Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition

absorb v (TAKE IN)

accretion n
accrual n
accrue v
accumulate v
add v
addendum n
addition n
amplify v
append v
ascending adj
attenuate v
augment v
axe v
balloon v
billow v
bloat v
bloated adj (SWOLLEN)
boost v
boost n
broaden v (WIDER)
build-up n (INCREASE)
bulge v
bulge n
clip v (CUT)
compress v
condense v (REDUCE)
contract v (SHORTEN)
contraction n (REDUCTION)
crescendo n
cut v (REDUCE)
cut n (REDUCTION)
deaden v
decimate v
decline n
decompress v
decrease v
decrease n
deepen v (DOWN)
deflate v (MAKE SMALLER)
deflation n (MAKING SMALLER)
deplete v
depleted adj
depletion n
dilate v
diminish v
diminution n
distend v
dive v (BECOME LESS)
dive n (LOSS)
downsize v
downswing n
drain v (REDUCE)
drain n (REDUCE)
drop v (LOWER)
dwindle v
elongate v
-en suffix
engorged adj
enlarge v
enlargement n
escalate v
expand v
expansion n
explode v (INCREASE)
explosion n (INCREASE)

© Cambridge University Press 2013

 Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition

explosive adj (INCREASE)

extend v (INCREASE)
extend v (STRETCH)
extend v (REACH)
extendable adj
extension n (REACH)
fall v (BECOME LOWER)
fall n (LOWER AMOUNT)
falling adj
falling-off n
fan v (AIR)
fester v (FEELING)
flare v (MAKE WIDER)
foreshorten v
gain v (INCREASE)
gain n (INCREASE)
give v (STRETCH)
graft v (ADD PIECE)
grow v (INCREASE)
growing adj
growth n
halve v
heighten v
-ify suffix
increase v
increase n
increment n
incremental adj
inflame v
inflatable adj
inflate v (FILL WITH AIR)
intensify v
interpolate v
jump v (INCREASE)
leap v (HAPPEN SUDDENLY)
lengthen v
lessen v
let-up n
lift v (MAKE LOUD)
lower v (REDUCE)
magnification n
magnify v
maximize v
miniaturization n
minimize v
mission creep n
moderate v
moderation n (REDUCTION)
mount v (INCREASE)
mounting adj
multiply v
mushroom v
narrow v (LESS WIDE)
narrow v (LESS)
nosedive v
optimize v
outgrow v (SIZE)
pare v
plummet v
plunge v (FALL)
plunge n (REDUCTION)
proliferate v
prune v
quicken v
raise v (INCREASE)
recede v

© Cambridge University Press 2013

 Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition

redouble v
reduce v
reduction n
regenerate v (GROW)
retreat v (PRICE)
retreat n (PRICE)
rise v (INCREASE)
rise n (INCREASE)
rocket v
rundown n (REDUCTION)
sag n (DROP)
shrink v (BECOME SMALLER)
shrivel v
slash v
slip v (VALUE)
slippage n
snowball v
soar v (RISE QUICKLY)
soaring adj, at soar v (FLY)
speed-up n
spike n (LEVEL)
spike v (LEVEL)
spurt v (INCREASE)
spurt n (INCREASE)
stretch v (MAKE LONGER)
stripped down adj
subside v (LOWER LEVEL)
supersize v
supplement n
supplement v
surge n
surge v
swell v
tank v
taper v
telescope v
temper v (REDUCE)
temperature n (OF A SITUATION)
thin v (FEWER)
trim v (REDUCE)
trough v (LOW LEVEL)
truncate v
up adv (INCREASE)
upsurge n
weight v
widen v (DISTANCE)
widen v (AMOUNT)
winnow v
ax, at axe v
maximise, at maximize v
miniaturisation, at miniaturization n
minimise, at minimize v
optimise, at optimize v
skyrocket, at rocket v
thin out, at thin v (FEWER)
a blaze of sth
on the increase
less and less
raise/up the stakes
transfusion of sth
make/put a dent in sth idiom
ease sb's mind idiom
go through the floor idiom
add fuel to the fire/flames idiom
make a hole in sth idiom
broaden/expand/widen sb's horizons idiom

© Cambridge University Press 2013

 Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition

a new lease of life idiom

a nip (here) and a tuck (there) idiom
tall/great oaks from little acorns grow idiom
go into orbit idiom
pare sth (down) to the bone idiom
a snowball effect idiom
go into the stratosphere idiom
take a tumble idiom
a new lease on life, at a new lease of life idiom

© Cambridge University Press 2013