act in a friendly way towards them. ...an ...

♦♦ ac|cept|ed / æks'eptɪd / [ADJ] oft adv ADJ Accepted ideas are agreed by most people to be correct or reasonable. There is no generally accepted definition of life... It is accepted wisdom that science has been partly responsible for the decline of religion. see also accept

♦ ac|cess / 'ækses / (accesses accessing accessed) 1 [N-UNCOUNT] usu N to n If you have access to a building or other place, you are able or allowed to go into it. The facilities have been adapted to give access to wheelchair users... Scientists have only recently been able to gain access to the area... The Mortimer Hotel offers easy access to central London. 2 [N-UNCOUNT] usu N to n If you have access to something such as information or equipment, you have the opportunity or right to see it or use it. ...a Code of Practice that would give patients right of access to their medical records. 3 [N-UNCOUNT] usu N to n If you have access to a person, you have the opportunity or right to see them or meet them. He was not allowed access to a lawyer. 4 [VERB] V n If you access something, especially information held on a computer, you succeed in finding or obtaining it. You've illegally accessed and misused confidential security files. ac|cess c...

ac|ces|sible / æks'esɪb ə l / 1 [ADJ] oft ADJ to n If a place or building is accessible to people, it is easy for them to reach it or get into it. If an object is accessible , it is easy to reach. The Centre is easily accessible to the general public... The premises are wheelchair accessible... ● accessibility [N-UNCOUNT] ...the easy accessibility of the area. 2 [ADJ] oft ADJ to n If something is accessible to people, they can easily use it or obtain it. The legal aid system should be accessible to more people... ● accessibility [N-UNCOUNT] ...the quality and accessibility of health care. 3 [ADJ] oft ADJ to n If you describe a book, painting, or other work of art as accessible , you think it is good because it is simple enough for people to understand and appreciate easily. ...literary books that are accessible to a general audience. ● accessibility [N-UNCOUNT] Seminar topics are chosen for their accessibility to a general audience.

ac|ces|sion / æks'eʃ ə n / [N-UNCOUNT] with poss, oft N to n Accession is the act of taking up a position as the ruler of a country. (FORMAL) ...the 50th anniversary of the Queen's accession to the throne.

ac|ces|so|ry / æks'esəri / (accessories) 1 [N-COUNT] usu pl Accessories are items of equipment that are not usually essential, but which can be used with or added to something else in order to make it more efficient, useful, or decorative. ...an exclusive range of hand-made bedroom and bathroom accessories. 2 [N-COUNT] usu pl Accessories are articles such as belts and scarves which you wear or carry but which are not part of your main clothing. 3 [N-COUNT] usu N to n If someone is guilty of being an accessory to a crime, they helped the person who committed it, or knew it was being committed but did not tell the police. (LEGAL) She was charged with being an accessory to the embezzlement of funds. = accomplice

♦ ac|ci|dent / 'æksɪdənt / (accidents) 1 [N-COUNT] An accident happens when a vehicle hits a person, an object, or another vehicle, causing injury or damage. She was involved in a serious car accident last week... Six passengers were killed in the accident. 2 [N-COUNT] If someone has an accident , something unpleasant happens to them that was not intended, sometimes causing injury or death. 5,000 people die every year because of accidents in the home... The police say the killing of the young man was an accident. 3 [N-VAR] usu by N If something happens by accident , it happens completely by chance. She discovered the problem by accident... = chance ac|ci|dent and emer|gen|cy [N-COUNT] The accident and emergency is the room or department in a hospital where people who have severe injuries or sudden illness are taken for emergency treatment. The abbreviation A & E is also used. (BRIT; in AM, use emergency room ) = A & E, casualty ac|ci...

ac|ci|den|tal / 'æksɪd'ent ə l / [ADJ] An accidental event happens by chance or as the result of an accident, and is not deliberately intended. The jury returned a verdict of accidental death... His hand brushed against hers; it could have been either accidental or deliberate. ≠ deliberate ● accidentally [ADV] ADV with v A policeman accidentally killed his two best friends with a single bullet... A special locking system means the door cannot be opened accidentally. ≠ deliberately

ac|claim / əkl'eɪm / (acclaims acclaiming acclaimed) 1 [VERB] usu passive, be V-ed for n/-ing, be V-ed as n, be V-ed n If someone or something is acclaimed , they are praised enthusiastically. (FORMAL) She has been acclaimed for the TV drama `Prime Suspect'... He was acclaimed as England's greatest modern painter... The group's debut album was immediately acclaimed a hip hop classic. ● acclaimed [ADJ] She has published six highly acclaimed novels. 2 [N-UNCOUNT] usu with supp, oft adj N Acclaim is public praise for someone or something. (FORMAL) Angela Bassett has won critical acclaim for her excellent performance... = praise

ac|cla|ma|tion / 'ækləm'eɪʃ ə n / 1 [N-UNCOUNT] Acclamation is a noisy or enthusiastic expression of approval for someone or something. (FORMAL) The news was greeted with considerable popular acclamation. = praise 2 [N-UNCOUNT] If someone is chosen or elected by acclamation , they are elected without a written vote. (FORMAL) At first it looked like I was going to win by acclamation.

ac|cli|ma|tize / əkl'aɪmətaɪz / (acclimatizes acclimatizing acclimatized) in BRIT, also use acclimatise [VERB] V to n, V pron-refl, V When you acclimatize or are acclimatized to a new situation, place, or climate, you become used to it. (FORMAL) The athletes are acclimatising to the heat by staying in Monte Carlo... This year he has left for St Louis early to acclimatise himself... They have been travelling for two days and will need some time to acclimatise. ● acclimatization [N-UNCOUNT] Acclimatization to higher altitudes may take several weeks. ● acclimatized [ADJ] usu v-link ADJ, oft ADJ to n It took her a while to get acclimatized to her new surroundings...

ac|co|lade / 'ækəleɪd / (accolades) [N-COUNT] If someone is given an accolade , something is done or said about them which shows how much people admire them. (FORMAL) The Nobel prize has become the ultimate accolade in the sciences... = tribute

ac|com|mo|date / ək'ɒmədeɪt / (accommodates accommodating accommodated) 1 [VERB] no cont, V n If a building or space can accommodate someone or something, it has enough room for them. The school in Poldown was not big enough to accommodate all the children... 2 [VERB] V n, be V-ed prep/adv To accommodate someone means to provide them with a place to live or stay. ...a hotel built to accommodate guests for the wedding of King Alfonso... Students are accommodated in homes nearby. 3 [VERB] V n If something is planned or changed to accommodate a particular situation, it is planned or changed so that it takes this situation into account. (FORMAL) The roads are built to accommodate gradual temperature changes... 4 [VERB] V n If you do something to accommodate someone, you do it with the main purpose of pleasing or satisfying them. He has never put an arm around his wife to accommodate photographers... = oblige

ac|com|mo|dat|ing / ək'ɒmədeɪtɪŋ / [ADJ] If you describe someone as accommodating , you like the fact that they are willing to do things in order to please you or help you. = obliging

♦ ac|com|mo|da|tion / ək'ɒməd'eɪʃ ə n / (accommodations) 1 [N-UNCOUNT] also N in pl Accommodation is used to refer to buildings or rooms where people live or stay. (BRIT; in AM, use accommodations ) The government will provide temporary accommodation for up to three thousand people... Rates are higher for deluxe accommodations. 2 [N-UNCOUNT] Accommodation is space in buildings or vehicles that is available for certain things, people, or activities. (FORMAL) The school occupies split-site accommodation on the main campus...