English words for 'The use of epithets or indirect figures of speech.'
Closest matches for "The use of epithets or indirect figures of speech." are ranked by semantic fit across dictionary definitions.
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det
noun
pron
- (indefinite personal pronoun) A dummy pronoun used in certain constructions, usually with verbs of receiving (such as get or find) or sensing (such as see or hear), typically stating the existence or typicality of something.
- (object pronoun) The people spoken, or written to, as an object.
- (reflexive pronoun, now US colloquial) (To) yourselves, (to) yourself.
- (indefinite personal pronoun) Anyone, one; an unspecified individual or group of individuals (as subject or object).
- (subject pronoun) The person spoken to or written to, as a subject. (Originally as a mark of respect.)
- (subject pronoun, colloquial) A person's favorite sports team.
- (object pronoun) The person spoken to or written to, as an object. (Replacing thee; originally as a mark of respect.)
- (subject pronoun) The people spoken to or written to, as a subject. (Replacing ye.)
verb
noun
- (figuratively) A hurtful or disparaging remark.
- (US) The sciaenid fish Menticirrhus americanus, found along the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts of the United States.
- (informal, pharmacology) A barbiturate.
- A beard, or that which resembles it, or grows in the place of it.
- (ornithology) One of the many side branches of a feather, which collectively constitute the vane.
- A blackish or dun variety of pigeon, originally brought from Barbary.
- (botany) A hair or bristle ending in a double hook.
- Paps, or little projections, of the mucous membrane, which mark the opening of the submaxillary glands under the tongue in horses and cattle. The name is mostly applied when the barbs are inflamed and swollen.
- The Barbary horse, a superior breed introduced from Barbary into Spain by the Moors.
- The point that stands backward in an arrow, fishhook, etc., to prevent it from being easily extracted. Hence: Anything which stands out with a sharp point obliquely or crosswise to something else.
- A plastic fastener, shaped roughly like a capital I (with serifs), used to attach socks etc. to their packaging.
- Armor for a horse.
- (ichthyology) Any of various species of freshwater carp-like fish that have barbels and belong to the cyprinid family.
- the pointed part of barbed wire
- an aggressive remark directed at a person like a missile and intended to have a telling effect
- one of the parallel filaments projecting from the main shaft of a feather
- a subsidiary point facing opposite from the main point that makes an arrowhead or spear hard to remove
verb
adj
- (used of the meanings of words or text) not literal; using figures of speech
- Of use as a metaphor, simile, metonym or other figure of speech, as opposed to literal; using figures.
- consisting of or forming human or animal figures
- Metaphorically so called.
- With many figures of speech.
- Emblematic, symbolic; representative, exemplative
- (art) Representing forms recognisable in life and clearly derived from real object sources, in contrast to abstract art.
noun
- (rhetoric) The use of this figure of speech.
- (rhetoric) A figure of speech that uses the name of a part of something to represent the whole, or the whole to represent a part, or a specific kind or instance to represent the general category, or the general category to represent a specific kind or instance, or the constituent material to represent the thing made from it.
- substituting a more inclusive term for a less inclusive one or vice versa
verb
- (figurative) To lash with sarcasm, abuse, etc.
- (intransitive) To move very fast.
- (transitive, politics) To enforce a member voting in accordance with party policy.
- (transitive, roller derby) To transfer momentum from one skater to another.
- (transitive) To urge into action or obedience.
- To sew lightly; specifically, to form (a fabric) into gathers by loosely overcasting the rolled edge and drawing up the thread.
- (transitive) To throw or kick an object at a high velocity.
- (transitive, nautical) To hoist or purchase by means of a whip.
- (ambitransitive) To fish a body of water especially by making repeated casts.
- (transitive, slang) To defeat, as in a contest or game.
- To thrash; to beat out, as grain, by striking.
- (transitive) To mix in a rapid aerating fashion, especially food.
- (transitive, nautical) To bind the end of a rope with twine or other small stuff to prevent its unlaying: fraying or unravelling.
- (transitive, by extension) To hit with any flexible object.
- (intransitive) To snap back and forth like a whip.
- (transitive) To move (something) very fast; often with up, out, etc.
- (transitive) To hit with a whip.
- defeat thoroughly
- whip with or as if with a wire whisk
- thrash about flexibly in the manner of a whiplash
- beat severely with a whip or rod
- subject to harsh criticism
- strike as if by whipping
noun
- (African-American Vernacular, MTE) A mode of personal motorized transportation; an automobile, all makes and models including motorcycles, excluding public transportation.
- Whipped cream.
- (music) A wippen, a rocking component in certain piano actions.
- (roller derby) A move in which one player transfers momentum to another.
- (politics) A member of a political party who is in charge of enforcing the party's policies in votes.
- (nautical) A purchase in which one block is used to gain a 2:1 mechanical advantage.
- A whipping motion; a thrashing about.
- The same instrument used to strike a person or animal for corporal punishment or torture.
- (UK politics, by extension) The regular status of an MP within a parliamentary party, which can be revoked by the party as a disciplinary measure.
- The quality of being whiplike or flexible; suppleness, as of the shaft of a golf club.
- (UK politics, with definite article) A document distributed weekly to MPs by party whips informing them of upcoming votes in parliament.
- A blow administered with a whip.
- (historical) A coach driver; a coachman.
- (hunting) A whipper-in.
- A lash; a pliant, flexible instrument, such as a rod (commonly of cane or rattan) or a plaited or braided rope or thong (commonly of leather) used to create a sharp "crack" sound for directing or herding animals.
