Verbs – 9/05/2023

Contents
To bunch .................................................................................................................................................. 1
To bundle................................................................................................................................................. 1
To propel ................................................................................................................................................. 2
To impel ................................................................................................................................................... 2
To compel ................................................................................................................................................ 2
To jostle ................................................................................................................................................... 2
To push .................................................................................................................................................... 2
To float .................................................................................................................................................... 3
To shove .................................................................................................................................................. 4
To burden ................................................................................................................................................ 4
To grow .................................................................................................................................................... 5
To expand ................................................................................................................................................ 5
To prosper ............................................................................................................................................... 6
To escalate ............................................................................................................................................... 6
To grow .................................................................................................................................................... 6
To calculate.............................................................................................................................................. 6
To cajole .................................................................................................................................................. 7
To evade .................................................................................................................................................. 7
To strain ................................................................................................................................................... 7
To draw .................................................................................................................................................... 8
To bungle ............................................................................................................................................... 10

To bunch
v.tr.
1. To gather or form into a cluster: bunched my fingers into a fist.
2. To gather together into a group.
3. To gather (fabric) into folds.
v.intr.
1. To form a cluster or group: runners bunching up at the starting line.
2. To be gathered together in folds, as fabric.
3. To swell; protrude.

To bundle
v.tr.
1. To tie, wrap, or gather together.

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2. To dispatch or dispense of quickly and with little fuss; hustle: bundled the child off to school.
3. To dress (a person) warmly: bundled them up in winter clothes.
v.intr.
1. To hurry; hasten: The children came bundling in from outside.
2. To sleep in the same bed while fully clothed, a custom formerly practiced by engaged couples in N
ew England and in Wales.
Phrasal Verb:
bundle up
To dress oneself warmly.
Idioms:
bundle of joy
A baby.
bundle of nerves
An extremely nervous person.

To propel
tr.v. pro·pelled, pro·pel·ling, pro·pels
1. To cause to move forward or onward. See Synonyms at push.
2. To cause to develop or progress: a misunderstanding that propels the story forward.

To impel
vb (tr) , -pels, -pelling or -pelled
1. to urge or force (a person) to an action; constrain or motivate
2. to push, drive, or force into motion

To compel
tr.v. com·pelled, com·pel·ling, com·pels
1. To force (a person) to do something; drive or constrain: The court compelled the company to pay fu
ll restitution. My conscience compels me to speak out. See Synonyms at force.
2. To necessitate or require, as by force of circumstance; demand: Growing riots compelled the evacu
ation of the embassy.
3. To exert a strong, irresistible force on; sway: "The land, in a certain, very real way, compels the min
ds of the people" (Barry Lopez).

To jostle
v. jos·tled, jos·tling, jos·tles
v.intr.
1. To come in rough contact while moving; push and shove: jostled against the others on the crowded
platform.
2. To make one's way by pushing or elbowing: jostled through the guests to the bar.
3. To vie for an advantage or position: jostled with several others for the job.
v.tr.
1. To come into rough contact with while moving: messengers who jostle pedestrians on the sidewalk.
2. To force by pushing or elbowing: jostled my way through the mob.
3. To vie with for an advantage or position: jostled a major shareholder for control of the business.
4. To shake or agitate: jostled the bag of food, and the dog came running.
n.
A rough shove or agitating movement.

To push
v.tr.

