AN APPROACH TO A SONG

A guide for making effective performance choices for singing on stage

PREPARE
Explore the repertoire.
Select your song.
Prepare music for accompanist.
Record melody and accompaniment.

I. INVESTIGATE THE MATERIAL- Make no decisions.

A. Investigate the music.
1. Explore the melody.
a. Learn the notes as written.
b. Learn the rhythms as written.
c. Rehearse melody line on neutral syllable (ex. Mah)
2. Explore the composer’s choices.
a. Dynamic markings.
b. Indication of tempo— changes in tempo
c. Key- ideal for you?
d. Structure of song.
3. Explore the phrasing of the musical line.
a. Places to breathe.
b. Locate the musical climax.
c. Rehearse these choices Singing melody (mah).
4. Explore the style of the music.
a. Is this a ballad or rhythm song?
b. Is the melody legato or staccato and when?
c. Is the musical style rock, gospel, country, blues, patter,
folk, ragtime, jazz, show tune, operetta?
5. What is the feeling of the music?
a. Describe in emotional adjectives- happy, angry,
sad, yearning, melancholy, ecstatic, lonely, etc.
6. With your recording, rehearse singing the melody with the pianist
playing the accompaniment: no melody.

B. Investigate the lyric.

1. What is each line talking about?
2. What are the key words?
3. What are the key phrases?
4. Define words that are unfamiliar.
5. Note punctuation
a. Speak the lyric with punctuation.
b. How does the punctuation influence phrasing?
II. WHAT IS THE SONG ABOUT? ESSENCE
A. What human emotion, struggle, need did the author mean to portray
when he/she wrote this song?

III. WHAT IS THE CHARACTER (WHAT AM I) FEELING?

IV. WHAT IS THE DRAMATIC CIRCUMSTANCE?

A. Circumstance, Relationship, Intention.
1. Who is the character? (Who are you)
a. Adjectives describing the character? A brief character
sketch— Age, education, social status, flaws, assets,
posture, home life, simple, naive, flirtatious, insecure,
mean-spirited, sophisticated, uneducated, etc.
b. Brief history of the character.
c. What is the moment before? BE SPECIFIC.
d. OBJECTIVE ;What do I want? Need?
e. What is the conflict? (exterior and/or interior) Obstacle?
f. To whom am I talking? Self, another, group, audience?
Relationship?
g. Specific physical qualities of your character.
h. Environment- specif ic physical location, time of day, season,
etc.

V. PERSONALIZE CIRCUMSTANCES USING "AS IF''.

A. An emotionally parallel situation.

VI. PARAPHRASE, PARTICULARIZE AND/OR CREATE SUBTEXT FOR EACH LINE

A. Particularization- create your personal examples chosen from your imagination

or experience which emotionally clarify and connect you to each line.
B. Subtext-the meaning behind the words which is hidden below the text. Create
dialogue which leads to action.
C. Paraphrase- Put the lyric in your own language- if it isn't already.

D. Know what you are saying- you can't act what you don't know. Know in your
heart and your brain.

VII. IMPROVISATION- using Circumstance, Relationship, Intention.

A. Improvise as a spoken MONOLOGUE
1. Improvise entire song
2. Improvise line by line
 B. Improvise singing
1. Improvise entire song
2. Improvise line by line
C. Through improvisation discover:
1. Actions- through action-the spine and supporting actions
2. Focus
3. Movement, gestures, choreography
4. Phrasing, breaths, coloration, dynamics
5. Button

VIII. WORK ON MUSIC AND POETRY

A. Re-check rhythm and pitches.
B. Decide where to breathe and mark music
C. Stress words, weight of lyrics, circle stressed words on music D.
Coloration of words, tone.
E. Consonants
F. Liquid sounds.
G. Diction, place vowels, diphthongs.
H. Alliterations.
I. Rhymes.
J. Onomatopoeia.
K. Metaphorical language (Lyrics used to point out comparisons-metaphor, simile).
L The words but,yet,so and Oh! should always be noted.
.

