Chapter18

1.munch

V-T/V-I If you munch food, you eat it by chewing it slowly, thoroughly, and rather noisily.

2.prat

N an incompetent or ineffectual person: often used as a term of abuse

3.shunt

V-T If a person or thing is shunted somewhere, they are moved or sent there, usually because someone finds them inconvenient.

4.gawp

V to stare stupidly; gape

5.exacerbate

V-T If something exacerbates a problem or bad situation, it makes it worse.

6.guffaw

V-T/V-I To guffaw means to laugh loudly.

7.sycophantic

ADJ If you describe someone as sycophantic, you disapprove of them because they flatter people who are more important and powerful than they are in order to gain an advantage for themselves.

8.pent

V-T If people or animals are penned somewhere or are penned up, they are forced to remain in a very small area.

9.scorpion

N-COUNT A scorpion is a small creature which looks like a large insect. Scorpions have a long curved tail, and some of them are poisonous.

10.ricochet

V-I When a bullet ricochets, it hits a surface and bounces away from it.

11.squirm

V-I If you squirm, you are very embarrassed or ashamed. 

12.trauma

N-VAR Trauma is a very severe shock or very upsetting experience, which may cause psychological damage. 

13.obsolete

ADJ Something that is obsolete is no longer needed because something better has been invented.

14.dingbat

N-COUNT People sometimes refer to a person who they think is crazy or stupid as a dingbat.

15.baton

N-COUNT A baton is a light, thin stick used by a conductor to conduct an orchestra or a choir.

16.temperamental

ADJ If you say that someone is temperamental, you are criticizing them for not being calm or quiet by nature, but having moods that change often and suddenly.

17.surreptitious

ADJ A surreptitious action is done secretly.

18.slouch

V-I If someone slouches, they sit or stand with their shoulders and head bent so they look lazy and unattractive.

19.scowl

V-I When someone scowls, an angry or hostile expression appears on their face.