In each of the following questions, out of the given alternatives,choose the one which best expresses the meaning of the given word.
Damp squib
Answer: C
It is an unsuccessful attempt.
A damp squib is something that fails to produce the effect intended. The squib was a firework, which will not go off if it has got wet.
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Fiasco
Answer: B
It is failure.
A fiasco is a complete and humiliating failure. Triumph and accomplishment are its opposites. The Italian word means a flask, and how it came to mean a failure is not settled.
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Spew
Answer: C
It is to come forth in a flush.
To spew is to pour or vomit out in a stream. Taking up liquids is the opposite direction of flow.
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Ravish
Answer: A
It is misuse.
To ravish is to seize and carry off by force, and so to violate. The adjective ravishing, meaning delightful, comes from the other sense of being carried away - the same root pulling in opposite directions.
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Estrange
Answer: A
It is alienate.
To estrange is to make someone hostile or indifferent where there had been affection, from the Latin for making strange. Engage and combine are its opposites.
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Devoid
Answer: D
It is lacking.
Devoid means entirely without - devoid of interest. Filled and complete are its opposites.
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Attrition
Answer: D
It is decline.
Attrition is the gradual wearing down of strength, from the Latin for rubbing against - a war of attrition. Strengthening is its opposite, and attraction merely resembles it.
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Malediction
Answer: B
It is a curse against someone.
Malediction means a curse, from the Latin male dicere, to speak ill - the exact opposite of benediction. An omen is a sign of what is to come, which may be good or bad and involves no speaker.
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Incidence
Answer: D
It is the range of occurrence.
Incidence means the rate or extent at which something occurs - the incidence of malaria. It is not the same as incidents, which are the individual events.
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Meddle
Answer: D
It is interfere.
To meddle is to involve oneself in what is not one's business. Stay out of and overlook are its opposites.
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