IX. PUTTING MUSIC AND ACTING TOGETHER.

A. Make sure your action choices and your musical choices compliment each other.

X. CHECK TO SEE IF YOU'VE MADE THE "AIR" ACTIVE.

A. The air should be filled with action, reaction off partner or inner monologue

XI. CHECK JOURNEY OF SONG

A. Beginning, middle, end.
B. Climax.

XII MARK MUSIC FOR ACCOMPANIST

A. Dynamics, breaths, tempo changes, cue

ADVICE ON THE APPROACH

Once these skills are in place, they should become the foundation, and NOT the performance. The audience should be
aware of the physical and vocal quality you bring to the role, not your technique. Once the approach skills become
organic, they will pave the way for your passion and unique qualities to blossom in your performance. The work is done
so when it comes to performance, take a breath and go! Get out of your head and live in the moment. Be alive and
present and work from your heart and soul. You have to trust the work you've done will be there. It's homework. Leave it
at home.
 MUSICAL THEATRE SONG CHART
KNOWING DOING
LINE (every lyric, plus air)
Paraphrase Particularization Subtext Action/Tactic
1. Personal/Imagination
Movement Music Beat
Literal meaning of the words Feeling under the lines
2. Character

In your own words - Say the line in All movement must Dynamic Break
Musical Introduction: "A personal For each phrase,
what is the literal example chosen choose active be honest and Markings down the
AIR - music without your own words - spontaneous.
meaning of each from your verbs to plot the (p, m, mf, ff) song into
lyrics These are your ALLOW things to
line? Imagination which TACTICS etc. smaller
Must have an action emotional clarifies Inner thoughts (also know as happen, do not beats
or inner thought or a the material.' and feelings, and intentions or force them. Avoid using the
reaction. It must This should be from Sanford Meisner Intentions not steps) you are “cute" or “showy" Musical
taking to reach song
never be empty the lyricist's point of gestures. Only Climax(es)
view, not your own
The history or reason expressed In the your objective structure
write down specific as a guide
interpretation of the for WHY you say each line AND/OR choose
gestures that you Crescendo .
Draw a line across the line phrase an ACTION that
reflects your feel are necessary.
page to divide and
delineate each new You must find your Instead of the obstacle or Decrescendo Define the
emotional truth and something that Any movement journey by
thought/idea connect to what the given text , what happens on the should be And any other making a
Define any composer and lyricist moment motivated by
Note: this will NOT have written . In your own would you really pertinent three act
unfamiliar words words describe a person , thought and action. markings play with a
ALWAYS be place or thing that say if you could?
Make sure your beginning,
determined by the of phrases. emotionally connects you This is also where
to each line . DO NOT choices give middle
Musical Phrasing any staging or
REPHRASE THE LINE OR you something and end.
SUBTEXT. to DO. Example choreography
Often the would be noted. If there are
Choreography during This is also where in most cases
subtext is the no markings
Interludes should have you would put your There are three ways to "to tell” is too
find a particularization opposite of on the sheet
"inner monologue" - placid, but to
choices too! that connects you to the what the line music, you
the thoughts demand” Is a
lines.
literally means. must make
between the lines more actable
•*
1. From a personal choices
when there is AIR. choice.
experience or memory -
this should connect to Must compliment the
and/or support your AS composer’s musical
IF. choices.

2. From the character's

history, using the given Refer to the
circumstances i.e., if verb List
working from a book included in the
musical
syllabus and the
3. From your book - "
imagination ACTIONS: The
OR ANY Actor's
COMBINATION OF Thesaurus"
THESE
 ACTIVE VERBS FOR DRAMATIC ACTION
The best verbs are those that can be manifested as a physical action.
Remember not all ACTIONS are TACTICS.
TACTICS are used in order to achieve your objective
ACTIONS may also reflect your obstacle or something that just happens in the moment

ADMONISH – cautions against specific faults; warns. Reproves mildly, urges or exhorts. Informs or reminds by way of warning.
AFFRONT – insult openly or purposely; offend; slight. Confront defiantly.
AGITATE – excite or disturb the feelings of.
ALLAY – put fears, etc. to rest; quiet; calm. To alleviate of pain, grief, etc.
ALLURE – to tempt with something desirable; attract; entice.
ANTAGONIZE – to act in opposition to; oppose or counteract. Make an enemy of.
APPROACH – to make advances, a proposal or a request to.
ASSUAGE – to lessen (pain, distress, etc.). To calm (passion, anger, etc.)
ASSURE – to convince, make a person sure of something. To give confidence to; reassure.
AVOID – keep away from; shun; evade.

