2 → see also attaché case , bookcase , briefcase , packing case , pillowcase , showcase
3 N‑COUNT A case is a suitcase.
4 N‑COUNT A case of wine or other alcoholic drink is a box containing a number of bottles, usually twelve, which is sold as a single unit.
➌ case /ke I s/ (cases )
1 N‑COUNT In the grammar of many languages, the case of a group such as a noun group or adjective group is the form it has which shows its relationship to other groups in the sentence.
2 → see accusative , nominative
3 → see also lower case , upper case COLLOCATIONS case NOUN ➊7
noun + case : abuse, fraud, libel, murder, rape; court
adjective + case : civil, criminal
verb + case : bring; adjourn; hear
case|book /ke I sbʊk/ (casebooks ) N‑COUNT A casebook is a written record of the cases dealt with by someone such as a doctor, social worker, or police officer.
ca se hi s|to|ry (case histories ) N‑COUNT A person's case history is the record of past events or problems that have affected them, especially their medical history. □ I took her to a homoeopath, who started by taking a very long and detailed case history.
ca se law N‑UNCOUNT Case law is law that has been established by following decisions made by judges in earlier cases. [LEGAL ]
case|load /ke I sloʊd/ (caseloads ) N‑COUNT [oft with poss] The caseload of someone such as a doctor, social worker, or lawyer is the number of cases that they have to deal with. □ Social workers say the average caseload is 32 families per employee.
case|ment /ke I smənt/ (casements ) N‑COUNT A casement or a casement window is a window that opens by means of hinges, usually at the side. [WRITTEN ]
case-se nsitive ADJ In computing, if a written word such as a password is case-sensitive , it must be written in a particular form, for example using all capital letters or all small letters, in order for the computer to recognize it. [COMPUTING ]
ca se study (case studies ) N‑COUNT A case study is a written account that gives detailed information about a person, group, or thing and their development over a period of time. □ [+ of ] …a large case study of malaria in West African children.
case|work /ke I swɜː r k/ N‑UNCOUNT Casework is social work that involves actually dealing or working with the people who need help.
case|worker /ke I swɜː r kə r / (caseworkers ) N‑COUNT A caseworker is someone who does casework.
cash ◆◆◇ /kæ ʃ/ (cashes , cashing , cashed )
1 N‑UNCOUNT Cash is money in the form of notes and coins rather than cheques. □ …two thousand pounds in cash.
2 → see also hard cash , petty cash
3 N‑UNCOUNT Cash means the same as money, especially money which is immediately available. [INFORMAL ] □ …a state-owned financial-services group with plenty of cash.
▸ cash in
1 PHRASAL VERB If you say that someone cashes in on a situation, you are criticizing them for using it to gain an advantage, often in an unfair or dishonest way. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ [V P + on ] Residents said local gang leaders had cashed in on the violence to seize valuable land.
2 PHRASAL VERB If you cash in something such as an insurance policy, you exchange it for money. □ [V P n] Avoid cashing in a policy early as you could lose out heavily. □ [V P n] He did not cash in his shares. [Also V n P ]
ca sh-and-ca rry (cash-and-carries ) N‑COUNT A cash-and-carry is a large shop where you can buy goods in larger quantities and at lower prices than in ordinary shops. Cash-and-carries are mainly used by people in business to buy goods for their shops or companies.
ca sh card (cash cards ) also cashcard N‑COUNT A cash card is a card that banks give to their customers so that they can get money out of a cash dispenser. [BRIT ]
ca sh cow (cash cows ) N‑COUNT In business, a cash cow is a product or investment that steadily continues to be profitable. [BUSINESS ]
ca sh crop (cash crops ) N‑COUNT A cash crop is a crop that is grown in order to be sold. □ Cranberries have become a major cash crop.
ca sh desk (cash desks ) N‑COUNT A cash desk is a place in a large shop where you pay for the things you want to buy. [BRIT ] in AM, use cashier's desk
ca sh dis|pens|er (cash dispensers ) N‑COUNT A cash dispenser is a machine built into the wall of a bank or other building, which allows people to take out money from their bank account using a special card. [BRIT ] in AM, use ATM
cash|ew /kæ ʃuː, kæʃuː / (cashews ) N‑COUNT A cashew or a cashew nut is a curved nut that you can eat.
ca sh flow also cashflow N‑UNCOUNT The cash flow of a firm or business is the movement of money into and out of it. [BUSINESS ] □ Some construction firms fell into administration after suffering cashflow problems.
cash|ier /kæʃ I ə r / (cashiers ) N‑COUNT A cashier is a person who customers pay money to or get money from in places such as shops or banks.
cash|ie r's check (cashier's checks ) N‑COUNT A cashier's check is one which a cashier signs and which is drawn on a bank's own funds. [AM ]
cash|ie r's desk (cashier's desks ) N‑COUNT A cashier's desk is the same as a cash desk . [AM ]
cash|less /kæ ʃləs/ ADJ Cashless payments are made using cards or electronic methods rather than physical money. □ The school café uses a cashless system.
cash|mere /kæ ʃm I ə r , [AM ] kæ ʒm I r/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Cashmere is a kind of very fine, soft wool. □ …a big soft cashmere sweater.
cash|point /kæ ʃpɔ I nt/ (cashpoints ) N‑COUNT A cashpoint is the same as a cash dispenser . [BRIT ] in AM, use ATM
ca sh reg|is|ter (cash registers ) N‑COUNT A cash register is a machine in a shop, pub, or restaurant that is used to add up and record how much money people pay, and in which the money is kept.
ca sh-starved ADJ [usu ADJ n] A cash-starved company or organization does not have enough money to operate properly, usually because another organization, such as the government, is not giving them the money that they need. [BUSINESS , JOURNALISM ] □ …cash-starved councils forced to cut back on vital services.
ca sh-strapped ADJ [usu ADJ n] If a person or organization is cash-strapped , they do not have enough money to buy or pay for the things they want or need. [JOURNALISM ] □ …cash-strapped students.
cas|ing /ke I s I ŋ/ (casings ) N‑COUNT A casing is a substance or object that covers something and protects it. □ [+ of ] …the outer casings of missiles.
ca|si|no /kəsiː noʊ/ (casinos ) N‑COUNT A casino is a building or room where people play gambling games such as roulette.
cask /kɑː sk, kæ sk/ (casks ) N‑COUNT A cask is a wooden barrel that is used for storing things, especially alcoholic drink. □ [+ of ] …casks of sherry.
cas|ket /kɑː sk I t, kæ sk-/ (caskets )
1 N‑COUNT A casket is a small box in which you keep valuable things. [LITERARY ]
2 N‑COUNT A casket is a coffin . [mainly AM ]
cas|sa|va /kəsɑː və/
1 N‑UNCOUNT Cassava is a South American plant with thick roots. It is grown for food.
2 N‑UNCOUNT Cassava is a substance that comes from the root of the cassava plant and is used to make flour.
cas|se|role /kæ səroʊl/ (casseroles )
1 N‑COUNT [oft n N ] A casserole is a dish made of meat and vegetables that have been cooked slowly in a liquid. □ …a huge lamb casserole, full of herbs and vegetables .
2 N‑COUNT A casserole or a casserole dish is a large heavy container with a lid. You cook casseroles and other dishes in it. □ …a flameproof casserole.
cas|sette /kəse t/ (cassettes ) N‑COUNT [oft on N ] A cassette is a small, flat, rectangular plastic case containing magnetic tape which was used in the past for recording and playing back sound or film. □ I started very early, writing my first tune at three. I still have it on cassette.
cas|sock /kæ sək/ (cassocks ) N‑COUNT A cassock is a long piece of clothing, often black, that is worn by members of the clergy in some churches.
cast ◆◆◇ /kɑː st, kæ st/ (casts , casting ) The form cast is used in the present tense and is the past tense and past participle. 1 N‑COUNT [with sing or pl verb] The cast of a play or film is all the people who act in it. □ The show is very amusing and the cast are very good.
2 VERB To cast an actor in a play or film means to choose them to act a particular role in it. □ [V n + in/as ] Casting three actresses in the film to play one role was very challenging. □ [be V -ed + as ] He was cast as a college professor. □ [V n] He had no trouble casting the movie. ● cast|ing N‑UNCOUNT [N n] □ …the casting director of Ealing film studios.
3 VERB To cast someone in a particular way or as a particular thing means to describe them in that way or suggest they are that thing. □ [be V -ed + as ] Democrats have been worried about being cast as the party of the poor. □ [V pron-refl + as ] Holland would never dare cast himself as a virtuoso pianist. [Also + in ]
4 VERB If you cast your eyes or cast a look in a particular direction, you look quickly in that direction. [WRITTEN ] □ [V n prep/adv] He cast a stern glance at the two men. □ [V n prep/adv] I cast my eyes down briefly. □ [V n] The maid, casting black looks, hurried out. [Also V n n]
5 VERB If something casts a light or shadow somewhere, it causes it to appear there. [WRITTEN ] □ [V n prep] The moon cast a bright light over the yard. □ [V n] They flew in over the beach, casting a huge shadow.
6 VERB To cast doubt on something means to cause people to be unsure about it. □ [V n + on ] Last night a top criminal psychologist cast doubt on the theory.
7 VERB When you cast your vote in an election, you vote. □ [V n] About ninety-five per cent of those who cast their votes approve the new constitution. □ [V -ed] Gaviria had been widely expected to obtain well over half the votes cast.
