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Word of the day

surcease

[ sur-sees ] [ sɜrˈsis ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

verb

to come to an end

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Why Dictionary.com chose surcease

More about surcease

  • First recorded between 1400–50.
  • From the Latin supersedēre, meaning “to refrain or omit.”
  • Related to supersede.

EXAMPLES OF SURCEASE

  • The birds return to their nests and surcease from chirping.
  • We hoped their constant disputes would one day surcease.
20240103
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Word of the day

haboob

[ huh-boob ] [ həˈbub ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

noun

a strong desert sandstorm

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Why Dictionary.com chose haboob

More about haboob

  • First recorded in 1895–1900.
  • From the Arabic habūb, meaning “a strong wind.”

EXAMPLES OF HABOOB

  • Travelers sheltered in a cave, waiting for the haboob to pass.
  • The massive haboob rolled across the desert, turning the sky orange.
20240103
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Word of the day

gull

[ guhl ] [ gʌl ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

verb

to deceive, trick, or cheat

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Why Dictionary.com chose gull

More about gull

  • First recorded in 1540–50.
  • Of obscure origin; perhaps related to the obsolete term gull, meaning “to swallow, guzzle.”
  • Possibly the root of the word gullible.

EXAMPLES OF GULL

  • The girl gulled her friends into believing her elaborate ghost story.
  • He was gulled into believing the email came from his bank.
20240103
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