BABY – to treat like a baby; pamper, coddle.

BADGER – to torment as if baiting a badger; nag at.
BAIT – to torment or harass with unprovoked, vicious, repeated attacks; teases or goads, especially so as to provoke a reaction.
BAMBOOZLE – deceive or chat by trickery; to dupe. Confuse or puzzle.
BARGAIN – to form an agreement on the terms of a transaction or sale. Offering something in return for a desired action or item.

BEG – ask for earnestly and humbly as a kindness or favor.

BELITTLE – make seem little, less important. To depreciate.
BERATE – to scold or rebuke severely.
BESEECH – to ask earnestly of someone; entreat; implore.
BEWITCH – to enchant; cast a spell on.
BOMBARD – keep attacking or pressing with questions, suggestions; etc.
BRIBE – to persuade to act improperly in one’s favor by a gift of money, services, etc.
BULLY – to hurt, frighten or tyrannize over, as a bully does; browbeat.

CAJOLE – to coax with flattery and insincere talk; to wheedle.

CALM – to make calm; still; quiet.
CARESS – to gently stroke, treat kindly or affectionately.
CARP AT – to complain or find fault in a petty or nagging way.
CASTIGATE – to punish or rebuke severely, especially by harsh public criticism.
CASTRATE – to remove the testicles of; to remove vigor.
CAUTION – to urge to be cautious; warn; make wary.
CENSURE – to express strong disapproval of; condemn as wrong.
CHALLENGE – to call to account; make objection to; call into question. Call or dare to take part in a duel or contest. To defy.
CHARM – to give delight or arouse admiration. To entice. Delight, captivate.
CHASTISE – scold or condemn severely.
CHEER – to fill with joy, good spirits, hope, gladness.
CHIDE – reprove mildly.
COACH – to instruct or train.
COAX – to induce or try to induce to do something; persuade by soothing words, agreeable manner, etc.
CODDLE – treat tenderly.
COMFORT – soothe in distress or sorrow; ease misery or grief of; bring consolation or hope to.
COMMAND – give an order or orders to: direct with authority
COMPEL – to force, constrain. Bring about (an action) by force or by rousing strong interest, attention, conviction, or admiration.
CONCEDE – Admit as true or valid; acknowledge
CONDEMN – pass an adverse judgment on: disapprove of strongly; censure.
CONDESCEND TO – descend voluntarily to the level, regard as lower, of the person that one is dealing with
CONFESS – admit a fault, crime, etc.
CONFIDE – tell or talk about as a secret
CONFRONT – face or oppose boldly, defiantly, or antagonistically.
CONFUSE – to perplex, disconcert, embarrass.
CONGRATULATE – express pleasure at one’s good fortune, success, etc.
CONTRADICT – assert the opposite of what someone else has said.
CORNER – drive or force into a corner or awkward position, so that escape is difficult.
CORRECT – make right. Change from wrong to right. Point out errors or faults.
COUNSEL – give advice to; urge the acceptance of something. Recommend.
COURT – pay respectful or flattering attention to.
COW – to make timid and submissive by filling with fear or awe; intimidate.
COWER – shrink and tremble from someone’s anger, threats or blows. Cringe.