8 VERB To cast something or someone somewhere means to throw them there. [LITERARY ] □ [V n prep] He gathered up the twigs and cast them into the fire. □ [have n V -ed prep] John had Maude and her son cast into a dungeon.
9 VERB To cast an object means to make it by pouring a liquid such as hot metal into a specially shaped container and leaving it there until it becomes hard. □ [V -ed + in ] …sculptures cast in bronze. [Also V n in n, V n]
10 N‑COUNT A cast is a model that has been made by pouring a liquid such as plaster or hot metal onto something or into something, so that when it hardens it has the same shape as that thing. □ [+ of ] An orthodontist took a cast of the inside of Billy's mouth.
11 N‑COUNT A cast is the same as a plaster cast .
12 → see also casting
13 to cast aspersions → see aspersions
14 the die is cast → see die
15 to cast your mind back → see mind ➊
16 to cast your net wider → see net ➊
▸ cast around for in BRIT, also use cast about for PHRASAL VERB If you cast around for something or cast about for it, you try to find it or think of it. □ [V P P n] She had been casting around for a good excuse to go to New York.
▸ cast aside PHRASAL VERB If you cast aside someone or something, you get rid of them because they are no longer necessary or useful to you. □ [V P n] Sweden needs to cast aside outdated policies and thinking.
▸ cast off
1 PHRASAL VERB If you cast off something, you get rid of it because it is no longer necessary or useful to you, or because it is harmful to you. [LITERARY ] □ [V P n] The essay exhorts women to cast off their servitude to husbands and priests. [Also V n P ]
2 PHRASAL VERB If you are on a boat and you cast off , you untie the rope that is keeping the boat in a fixed position. □ [V P ] He cast off, heading out to the bay.
cas|ta|nets /kæ stəne ts/ N‑PLURAL [oft a pair of N ] Castanets are a Spanish musical instrument consisting of two small round pieces of wood or plastic held together by a cord. You hold the castanets in your hand and knock the pieces together with your fingers.
cast|away /kɑː stəwe I , kæ st-/ (castaways ) N‑COUNT A castaway is a person who has managed to swim or float to a lonely island or shore after their boat has sunk.
caste /kɑː st, kæ st/ (castes )
1 N‑COUNT A caste is one of the traditional social classes into which people are divided in a Hindu society. □ Most of the upper castes worship the Goddess Kali.
2 N‑UNCOUNT Caste is the system of dividing people in a society into different social classes. □ The caste system shapes nearly every facet of Indian life.
cas|tel|lat|ed /kæ stəle I t I d/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A castellated wall or building looks like a castle. [TECHNICAL ] □ …a 19th-century castellated mansion.
cast|er /kɑː stə r , kæ stə r / → see castor
ca st|er sug|ar also castor sugar N‑UNCOUNT Caster sugar is white sugar that has been ground into fine grains. It is used in cooking. [BRIT ] in AM, use superfine sugar
cas|ti|gate /kæ st I ge I t/ (castigates , castigating , castigated ) VERB If you castigate someone or something, you speak to them angrily or criticize them severely. [FORMAL ] □ [V n] Marx never lost an opportunity to castigate colonialism. □ [V n + for ] She castigated him for having no intellectual interests. ● cas|ti|ga|tion /kæ st I ge I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □ [+ of ] …Bradley's public castigation of the police chief.
cast|ing /kɑː st I ŋ, kæ st-/ (castings )
1 N‑COUNT A casting is an object or piece of machinery which has been made by pouring a liquid such as hot metal into a container, so that when it hardens it has the required shape.
2 → see also cast
ca st|ing vo te (casting votes ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] When a committee has given an equal number of votes for and against a proposal, the chairperson can give a casting vote . This vote decides whether or not the proposal will be passed. □ Only Mr King's casting vote secured the rate rise.
ca st i ron
1 N‑UNCOUNT Cast iron is iron which contains a small amount of carbon. It is hard and cannot be bent so it has to be made into objects by casting. □ Made from cast iron, it is finished in graphite enamel. □ …the cast-iron chair legs.
2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A cast-iron guarantee or alibi is one that is absolutely certain to be effective and will not fail you. □ They would have to offer cast-iron guarantees to invest in long-term projects.
cas|tle ◆◇◇ /kɑː s ə l, kæ s ə l/ (castles )
1 N‑COUNT A castle is a large building with thick, high walls. Castles were built by important people, such as kings, in former times, especially for protection during wars and battles.
2 → see also sand castle
3 N‑COUNT In chess, a castle is a piece that can be moved forwards, backwards, or sideways.
ca st-off (cast-offs ) also castoff ADJ [ADJ n] Cast-off things, especially clothes, are ones which someone no longer uses because they are old or unfashionable, and which they give to someone else or throw away. □ Alexandra looked plump and awkward in her cast-off clothing. ● N‑COUNT [usu pl] Cast-off is also a noun. □ I never had anything new to wear as a child, only a cousin's cast-offs.
cas|tor /kɑː stə r , kæ st-/ (castors ) also caster N‑COUNT Castors are small wheels fitted to a piece of furniture so that it can be moved more easily.
ca s|tor oil N‑UNCOUNT Castor oil is a thick yellow oil that is obtained from the seeds of the castor oil plant. It has a very unpleasant taste and in former times was used as a medicine.
ca s|tor sug|ar → see caster sugar
cas|trate /kæstre I t, [AM ] kæ stre I t/ (castrates , castrating , castrated ) VERB To castrate a male animal or a man means to remove his testicles. □ [V n] In the ancient world, it was probably rare to castrate a dog or cat. □ [V -ed] …a castrated male horse. ● cas|tra|tion /kæstre I ʃ ə n/ (castrations ) N‑VAR □ [+ of ] …the castration of male farm animals.
cas|ual /kæ ʒuəl/
1 ADJ If you are casual , you are, or you pretend to be, relaxed and not very concerned about what is happening or what you are doing. □ [+ about ] It's difficult for me to be casual about anything. □ He's an easy-going, friendly young man with a casual sort of attitude towards money. ● casu|al|ly ADV [ADV with v] □ 'No need to hurry,' Ben said casually.
2 ADJ [ADJ n] A casual event or situation happens by chance or without planning. □ What you mean as a casual remark could be misinterpreted. □ Even a casual observer could notice the tense atmosphere.
3 ADJ [ADJ n] Casual clothes are ones that you normally wear at home or on holiday, and not on formal occasions. □ I also bought some casual clothes for the weekend. ● casu|al|ly ADV [ADV -ed, ADV after v] □ They were smartly but casually dressed.
4 ADJ [ADJ n] Casual work is done for short periods and not on a permanent or regular basis. □ …establishments which employ people on a casual basis, such as pubs and restaurants. □ It became increasingly expensive to hire casual workers.
ca sual ga me (casual games ) N‑COUNT A casual game is a simple video game that is easy to play. □ There's a big market for casual games.
casu|al|ize /kæ ʒuəla I z/ (casualizes , casualizing , casualized ) in BRIT, also use casualise VERB If a business casualizes its employees or casualizes their labour, it replaces employees with permanent contracts and full rights with employees with temporary contracts and few rights. [BUSINESS ] □ [V -ed] …a casualised workforce. [Also V n] ● casu|ali|za|tion /kæ ʒuəla I ze I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □ [+ of ] …the casualisation of employment.
casu|al|ty ◆◇◇ /kæ ʒuəlti/ (casualties )
1 N‑COUNT A casualty is a person who is injured or killed in a war or in an accident. □ Troops fired on demonstrators near the Royal Palace causing many casualties.
2 N‑COUNT A casualty of a particular event or situation is a person or a thing that has suffered badly as a result of that event or situation. □ [+ of ] Fiat has been one of the greatest casualties of the recession.
3 N‑UNCOUNT Casualty is the part of a hospital where people who have severe injuries or sudden illnesses are taken for emergency treatment. [BRIT ] □ I was taken to casualty at St Thomas's Hospital. in AM, use emergency room
casu|ist|ry /kæ zju I stri, [AM ] kæ ʒu-/ N‑UNCOUNT Casuistry is the use of clever arguments to persuade or trick people. [FORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ]
cat ◆◇◇ /kæ t/ (cats )
1 N‑COUNT A cat is a furry animal that has a long tail and sharp claws. Cats are often kept as pets.
2 N‑COUNT Cats are lions, tigers, and other wild animals in the same family.
3 → see also Cheshire cat , fat cat , wildcat
4 PHRASE If you let the cat out of the bag , you tell people about something that was being kept secret. You often do this by mistake.
5 PHRASE In a fight or contest, if one person plays cat and mouse , or a game of cat and mouse , with the other, the first person tries to confuse or deceive the second in order to defeat them. □ The youths have played cat and mouse with the police.
6 PHRASE If you put the cat among the pigeons or set the cat among the pigeons , you cause fierce argument or discussion by doing or saying something. [BRIT ] □ If we win, that will put the cat among the pigeons.