- A spring in certain electrical devices for making a circuit
- a dessert made of sugar and stiffly beaten egg whites or cream and usually flavored with fruit
- a legislator appointed by the party to enforce discipline
- an instrument with a handle and a flexible lash that is used for whipping
- (golf) the flexibility of the shaft of a golf club
- a quick blow delivered with a whip or whiplike object
adj
- (of a statement, action, etc.) Done in an insincere and mocking manner; satirical.
- (proscribed) Odd or coincidental; strange.
- (of a situation) Characterized by or constituting (any kind of) irony.
- (preceded with "being") Acting in an unserious and teasing manner.
- characterized by often poignant difference or incongruity between what is expected and what actually is
- humorously sarcastic or mocking
symbol
- Used to emphasize and make fun of (what the speaker assumes is) a person’s inner thoughts.
- Used to emphasize and make fun of a person’s actions.
- (Internet slang, chiefly 4chan slang) Used to quote a person, especially to emphasize what was said and make fun of the person.
- (Internet slang) Used to signify enjoyment or appreciation of something (over everything else), often with many repetitions of the symbol.
- Used for storytelling in short, fragmented statements.
noun
- (sometimes derogatory) Meaningless language with an exaggerated style intended to impress.
- The art of using language, especially public speaking, as a means to persuade.
- loud and confused and empty talk
- high-flown style; excessive use of verbal ornamentation
- using language effectively to please or persuade
- study of the technique and rules for using language effectively (especially in public speaking)
adj
noun
- An object of criticism or ridicule.
- A butt or mark to shoot at, as for practice, or to test the accuracy of a firearm, or the force of a projectile.
- A person, place, or thing that is frequently attacked, criticized, or ridiculed.
- (mathematics, category theory) The codomain of a function; the object at which a morphism points.
- A kind of small shield or buckler, used as a defensive weapon in war.
- (sports) The pattern or arrangement of a series of hits made by a marksman on a butt or mark.
- (linguistics) The tenor of a metaphor.
- (heraldry) A bearing representing a buckler.
- A person (or group of people) that a person or organization is trying to employ or to have as a customer, audience etc.
- (surveying) The sliding crosspiece, or vane, on a leveling staff.
- A goal or objective.
- (cricket) the number of runs that the side batting last needs to score in the final innings in order to win
- (translation studies) The translated version of a document, or the language into which translation occurs.
- (rail transport) A conspicuous disk attached to a switch lever to show its position, or for use as a signal.
- a reference point to shoot at
- a person who is the aim of an attack (especially a victim of ridicule or exploitation) by some hostile person or influence
- the goal intended to be attained (and which is believed to be attainable)
- sports equipment consisting of an object set up for a marksman or archer to aim at
- the location of the target that is to be hit
verb
noun
verb
noun
verb
noun
adj
verb
noun
- verbal wit or mockery (often at another's expense but not to be taken seriously)
- (in games or plays or other performances) the time during which play proceeds
- a preset plan of action in team sports
- the removal of constraints
- activity by children that is guided more by imagination than by fixed rules
- a deliberate coordinated movement requiring dexterity and skill
- movement or space for movement
- (game) the activity of doing something in an agreed succession
- the act of playing for stakes in the hope of winning (including the payment of a price for a chance to win a prize)
- the act using a sword (or other weapon) vigorously and skillfully
- a weak and tremulous light
- a state in which action is feasible
- a theatrical performance of a drama
- gay or light-hearted recreational activity for diversion or amusement
- a dramatic work intended for performance by actors on a stage
- an attempt to get something
- utilization or exercise
- (turn-based games) An action carried out when it is one's turn to play.
- (uncountable, formerly countable) Activity for amusement only, especially among the young.
- (uncountable) Movement (of a pattern of light etc.)
- (countable, uncountable) An instance or instances of causing media to be watched or heard, such as by broadcasting.
- The extent to which a part of a mechanism can move freely, as for example lash, backlash, or slack.
- (countable) A literary composition, intended to be represented by actors impersonating the characters and speaking the dialogue.
- (uncountable, informal) Sexual activity or sexual role-playing.
- (uncountable) Freedom to move.
- (countable) A geological formation that contains an accumulation or prospect of hydrocarbons or other resources.
- (countable) An instance of watching or listening to media.
- (countable) A theatrical performance featuring actors.
- (uncountable) An individual's performance in a sport or game.
- (uncountable) The conduct, or course, of a game.
- (countable) A short sequence of action within a game.
- (countable) An instance of wordplay.
- (uncountable) Similar activity in young animals, as they explore their environment and learn new skills.
- (countable) An attempt to move forward, as in a plan or strategy, for example by a business, investor, or political party.
- (countable) A button that, when pressed, causes media to be played.
- (uncountable, sports, with certain prepositions, also figurative) The sphere or circumstance in which a playing implement, such as a ball, is available to be played (see also in play, out of play).
verb
- exhaust by allowing to pull on the line
- engage in recreational activities rather than work; occupy oneself in a diversion
- consider not very seriously
- discharge or direct or be discharged or directed as if in a continuous stream
- cause to move or operate freely within a bounded space
- use to one's advantage
- emit recorded sound
- pretend to have certain qualities or state of mind
- behave in a certain way
- play a role or part
- be performed or presented for public viewing
- stake on the outcome of an issue
- cause to happen or to occur as a consequence
- put (a card or piece) into play during a game, or act strategically as if in a card game
- make bets
- employ in a game or in a specific position
- play on an instrument
- move or seem to move quickly, lightly, or irregularly
- pretend to be somebody in the framework of a game or playful activity
- act or have an effect in a specified way or with a specific effect or outcome
- be at play; be engaged in playful activity; amuse oneself in a way characteristic of children
- behave carelessly or indifferently
- bet or wager (money)
- be received or accepted or interpreted in a specific way
- use or move
- perform on a certain location
- contend against an opponent in a sport, game, or battle
- manipulate manually or in one's mind or imagination
- cause to emit recorded audio or video
- perform on a stage or theater
- engage in an activity as if it were a game rather than take it seriously
- participate in games or sport
- shoot or hit in a particular manner
- perform music on (a musical instrument)
- replay (as a melody)
- (intransitive, of a musical instrument) To produce music.
