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Word of the Day

Word of the day

absquatulate

[ ab-skwoch-uh-leyt ] [ æbˈskwɒtʃ əˌleɪt ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

verb

to flee; abscond.

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Why Dictionary.com chose absquatulate

More about absquatulate

  • First recorded in 1820–30.
  • Formed from ab-, “away from,” and squat, “to sit in a low or crouching position.”
  • A pseudo-Latinism, it parallels Latin-derived words with initial abs– like abscond and abstention and final –tulate, as in congratulate.
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EXAMPLES OF ABSQUATULATE

  • The mischievous cat managed to absquatulate every time the door was left open.
  • When they heard the police sirens approaching, the burglars decided to absquatulate from the scene of the crime.

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Word of the day

flabbergast

[ flab-er-gast ] [ ˈflæb ərˌgæst ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

verb

to overcome with surprise and bewilderment; astound.

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Why Dictionary.com chose flabbergast

More about flabbergast

  • First recorded around 1765–75.
  • A variant of flabagast, which may be a combination of flabb(y), “hanging loosely or limply” or flap, “a blow given with something broad and flat,” and aghast, “struck with overwhelming shock.”
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EXAMPLES OF FLABBERGAST

  • The magician’s disappearing act never failed to flabbergast the audience.
  • The unexpected news about the new mayor flabbergasted the community.

It’s National Poetry Month, and we’ve created a challenge that really is for everyone. Submit now!

20240103
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Word of the day

tortuous

[ tawr-choo-uhs ] [ ˈtɔr tʃu əs ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

adjective

full of twists, turns, or bends; twisting, winding, or crooked.

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Why Dictionary.com chose tortuous

More about tortuous

  • First recorded in 1350–1400.
  • Comes via Middle English from the Latin word tortuōsus, which derives from the verb torquēre, “to twist, bend.”
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EXAMPLES OF TORTUOUS

  • The tortuous road through the mountains made for a challenging but scenic drive.
  • The author’s writing style was known for its elegant prose and tortuous plot twists.

It’s National Poetry Month, and we’ve created a challenge that really is for everyone. Submit now!

20240103
Word of the Day Calendar
Word of the Day Calendar