7 PHRASE If you say ' There's no room to swing a cat ' or ' You can't swing a cat ', you mean that the place you are talking about is very small or crowded. □ It was described as a large, luxury mobile home, but there was barely room to swing a cat.
cata|clysm /kæ təkl I zəm/ (cataclysms ) N‑COUNT A cataclysm is an event that causes great change or harm. [FORMAL ]
cata|clys|mic /kæ təkl I zm I k/ ADJ A cataclysmic event is one that changes a situation or society very greatly, especially in an unpleasant way. [FORMAL ] □ Few had expected that change to be as cataclysmic as it turned out to be.
cata|comb /kæ təkuːm, [AM ] -koʊm/ (catacombs ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Catacombs are ancient underground passages and rooms, especially under a city, where people used to be buried.
Cata|lan /kæ təlæn/
1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Something that is Catalan belongs or relates to Catalonia, its people, or its language. Catalonia is a region of Spain.
2 N‑UNCOUNT Catalan is one of the languages spoken in Catalonia.
cata|logue /kæ təlɒg/ (catalogues , cataloguing , catalogued ) in AM, usually use catalog 1 N‑COUNT A catalogue is a list of things such as the goods you can buy from a particular company, the objects in a museum, or the books in a library. □ …the world's biggest seed catalogue.
2 VERB To catalogue things means to make a list of them. □ [V n] The Royal Greenwich Observatory was founded to observe and catalogue the stars.
3 N‑COUNT A catalogue of similar things, especially bad things, is a number of them considered or discussed one after another. □ [+ of ] …the latest tragedy in a catalogue of disasters.
cata|lyse /kæ təla I z/ (catalyses , catalysing , catalysed ) in AM, use catalyze 1 VERB If something catalyses a thing or a situation, it makes it active. [FORMAL ] □ [V n] Any unexpected circumstance that arises may catalyze a sudden escalation of violence.
2 VERB In chemistry, if something catalyses a reaction or event, it causes it to happen. [TECHNICAL ] □ [V n] The wires do not have a large enough surface to catalyse a big explosion.
ca|taly|sis /kətæ l I s I s/ N‑UNCOUNT Catalysis is the speeding up of a chemical reaction by adding a catalyst to it. [TECHNICAL ]
cata|lyst /kæ təl I st/ (catalysts )
1 N‑COUNT You can describe a person or thing that causes a change or event to happen as a catalyst . □ [+ for ] I very much hope that this case will prove to be a catalyst for change. □ He said he saw the bank's role as a catalyst to encourage foreign direct investment.
2 N‑COUNT In chemistry, a catalyst is a substance that causes a chemical reaction to take place more quickly.
cata|lyt|ic /kæ təl I t I k/
1 ADJ [ADJ n] In chemistry, a catalytic substance or a substance with catalytic properties is a substance which increases the speed of a chemical reaction. □ …carbon molecules with unusual chemical and catalytic properties.
2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe a person or thing as having a catalytic effect, you mean that they cause things to happen or they increase the speed at which things happen. [FORMAL ] □ Governments do, however, have a vital catalytic role in orchestrating rescue operations.
ca ta|lyt|ic con|ve rt|er (catalytic converters ) N‑COUNT A catalytic converter is a device which is fitted to a car's exhaust to reduce the pollution coming from it.
cata|ma|ran /kæ təməræ n/ (catamarans ) N‑COUNT A catamaran is a sailing boat with two parallel hulls that are held in place by a single deck.
cata|pult /kæ təpʌlt/ (catapults , catapulting , catapulted )
1 N‑COUNT A catapult is a device for shooting small stones. It is made of a Y-shaped stick with a piece of elastic tied between the two top parts. [BRIT ] in AM, use slingshot 2 VERB If someone or something catapults or is catapulted through the air, they are thrown very suddenly, quickly, and violently through it. □ [V prep] We've all seen enough dummies catapulting through windscreens in TV warnings to know the dangers of not wearing seat belts. □ [be V -ed prep/adv] He was catapulted into the side of the van. [Also V n prep/adv]
3 VERB If something catapults you into a particular state or situation, or if you catapult there, you are suddenly and unexpectedly caused to be in that state or situation. □ [be V -ed + into ] Suddenly she was catapulted into his jet-set lifestyle. □ [V + to ] Affleck catapulted to fame after picking up an Oscar.
cata|ract /kæ tərækt/ (cataracts ) N‑COUNT [usu pl, N n] Cataracts are layers over a person's eyes that prevent them from seeing properly. Cataracts usually develop because of old age or illness. □ Age is not a factor in cataract surgery.
ca|tarrh /kətɑː r / N‑UNCOUNT Catarrh is a medical condition in which a lot of mucus is produced in your nose and throat. You may get catarrh when you have a cold.
ca|tas|tro|phe /kətæ strəfi/ (catastrophes ) N‑COUNT A catastrophe is an unexpected event that causes great suffering or damage. □ From all points of view, war would be a catastrophe.
cata|stroph|ic /kæ təstrɒ f I k/
1 ADJ Something that is catastrophic involves or causes a sudden terrible disaster. □ A tidal wave caused by the earthquake hit the coast causing catastrophic damage. □ The water shortage in this country is potentially catastrophic. ● cata|strophi|cal|ly /kæ təstrɒ f I kli/ ADV [usu ADV after v] □ The faulty left-hand engine failed catastrophically as the aircraft approached the airport.
2 ADJ If you describe something as catastrophic , you mean that it is very bad or unsuccessful. □ …another catastrophic attempt to wrest control from a rival Christian militia. □ His mother's untimely death had a catastrophic effect on him. ● cata|strophi|cal|ly ADV [usu ADV after v] □ By the time we had to sell, prices had fallen catastrophically.
cata|ton|ic /kæ tətɒ n I k/ ADJ If you describe someone as being in a catatonic state, you mean that they are not moving or responding at all, usually as a result of illness, shock, or drugs. [MEDICAL , LITERARY ] □ …and the traumatised heroine sinks into a catatonic trance.
cat|bird seat /kæ tbɜː r d siːt/ PHRASE If you say that someone is in the catbird seat , you think that their situation is very good. [AM , INFORMAL ] □ If he had not been hurt, his team would be sitting in the catbird seat.
ca t bur|glar (cat burglars ) N‑COUNT A cat burglar is a thief who steals from houses or other buildings by climbing up walls and entering through windows or through the roof.
cat|call /kæ tkɔːl/ (catcalls ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Catcalls are loud noises that people make to show that they disapprove of something they are watching or listening to. □ The crowd responded with boos and catcalls.
catch ◆◆◇ /kæ tʃ/ (catches , catching , caught )
1 VERB If you catch a person or animal, you capture them after chasing them, or by using a trap, net, or other device. □ [V n] Police say they are confident of catching the gunman. □ [V n] Where did you catch the fish? □ [V -ed] I wondered if it was an animal caught in a trap.
2 VERB If you catch an object that is moving through the air, you seize it with your hands. □ [V n] I jumped up to catch a ball and fell over. ● N‑COUNT Catch is also a noun. □ He missed the catch and the match was lost.
3 VERB If you catch a part of someone's body, you take or seize it with your hand, often in order to stop them going somewhere. □ [V n] Liz caught his arm. □ [V n prep] He knelt beside her and caught her hand in both of his. □ [V n prep] Garrido caught her by the wrist.
4 VERB If one thing catches another, it hits it accidentally or manages to hit it. □ [V n] The stinging slap almost caught his face. □ [V n + with ] I may have caught him with my elbow but it was just an accident. □ [V n + on ] He caught her on the side of her head with his other fist.
5 VERB If something catches on or in an object or if an object catches something, it accidentally becomes attached to the object or stuck in it. □ [V prep] Her ankle caught on a root, and she almost lost her balance. □ [V n prep] A man caught his foot in the lawnmower.
6 VERB When you catch a bus, train, or plane, you get on it in order to travel somewhere. □ [V n] We were in plenty of time for Anthony to catch the ferry. □ [V n prep] He caught a taxi to Harrods.
7 VERB If you catch someone doing something wrong, you see or find them doing it. □ [V n v-ing] He caught a youth breaking into a car. □ [V n prep] They caught him on camera doing it more than once.
8 VERB If you catch yourself doing something, especially something surprising, you suddenly become aware that you are doing it. □ [V pron-refl v-ing] I caught myself feeling almost sorry for poor Mr Laurence.
9 VERB If you catch something or catch a glimpse of it, you notice it or manage to see it briefly. □ [V n] As she turned back, she caught the puzzled look on her mother's face. □ [V n] He caught a glimpse of the man's face in a shop window.
10 VERB If you catch something that someone has said, you manage to hear it. □ [V n] I do not believe I caught your name. □ [V wh] The men out in the corridor were trying to catch what they said.
11 VERB If you catch a TV or radio programme or an event, you manage to see or listen to it. □ [V n] Bill turns on the radio to catch the local news.
12 VERB If you catch someone, you manage to contact or meet them to talk to them, especially when they are just about to go somewhere else. □ [V n] I dialled Elizabeth's number thinking I might catch her before she left for work. □ [V n] Hello, Dolph. Glad I caught you.
13 VERB If something or someone catches you by surprise or at a bad time, you were not expecting them or do not feel able to deal with them. □ [V n prep] She looked as if the photographer had caught her by surprise. □ [V n prep] I'm sorry but I just cannot say anything. You've caught me at a bad time. □ [V n adj] The sheer number of spectators has caught everyone unprepared.
14 VERB If something catches your attention or your eye, you notice it or become interested in it. □ [V n] My shoes caught his attention. □ [V n] A quick movement across the aisle caught his eye.