- (transitive) To keep in play, as a hooked fish in order to land it.
- (intransitive, of a theatrical performance, film or music) To be performed, reproduced, or shown.
- (transitive, colloquial) To manipulate, deceive, or swindle.
- (transitive) To handle or deal with (something) in a calculating manner intended to achieve profit or gain.
- (transitive) To act as (the indicated role).
- (transitive, intransitive) To perform in (a sport); to participate in (a game).
- (intransitive, copulative) To act or behave in a stated way.
- To give a false appearance of being; to pretend to be.
- To move so as to fall upon or sweep across something, or to direct or operate (something) in such a manner.
- (intransitive) To be received or accepted (in a given way); to go down.
- (intransitive) To contend or fight using weapons, both as practice or in real life-or-death combats; to engage in martial games; to joust; to fence
- (transitive) To handle or deal with (a matter or situation) in a stated way.
- (transitive) To bring into action or motion; to exhibit in action; to execute or deploy.
- To portray (a character) in (a film or theatre).
- (transitive) To compete against, in a game.
- To gamble.
- To move in a light or brisk manner.
- (African-American Vernacular, intransitive) To kid; to joke; to say something for amusement; to act, or to treat something, unseriously.
- (transitive) To act or perform (a play).
- For additional senses in various idiomatic phrases, see the individual entries, such as play along, play at, play down, play off, play on, play out, play to, play up, etc.
- (transitive, intransitive, of a device, media, broadcast, etc.) To emit or relay sound (especially music) or moving pictures; (of a device) to operate media.
- (transitive, of a person) To operate (a device or media) so as to cause sound (especially music) or moving pictures to be produced.
- (intransitive) To take part in amorous activity; to make love; see also play around.
- To move in an alternating or reciprocal manner; to move to and fro.
- (transitive, of a theatrical company or band, etc.) To perform or give performances in or at (a venue or location).
- (intransitive, especially with 'with'; see also play with) To toy or trifle; to act with levity or thoughtlessness; to be careless.
- (intransitive) To act in a manner such that one has fun; to engage in activities expressly for the purpose of recreation or entertainment.
- Specifying a particular sporting role or position.
- (transitive, intransitive, especially of a person) To produce music using a musical instrument.
- (transitive, usually of a person) To render (a musical title, compositional style, film title, etc.) using a musical instrument or device.
- (transitive, in the scoring of games and sports) To be the opposing score to.
noun
- verbal wit or mockery (often at another's expense but not to be taken seriously)
- (biology) an organism that has characteristics resulting from chromosomal alteration
- the occupation of athletes who compete for pay
- a person known for the way they behave when teased or defeated or subjected to trying circumstances
- (Maine colloquial) a temporary summer resident of Maine
- someone who engages in sports
- an active diversion requiring physical exertion and competition
- (uncountable) Gaming for money as in racing, hunting, or fishing.
- (slang, countable) A sportsman; a gambler.
- Term of endearment used by an adult for a child, usually a boy.
- (countable) A person who exhibits either good or bad sportsmanship.
- (countable) A toy; a plaything; an object of mockery.
- (countable, uncountable) Any activity that uses physical exertion or skills competitively under a set of rules that is not based on aesthetics.
- (biology, botany, zoology, countable) A plant or an animal, or part of a plant or animal, which has some peculiarity not usually seen in the species; an abnormal variety or growth. The term encompasses both mutants and organisms with non-genetic developmental abnormalities such as birth defects.
- (informal, usually singular) A friend or acquaintance (chiefly used when speaking to the friend in question)
- (slang, countable) One who consorts with disreputable people, including prostitutes.
- (countable) Somebody who behaves or reacts in an admirably good-natured manner, e.g. to being teased or to losing a game; a good sport.
verb
- wear or display in an ostentatious or proud manner
- play boisterously
- (reflexive) To divert; to amuse; to make merry.
- (intransitive) To mock or tease, treat lightly, toy with.
- (transitive) To display; to have as a notable feature.
- To assume suddenly a new and different character from the rest of the plant or from the type of the species; said of a bud, shoot, plant, or animal.
- (intransitive) To amuse oneself, to play.
- (transitive) To represent by any kind of play.
- To practise the diversions of the field or the turf; to be given to betting, as upon races.
noun
- (figuratively) A witty statement or quip, usually at the expense of one's interlocutor.
- (slang, drugs, Canada, US) The crystalline or powdered form of MDA.
- (New Zealand, slang) A member of the Salvation Army.
- A kind of stonefly.
- A wren.
- A willow.
- An object made from the wood of a willow.
- Any tree that resembles a willow.
- A tufted woollen part of a bellrope, used to provide grip when ringing a bell.
- A sortie of troops from a besieged place against an enemy.
- An excursion or side trip.
- A sudden rushing forth.
- a military action in which besieged troops burst forth from their position
- a venture off the beaten path
- witty remark
verb
noun
verb
noun
- (informal) Speech that is suggestive of an attitude or opinion.
- Any sound.
- (music) A genre of rock music that uses static and other non-musical sounds, also influenced by art rock.
- (figurative, by extension) Unwanted fuss or bustle; useless activity.
- (genetics) The measured level of variation in gene expression among cells, regardless of source, within a supposedly identical population.