DARE – oppose and defy. Challenge someone to do something hard or dangerous as a test of courage.
DEFEND – guard from attack; keep from harm or danger; protect; support; maintain; or justify.
DEFY – resist or oppose boldly or openly.
DEGRADE – lower in rank or status, as in punishing; demote. Lower or corrupt in quality, moral character, value, etc.; debase.
DELIGHT – to please greatly.
DEMAND – ask for boldly or urgently.
DEMEAN – lower in status or character; degrade; humble.
DENOUNCE – accuse publicly. Condemn strongly.
DENY – declare untrue; contradict. Refuse to accept as true or right; reject as unfounded, unreal, etc.
DERIDE – laugh at in contempt or scorn; make fun of; ridicule.
DESTROY – to pull or break down. Ruin financially, professionally, or in reputation. Defeat.
DETER – keep or discourage from doing something by instilling fear, anxiety, doubt, etc.
DEVASTATE – to cause great destruction to; overwhelm with shock or grief.
DICTATE – command expressly. Impose or give orders with or as with authority.
DIMINISH – make seem smaller; reduce in importance, degree, etc.
DISCARD – throw away, abandon, or get rid of as no longer valuable or useful.
DISCOUNT – To disregard as unreliable or unimportant.
DISCREDIT – to harm to reparation. To refuse to believe or cause to be disbelieved.
DISCOURAGE – deprive of courage, hope or confidence; dishearten; advise or persuade (a person) to refrain.
DISMISS – send away; cause or allow to leave.
DISOBEY – refuse or fail to obey.
DISREGARD – pay little or no attention to. Treat without due respect; slight.
DISSUADE – turn a person aside (from a course, etc.) by persuasion or advice.
DISTRACT – draw (the mind, attention, etc.) away in another direction; divert.
DIVERT – turn (a person) aside (from a course, direction, etc.); deflect. Distract the attention of. Amuse; entertain.
DODGE – evade by trickery, cleverness, etc.
DOMINATE – rule or control by superior power or influence.
DOTE UPON – excessively or foolishly fond of something or someone.
DISPARAGE – lower in esteem; discredit. Speak slightingly of; show disrespect for; belittle.
DISREGARD – pay little or no attention to. Treat without due respect; slight.
DITCH – get rid of or get away from (an unwanted companion, etc.)

EASES – free from pain, worry or trouble; comfort. Lessen or alleviate (pain, anxiety, etc.). Make easier, facilitate.
EGGS ON – urges or incites.
ELUDES – avoids or escapes from by quickness, cunning, etc. Evades.
EMBARRASS – cause to feel self-conscious, confused, and ill at ease; disconcert; fluster.
ENCOURAGE – give courage, hope, or confidence to; embolden; hearten.
ENDEAR – to make dear to or beloved by.
ENGAGE – draw into; involve. Attract and hold (the attention of, etc.).
ENMESH – entangle in or as in a net.
ENTICE – attract by offering hope of reward or pleasure; tempt; allure.
ENTRAP – to catch, as in a trap; beguile or trick.
ENTREAT – ask earnestly; beg; beseech; implore.
EVADE – avoid or escape from by deceit or cleverness; elude. Avoid doing or answering directly; get around.
EXPOSE – to leave uncovered or unprotected; cause to be liable to or in danger of; reveal the identity or fact of.

FAULT – blame or criticize; find an excuse to blame.

FISH FOR – try to get something indirectly or by cunning, as a compliment.
FLATTER – praise excessively, untruly, or insincerely, as in order to win favor. Try to please or ingratiate oneself through
praise and attention.
FLAUNT – make a gaudy, ostentatious, conspicuous, impudent, or defiant display. Show off proudly, defiantly.

FLIRT – make love without serious intentions, play at love.

FLOUT – mock or scoff at; show scorn or contempt for.
FOIL – keep from being successful; thwart; frustrate.
FORCE – to compel; impose by or as by force (with on or upon); produce by unusual or unnatural effort.
FORBID – rule against; to not permit; prohibit. Command to stay away from. Make impossible; prevent.
FORGIVE – give up resentment against or the desire to punish; stop being angry with; pardon.
FORTIFY – make strong or stronger; to strengthen physically, emotionally.

GAG – to keep from speaking or expressing oneself freely, as by intimidation.

GIBE – to jeer; taunt; scoff.
GLOAT – to express great, often malicious pleasure or self-satisfaction.
GOAD – to prod into action; urge on.
GRATE – to irritate; annoy; fret.
GRATIFY – to give in to; indulge; humor.
GRILL - to question relentlessly; cross-examine searchingly.
GROVEL – to behave humbly or abjectly, as before authority. To debase oneself in a servile fashion.
GUARD – to defend; shield. Hold in check; control; restrain.

HALT – to bring to a stop, especially temporarily.