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1.
a. To apply pressure against (something), especially for the purpose of moving it: pushed the door but
couldn't budge it.
b. To move (something) by exerting force against it; thrust or shove: pushed the crate aside.
c. To exert downward pressure on (a button or keyboard, for example); press.
2. To force (one's way): We pushed our way through the crowd.
3. To urge forward or urge insistently; pressure: pushed him to study harder.
4. To extend or enlarge: pushed sales into the millions.
5. Informal To approach in age: is pushing 40 and still hasn't settled down.
6.
a. Informal To promote or sell (a product): The author pushed her latest book by making appearances
in bookstores.
b. Slang To sell (a narcotic) illegally: push drugs.
7. Sports To hit (a ball) in the direction toward the dominant hand of the player propelling it, as to the r
ight of a right-handed player.
v.intr.
1. To exert pressure or force against something: winds pushing against the sail.
2. To advance despite difficulty or opposition; press forward: The regiment pushed toward the front lin
e.
3. To advocate or recommend something insistently: pushed for a change in leadership.
4. To expend great or vigorous effort: pushed to finish his paper by the deadline.
n.
1.
a. The act of pushing; a thrust: gave the door a push.
b. The act of pressing: with a push of the button.
2. A vigorous or insistent effort toward an end; a drive: a push to reform health care.
3. A provocation to action; a stimulus: has artistic talent but needs a push to get started.
4. Informal Persevering energy; enterprise: doesn't have the push to get the job done.
Phrasal Verbs:
push around Informal
To treat or threaten to treat roughly; intimidate.
push off Informal
To set out; depart: The infantry patrol pushed off before dawn.
push on
To continue or proceed along one's way: The path was barely visible, but we pushed on.
Idioms:
push paper Informal
To have one's time taken up by administrative, often seemingly petty, paperwork: spent the afternoon
pushing paper for the boss.
push up daisies Slang
To be dead and buried: a cemetery of heroes pushing up daisies.
when/if push comes to shove
At a point when the situation must be confronted and dealt with: When push comes to shove, we'll hav
e to move to a cheaper place.

To float
v.intr.
1.
a. To remain suspended within or on the surface of a fluid without sinking.
b. To be suspended in or move through space as if supported by a liquid.
2. To move from place to place, especially at random.
3. To move easily or lightly: "Miss Golightly ... floated round in their arms light as a scarf" (Truman Ca
pote).
4. Economics To rise or fall freely in response to the market: allowed the dollar to float; a loan whose i
nterest rate floats with the prime rate.
v.tr.
1. To cause to remain suspended without sinking or falling.
2.

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a. To put into the water; launch: float a ship; float a navy.
b. To start or establish (a business enterprise, for example).
3. To flood (land), as for irrigation.
4. Economics To allow (the exchange value of a currency, for example) to rise or fall freely in respons
e to the market: Inflation forced the government to float the currency.
5. To offer for consideration; suggest: floated my idea to the committee.
6. To release (a security) for sale.
7. To arrange for (a loan).
8. To make the surface of (plaster, for example) level or smooth.
9. Computers To convert (data) from fixed-point notation to floating-point notation.
n.
1. Something that floats, as:
a. A raft.
b. A buoy.
c. A life preserver.
d. A buoyant object, such as a piece of cork or a plastic ball, used to hold a net or part of a fishing line
afloat.
e. A landing platform attached to a wharf and floating on the water.
f. A floating ball attached to a lever to regulate the water level in a tank.
2. Biology An air-
filled sac or structure that aids in the flotation of an aquatic organism. Also called air bladder, air vesicl
e.
3. A decorated exhibit or scene mounted on a mobile platform and pulled or driven in a parade.
4. The number of shares of a security that are publicly owned and traded.
5.
a. A sum of money representing checks that are outstanding.
b. The time between the issuing or depositing of a check and the debiting of the issuer's account.
c. The time during which a credit card purchase can be repaid without interest.
6.
a. A tool for smoothing the surface of wet plaster or concrete.
b. A file with sharp ridges used for cutting or smoothing wood.
7. A soft drink with ice cream floating in it.
8. Excess time allowed for a task in a project schedule.

To shove
v.tr.
1. To push quickly, forcefully, or roughly: shoved the chair against the wall. See Synonyms at push.
2. To put (something) roughly in a place: shoved the keys into his pocket.
v.intr.
1. To push someone or something with force.
2. To move forward roughly, often by shoving someone: shoved past the security guard into his seat.
n.
The act of shoving; a push.
Phrasal Verb:
shove off
1. To push (a boat) away from shore in leaving.
2. Informal To leave.

To burden
r.v. bur·dened, bur·den·ing, bur·dens
1. To cause difficulty or distress to; distress or oppress.
2. To load or overload.