15 V-PASSIVE If you are caught in a storm or other unpleasant situation, it happens when you cannot avoid its effects. □ [be/get V -ed + in] When he was fishing off the island he was caught in a storm and almost drowned. □ [be V -ed + between] Visitors to the area were caught between police and the rioters.
16 V-PASSIVE If you are caught between two alternatives or two people, you do not know which one to choose or follow. □ [be V -ed + between ] The Jordanian leader is caught between both sides in the dispute. □ [be V -ed + between ] She was caught between envy and admiration.
17 VERB If you catch a cold or a disease, you become ill with it. □ [V n] The more stress you are under, the more likely you are to catch a cold.
18 VERB To catch liquids or small pieces that fall from somewhere means to collect them in a container. □ [V n] …a specially designed breadboard with a tray to catch the crumbs.
19 VERB If something catches the light or if the light catches it, it reflects the light and looks bright or shiny. □ [V n] They saw the ship's guns, catching the light of the moon. □ [V n + in ] Often a fox goes across the road in front of me and I just catch it in the headlights.
20 N‑COUNT A catch on a window, door, or container is a device that fastens it. □ [+ of ] She fiddled with the catch of her bag.
21 N‑COUNT [usu sing] A catch is a hidden problem or difficulty in a plan or an offer that seems surprisingly good. □ The catch is that you work for your supper, and the food and accommodation can be very basic.
22 N‑COUNT When people have been fishing, their catch is the total number of fish that they have caught. □ The catch included one fish over 18 pounds.
23 N‑UNCOUNT Catch is a game in which children throw a ball to each other.
24 N‑UNCOUNT Catch is a game in which one child chases other children and tries to touch or catch one of them.
25 → see also catching
26 PHRASE You can say things such as ' You wouldn't catch me doing that ' to emphasize that you would never do a particular thing. [INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □ You wouldn't catch me in there, I can tell you.
27 to catch your breath → see breath
28 to catch fire → see fire ➊
29 to catch hold of something → see hold ➊
30 to catch sight of something → see sight
▸ catch on
1 PHRASAL VERB If you catch on to something, you understand it, or realize that it is happening. □ [V P + to ] He got what he could out of me before I caught on to the kind of person he'd turned into. □ [V P ] Wait a minute! I'm beginning to catch on.
2 PHRASAL VERB If something catches on , it becomes popular. □ [V P ] The idea has been around for ages without catching on.
▸ catch out PHRASAL VERB To catch someone out means to cause them to make a mistake that reveals that they are lying about something, do not know something, or cannot do something. [mainly BRIT ] □ [V n P prep] Detectives followed him for months hoping to catch him out in some deception. □ [be V -ed P + by] The government has been caught out by the speed of events. [Also V n P , V P n]
▸ catch up
1 PHRASAL VERB If you catch up with someone who is in front of you, you reach them by walking faster than they are walking. □ [V P ] I stopped and waited for her to catch up. □ [V P + with ] We caught up with the others.
2 PHRASAL VERB To catch up with someone means to reach the same standard, stage, or level that they have reached. □ [V P + with ] Most late developers will catch up with their friends. □ [V P ] John began the season better than me but I have fought to catch up. □ [V P + on/in ] During the evenings, the school is used by kids who want to catch up on English and mathematics.
3 PHRASAL VERB If you catch up on an activity that you have not had much time to do recently, you spend time doing it. □ [V P + on/with ] I was catching up on a bit of reading.
4 PHRASAL VERB If you catch up on friends who you have not seen for some time or on their lives, you talk to them and find out what has happened in their lives since you last talked together. □ [V P + on ] The ladies spent some time catching up on each other's health and families. □ [V P + with ] She plans to return to Dublin to catch up with the relatives she has not seen since she married.
5 PHRASAL VERB If you are caught up in something, you are involved in it, usually unwillingly. □ [be V -ed P + in ] The people themselves weren't part of the conflict; they were just caught up in it. [Also be/get V -ed P ]
▸ catch up with
1 PHRASAL VERB When people catch up with someone who has done something wrong, they succeed in finding them in order to arrest or punish them. □ [V P P n] The law caught up with him yesterday.
2 PHRASAL VERB If something catches up with you, you are forced to deal with something unpleasant that happened or that you did in the past, which you have been able to avoid until now. □ [V P P n] Although he subsequently became a successful businessman, his criminal past caught up with him. COLLOCATIONS catch VERB
9
catch + noun : glimpse, sight
14
catch + noun : attention, eye
18
catch + noun : chill, cold, flu, pneumonia
Catch-22 /kæ tʃ twenti tuː / also Catch 22 N‑SING [oft N n] If you describe a situation as a Catch-22 , you mean it is an impossible situation because you cannot do one thing until you do another thing, but you cannot do the second thing until you do the first thing. □ It's a Catch 22 situation here. Nobody wants to support you until you're successful, but without the support how can you ever be successful?
ca tch-all (catch-alls ) in AM, also use catchall N‑COUNT A catch-all is a term or category which includes many different things. □ Globalisation is a catch-all to describe increased international trade. □ Indigestion is a catch-all term for any kind of stomach distress.
catch|er /kæ tʃə r / (catchers ) N‑COUNT In baseball, the catcher is the player who stands behind the batter. The catcher has a special glove for catching the ball.
catch|ing /kæ tʃ I ŋ/ ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If an illness or a disease is catching , it is easily passed on or given to someone else. [INFORMAL ] □ There are those who think eczema is catching.
catch|ment /kæ tʃmənt/ (catchments ) N‑COUNT In geography, catchment is the process of collecting water, in particular the process of water flowing from the ground and collecting in a river. Catchment is also the water that is collected in this way. [TECHNICAL ]
ca tch|ment area (catchment areas )
1 N‑COUNT The catchment area of a school, hospital, or other service is the area that it serves. [BRIT ] □ [+ of ] …the catchment areas of the district general hospitals.
2 N‑COUNT In geography, the catchment area of a river is the area of land from which water flows into the river. [TECHNICAL ]
ca tch-phrase (catch-phrases ) also catch phrase N‑COUNT A catch-phrase is a sentence or phrase which becomes popular or well-known, often because it is frequently used by a famous person.
catchy /kæ tʃi/ (catchier , catchiest ) ADJ If you describe a tune, name, or advertisement as catchy , you mean that it is attractive and easy to remember. □ The songs were both catchy and original. □ The blog post tried to draw in readers through a catchy title.
cat|echism /kæ t I k I zəm/ (catechisms ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] In a Catholic, Episcopal, or Orthodox Church, the catechism is a series of questions and answers about religious beliefs, which has to be learned by people before they can become full members of that Church.
cat|egor|ic /kæ t I gɒ r I k, [AM ] -gɔː r-/ ADJ Categoric means the same as categorical .
cat|egori|cal /kæ t I gɒ r I k ə l, [AM ] -gɔː r-/ ADJ If you are categorical about something, you state your views very definitely and firmly. □ …his categorical denial of the charges of sexual harassment. ● cat|egori|cal|ly /kæ t I gɒ r I kli, [AM ] -gɔː r-/ ADV [ADV with v] □ They totally and categorically deny the charges. □ He stated categorically that this would be his last season in Formula One.
cat|ego|rize /kæ t I gəra I z/ (categorizes , categorizing , categorized ) in BRIT, also use categorise VERB If you categorize people or things, you divide them into sets or you say which set they belong to. □ [V n] Lindsay, like his films, is hard to categorise. □ [V n] Make a list of your child's toys and then categorise them as sociable or antisocial. □ [V -ing] …new ways of categorizing information. ● cat|ego|ri|za|tion /kæ t I gəra I ze I ʃ ə n/ (categorizations ) N‑VAR □ [+ of ] …the categorisation of new types of missiles.
cat|ego|ry ◆◇◇ /kæ t I gri, [AM ] -gɔːri/ (categories ) N‑COUNT If people or things are divided into categories , they are divided into groups in such a way that the members of each group are similar to each other in some way. □ [+ of ] This book clearly falls into the category of fictionalised autobiography. □ The tables were organised into six different categories. SYNONYMS category NOUN 1
class: …the division of the stars into six classes of brightness.
genre: …his love of films and novels in the horror genre.
sort: What sort of school did you go to?
type: In 1990, 25% of households were of this type.
ca|ter /ke I tə r / (caters , catering , catered )
1 VERB In British English, to cater for a group of people means to provide all the things that they need or want. In American English, you say you cater to a person or group of people. □ [V + for ] Minorca is the sort of place that caters for families. □ [V + to ] We cater to an exclusive clientele.
2 VERB In British English, to cater for something means to take it into account. In American English, you say you cater to something. □ [V + for ] …shops that cater for the needs of men. □ [V + to ] Exercise classes cater to all levels of fitness.
3 VERB If a person or company caters for an occasion such as a wedding or a party, they provide food and drink for all the people there. □ [V + for ] Nunsmere Hall can cater for receptions of up to 300 people. □ [V n] Does he cater parties too?
