< V > TOEFL Vocabulary (18)

War and Conquest

1. annex v. To make something (usually land) part of another unit

Bardstown grew by annexing several farms at the north edge of town.

Parts of speech annexation n, annex n

2. apex n. The highest point

Gregory knew that his running skills had to be at their apex during the tournament.

Usage tips Apex is often used to describe the high point of someone’s abilities.

3. collapse v. To fall down, usually because of weakness

Parts of speech collapse n, collapsible adj

4. conquest n. A takeover by force or continued effort

The first recorded conquest of Mt. Everest was by Tensing Norgay and Sir Edmund Hilary.

Usage tips Conquest is usually followed by an of phrase.

Parts of speech conquer v

5. devise v. To find an original way to make an object or a plan

The soldiers devised a way to cross the river into enemy territory without being seen.

Parts of speech device n

6. invasive adj. Aggressively entering into someone else’s territory

Surgery with a laser is less invasive than surgery with a knife or scalpel.

Parts of speech invade v, invasion n, invader n

7. prevailing adj. Strongest or most common

The prevailing attitude among our neighbors is to be friendly but not too friendly.

Parts of speech prevail v, prevalence n

8. resist v. To refuse to give in to a strong force or desire

Although many native nations resisted, the U.S. government eventually took over almost all Indian land.

Parts of speech resistance n, resistant adj

9. severely adv. Harshly; extremely

Commanders severely punished any soldier who criticized the battle plan.

Parts of speech severity n, severe adj

10. violation n. An action that breaks a law or agreement;mistreatment of something that deserves respect

The army’s testing of new weapons was a violation of the cease-fire agreement.

The sculptures at Mt. Rushmore may be a violation of sacred Indian land.

Usage tips Violation is often followed by an of phrase.

Parts of speech violate v, violator n