IELTS Academic Words: Verbs #3

To hit something or someone.

"The two cars were about to collide at the intersection, but luckily both drivers slammed on the brakes just in time."

To make a liquid less strong by adding water or another liquid.

"To lessen the bitterness of the coffee, she decided to dilute it with more milk and sugar."

To mix a solid into a liquid until it becomes part of the liquid.

"Stir the sugar into the warm water until it completely dissolves."

To pass into or through something.

"The new scientific study aims to penetrate the mysteries of the human genome."

To make a hole in something, often with a sharp object.

"The sharp cry of the eaglet managed to pierce through the dense forest, reaching the ears of the concerned ornithologists."

To send back light, heat, or sound.

"Before making a big decision, she likes to take a long walk to reflect on all the possible outcomes."

To set free or let go.

"The band is set to release their new album next month."

To push away or keep something at a distance.

"The waterproof coating on my jacket is designed to repel rain and keep me dry."

To change from liquid to solid form.

"As the temperature dropped below freezing, the puddle started to solidify into a sheet of ice."

To completely destroy something.

"The city plan to demolish the old stadium to make way for a new park."

To change the color of something using a special liquid.

"She decided to dye her hair pink to stand out at the concert."

To introduce new ideas or methods.

"Companies that innovate are more likely to succeed in the rapidly changing technology market."

To move in a circle around a fixed point.

"The Earth takes one year to revolve around the sun."

To turn around a central point.

"The Earth takes 24 hours to rotate fully on its axis, giving us day and night."

To hit or attack.

"When the clock strikes midnight, the celebrations for the new year begin."

To leave something or someone permanently.

"In the face of imminent danger, they had no choice but to abandon their vehicle and continue on foot."

To protect or save resources.

"In order to ensure future generations have enough natural resources, we must take action to conserve water, forests, and wildlife."

To use up.

"She tries to consume plenty of fruits and vegetables every day to maintain a balanced diet."

To throw away.

"Before moving to her new apartment, she decided to discard old clothes she no longer wore to decrease clutter."

To get rid of something you don't want.

"The city plans to close the old dump because it has become an environmental hazard."