transitive verb to use in an improper or incorrect manner; misuse.If you abuse your privileges, you will lose them.He began to abuse alcohol after his divorce. noun improper or incorrect use; misuse.The…
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…
accumulate
transitive verb to amass; collect.Now a millionaire, the tycoon began to accumulate many priceless paintings from Europe. intransitive verb to become greater; increase.Dust accumulated under all the furniture.Water accumulated in the leaky…
degrade
transitive verb 1. to bring (someone or something) down in moral or intellectual character; deprave; debase.The board felt that such risqué literature would degrade the minds of the youth. 2. to bring…
institute
transitive verb to establish or set in operation.The government has instituted a policy that will restrict imports.The company is instituting new procedures for hiring.The goal of the radicals was to institute a…