4 → see also catering , self-catering
ca|ter|er /ke I tərə r / (caterers ) N‑COUNT Caterers are people or companies that provide food and drink for a place such as an office or for special occasions such as weddings and parties. □ …food brought in from outside caterers.
ca|ter|ing /ke I tər I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft the N , oft N n] Catering is the activity of providing food and drink for a large number of people, for example at weddings and parties. □ [+ for ] He recently did the catering for a presidential reception.
cat|er|pil|lar /kæ tə r p I lə r / (caterpillars ) N‑COUNT A caterpillar is a small, worm-like animal that feeds on plants and eventually develops into a butterfly or moth.
cat|er|waul /kæ tə r wɔːl/ (caterwauls , caterwauling , caterwauled ) VERB If a person or animal caterwauls , they make a loud, high, unpleasant noise like the noise that cats make when they fight. □ [V ] …shrieking and caterwauling in mock distress. ● N‑COUNT Caterwaul is also a noun. □ …blood-curdling caterwauls. ● cat|er|waul|ing N‑UNCOUNT □ …high-pitched moaning and caterwauling.
cat|fight /kæ tfa I t/ (catfights ) N‑COUNT A catfight is an angry fight or quarrel, especially between women. [mainly JOURNALISM ] □ A catfight has erupted over who will get top billing.
cat|fish /kæ tf I ʃ/ (catfish ) N‑VAR Catfish are a type of fish that have long thin spines around their mouths.
ca|thar|sis /kəθɑː r s I s/ N‑UNCOUNT Catharsis is getting rid of unhappy memories or strong emotions such as anger or sadness by expressing them in some way. □ He wrote out his rage, which gradually became a form of catharsis.
ca|thar|tic /kəθɑː r t I k/ ADJ Something that is cathartic has the effect of catharsis. [FORMAL ] □ His laughter was cathartic, an animal yelp that brought tears to his eyes.
ca|thedral /kəθiː drəl/ (cathedrals ) N‑COUNT A cathedral is a very large and important church which has a bishop in charge of it. □ …St. Paul's Cathedral. □ …the cathedral city of Canterbury.
Cath|er|ine wheel /kæ θər I n h wiːl/ (Catherine wheels ) also catherine wheel N‑COUNT A Catherine wheel is a firework in the shape of a circle which spins round and round.
cath|eter /kæ θ I tə r / (catheters ) N‑COUNT A catheter is a tube which is used to introduce liquids into a human body or to withdraw liquids from it. [MEDICAL ]
cath|ode /kæ θoʊd/ (cathodes ) N‑COUNT A cathode is the negative electrode in a cell such as a battery. Compare anode .
ca thode-ray tube (cathode-ray tubes ) N‑COUNT A cathode-ray tube is a device in televisions and computer terminals which sends an image onto the screen. [TECHNICAL ]
Catho|lic ◆◇◇ /kæ θl I k/ (Catholics )
1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] The Catholic Church is the branch of the Christian Church that accepts the Pope as its leader and is based in the Vatican in Rome. □ …the Catholic Church. □ …Catholic priests. □ …the Catholic faith.
2 → see also Anglo-Catholic
3 N‑COUNT A Catholic is a member of the Catholic Church. □ At least nine out of ten Mexicans are baptised Catholics.
4 ADJ If you describe a collection of things or people as catholic , you are emphasizing that they are very varied. □ He was a man of catholic tastes, a lover of grand opera, history and the fine arts.
Ca|tholi|cism /kəθɒ l I s I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Catholicism is the traditions, the behaviour, and the set of Christian beliefs that are held by Catholics. □ …her conversion to Catholicism.
cat|kin /kæ tk I n/ (catkins ) N‑COUNT A catkin is a long, thin, soft flower that hangs on some trees, for example birch trees and hazel trees.
cat|nap /kæ tnæp/ (catnaps ) also cat-nap N‑COUNT A catnap is a short sleep, usually one which you have during the day. [INFORMAL ]
cat|suit /kæ tsuːt/ (catsuits ) N‑COUNT A catsuit is a piece of women's clothing that is made in one piece and fits tightly over the body and legs. [BRIT ]
cat|sup /kæ tsəp/ → see ketchup
cat|tery /kæ təri/ (catteries ) N‑COUNT A cattery is a place where you can leave your cat to be looked after when you go on holiday. [BRIT ]
cat|tle /kæ t ə l/ N‑PLURAL Cattle are cows and bulls. □ …the finest herd of beef cattle for two hundred miles.
ca t|tle grid (cattle grids ) N‑COUNT A cattle grid is a set of metal bars in the surface of a road which prevents cattle and sheep from walking along the road, but allows people and vehicles to pass. [BRIT ] in AM, use cattle guard
ca t|tle guard (cattle guards ) N‑COUNT A cattle guard is the same as a cattle grid . [AM ]
cattle|man /kæ t ə lmæn/ (cattlemen ) N‑COUNT A cattleman is a man who looks after or owns cattle, especially in North America or Australia.
ca t|tle mar|ket (cattle markets )
1 N‑COUNT A cattle market is a market where cattle are bought and sold.
2 N‑COUNT If you refer to an event such as a disco or a beauty contest as a cattle market , you disapprove of it because women are considered there only in terms of their sexual attractiveness. [DISAPPROVAL ]
ca t|tle prod (cattle prods ) N‑COUNT A cattle prod is an object shaped like a long stick. Farmers make cattle move in a particular direction by pushing the cattle prod against the bodies of the animals. □ …an electric cattle prod.
cat|ty /kæ ti/ (cattier , cattiest ) ADJ If someone, especially a woman or girl, is being catty , they are being unpleasant and unkind. [INFORMAL ] □ …catty remarks.
cat|walk /kæ twɔːk/ (catwalks )
1 N‑COUNT [usu sing] At a fashion show, the catwalk is a narrow platform that models walk along to display clothes.
2 N‑COUNT A catwalk is a narrow bridge high in the air, for example between two parts of a tall building, on the outside of a large structure, or over a stage.
Cau|ca|sian /kɔːke I ʒən/ (Caucasians )
1 ADJ A Caucasian person is a white person. [FORMAL ] □ …a 25-year-old Caucasian male. ● N‑COUNT A Caucasian is someone who is Caucasian. □ Ann Hamilton was a Caucasian from New England.
2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Anthropologists use Caucasian to refer to someone from a racial grouping coming from Europe, North Africa, and western Asia. [TECHNICAL ] □ …blue eyes and Caucasian features. ● N‑COUNT A Caucasian is someone who is Caucasian.
cau|cus /kɔː kəs/ (caucuses ) N‑COUNT A caucus is a group of people within an organization who share similar aims and interests or who have a lot of influence. [FORMAL ] □ [+ of ] …the Black Caucus of minority congressmen.
caught /kɔː t/ Caught is the past tense and past participle of catch .
caul|dron /kɔː ldrən/ (cauldrons ) N‑COUNT A cauldron is a very large, round metal pot used for cooking over a fire. In stories and fairy tales, a cauldron is used by witches for their spells.
cau|li|flow|er /kɒ liflaʊə r , [AM ] kɔː -/ (cauliflowers ) N‑VAR Cauliflower is a large round vegetable that has a hard white centre surrounded by green leaves.
caus|al /kɔː z ə l/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If there is a causal relationship between two things, one thing is responsible for causing the other thing. [FORMAL ] □ Rawlins stresses that it is impossible to prove a causal link between the drug and the deaths.
cau|sal|ity /kɔːzæ l I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT Causality is the relationship of cause and effect. [FORMAL ] □ …the chain of causality that produces an earthquake.
cau|sa|tion /kɔːze I ʃ ə n/
1 N‑UNCOUNT The causation of something, usually something bad, is the factors that have caused it. [FORMAL ] □ [+ of ] The gene is only part of the causation of illness.
2 N‑UNCOUNT Causation is a study of the factors involved in causing something. [FORMAL ]
causa|tive /kɔː zət I v/ ADJ [ADJ n] Causative factors are ones which are responsible for causing something. [FORMAL ] □ Obesity is the main causative factor in Type 2 diabetes.
cause ◆◆◆ /kɔː z/ (causes , causing , caused )
1 N‑COUNT The cause of an event, usually a bad event, is the thing that makes it happen. □ [+ of ] Smoking is the biggest preventable cause of death and disease. □ The causes are a complex blend of local and national tensions.
2 VERB To cause something, usually something bad, means to make it happen. □ [V n] Attempts to limit family size among some minorities are likely to cause problems. □ [V n n] This was a genuine mistake, but it did cause me some worry. □ [V n to-inf] …a protein that gets into animal cells and attacks other proteins, causing disease to spread. □ [V -ed] Experts are assessing the damage caused by a fire at the aircraft factory.
3 N‑UNCOUNT [oft N to-inf] If you have cause for a particular feeling or action, you have good reasons for feeling it or doing it. □ [+ for ] Only a few people can find any cause for celebration. □ Both had much cause to be grateful.
4 N‑COUNT A cause is an aim or principle which a group of people supports or is fighting for. □ Refusing to have one leader has not helped the cause.
5 → see also lost cause
6 PHRASE You use cause and effect to talk about the way in which one thing is caused by another. □ …fundamental laws of biological cause and effect.
7 PHRASE If you say that something is in a good cause or for a good cause , you mean that it is worth doing or giving to because it will help other people, for example by raising money for charity. □ The Raleigh International Bike Ride is open to anyone who wants to raise money for a good cause. COLLOCATIONS cause NOUN
1
noun + cause : root
adjective + cause : underlying; common, likely
4
adjective + cause : hopeless, lost; noble, worthy VERB 2
cause + noun : controversy, offence, outrage; chaos, damage, harm, havoc; delay, disruption; problem, trouble; death, injury, pain SYNONYMS cause NOUN 1
origin: Their medical problems are basically physical in origin.
source: Renewable sources of energy must be used where practical.
root: We got to the root of the problem. VERB 2
produce: The talks are aimed at producing a new world trade treaty.
create: Criticizing will only destroy a relationship and create feelings of failure.
lead to: This discovery led on to studies of the immune system.
generate: …the excitement generated by the changes in the world of education.
provoke: His election success has provoked a shocked reaction.
