WordReference Word of the Day

To flay means ‘to strip the skin off an animal or a person’ or ‘to strip the outer covering off something.’ Figuratively, it can mean ‘to strip of money or property,’ although this sense is now rare. Flay can also mean ‘to criticize harshly’ or ‘to scold…

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A stitch is the movement of a threaded needle through a fabric that leaves one single loop of thread, as done when sewing. The loop of thread left is also a stitch. Informally,…

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A whoop is a loud shout or cry, usually indicating excitement, enthusiasm, or joy. As a verb, to whoop means ‘to make a loud cry or shout’ or ‘to utter something with a whoop.’ Owls and other birds also…

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To daze means ‘to stun or stupefy,’ especially with a blow or a shock. It also means ‘to overwhelm’ or ‘to dazzle,’ either in a negative or a positive way. The noun daze, often used in the expression “in a daze,” is the state of being…

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A pledge is promise to do or to stop doing something. It is also something that you leave with someone, as proof that you will pay them back a debt or that you’ll keep a promise, as well as anything given as proof of love or friendship. In US English, a person accepted into a club but not formally initiated is also a pledge…

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