- (uncountable) Various sounds, usually unwanted or unpleasant.
- (technology) Any part of a signal or data that reduces the clarity, precision, or quality of the desired output.
- Sound or signal generated by random fluctuations.
- Rumour or complaint.
- (statistics) Variation or deviation generated by random fluctuations.
- electrical or acoustic activity that can disturb communication
- the quality of lacking any predictable order or plan
- sound of any kind (especially unintelligible or dissonant sound)
- a loud outcry of protest or complaint
- incomprehensibility resulting from irrelevant information or meaningless facts or remarks
- the auditory experience of sound that lacks musical quality; sound that is a disagreeable auditory experience
verb
noun
- (figuratively, informal) Adverse criticism.
- Ground-based anti-aircraft guns firing explosive shells.
- (informal) A public-relations spokesperson.
- Anti-aircraft shell fire.
- intense adverse criticism
- a slick spokesperson who can turn any criticism to the advantage of their employer
- artillery designed to shoot upward at airplanes
verb
- (figurative) Ellipsis of mouth the words; to speak insincerely.
- (transitive) To speak; to utter.
- (sheep husbandry) To examine the teeth of.
- To exit at a mouth (such as a river mouth)
- To form a mouth or opening in.
- (transitive) To pick up or handle with the lips or mouth, but not chew or swallow.
- To form or cleanse with the mouth; to lick, as a bear licks her cub.
- (ambitransitive) To utter with a voice that is overly loud or swelling.
- To take into the mouth; to seize or grind with the mouth or teeth; to chew; to devour.
- (transitive) To represent (words or sounds) by making the actions of speech, but silently, without producing sound; to frame.
- (transitive, intransitive) To move the mouth, with or without sound; to form (air or words) with the mouth, with or without sound.
- To carry in the mouth.
- express in speech
- articulate silently; form words with the lips only
- touch with the mouth
noun
- (anatomy) The front opening of a creature through which food is ingested.
- (slang) A loud or overly talkative person.
- (slang) A gossip.
- An outlet, aperture or orifice.
- (saddlery) The crosspiece of a bridle bit, which enters the mouth of an animal.
- The end of a river out of which water flows into a sea or other large body of water; or the end of a tributary out of which water flows into a larger river.
- the opening of a jar or bottle
- an opening that resembles a mouth (as of a cave or a gorge)
- a person conceived as a consumer of food
- the externally visible part of the oral cavity on the face and the system of organs surrounding the opening
- a spokesperson (as a lawyer)
- the opening through which food is taken in and vocalizations emerge
- the point where a stream issues into a larger body of water
- an impudent or insolent rejoinder
noun
- an extemporaneous speech or remark
- a short musical passage that seems to have been made spontaneously without advance preparation
- (music) A short musical composition for an informal occasion often with the character of improvisation and usually to be played solo.
- (by extension) Any composition, musical or otherwise, that is created on the spot without preparation.
adj
adv
verb
noun
verb
noun
noun
verb
noun
- (figurative, derogatory, often following a noun used attributively) A conspicuous but unproductive display of action.
- (US) A cinema.
- (countable) A place or building, consisting of a stage and seating, in which an audience gathers to watch plays, musical performances, public ceremonies, and so on.
- (medicine) An operating theatre or locale for human experimentation.
- A region where a particular action takes place; a specific field of action, usually with reference to war.
- Drama or performance as a profession or art form.
- Any place rising by steps like the seats of a theater.
- A lecture theatre.
- a region in which active military operations are in progress
- a building where theatrical performances or motion-picture shows can be presented
- the art of writing and producing plays
noun
verb
adj
noun
- an excerpt cut from a newspaper or magazine
- the act of diluting something
- a part (sometimes a root or leaf or bud) removed from a plant to propagate a new plant through rooting or grafting
- removing parts from hard material to create a desired pattern or shape
- the act of shortening something by chopping off the ends
- the act of penetrating or opening open with a sharp edge
- the act of cutting something into parts
- the activity of selecting the scenes to be shown and putting them together to create a film
- a piece cut off from the main part of something
- the division of a deck of cards before dealing
- (countable, UK) An open passage at a level lower than the surrounding terrain, dug for a canal, railway, or road to go through.
- (countable) A newspaper clipping.
- (uncountable, cinematography, sound engineering) The editing of film or other recordings.
- (countable) An abridged selection of written work, often intended for performance.
- (countable) A section removed from a larger whole.
- (countable, horticulture) A leaf, stem, branch, or root removed from a plant and cultivated to grow a new plant.
- (uncountable, machining) The process of bringing metals to a desired shape by chipping away the unwanted material.
- (uncountable, psychology) The act of cutting one's own skin as a symptom of a mental disorder; self-harm.
- (countable, uncountable) The action of the verb to cut.
verb
adj
- (of speech) harsh or hurtful in tone or character
- having a specified kind of border or edge
- having a cutting edge or especially an edge or edges as specified; often used in combination
- That has a sharp planar surface.
- (followed by with or in a compound adjective) Having an edging of a certain material, color, and so on.
verb
adj
- (comparable, of a comment or inference) Directed negatively at a person or topic.
- (comparable) Having a relevance to the matter at hand: pertinent, relevant.
- (topology, algebraic topology, of a topological space) That has a named, but otherwise arbitrary, point (called the basepoint) that remains unchanged during subsequent discussion and is kept track of during all operations.
- (in combination) Having a certain number of points.
- (not comparable) In animals, having a coat pattern with points, that is, darkening of the extremities.
- (comparable) Sharp, barbed; not dull.
- having a point
- direct and obvious in meaning or reference; often unpleasant
verb
noun
intj
verb
adj
- (derogatory) Of speech or writing: bombastic, pompous.