'cause /kə z/ also cause CONJ 'Cause is an informal way of saying because . □ 30 families are suffering 'cause they're out of work.
cause cé|lè|bre /koʊ z se I le brə/ (causes célèbres ) also cause celebre N‑COUNT A cause célèbre is an issue, person, or criminal trial that has attracted a lot of public attention and discussion. [FORMAL ] □ The trial became a cause celebre in Paris and internationally.
cause|way /kɔː zwe I / (causeways ) N‑COUNT A causeway is a raised path or road that crosses water or wet land.
caus|tic /kɔː st I k/
1 ADJ Caustic chemical substances are very powerful and can dissolve other substances. □ …caustic cleaning agents. □ Remember that this is caustic; use gloves or a spoon.
2 ADJ A caustic remark is extremely critical, cruel, or bitter. [FORMAL ] □ His abrasive wit and caustic comments were an interviewer's nightmare.
cau s|tic so da N‑UNCOUNT Caustic soda is a powerful chemical substance used to make strong soaps and clean drains.
cau|ter|ize /kɔː təra I z/ (cauterizes , cauterizing , cauterized ) in BRIT, also use cauterise VERB If a doctor cauterizes a wound, he or she burns it with heat or with a chemical in order to close it up and prevent it from becoming infected. □ [V n] He cauterized the wound with a piece of red-hot iron.
cau|tion /kɔː ʃ ə n/ (cautions , cautioning , cautioned )
1 N‑UNCOUNT Caution is great care which you take in order to avoid possible danger. □ Extreme caution should be exercised when buying part-worn tyres. □ The Chancellor is a man of caution.
2 VERB If someone cautions you, they warn you about problems or danger. □ [V + against ] Tony cautioned against misrepresenting the situation. □ [V n + against/about ] The statement clearly was intended to caution Seoul against attempting to block the council's action again. □ [V that] But experts caution that instant gratification comes at a price. [Also V n that, V n to-inf] ● N‑UNCOUNT Caution is also a noun. □ There was a note of caution for the Treasury in the figures.
3 VERB [usu passive] If someone who has broken the law is cautioned by the police, they are warned that if they break the law again official action will be taken against them. [BRIT ] □ [be V -ed] The two men were cautioned but police say they will not be charged. ● N‑COUNT Caution is also a noun. □ Liam was eventually let off with a caution.
4 VERB [usu passive] If someone who has been arrested is cautioned , the police warn them that anything they say may be used as evidence in a trial. [BRIT ] □ [be V -ed] Nobody was cautioned after arrest.
5 PHRASE If you throw caution to the wind , you behave in a way that is not considered sensible or careful. □ I threw caution to the wind and rode as fast as I could.
6 to err on the side of caution → see err
cau|tion|ary /kɔː ʃənri, [AM ] -neri/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A cautionary story or a cautionary note to a story is one that is intended to give a warning to people. □ An editorial in The Times sounds a cautionary note.
cau|tious ◆◇◇ /kɔː ʃəs/
1 ADJ Someone who is cautious acts very carefully in order to avoid possible danger. □ [+ about ] The scientists are cautious about using enzyme therapy on humans. □ He is a very cautious man. ● cau|tious|ly ADV [usu ADV with v, oft ADV adj] □ David moved cautiously forward and looked over the edge. □ Cautiously, he moved himself into an upright position.
2 ADJ If you describe someone's attitude or reaction as cautious , you mean that it is limited or careful. □ He has been seen as a champion of a more cautious approach to economic reform. ● cau|tious|ly ADV [usu ADV adj, oft ADV with v] □ Cook was cautiously optimistic that he would finally solve the problem. □ Rebel sources have so far reacted cautiously to the threat. SYNONYMS cautious ADJ 2
careful: Pupils will need careful guidance on their choice of options.
wary: They were very wary about giving him a contract.
prudent: It is always prudent to start any exercise programme gradually at first.
circumspect: The banks should have been more circumspect in their dealings.
cav|al|cade /kæ v ə lke I d/ (cavalcades ) N‑COUNT A cavalcade is a procession of people on horses or in cars or carriages. □ [+ of ] …a cavalcade of limousines and police motorcycles.
cava|lier /kæ vəl I ə r / ADJ If you describe a person or their behaviour as cavalier , you are criticizing them because you think that they do not consider other people's feelings or take account of the seriousness of a situation. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ The Editor takes a cavalier attitude to the concept of fact checking.
cav|al|ry /kæ v ə lri/
1 N‑SING The cavalry is the part of an army that uses armoured vehicles for fighting. □ …the U.S. Army's 1st Cavalry Division.
2 N‑SING The cavalry is the group of soldiers in an army who ride horses. □ …a young cavalry officer.
cav|al|ry|man /kæ v ə lrimæn/ (cavalrymen ) N‑COUNT A cavalryman is a soldier who is in the cavalry, especially one who rides a horse.
cave ◆◇◇ /ke I v/ (caves , caving , caved ) N‑COUNT A cave is a large hole in the side of a cliff or hill, or one that is under the ground. □ …a cave more than 1,000 feet deep.
▸ cave in
1 PHRASAL VERB If something such as a roof or a ceiling caves in , it collapses inwards. □ [V P ] Part of the roof has caved in.
2 PHRASAL VERB If you cave in , you suddenly stop arguing or resisting, especially when people put pressure on you to stop. □ [V P ] After a ruinous strike, the union caved in. □ [V P + to ] The Prime Minister has caved in to backbench pressure. □ [V P + on ] He's caved in on capital punishment.
ca|veat /kæ viæt, [AM ] ke I v-/ (caveats ) N‑COUNT [oft N that] A caveat is a warning of a specific limitation of something such as information or an agreement. [FORMAL ] □ There was one caveat: he was not to enter into a merger or otherwise weaken the Roche family's control of the firm.
ca|veat emp|tor /kæ viæt e mptɔː r , [AM ] ke I v-/ CONVENTION Caveat emptor means 'let the buyer beware', and is a warning to someone buying something that it is their responsibility to identify and accept any faults in it. [FORMAL , WRITTEN ]
ca ve-in (cave-ins ) N‑COUNT A cave-in is the sudden collapse of the roof of a cave or mine.
cave|man /ke I vmæn/ (cavemen ) N‑COUNT Cavemen were people in prehistoric times who lived mainly in caves.
cav|er /ke I və r / (cavers ) N‑COUNT A caver is someone who goes into underground caves as a sport.
cav|ern /kæ və r n/ (caverns ) N‑COUNT A cavern is a large deep cave.
cav|ern|ous /kæ və r nəs/ ADJ A cavernous room or building is very large inside, and so it reminds you of a cave. □ The work space is a bare and cavernous warehouse.
cavi|ar /kæ viɑː r / (caviars ) also caviare N‑VAR Caviar is the salted eggs of a fish called a sturgeon.
cav|il /kæ v ə l/ (cavils , cavilling , cavilled ) in AM, use caviling , caviled VERB [no passive] If you say that someone cavils at something, you mean that they make criticisms of it that you think are unimportant or unnecessary. [FORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □ [V ] Let us not cavil too much. □ [V + at ] I don't think this is the time to cavil at the wording of the report. ● N‑COUNT Cavil is also a noun. □ These cavils aside, most of the essays are very good indeed.
cav|ity /kæ v I ti/ (cavities )
1 N‑COUNT A cavity is a space or hole in something such as a solid object or a person's body. [FORMAL ]
2 N‑COUNT In dentistry, a cavity is a hole in a tooth, caused by decay. [TECHNICAL ]
ca v|ity wa ll (cavity walls ) N‑COUNT [oft N n] A cavity wall is a wall that consists of two separate walls with a space between them. Cavity walls help to keep out noise and cold. [mainly BRIT ] □ …cavity wall insulation.
ca|vort /kəvɔː r t/ (cavorts , cavorting , cavorted )
1 VERB When people cavort , they leap about in a noisy and excited way. □ [V ] You can enjoy a quick snack while your children cavort in the sand.
2 VERB Cavort is sometimes used by journalists to suggest that people were behaving in a playfully sexual way. □ [V + with ] Dr Murray, 56, cavorted with the models on a jaunt to Trinidad and Tobago.
caw /kɔː / (caws , cawing , cawed ) VERB When a bird such as a crow or a rook caws , it makes a loud harsh sound. □ [V ] Outside, a raven cawed.
cay|enne pep|per /ka I e n pe pə r / N‑UNCOUNT Cayenne pepper or cayenne is a red powder with a hot taste which is made from dried peppers and is used to flavour food. □ Season with salt, pepper and a pinch of cayenne.
CB /siː biː / N‑UNCOUNT CB , an abbreviation for 'Citizens' Band', is a range of radio frequencies which the general public is allowed to use to send messages to each other. It is used especially by truck drivers and other drivers who use radio sets in their vehicles.
cc /siː siː /
1 You use cc when referring to the volume or capacity of something such as the size of a car engine. cc is an abbreviation for 'cubic centimetres'. □ …1,500 cc sports cars.