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To grow
v. grew (gro͞o), grown (grōn), grow·ing, grows
v.intr.
1. To increase in size by a natural process.
2.
a. To expand; gain: The business grew under new owners.
b. To increase in amount or degree; intensify: The suspense grew.
3. To develop and reach maturity.
4. To be capable of growth; thrive: a plant that grows in shade.
5. To become attached by or as if by the process of growth: tree trunks that had grown together.
6. To come into existence from a source; spring up: love that grew from friendship.
7. To come to be by a gradual process or by degrees; become: grow angry; grow closer.
v.tr.
1. To cause to grow; raise: grow tulips.
2. To allow (something) to develop or increase by a natural process: grow a beard.
3. Usage Problem To cause to increase or expand by concerted effort: strategies that grew the family
business.
Phrasal Verbs:
grow into
1. To develop so as to become: A boy grows into a man.
2. To develop or change so as to fit: She grew into her job. He grew into the relationship slowly.
grow on (or upon)
1. To become gradually more evident to: A feeling of distrust grew on me.
2. To become gradually more pleasurable or acceptable to: a taste that grows on a person.
grow up
To become an adult.
Idiom:
grow out of
To develop or come into existence from: an article that grew out of a few scribbled notes.

To expand
v.tr.
1. To increase the size, volume, quantity, or scope of; enlarge: expanded her store by adding a secon
d room. See Synonyms at increase.
2. To express at length or in detail; enlarge on: expanded his remarks afterward.
3. To open (something) up or out; spread out: The bird expanded its wings and flew off.
4. Mathematics To write (a quantity) as a sum of terms in an extended form.
v.intr.
1. To become greater in size, volume, quantity, or scope: Air expands when heated. This critic's influe
nce is expanding.
2. To speak or write at length or in detail: expand on a favorite topic.
3. To open up or out; unfold: The chair expands to form a daybed.
v.tr.
1. To increase the size, volume, quantity, or scope of; enlarge: expanded her store by adding a secon
d room. See Synonyms at increase.
2. To express at length or in detail; enlarge on: expanded his remarks afterward.
3. To open (something) up or out; spread out: The bird expanded its wings and flew off.
4. Mathematics To write (a quantity) as a sum of terms in an extended form.
v.intr.
1. To become greater in size, volume, quantity, or scope: Air expands when heated. This critic's influe
nce is expanding.
2. To speak or write at length or in detail: expand on a favorite topic.
3. To open up or out; unfold: The chair expands to form a daybed.

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To prosper
v.i.
1. to be successful or fortunate, esp. in financial respects; thrive; flourish.
v.t.
2. Archaic. to make successful or fortunate.

To escalate
v.intr.
To increase in intensity, extent, or amount: tensions that escalated into violence.
v.tr.
1. To increase, enlarge, or intensify: escalated the hostilities in the Persian Gulf.
2. To pass (a transaction or case) on to a higher level in an organizational hierarchy: escalated the cu
stomer's complaint.

To grow
v.intr.
1. To increase in size by a natural process.
2.
a. To expand; gain: The business grew under new owners.
b. To increase in amount or degree; intensify: The suspense grew.
3. To develop and reach maturity.
4. To be capable of growth; thrive: a plant that grows in shade.
5. To become attached by or as if by the process of growth: tree trunks that had grown together.
6. To come into existence from a source; spring up: love that grew from friendship.
7. To come to be by a gradual process or by degrees; become: grow angry; grow closer.
v.tr.
1. To cause to grow; raise: grow tulips.
2. To allow (something) to develop or increase by a natural process: grow a beard.
3. Usage Problem To cause to increase or expand by concerted effort: strategies that grew the family
business.
Phrasal Verbs:
grow into
1. To develop so as to become: A boy grows into a man.
2. To develop or change so as to fit: She grew into her job. He grew into the relationship slowly.
grow on (or upon)
1. To become gradually more evident to: A feeling of distrust grew on me.
2. To become gradually more pleasurable or acceptable to: a taste that grows on a person.
grow up
To become an adult.
Idiom:
grow out of
To develop or come into existence from: an article that grew out of a few scribbled notes.

To calculate
v.tr.
1. To ascertain by computation; reckon: calculating the area of a circle; calculated their probable time
of arrival.
2. To make an estimate of; evaluate: calculating the team's chances of winning.
3. To make for a deliberate purpose; design: a sturdy car that is calculated to last for years; a choice t
hat was calculated to please.