- Of writing, etc.: clear, effective, powerful.
- Of a voice: characterized by clarity, fullness, smoothness, and strength of sound; hence, of a person: having a clear, full, and strong voice, appropriate for public speaking, reading aloud, etc.
- ostentatiously lofty in style
- (of sounds) full and rich
verb
noun
verb
adj
noun
- (chess) A scenario in which a piece attacks a more valuable piece which, if it moves aside, exposes a less valuable piece.
- A long pin, normally made of metal or wood, used to secure food during cooking.
- Food served on a skewer.
- (rare) That which skews something.
- a long pin for holding meat in position while it is being roasted
verb
noun
noun
adj
verb
noun
- (figuratively) A hurtful or disparaging remark.
- (US) The sciaenid fish Menticirrhus americanus, found along the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts of the United States.
- (informal, pharmacology) A barbiturate.
- A beard, or that which resembles it, or grows in the place of it.
- (ornithology) One of the many side branches of a feather, which collectively constitute the vane.
- A blackish or dun variety of pigeon, originally brought from Barbary.
- (botany) A hair or bristle ending in a double hook.
- Paps, or little projections, of the mucous membrane, which mark the opening of the submaxillary glands under the tongue in horses and cattle. The name is mostly applied when the barbs are inflamed and swollen.
- The Barbary horse, a superior breed introduced from Barbary into Spain by the Moors.
- The point that stands backward in an arrow, fishhook, etc., to prevent it from being easily extracted. Hence: Anything which stands out with a sharp point obliquely or crosswise to something else.
- A plastic fastener, shaped roughly like a capital I (with serifs), used to attach socks etc. to their packaging.
- Armor for a horse.
- (ichthyology) Any of various species of freshwater carp-like fish that have barbels and belong to the cyprinid family.
- the pointed part of barbed wire
- an aggressive remark directed at a person like a missile and intended to have a telling effect
- one of the parallel filaments projecting from the main shaft of a feather
- a subsidiary point facing opposite from the main point that makes an arrowhead or spear hard to remove
verb
noun
- (rhetoric) The use of this figure of speech.
- (rhetoric) A figure of speech that uses the name of a part of something to represent the whole, or the whole to represent a part, or a specific kind or instance to represent the general category, or the general category to represent a specific kind or instance, or the constituent material to represent the thing made from it.
- substituting a more inclusive term for a less inclusive one or vice versa
noun
- (sometimes derogatory) Meaningless language with an exaggerated style intended to impress.
- The art of using language, especially public speaking, as a means to persuade.
- loud and confused and empty talk
- high-flown style; excessive use of verbal ornamentation
- using language effectively to please or persuade
- study of the technique and rules for using language effectively (especially in public speaking)
adj
noun
- An object of criticism or ridicule.
- A butt or mark to shoot at, as for practice, or to test the accuracy of a firearm, or the force of a projectile.
- A person, place, or thing that is frequently attacked, criticized, or ridiculed.
- (mathematics, category theory) The codomain of a function; the object at which a morphism points.
- A kind of small shield or buckler, used as a defensive weapon in war.
- (sports) The pattern or arrangement of a series of hits made by a marksman on a butt or mark.
- (linguistics) The tenor of a metaphor.
- (heraldry) A bearing representing a buckler.
- A person (or group of people) that a person or organization is trying to employ or to have as a customer, audience etc.
- (surveying) The sliding crosspiece, or vane, on a leveling staff.
- A goal or objective.
- (cricket) the number of runs that the side batting last needs to score in the final innings in order to win
- (translation studies) The translated version of a document, or the language into which translation occurs.
- (rail transport) A conspicuous disk attached to a switch lever to show its position, or for use as a signal.
- a reference point to shoot at
- a person who is the aim of an attack (especially a victim of ridicule or exploitation) by some hostile person or influence
- the goal intended to be attained (and which is believed to be attainable)
- sports equipment consisting of an object set up for a marksman or archer to aim at
- the location of the target that is to be hit
verb
noun
verb
noun
verb
noun
adj
verb
noun
- verbal wit or mockery (often at another's expense but not to be taken seriously)
- (in games or plays or other performances) the time during which play proceeds
- a preset plan of action in team sports
- the removal of constraints
- activity by children that is guided more by imagination than by fixed rules
- a deliberate coordinated movement requiring dexterity and skill
- movement or space for movement
- (game) the activity of doing something in an agreed succession
- the act of playing for stakes in the hope of winning (including the payment of a price for a chance to win a prize)
- the act using a sword (or other weapon) vigorously and skillfully
- a weak and tremulous light
- a state in which action is feasible
- a theatrical performance of a drama
- gay or light-hearted recreational activity for diversion or amusement
- a dramatic work intended for performance by actors on a stage
- an attempt to get something
- utilization or exercise
- (turn-based games) An action carried out when it is one's turn to play.
- (uncountable, formerly countable) Activity for amusement only, especially among the young.
- (uncountable) Movement (of a pattern of light etc.)
- (countable, uncountable) An instance or instances of causing media to be watched or heard, such as by broadcasting.
- The extent to which a part of a mechanism can move freely, as for example lash, backlash, or slack.
- (countable) A literary composition, intended to be represented by actors impersonating the characters and speaking the dialogue.
- (uncountable, informal) Sexual activity or sexual role-playing.
- (uncountable) Freedom to move.
- (countable) A geological formation that contains an accumulation or prospect of hydrocarbons or other resources.
- (countable) An instance of watching or listening to media.
- (countable) A theatrical performance featuring actors.
- (uncountable) An individual's performance in a sport or game.
- (uncountable) The conduct, or course, of a game.