2 cc is used at the end of a business letter to indicate that a copy is being sent to another person. [BUSINESS ] □ …cc J. Chan, S. Cooper.
CCTV /siː siː tiː viː / N‑UNCOUNT CCTV is an abbreviation for 'closed-circuit television'. □ …a CCTV camera. □ The girls were filmed on CCTV.
CD ◆◇◇ /siː diː / (CDs ) N‑COUNT CDs are small plastic discs on which sound, especially music, can be recorded. CDs can also be used to store information which can be read by a computer. CD is an abbreviation for 'compact disc'. □ The Beatles' Red and Blue compilations were issued on CD for the first time.
C D burn|er (CD burners ) N‑COUNT A CD burner is the same as a CD writer . [COMPUTING ]
C.diff /siː d I f/ N‑UNCOUNT C.diff is an abbreviation for Clostridium difficile . [MEDICAL ]
C D play|er ◆◇◇ (CD players ) N‑COUNT A CD player is a machine on which you can play CDs.
Cdr in AM, also use CDR N‑TITLE Cdr is the written abbreviation for commander when it is used as a title. □ …Cdr A.C. Moore.
CD-ROM ◆◇◇ /siː diː rɒ m/ (CD-ROMs ) N‑COUNT A CD-ROM is a CD on which a very large amount of information can be stored and then read using a computer. CD-ROM is an abbreviation for 'compact disc read-only memory'. [COMPUTING ] □ The collected Austen novels on CD-ROM will cost £35.
CD-ROM drive /siː diː rɒ m dra I v/ (CD-ROM drives ) N‑COUNT A CD-ROM drive is the device that you use with a computer to play CD-ROMs. [COMPUTING ]
C D writ|er (CD writers ) N‑COUNT A CD writer is a piece of computer equipment that you use for copying data from a computer onto a CD. [COMPUTING ]
CE / siː iː / Many people now use CE in dates to indicate a number of years or centuries after AD 1 or after the year in which Jesus is believed to have been born. Compare BCE . □ Christianity was adopted in 324 CE as the official religion of the Roman Empire. □ The language was practically extinct by the sixth century CE.
cease ◆◇◇ /siː s/ (ceases , ceasing , ceased )
1 VERB If something ceases , it stops happening or existing. [FORMAL ] □ [V ] At one o'clock the rain had ceased.
2 VERB If you cease to do something, you stop doing it. [FORMAL ] □ [V to-inf] He never ceases to amaze me. □ [V v-ing] A small number of firms have ceased trading.
3 VERB If you cease something, you stop it happening or working. [FORMAL ] □ [V n] The Daily Herald ceased publication, to be replaced by The Sun. SYNONYMS cease VERB 2
stop: Stop throwing those stones!
discontinue: Do not discontinue the treatment without consulting your doctor.
end: Talks have resumed to try to end the fighting.
finish: As soon as he'd finished eating, he excused himself.
cease|fire ◆◇◇ /siː sfa I ə r / (ceasefires ) also cease-fire N‑COUNT A ceasefire is an arrangement in which countries or groups of people that are fighting each other agree to stop fighting. □ They have agreed to a ceasefire after three years of conflict.
cease|less /siː sləs/ ADJ If something, often something unpleasant, is ceaseless , it continues for a long time without stopping or changing. [FORMAL ] □ There is a ceaseless struggle from noon to night. ● cease|less|ly ADV [usu ADV with v] □ The characters complain ceaselessly about food queues, prices and corruption.
ce|dar /siː də r / (cedars ) N‑VAR A cedar or a cedar tree is a large evergreen tree with wide branches and small thin leaves called needles. ● N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Cedar is the wood of this tree. □ The yacht is built of cedar strip planking.
cede /siː d/ (cedes , ceding , ceded ) VERB If someone in a position of authority cedes land or power to someone else, they let them have the land or power, often as a result of military or political pressure. [FORMAL ] □ [V n + to ] Only a short campaign took place in Puerto Rico, but after the war Spain ceded the island to America. □ [V n] The General had promised to cede power by January.
ce|dil|la /s I d I lə/ (cedillas ) N‑COUNT A cedilla is a symbol that is written under the letter 'c' in French, Portuguese, and some other languages to show that you pronounce it like a letter 's' rather than like a letter 'k'. It is written ç.
cei|lidh /ke I li/ (ceilidhs ) N‑COUNT A ceilidh is an informal entertainment, especially in Scotland or Ireland, at which there is folk music, singing, and dancing.
ceil|ing /siː l I ŋ/ (ceilings )
1 N‑COUNT A ceiling is the horizontal surface that forms the top part or roof inside a room. □ The rooms were spacious, with tall windows and high ceilings. □ The study was lined from floor to ceiling on every wall with bookcases.
2 N‑COUNT A ceiling on something such as prices or wages is an official upper limit that cannot be broken. □ [+ on ] …an informal agreement to put a ceiling on salaries. □ [+ of ] The agreement sets the ceiling of twenty-two-point-five million barrels a day on OPEC production.
ce|leb /s I le b/ (celebs ) N‑COUNT A celeb is the same as a celebrity . [mainly JOURNALISM , INFORMAL ]
cel|ebrant /se l I brənt/ (celebrants ) N‑COUNT A celebrant is a person who performs or takes part in a religious ceremony. [FORMAL ]
cel|ebrate ◆◇◇ /se l I bre I t/ (celebrates , celebrating , celebrated )
1 VERB If you celebrate , you do something enjoyable because of a special occasion or to mark someone's success. □ [V ] I was in a mood to celebrate. □ [V n] Tom celebrated his 24th birthday two days ago.
2 VERB If an organization or country is celebrating an anniversary, it has existed for that length of time and is doing something special because of it. □ [V n] The Society is celebrating its tenth anniversary this year.
3 VERB When priests celebrate Holy Communion or Mass, they officially perform the actions and ceremonies that are involved. □ [V n] The Pope will celebrate Mass in Westminster Cathedral.
cel|ebrat|ed /se l I bre I t I d/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A celebrated person or thing is famous and much admired. □ He was soon one of the most celebrated young painters in England.
cel|ebra|tion ◆◇◇ /se l I bre I ʃ ə n/ (celebrations )
1 N‑COUNT A celebration is a special enjoyable event that people organize because something pleasant has happened or because it is someone's birthday or anniversary. □ I can tell you, there was a celebration in our house that night. □ …his eightieth birthday celebrations.
2 N‑SING The celebration of something is praise and appreciation which is given to it. □ [+ of ] This was not a memorial service but a celebration of his life. SYNONYMS celebration NOUN 1
party: The couple met at a party.
festivity: There was a general air of festivity and abandon.
revelry: …New Year revelries.
jubilee: …Queen Victoria's jubilee. COLLOCATIONS celebration NOUN 1
noun + celebration : anniversary, birthday, centenary, wedding; goal, victory
adjective + celebration : joyous, wild; low-key
celebration + be + adjective : short-lived
verb + celebration : organize, plan; attend; spark, trigger
cel|ebra|tory /se ləbre I təri, [AM ] se l I brətɔːri/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A celebratory meal, drink, or other activity takes place to celebrate something such as a birthday, anniversary, or victory. □ That night she, Nicholson and the crew had a celebratory dinner.
ce|leb|rity ◆◇◇ /s I le br I ti/ (celebrities )
1 N‑COUNT A celebrity is someone who is famous, especially in areas of entertainment such as films, music, writing, or sport. □ He signed his first contract with Universal, changed his name and became a celebrity almost overnight. □ …a host of celebrities.
2 N‑UNCOUNT If a person or thing achieves celebrity , they become famous, especially in areas of entertainment such as films, music, writing, or sport. □ Joanna has finally made it to the first rank of celebrity after 25 years as an actress.
cel|ery /se ləri/ N‑UNCOUNT Celery is a vegetable with long pale green stalks. It is eaten raw in salads. □ …a stick of celery.
ce|les|tial /s I le stiəl/ ADJ Celestial is used to describe things relating to heaven or to the sky. [LITERARY ] □ Gravity governs the motions of celestial bodies.
celi|ba|cy /se l I bəsi/ N‑UNCOUNT Celibacy is the state of being celibate.
celi|bate /se l I bət/ (celibates )
1 ADJ Someone who is celibate does not marry or have sex, because of their religious beliefs. □ The Pope bluntly told the world's priests yesterday to stay celibate. ● N‑COUNT A celibate is someone who is celibate.
2 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] Someone who is celibate does not have sex during a particular period of their life. □ I was celibate for two years.
cell ◆◆◇ /se l/ (cells )
1 N‑COUNT A cell is the smallest part of an animal or plant that is able to function independently. Every animal or plant is made up of millions of cells. □ Those cells divide and give many other different types of cells. □ …blood cells. □ Soap destroys the cell walls of bacteria.
2 N‑COUNT A cell is a small room in which a prisoner is locked. A cell is also a small room in which a monk or nun lives.
3 N‑COUNT [usu n N ] You can refer to a small group of people within a larger organization as a cell . COLLOCATIONS cell NOUN
1
noun + cell : blood, brain, fat, nerve, skin; cancer
adjective + cell : abnormal, cancerous, dead
2
noun + cell : jail, prison
cel|lar /se lə r / (cellars )
1 N‑COUNT A cellar is a room underneath a building, which is often used for storing things in. □ The box of papers had been stored in a cellar at the family home.