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4. also cal'late (kăl′āt′, -lāt′) Chiefly New England
a. To suppose: "I cal'late she's a right smart cook" (Dialect Notes).
b. To plan, intend, or depend on.
v.intr.
1. To perform a mathematical process; figure: We must measure and calculate to determine how muc
h paint will be needed.
2. Chiefly New England
a. To suppose; guess.
b. To count, depend, or rely on someone or something: We're calculating on your help.

To cajole
v.tr.
1. To persuade by flattery, gentle pleading, or insincere language: "He knew how she cajoled him into
getting things for her and then would not even let him kiss her" (Theodore Dreiser).
2. To elicit or obtain by flattery, gentle pleading, or insincere language: The athlete cajoled a signing b
onus out of the team's owner.
v.intr.
To use flattery, pleading, or insincere language in an attempt to persuade someone to do something: "
She complained and he cajoled, bribing her with dollar bills for landing ten [figure skating] jumps in a r
ow" (Joan Ryan).

To evade
v.tr.
1. To escape or avoid, especially by cleverness or deceit: managed to evade their pursuers; went und
erground in order to evade arrest.
2.
a. To avoid complying with or fulfilling: evade the draft; evaded any legal responsibility.
b. To fail to make payment of (taxes).
3. To avoid giving a direct answer to: talked at length but evaded the interviewer's question.
4. To be beyond the memory or understanding of: The point of the article evades me.
v.intr.
1. To use cleverness or deceit in avoiding or escaping something.
2. To avoid complying with or fulfilling a requirement.

To strain
v.tr.
1.
a. To pull, draw, or stretch tight: The heavy load strained the rope.
b. Physics To cause distortion of (a body's parts or shape) by applying an external force; deform.
2. To exert, use, or tax to the utmost: straining our ears to hear.
3. To injure or impair by overuse or overexertion; wrench: strain a muscle.
4. To damage or weaken by pressure or tension: winds that strained the mast.
5. To force beyond the proper or reasonable limit: an excuse that strains credulity.
6.
a. To pass (a liquid) through a filtering agent such as a strainer.
b. To draw off or remove by filtration: strained the pulp from the juice.
7. Archaic To embrace or clasp tightly; hug.
v.intr.
1.
a. To make strong or steady efforts; strive hard: straining to complete the coursework.
b. To contract or exert one's muscles to the utmost.
2. To pull or push forcibly or violently: The dog strained at its leash.
3. To be or become wrenched or twisted: the flagpole straining in the wind.
4. To be subjected to great stress: With such busy lives, the marriage can strain.

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5. To pass through a filtering agent: The muddy water strains slowly.