- (countable) A short sequence of action within a game.
- (countable) An instance of wordplay.
- (uncountable) Similar activity in young animals, as they explore their environment and learn new skills.
- (countable) An attempt to move forward, as in a plan or strategy, for example by a business, investor, or political party.
- (countable) A button that, when pressed, causes media to be played.
- (uncountable, sports, with certain prepositions, also figurative) The sphere or circumstance in which a playing implement, such as a ball, is available to be played (see also in play, out of play).
verb
- exhaust by allowing to pull on the line
- engage in recreational activities rather than work; occupy oneself in a diversion
- consider not very seriously
- discharge or direct or be discharged or directed as if in a continuous stream
- cause to move or operate freely within a bounded space
- use to one's advantage
- emit recorded sound
- pretend to have certain qualities or state of mind
- behave in a certain way
- play a role or part
- be performed or presented for public viewing
- stake on the outcome of an issue
- cause to happen or to occur as a consequence
- put (a card or piece) into play during a game, or act strategically as if in a card game
- make bets
- employ in a game or in a specific position
- play on an instrument
- move or seem to move quickly, lightly, or irregularly
- pretend to be somebody in the framework of a game or playful activity
- act or have an effect in a specified way or with a specific effect or outcome
- be at play; be engaged in playful activity; amuse oneself in a way characteristic of children
- behave carelessly or indifferently
- bet or wager (money)
- be received or accepted or interpreted in a specific way
- use or move
- perform on a certain location
- contend against an opponent in a sport, game, or battle
- manipulate manually or in one's mind or imagination
- cause to emit recorded audio or video
- perform on a stage or theater
- engage in an activity as if it were a game rather than take it seriously
- participate in games or sport
- shoot or hit in a particular manner
- perform music on (a musical instrument)
- replay (as a melody)
- (intransitive, of a musical instrument) To produce music.
- (transitive) To keep in play, as a hooked fish in order to land it.
- (intransitive, of a theatrical performance, film or music) To be performed, reproduced, or shown.
- (transitive, colloquial) To manipulate, deceive, or swindle.
- (transitive) To handle or deal with (something) in a calculating manner intended to achieve profit or gain.
- (transitive) To act as (the indicated role).
- (transitive, intransitive) To perform in (a sport); to participate in (a game).
- (intransitive, copulative) To act or behave in a stated way.
- To give a false appearance of being; to pretend to be.
- To move so as to fall upon or sweep across something, or to direct or operate (something) in such a manner.
- (intransitive) To be received or accepted (in a given way); to go down.
- (intransitive) To contend or fight using weapons, both as practice or in real life-or-death combats; to engage in martial games; to joust; to fence
- (transitive) To handle or deal with (a matter or situation) in a stated way.
- (transitive) To bring into action or motion; to exhibit in action; to execute or deploy.
- To portray (a character) in (a film or theatre).
- (transitive) To compete against, in a game.
- To gamble.
- To move in a light or brisk manner.
- (African-American Vernacular, intransitive) To kid; to joke; to say something for amusement; to act, or to treat something, unseriously.
- (transitive) To act or perform (a play).
- For additional senses in various idiomatic phrases, see the individual entries, such as play along, play at, play down, play off, play on, play out, play to, play up, etc.
- (transitive, intransitive, of a device, media, broadcast, etc.) To emit or relay sound (especially music) or moving pictures; (of a device) to operate media.
- (transitive, of a person) To operate (a device or media) so as to cause sound (especially music) or moving pictures to be produced.
- (intransitive) To take part in amorous activity; to make love; see also play around.
- To move in an alternating or reciprocal manner; to move to and fro.
- (transitive, of a theatrical company or band, etc.) To perform or give performances in or at (a venue or location).
- (intransitive, especially with 'with'; see also play with) To toy or trifle; to act with levity or thoughtlessness; to be careless.
- (intransitive) To act in a manner such that one has fun; to engage in activities expressly for the purpose of recreation or entertainment.
- Specifying a particular sporting role or position.
- (transitive, intransitive, especially of a person) To produce music using a musical instrument.
- (transitive, usually of a person) To render (a musical title, compositional style, film title, etc.) using a musical instrument or device.
- (transitive, in the scoring of games and sports) To be the opposing score to.
noun
- verbal wit or mockery (often at another's expense but not to be taken seriously)
- (biology) an organism that has characteristics resulting from chromosomal alteration
- the occupation of athletes who compete for pay
- a person known for the way they behave when teased or defeated or subjected to trying circumstances
- (Maine colloquial) a temporary summer resident of Maine
- someone who engages in sports
- an active diversion requiring physical exertion and competition
- (uncountable) Gaming for money as in racing, hunting, or fishing.
- (slang, countable) A sportsman; a gambler.
- Term of endearment used by an adult for a child, usually a boy.
- (countable) A person who exhibits either good or bad sportsmanship.
- (countable) A toy; a plaything; an object of mockery.
- (countable, uncountable) Any activity that uses physical exertion or skills competitively under a set of rules that is not based on aesthetics.
- (biology, botany, zoology, countable) A plant or an animal, or part of a plant or animal, which has some peculiarity not usually seen in the species; an abnormal variety or growth. The term encompasses both mutants and organisms with non-genetic developmental abnormalities such as birth defects.
- (informal, usually singular) A friend or acquaintance (chiefly used when speaking to the friend in question)
- (slang, countable) One who consorts with disreputable people, including prostitutes.
- (countable) Somebody who behaves or reacts in an admirably good-natured manner, e.g. to being teased or to losing a game; a good sport.
verb
- wear or display in an ostentatious or proud manner
- play boisterously
- (reflexive) To divert; to amuse; to make merry.