HAMPER – keep from moving or acting freely; hinder; impede; encumber.
HARASS – to trouble, worry, or torment, as with cares, debts, repeated questions, etc.
HECKLE – to annoy or harass by interrupting with questions or taunts.
HINDER – to keep back; restrain; get in the way of; prevent; make difficult for.
HENPECK – to nag and dominate.
HOUND – Nag. Urge on.
HUMBLE – to lower in pride; make modest, humble in mind.
HUMILIATE – to hurt the pride or dignity of by causing to be or seem foolish or contemptible; mortify.
HUMOR – to comply with the mood or whim of another; indulge. Act in agreement with the nature of; adapt oneself to.
HURRY – cause to move or act more rapidly or too rapidly; drive; move; send; force or carry with haste.
HURT – to cause mental distress or pain to; wound the feelings of; offend.
HUSH – to stop from making noise; make quiet or silent. Soothe, calm; lull.
HUSTLE – to force in a rough, hurried manner. To con.

IGNORE – to disregard deliberately; pay no attention to; refuse to consider.

ILLUMINATE - to light up; make bright. Help to explain (a subject, etc.). To enlighten spiritually or intellectually. Shed
luster on.
IMPEL – to force, compel, or urge; incite; constrain.
IMPLICATE – to imply
IMPLORE – ask or begs earnestly for; to beseech.
IMPLY – to indicate indirectly or by allusion; hint; suggest; intimate.
IMPOSE – to force oneself, one’s presence or will, etc. on another or others without right or invitation; obtrudes.
IMPUGN – to attack by argument or criticism; oppose or challenge as false or questionable.
INCITE – to urge to action; stir up; rouse.
INDULGE – to yield to or satisfy (a desire). Gratify the wishes of; be very lenient with; humor.
INFLAME – to arouse passion; desire or violence in; excite intensely, as with anger.
INHIBIT – to hold back or keep from some action, feeling, etc.; to check or repress.
INJURE – to offend (one’s feelings, pride, etc.)
INSPECT – to look closely at or into. Examine.
INSULT – to treat or speak to with scorn, insolence, or great disrespect.
INTERROGATE – ask questions of (formally, as in examining)
INTERRUPT – to break into or in upon (a discussion, train or thought, etc.) while a person is speaking, working, etc. To stop
or hinder.
INTERVENE – to come between as something unnecessary or irrelevant. Come between as an influencing force, as in order
to modify, settle or hinder some action, argument, etc.
INTIMATE – to make known indirectly; hint or imply.
INVITE – to ask courteously to come somewhere or to do something; request the presence or participation of.

JEER – to make fun of in a rude, sarcastic manner; to mock; taunt; scoff (at).
JUDGE – to criticize or censure.
JUSTIFY – to show to be just, right or in accord with reason. To vindicate.

KNOCK – to find fault with; criticize adversely.

LAMBAST – to scold severely.

LASH OUT AT – to attack violently in words; censure or rebuke.
LAUD – to praise; extol.
LECTURE – to rebuke or scold at length.
LULL – to calm or soothe by gentle sound or motion.
LURE – to attract or tempt with an irresistible force to something harmful or evil.

MENACE – to threaten.
MINIMIZE – to make appear to be of the least possible amount, value or importance.
MOCK – to hold up to scorn or contempt. To ridicule.
MOTHER – look after or care for as a mother does.

NAG – annoy by continuous scolding, faultfinding; complaining, urging, etc.

NEEDLE – to provoke into doing something; goad; prod; tease or heckle.
NUTURE – the process of bringing up; nourishment; fostering care.

OBLIGE – to compel by moral, legal, or physical force; constrain; make indebted for a kindness done; do a favor for.
OBSTRUCT – hinder (progress, an activity, etc.); to impede.
ORDER – to instruct to do something; command.
P

PACIFY – make peaceful or calm; appease; tranquilize.

