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…
Word of the Day
Daily definitions and usage information for all who want to increase and hone their vocabulary.
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…
intercept
transitive verb to stop or seize, thereby interrupting the movement or progress of.The police intercepted the thieves as they attempted to escape.The smugglers’ boat was intercepted by the Coast Guard. noun an…
baffle
transitive verb to bewilder; confuse.The professor’s abstruse explanation baffled the students.His wife’s sudden departure baffled him. noun a device for obstructing, deflecting, or controlling the movement of gases, liquid, sound waves, or…