- (intransitive) To mock or tease, treat lightly, toy with.
- (transitive) To display; to have as a notable feature.
- To assume suddenly a new and different character from the rest of the plant or from the type of the species; said of a bud, shoot, plant, or animal.
- (intransitive) To amuse oneself, to play.
- (transitive) To represent by any kind of play.
- To practise the diversions of the field or the turf; to be given to betting, as upon races.
noun
- (figuratively) A witty statement or quip, usually at the expense of one's interlocutor.
- (slang, drugs, Canada, US) The crystalline or powdered form of MDA.
- (New Zealand, slang) A member of the Salvation Army.
- A kind of stonefly.
- A wren.
- A willow.
- An object made from the wood of a willow.
- Any tree that resembles a willow.
- A tufted woollen part of a bellrope, used to provide grip when ringing a bell.
- A sortie of troops from a besieged place against an enemy.
- An excursion or side trip.
- A sudden rushing forth.
- a military action in which besieged troops burst forth from their position
- a venture off the beaten path
- witty remark
verb
noun
verb
noun
- (informal) Speech that is suggestive of an attitude or opinion.
- Any sound.
- (music) A genre of rock music that uses static and other non-musical sounds, also influenced by art rock.
- (figurative, by extension) Unwanted fuss or bustle; useless activity.
- (genetics) The measured level of variation in gene expression among cells, regardless of source, within a supposedly identical population.
- (uncountable) Various sounds, usually unwanted or unpleasant.
- (technology) Any part of a signal or data that reduces the clarity, precision, or quality of the desired output.
- Sound or signal generated by random fluctuations.
- Rumour or complaint.
- (statistics) Variation or deviation generated by random fluctuations.
- electrical or acoustic activity that can disturb communication
- the quality of lacking any predictable order or plan
- sound of any kind (especially unintelligible or dissonant sound)
- a loud outcry of protest or complaint
- incomprehensibility resulting from irrelevant information or meaningless facts or remarks
- the auditory experience of sound that lacks musical quality; sound that is a disagreeable auditory experience
verb
noun
- (figuratively, informal) Adverse criticism.
- Ground-based anti-aircraft guns firing explosive shells.
- (informal) A public-relations spokesperson.
- Anti-aircraft shell fire.
- intense adverse criticism
- a slick spokesperson who can turn any criticism to the advantage of their employer
- artillery designed to shoot upward at airplanes
noun
- an extemporaneous speech or remark
- a short musical passage that seems to have been made spontaneously without advance preparation
- (music) A short musical composition for an informal occasion often with the character of improvisation and usually to be played solo.
- (by extension) Any composition, musical or otherwise, that is created on the spot without preparation.
adj
adv
noun
verb
noun
- (figurative, derogatory, often following a noun used attributively) A conspicuous but unproductive display of action.
- (US) A cinema.
- (countable) A place or building, consisting of a stage and seating, in which an audience gathers to watch plays, musical performances, public ceremonies, and so on.
- (medicine) An operating theatre or locale for human experimentation.
- A region where a particular action takes place; a specific field of action, usually with reference to war.
- Drama or performance as a profession or art form.
- Any place rising by steps like the seats of a theater.
- A lecture theatre.
- a region in which active military operations are in progress
- a building where theatrical performances or motion-picture shows can be presented
- the art of writing and producing plays
noun
verb
noun
intj
verb
noun
adj
verb
verb
- (figurative) To lash with sarcasm, abuse, etc.
- (intransitive) To move very fast.
- (transitive, politics) To enforce a member voting in accordance with party policy.
- (transitive, roller derby) To transfer momentum from one skater to another.
- (transitive) To urge into action or obedience.
- To sew lightly; specifically, to form (a fabric) into gathers by loosely overcasting the rolled edge and drawing up the thread.
- (transitive) To throw or kick an object at a high velocity.
- (transitive, nautical) To hoist or purchase by means of a whip.
- (ambitransitive) To fish a body of water especially by making repeated casts.
- (transitive, slang) To defeat, as in a contest or game.
- To thrash; to beat out, as grain, by striking.
- (transitive) To mix in a rapid aerating fashion, especially food.
- (transitive, nautical) To bind the end of a rope with twine or other small stuff to prevent its unlaying: fraying or unravelling.
- (transitive, by extension) To hit with any flexible object.
- (intransitive) To snap back and forth like a whip.
- (transitive) To move (something) very fast; often with up, out, etc.
- (transitive) To hit with a whip.
- defeat thoroughly
- whip with or as if with a wire whisk
- thrash about flexibly in the manner of a whiplash
- beat severely with a whip or rod
- subject to harsh criticism
- strike as if by whipping
noun
- (African-American Vernacular, MTE) A mode of personal motorized transportation; an automobile, all makes and models including motorcycles, excluding public transportation.
- Whipped cream.
- (music) A wippen, a rocking component in certain piano actions.
- (roller derby) A move in which one player transfers momentum to another.
- (politics) A member of a political party who is in charge of enforcing the party's policies in votes.
- (nautical) A purchase in which one block is used to gain a 2:1 mechanical advantage.
- A whipping motion; a thrashing about.
- The same instrument used to strike a person or animal for corporal punishment or torture.
- (UK politics, by extension) The regular status of an MP within a parliamentary party, which can be revoked by the party as a disciplinary measure.
- The quality of being whiplike or flexible; suppleness, as of the shaft of a golf club.
- (UK politics, with definite article) A document distributed weekly to MPs by party whips informing them of upcoming votes in parliament.
- A blow administered with a whip.
- (historical) A coach driver; a coachman.
- (hunting) A whipper-in.