PAMPER – to overindulge. Give in easily to the wishes of; coddle; indulge.
PARDON – excuse or forgive a person for some minor fault, discourtesy etc.
PATRONIZE – treat or deal with in a condescending manner.
PESTER – to annoy constantly or repeatedly with petty irritations; bothers; vexes.
PICK AT – look for and find excuse or occasion for a quarrel or fight.
PLAGUE – to vex; harass; trouble; torment.
PLACATE – to stop from being angry; appease; pacify; mollify.
PLEAD – to make an earnest appeal; supplicates; begs.
PLEASE – to be agreeable to; give pleasure to; satisfy.
PLEDGE TO – to make promises to give.
POKE AT – to intrude; meddle; pry or search.
PRAISE – to commend the worth of; express approval or admiration of.
PREACH – to give religious or moral advice, especially in a tiresome manner. To urge strongly or persistently.
PRESS – to urge or request earnestly or persistently; entreat; importune.
PRESSURE – the exertion of continuous force on or against a body; constraining influence; apply pressure to; coerce.
PREVENT – to stop or keep from doing something; to hinder.
PROBE – to investigate or examine with great thoroughness.
PROD – to goad, urge or incite into action.
PROMPT – urge into action; provoke. Remind a person of something s/he had forgotten.
PROPOSE – to put forth for consideration.
PROTECT – shield from injury, danger or loss; guard; defend.
PROVOKE – to excite to some action or feeling. Anger, irritate, or annoy.
PRY – to look closely and inquisitively or inquire presumptuously; peer or snoop.
PUNISH – treat harshly or injuriously.
PURSUE – follow with intent to overtake or capture or do harm to; to follow or engage in.
PUSH – urge on; impel; press.
PUT DOWN – belittle, reject, criticize, or humiliate.
PUT OUT – to inconvenience.

QUIET – to make quiet; calm or pacify. To bring to rest.

RAG – to tease, scold.

RAZZ – to tease, ridicule, deride, heckle, etc.
REBUFF – to refuse bluntly; snub.
REBUKE – to blame or scold in a sharp way; reprimand.
RECOMMEND – to suggest favorably as suited for some use, function, position, etc. Advise, counsel; suggest.
REFUSE – decline to accept; reject.
REFUTE – prove a person to be wrong.
REJECT – refuse to take, agree to, use, believe, etc. Discards or throws out as worthless, useless, or substandard; casts off or
out.
REPEL – to drive back; ward off; refuse admission or approach or acceptance.
REPRIMAND – rebuke severely or formally.
REPROACH – accuse of and blame for a fault so as to make feel ashamed; rebuke; reprove.
REPROVE – speak to in disapproval; rebuke. Express disapproval of something done or said; censure.
REPUDIATE – to refuse to have anything to do with; disown or cast off publicly. To refuse to accept or support; deny the validity
or authority of.
RESIST – to withstand; oppose; fend off; stand firm against; fight, argue, or work against; to refuse to cooperate with, submit, etc.
RESTRAIN – to hold back from action; check, suppress, curb. Keep under control.
RETALIATE AGAINST – to return like for like; especially to return evil for evil; pay back injury for injury.
RETREAT FROM – withdraw from in the face of opposition or from a dangerous or unpleasant situation.
REVOLT AGAINST – to refuse to submit to authority, custom, etc.; rebel; mutiny.
RIB – to tease or make fun of.
RIDE – to control, dominate, tyrannize over, oppress, torment, harass, or tease by making the butt of ridicule, criticism, etc.
RIDICULE – to make the object of scornful laughter; make fun of; deride.
ROAST – to criticize severely or ridicule without mercy.
ROMANCE – to make love to; woo. Seek to gain the favor of, as by flattery, gifts, etc.; courts.
RUSH – to make or cause to move, go or act with unusual or excessive speed; haste; hurries.

SADDLE – to load or encumber, as with a burden. Impose as a burden or obligation, etc.

