n. ambush

The troops retreating throught the narrow canyon faced an ambuscade from above.

v. fail to give a true impression

His conservative policies belie his populist roots.

v. mix.

American's commingling of races is one of her greatest strengths.

v. persistently harass.

Harried by my co-workers, I finally signed up for the car pool.

v. drive, force, urge.

The cold weather impelled me to install my storm windows.

adj. extremely small.

The chances she'll go out with me are infinitesimal.

adj. not fully developed or manifest.

She took lessons to develop her latent talent.

v. wipe out completely.

The homes here were obliterated by the tornado.

adj. having several lobes whose midribs radiate from one point (like a palm leaf).

The dragon reached for him with one huge palmate hand.

n. voiolent expression of emotion.

He suffered paroxysms of grief at the thoughts that his TV show might be cancelled.

n. quality that evokes pity or sadness.

He told me this with such pathos that I almost felt sorry for him.

n. tendency to hold fast to an opinion or action; tencacity.

Even during the party, he kept reading with admirable perinacity.

v. or n. central point around which something turns.

The ballerina pivoted gracefully on one leg.

v. soak in water or other liquid to absorb its flavor.

These chilies have been steeped in olive oil.

v. take illegally or by force.

King Henry IV surped the throne from Richard II.

n. period of wakefulness, watchfulness, or prayer.

We maintained a constant vigil all night waiting for election returns.