To draw
v.tr.
1.
a. To cause to move after or toward one by applying continuous force; drag: drew the chair closer to t
he table; a team of horses drawing a wagon. See Synonyms at pull.
b. To cause to move in a given direction or to a given position, as by leading: The teacher drew the ch
ildren into the room to see the decorations.
c. To move or pull so as to cover or uncover something: draw the curtains.
2. To cause to flow forth: a pump drawing water; a blow that drew blood.
3. To suck or take in (air, for example); inhale.
4. To require (a specified depth of water) for floating: a boat drawing 18 inches.
5. To take or pull out: drew a gun from beneath the counter; drew out a fat wallet.
6.
a. To extract or take for one's own use: draw strength from one's friends.
b. To make (tea) by steeping.
7. To eviscerate; disembowel: a traitor to the king who was drawn and quartered.
8.
a. To cause to come by attracting; attract: afraid the casino will draw undesirable elements to the town
.
b. To select or take in from a given group, type, or region: draw clients from all levels of society.
9. To bring to a certain condition or action; lead: drawn to despair; drew them to resign.
10. To bring about deliberately; provoke: draw enemy fire; draw a penalty on an opponent.
11. To evoke as a response; elicit: a performance that drew jeers from the audience.
12. To earn; gain: deposits that draw interest at a rate of 5 percent.
13.
a. To withdraw (money).
b. To use (a check, for example) when paying.
c. To receive on a regular basis or at a specified time: draw a pension.
14. To take or receive by chance: draw lots.
15. Games
a. To take (cards) from a dealer or central stack.
b. To force (a card) to be played.
16. To end or leave (a contest) tied or undecided.
17. Sports
a. To hit or strike (a billiard ball, for example) so as to give it backspin.
b. To hit (a golf ball) with a draw.
18.
a. To make tense or taut: drew the rope across the ravine.
b. To pull back the string of (a bow).
c. To distort the shape of: He drew his face into a scowl.
19.
a. To flatten, stretch, or mold (metal) by hammering or die stamping.
b. To shape or elongate (a wire, for example) by pulling through dies.
20.
a. To inscribe (a line or lines) with a pencil or other marking implement.
b. To make a likeness of on a surface, using mostly lines; depict with lines: drew a map of the area; dr
awing landscapes and still lifes.
c. To portray in writing or speech; depict with words: draws moving scenes of ghetto life.
21. To formulate or devise from evidence or data at hand: draw a comparison.
22. To compose or write out in legal format: draw a deed.
v.intr.
1. To proceed or move steadily: a ship drawing near the shore.
2. To attract customers or spectators: The new play is drawing well.
3. To pour forth liquid: The patient's veins don't draw easily.
4. To cause suppuration.
5. To take in a draft of air: The flue isn't drawing.

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6. To steep in or as if in the manner of tea.
7. To pull out a weapon for use.
8. To use or call upon part of a fund or supply: drawing on an account; drew from the experience of fel
low workers.
9. To contract or tighten: material that draws when it dries.
10. To conclude a contest without either side winning; tie: The chess players drew in 32 moves.
11. To make a likeness with lines on a surface; sketch.
n.
1.
a. An act of drawing.
b. The result of drawing.
2. Something drawn, especially a lot, card, or cards drawn at random.
3. Sports & Games
a. The arrangement of competitors in a tournament in which the matchups are made at random.
b. A matchup or opponent in such a tournament.
4. An inhalation, especially through a pipe or other smoking implement.
5. One that attracts interest, customers, or spectators: a singer who is a popular draw.
6. The movable part of a drawbridge.
7. A special advantage; an edge: have the draw on one's enemies.
8. A contest ending without either side winning.
9. A small natural depression that water drains into; a shallow gully.
10. Football A play in which the quarterback drops back as if to pass and then runs or hands off to a r
unning back.
11. Sports A face-off.
12.
a. Games A draw shot.
b. Sports A moderate, usually controlled hook in golf.
Phrasal Verbs:
draw away
To move ahead of competitors.
draw back
To retreat.
draw down
1. To reduce or deplete by consuming or spending: drew down our food reserves.
2. To reduce (military forces in a specific deployment).
draw on
To approach: as evening draws on.
draw out
1. To prolong; protract.
2. To induce to speak freely: managed to draw the shy child out.
draw up
1. To compose or write in a set form; write out: draw up a contract; draw up a list.
2. To bring (troops, for example) into order.
3. To bring or come to a halt.
4. To bring (oneself) into an erect posture, often as an expression of dignity or indignation.
5. Chiefly Southern US To shrink when washed. Used of clothes.
Idioms:
draw a blank
To fail to find or remember something.
draw and quarter
1. To execute (a prisoner) by tying each limb to a horse and driving the horses in different directions.
2. To disembowel and dismember after hanging.
3. Informal To punish severely: The teenager was drawn and quartered for wrecking the family's only
car.
draw straws
To decide by a lottery with straws of unequal lengths.
draw the line
1. To decide firmly an arbitrary boundary between two things: "Where do you draw the line between y
our own decisions and those of your superiors?" (Robert Marion).

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2. To decide firmly the limit of what one will tolerate or participate in: The officer committed fraud but d
rew the line at blackmail.

To bungle
v.tr.
To carry out badly or ruin through ineptitude; botch. See Synonyms at botch.
v.intr.
To work or act ineptly or inefficiently.
n.
A clumsy or inept performance; a botch: made a bungle of the case due to inexperience.

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