< V > TOEFL Vocabulary (2)

Disaster

1. anticipate v. To expect; to sense something before it happens

By placing sensors in earthquake-prone areas, scientists can anticipate some tremors in time to warn the public.

Parts of speech anticipation n, anticipatory adj

2. catastrophic adj. Extremely harmful; causing financial or physical ruin

The architect died in a catastrophic elevator accident.

Parts of speech catastrophe n, catastrophically adv

3. collide v. To come together with great or violent force

As usual, their holiday was ruined when their in-laws’ views on politics collided with their own.

Parts of speech collision n

4. eruption n. A sudden, often violent, outburst

The eruption of Mount St. Helens in 1980 caused 57 deaths and immeasurable change to the face of the mountain.

Usage tips Eruption is often followed by an of phrase.

Parts of speech erupt v

5. famine n. Severe hunger; a drastic food shortage

The potato famine in Ireland in the mid-nineteenth century caused large numbers of Irish people to emigrate to America.

6. flood n. An overflowing of water; an excessive amount

The constant rain and poor drainage system caused a flood in town.

The political party sent out a flood of letters criticizing their opponents.

Parts of speech flood v

7. impact n. A strong influence

The speech about the importance of education made an impact on me.

Usage tips Impact is usually followed by on or of.

Parts of speech impact v

8. persevere v. To keep going, despite obstacles or discouragement; to maintain a purpose

The hikers persevered despite the bad weather and the icy trail.

Parts of speech persist v, persistent adj

9. plunge v. To go down suddenly; to decrease by a great amount in a short time

He jumped off the diving board and plunged into the pool.

The value of the company’s stock plunged after its chief executive was arrested.

Usage tips Plunge is often followed by an into phrase.

Parts of speech plunge n

10. unleash v. To release a thing or an emotion

When they saw the strange man on their property, they unleashed their dogs.

He is from such an unemotional family, he will never learn to unleash his feelings.