noun an event causing extreme harm, suffering, or destruction; disaster.Wild fires, extreme flooding, and other calamities have plagued the state this year.The closing of the factory was a calamity for the many families who depended on…
Word of the Day
Daily definitions and usage information for all who want to increase and hone their vocabulary.
Weekly Quiz
With the Wordsmyth Vocabulary Center activities, you can study these words, play games with them, and assess your knowledge of their meanings with a quiz. Go to the Vocabulary Center, the words…
ordeal
noun a painful, exhausting, or emotionally trying experience, esp. when regarded as a test of a person’s endurance or character.A medical internship can be as much an ordeal as a learning experience.The…
treachery
noun violation of faith or allegiance; betrayal.His treachery in cheating his own brother saddened their family. See the full entry
betray
transitive verb 1. to be disloyal to; commit treason against.A spy can be tempted to betray his own country. 2. to be unfaithful to.They say he betrayed the gang by associating with…