SASS – to talk impudently to.
SCARE – to fill with fear or terror; especially, to frighten suddenly or startle; terrify.
SCOFF – to mock or deride.
SCORN – to treat with contempt. Refuse or reject as wrong or disgraceful.
SCRUTINIZE – to look at very carefully; examine closely; inspect minutely.
SEDUCE – to persuade to do something disloyal, disobedient, etc. Persuade or tempt to evil or wrongdoing; lead astray. To
entice.
SERMONIZE – to preach to; especially in a dogmatic, moralizing fashion; lecture.
SHAME – to cause to feel shame; make ashamed. To dishonor or disgrace. Drive, force or impel by a sense of shame.
SHIELD – to provide a shield for; defend; protect; guard.
SHUN – to keep away from; avoid scrupulously or consistently.
SILENCE – to cause to be silent; still; quiet. Put down; repress.
SLAP DOWN – to rebuke, suppress or rebuff harshly.
SLIGHT – to treat with disrespect or indifference; to be discourteous toward. Treat as unimportant.
SMOTHER – to suffocate; stifle; overwhelm with (kisses, kindness, etc.); extinguish or deaden by covering; keep from notice or
publicity; defeat rapidly or utterly.
SNUB – to treat with scorn, contempt, disdain, etc.; behave coldly toward; slight or ignore.
SOOTHE – to make calm or composed, as by gentle treatment, flattery, etc.; appease; mollify. Allay or relieve pain, etc.;
assuage.
SPURN – to push or drive away contemptuously with or as with the foot. Refuse or reject with contempt or disdain; scorn
STALL – to put off or delay by speaking evasively or hesitantly.
STIFLE – to suppress or repress; hold back; check, stop, inhibit.
STRENGTHEN – to make or become stronger; encourage a person to vigorous action.
STULTIFY – to make seem foolish, stupid, inconsistent, etc.; make absurd or ridiculous.
SUCCUMB TO – to give way to; yield; submit.
SUPPORT – to give courage, faith or confidence to; help or comfort. Give approval to or be in favor of.
SUPPRESS – to put down by force; subdue; quell, crush. Keep back, restrain, check.
SUSTAIN – to strengthen the spirit, courage, etc. of; comfort; buoy up; encourage.
SWAGGER – to boast, brag, or show off in a loud, superior manner or behavior.

TANTALIZE – to tease or disappoint by promising or showing something desirable and then withholding it.
TAUNT – reproach in scornful or sarcastic language; jeer at; mock. Drive or provoke a person by taunting.
TEASE – to annoy or harass by persistent mocking or poking fun, playful fooling, etc. Excite sexually in a coquettish, unfulfilling
way.
TEMPORIZE – to give temporary compliance or agreement, evade immediate decision, etc. so as to gain time or avoid argument.
Effect a compromise; negotiate.
TEMPT – to try to persuade; induce or entice, especially to something immoral or sensually pleasurable.
TEST – to make trial of (a person or thing or quality). To try severely; tax a person’s powers of endurance, etc. To cause to
undergo a test.
THREATEN – to express his or her intention to inflict punishment, reprisal, etc.
THWART – to hinder, obstruct, frustrate, or defeat a person, plan, wishes, etc.
TICKLE – to please, gratify, delight.
TITILATE – to excite or stimulate pleasurably.
TOP – to surpass, outdo as if one is better, more effective, funnier, etc. than.
TORMENT – to cause great physical pain or mental anguish. Annoy, harass, or tease.
TORTURE – to cause extreme physical or mental pain to; agonizes.
TOY WITH – to engage in flirtation; dally.
TRAMPLE – to treat harshly or ruthlessly; domineer over.
TRIVIALIZE – to regard or treat as trivial; make seem unimportant.
TROUBLE – to disturb or agitate. Cause mental agitation to; worry; harass; perturb; vex. Cause pain or discomfort to; afflict.
Pester; annoy, tease, bother, etc.
TYRANNIZE OVER – to rule with absolute power. Govern or use authority harshly or cruelly; treat tyrannically; oppress.

UPBRAID – rebuke severely or bitterly; censure sharply.

UPHOLD – to give moral or spiritual support or encouragement to.
URGE – to press upon the attention; present or speak of earnestly and repeatedly; plead, allege, or advocate strongly; entreat or
plead with ; ask, persuade, or solicit earnestly; press; exhort.

VAMP – to seduce or beguile a man by the use of feminine charms.

VAUNT TO – boasts; brags.
VETO – to forbid; prohibit; refuse consent to.
VEX – to give trouble to, especially in a petty or nagging way; disturb, annoy, irritate, etc.
VIE WITH – struggle for superiority with someone or enter into competition for something; compete.
VILIFY – to use abusive language about or of; calumniates; reviles; defames.
VITUPERATE TO – to speak abusively to or about; berate; revile.

WARN – tell a person of danger, coming evil, misfortune, etc.; put on guard; caution. Caution about certain acts; admonish.
Notify in advance. Give notice to a person to stay or keep off, away, etc.
WHEEDLE – to influence or persuade a person by flattery, soothing words, coaxing, etc.
WITHDRAW – to take back or draw back; retract or recall a statement, etc.
WOUND – to inflict pain or injury.

YIELD TO – give up under pressure; surrender.