- A lash; a pliant, flexible instrument, such as a rod (commonly of cane or rattan) or a plaited or braided rope or thong (commonly of leather) used to create a sharp "crack" sound for directing or herding animals.
- A spring in certain electrical devices for making a circuit
- a dessert made of sugar and stiffly beaten egg whites or cream and usually flavored with fruit
- a legislator appointed by the party to enforce discipline
- an instrument with a handle and a flexible lash that is used for whipping
- (golf) the flexibility of the shaft of a golf club
- a quick blow delivered with a whip or whiplike object
verb
- (figurative) Ellipsis of mouth the words; to speak insincerely.
- (transitive) To speak; to utter.
- (sheep husbandry) To examine the teeth of.
- To exit at a mouth (such as a river mouth)
- To form a mouth or opening in.
- (transitive) To pick up or handle with the lips or mouth, but not chew or swallow.
- To form or cleanse with the mouth; to lick, as a bear licks her cub.
- (ambitransitive) To utter with a voice that is overly loud or swelling.
- To take into the mouth; to seize or grind with the mouth or teeth; to chew; to devour.
- (transitive) To represent (words or sounds) by making the actions of speech, but silently, without producing sound; to frame.
- (transitive, intransitive) To move the mouth, with or without sound; to form (air or words) with the mouth, with or without sound.
- To carry in the mouth.
- express in speech
- articulate silently; form words with the lips only
- touch with the mouth
noun
- (anatomy) The front opening of a creature through which food is ingested.
- (slang) A loud or overly talkative person.
- (slang) A gossip.
- An outlet, aperture or orifice.
- (saddlery) The crosspiece of a bridle bit, which enters the mouth of an animal.
- The end of a river out of which water flows into a sea or other large body of water; or the end of a tributary out of which water flows into a larger river.
- the opening of a jar or bottle
- an opening that resembles a mouth (as of a cave or a gorge)
- a person conceived as a consumer of food
- the externally visible part of the oral cavity on the face and the system of organs surrounding the opening
- a spokesperson (as a lawyer)
- the opening through which food is taken in and vocalizations emerge
- the point where a stream issues into a larger body of water
- an impudent or insolent rejoinder
verb
noun
verb
noun
verb
noun
verb
adj
noun
- (chess) A scenario in which a piece attacks a more valuable piece which, if it moves aside, exposes a less valuable piece.
- A long pin, normally made of metal or wood, used to secure food during cooking.
- Food served on a skewer.
- (rare) That which skews something.
- a long pin for holding meat in position while it is being roasted
verb
noun
adj
- (used of the meanings of words or text) not literal; using figures of speech
- Of use as a metaphor, simile, metonym or other figure of speech, as opposed to literal; using figures.
- consisting of or forming human or animal figures
- Metaphorically so called.
- With many figures of speech.
- Emblematic, symbolic; representative, exemplative
- (art) Representing forms recognisable in life and clearly derived from real object sources, in contrast to abstract art.
adj
- (of a statement, action, etc.) Done in an insincere and mocking manner; satirical.
- (proscribed) Odd or coincidental; strange.
- (of a situation) Characterized by or constituting (any kind of) irony.
- (preceded with "being") Acting in an unserious and teasing manner.
- characterized by often poignant difference or incongruity between what is expected and what actually is
- humorously sarcastic or mocking
adj
noun
- an excerpt cut from a newspaper or magazine
- the act of diluting something
- a part (sometimes a root or leaf or bud) removed from a plant to propagate a new plant through rooting or grafting
- removing parts from hard material to create a desired pattern or shape
- the act of shortening something by chopping off the ends
- the act of penetrating or opening open with a sharp edge
- the act of cutting something into parts
- the activity of selecting the scenes to be shown and putting them together to create a film
- a piece cut off from the main part of something
- the division of a deck of cards before dealing
- (countable, UK) An open passage at a level lower than the surrounding terrain, dug for a canal, railway, or road to go through.
- (countable) A newspaper clipping.
- (uncountable, cinematography, sound engineering) The editing of film or other recordings.
- (countable) An abridged selection of written work, often intended for performance.
- (countable) A section removed from a larger whole.
- (countable, horticulture) A leaf, stem, branch, or root removed from a plant and cultivated to grow a new plant.
- (uncountable, machining) The process of bringing metals to a desired shape by chipping away the unwanted material.
- (uncountable, psychology) The act of cutting one's own skin as a symptom of a mental disorder; self-harm.
- (countable, uncountable) The action of the verb to cut.
verb
adj
- (of speech) harsh or hurtful in tone or character
- having a specified kind of border or edge
- having a cutting edge or especially an edge or edges as specified; often used in combination
- That has a sharp planar surface.
- (followed by with or in a compound adjective) Having an edging of a certain material, color, and so on.
verb
adj
- (comparable, of a comment or inference) Directed negatively at a person or topic.
- (comparable) Having a relevance to the matter at hand: pertinent, relevant.
- (topology, algebraic topology, of a topological space) That has a named, but otherwise arbitrary, point (called the basepoint) that remains unchanged during subsequent discussion and is kept track of during all operations.
- (in combination) Having a certain number of points.
- (not comparable) In animals, having a coat pattern with points, that is, darkening of the extremities.
- (comparable) Sharp, barbed; not dull.
- having a point
- direct and obvious in meaning or reference; often unpleasant
verb
adj
- (derogatory) Of speech or writing: bombastic, pompous.
- Of writing, etc.: clear, effective, powerful.
- Of a voice: characterized by clarity, fullness, smoothness, and strength of sound; hence, of a person: having a clear, full, and strong voice, appropriate for public speaking, reading aloud, etc.
- ostentatiously lofty in style
- (of sounds) full and rich