2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] A person's or restaurant's cellar is the collection of different wines that they have. □ …the restaurant's extensive wine cellar.
cel|list /tʃe l I st/ (cellists ) N‑COUNT A cellist is someone who plays the cello.
cell|mate /se lme I t/ (cellmates ) also cell-mate N‑COUNT [usu with poss] In a prison, someone's cellmate is the person they share their cell with.
cel|lo /tʃe loʊ/ (cellos ) N‑VAR A cello is a musical instrument with four strings that looks like a large violin. You play the cello with a bow while sitting down and holding it upright between your legs.
cel|lo|phane /se ləfe I n/ N‑UNCOUNT Cellophane is a thin, transparent material that is used to wrap things. [TRADEMARK ] □ She tore off the cellophane, pulled out a cigarette, and lit it. □ …a cellophane wrapper.
cell|phone /se lfoʊn/ (cellphones ) also cell-phone N‑COUNT A cell phone is a type of telephone which does not need wires to connect it to a telephone system. [mainly AM ] in BRIT, use mobile phone
cel|lu|lar /se ljʊlə r / ADJ [usu ADJ n] Cellular means relating to the cells of animals or plants. □ Many toxic effects can be studied at the cellular level.
ce l|lu|lar pho ne (cellular phones ) N‑COUNT A cellular phone is the same as a cellphone . [mainly AM ] in BRIT, use mobile phone
cel|lu|lite /se ljʊla I t/ N‑UNCOUNT Cellulite is lumpy fat which people may get under their skin, especially on their thighs.
cel|lu|loid /se ljʊlɔ I d/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] You can use celluloid to refer to films and the cinema. □ King's works seem to lack something on celluloid.
cel|lu|lose /se ljʊloʊs/ N‑UNCOUNT Cellulose is a substance that exists in the cell walls of plants and is used to make paper, plastic, and various fabrics and fibres.
Celsius /se lsiəs/ ADJ Celsius is a scale for measuring temperature, in which water freezes at 0 degrees and boils at 100 degrees. It is represented by the symbol °C. □ Highest temperatures 11° Celsius, that's 52° Fahrenheit. ● N‑UNCOUNT Celsius is also a noun. □ The thermometer shows the temperature in Celsius and Fahrenheit.
Celt /ke lt, se lt/ (Celts ) N‑COUNT If you describe someone as a Celt , you mean that they are part of the racial group which comes from Scotland, Wales, Ireland, and some other areas such as Brittany.
Celt|ic /ke lt I k, se l-/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe something as Celtic , you mean that it is connected with the people and the culture of Scotland, Wales, Ireland, and some other areas such as Brittany. □ …important figures in Celtic tradition.
ce|ment /s I me nt/ (cements , cementing , cemented )
1 N‑UNCOUNT Cement is a grey powder which is mixed with sand and water in order to make concrete. □ …a mixture of wet sand and cement.
2 N‑UNCOUNT Cement is the same as concrete . □ …the hard cold cement floor.
3 N‑UNCOUNT [usu n N ] Glue that is made for sticking particular substances together is sometimes called cement . □ Stick the pieces on with tile cement.
4 VERB Something that cements a relationship or agreement makes it stronger. □ [V n] Nothing cements a friendship between countries so much as trade.
5 VERB [usu passive] If things are cemented together, they are stuck or fastened together. □ [be V -ed prep/adv] Most artificial joints are cemented into place.
ce|me nt mix|er (cement mixers ) N‑COUNT A cement mixer is a machine with a large revolving container into which builders put cement, sand, and water in order to make concrete.
cem|etery /se mətri, [AM ] -teri/ (cemeteries ) N‑COUNT A cemetery is a place where dead people's bodies or their ashes are buried.
ceno|taph /se nətɑːf, -tæf/ (cenotaphs ) N‑COUNT A cenotaph is a structure that is built in honour of soldiers who died in a war.
cen|sor /se nsə r / (censors , censoring , censored )
1 VERB If someone in authority censors letters or the media, they officially examine them and cut out any information that is regarded as secret. □ [V n] The military-backed government has heavily censored the news.
2 N‑COUNT A censor is a person who has been officially appointed to examine letters or the media and to cut out any parts that are regarded as secret. □ The report was cleared by the American military censors.
3 VERB If someone in authority censors a book, play, or film, they officially examine it and cut out any parts that are considered to be immoral or inappropriate. □ [V n] ITV companies tend to censor bad language in feature films.
4 N‑COUNT A censor is a person who has been officially appointed to examine plays, films, and books and to cut out any parts that are considered to be immoral. □ …the British Board of Film Censors.
cen|so|ri|ous /sensɔː riəs/ ADJ If you describe someone as censorious , you do not like the way they strongly disapprove of and criticize someone else's behaviour. [FORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □ Despite strong principles he was never censorious.
cen|sor|ship /se nsə r ʃ I p/ N‑UNCOUNT Censorship is the censoring of books, plays, films, or reports, especially by government officials, because they are considered immoral or secret in some way. □ The government today announced that press censorship was being lifted.
cen|sure /se nʃə r / (censures , censuring , censured ) VERB If you censure someone for something that they have done, you tell them that you strongly disapprove of it. [FORMAL ] □ [V n] The ethics committee may take a decision to admonish him or to censure him. □ [V n + for ] I would not presume to censure Osborne for hating his mother. ● N‑UNCOUNT Censure is also a noun. □ It is a controversial policy which has attracted international censure.
cen|sus /se nsəs/ (censuses ) N‑COUNT A census is an official survey of the population of a country that is carried out in order to find out how many people live there and to obtain details of such things as people's ages and jobs.
cent ◆◇◇ /se nt/ (cents )
1 N‑COUNT A cent is a small unit of money worth one-hundredth of some currencies, for example the dollar and the euro. □ A cup of rice which cost thirty cents a few weeks ago is now being sold for up to one dollar. □ We haven't got a cent.
2 → see also per cent
cen|taur /se ntɔː r / (centaurs ) N‑COUNT In classical mythology, a centaur is a creature with the head, arms, and upper body of a man, and the body and legs of a horse.
cen|te|nar|ian /se nt I neə riən/ (centenarians ) N‑COUNT A centenarian is someone who is a hundred years old or older. □ Japan has more than 4,000 centenarians.
cen|te|nary /sentiː nəri, [AM ] -te n-/ (centenaries ) N‑COUNT The centenary of an event such as someone's birth is the 100th anniversary of that event. [mainly BRIT ] □ [+ of ] …an event marking the centenary of his birth. in AM, use centennial
cen|ten|nial /sente niəl/ N‑SING [oft N n] A centennial is the same as a centenary . [mainly AM , also BRIT , FORMAL ] □ Now his centennial Tate Modern show offers an overview of his career.
cen|ter /se ntə r / → see centre
cen|ti|grade /se nt I gre I d/ ADJ Centigrade is a scale for measuring temperature, in which water freezes at 0 degrees and boils at 100 degrees. It is represented by the symbol °C. □ …daytime temperatures of up to forty degrees centigrade. ● N‑UNCOUNT Centigrade is also a noun. □ The number at the bottom is the recommended water temperature in Centigrade.
cen|ti|li|tre /se nt I liːtə r / (centilitres ) in AM, use centiliter N‑COUNT A centilitre is a unit of volume in the metric system equal to ten millilitres or one-hundredth of a litre.
cen|ti|me|tre /se nt I miːtə r / (centimetres ) in AM, use centimeter N‑COUNT A centimetre is a unit of length in the metric system equal to ten millimetres or one-hundredth of a metre. □ …a tiny fossil plant, only a few centimetres high.
cen|ti|pede /se nt I piːd/ (centipedes ) N‑COUNT A centipede is a long, thin creature with a lot of legs.
cen|tral ◆◆◆ /se ntrəl/
1 ADJ Something that is central is in the middle of a place or area. □ …Central America's Caribbean coast. □ …a rich woman living in central London. ● cen|tral|ly ADV [ADV -ed, ADV after v] □ The main cabin has its full-sized double bed centrally placed with plenty of room around it.
2 ADJ A place that is central is easy to reach because it is in the centre of a city, town, or particular area. □ …a central location in the capital. ● cen|tral|ly ADV [ADV -ed, ADV after v] □ …this centrally located hotel, situated on the banks of the Marne Canal.
3 ADJ [ADJ n] A central group or organization makes all the important decisions that are followed throughout a larger organization or a country. □ There is a lack of trust towards the central government in Rome. □ …the central committee of the Cuban communist party. ● cen|tral|ly ADV [ADV -ed, ADV after v] □ This is a centrally planned economy.
4 ADJ The central person or thing in a particular situation is the most important one. □ [+ to ] Black dance music has been central to mainstream pop since the early '60s. □ …a central part of their culture. ● cen|tral|ity N‑UNCOUNT □ [+ of ] …the centrality of love to happiness. ● cen|tral|ly ADV [ADV after v] □ In her memoirs Naomi is quick to acknowledge that her grandmother was centrally important in her venture as a writer. SYNONYMS central ADJ 4
main: My main concern now is to protect the children.
chief: Financial stress is well established as a chief reason for divorce.
key: He is expected to be the key witness at the trial.
principal: …the country's principal source of foreign exchange earnings.
fundamental: A fundamental human right is being withheld from these people.
ce n|tral hea t|ing N‑UNCOUNT Central heating is a heating system for buildings. Air or water is heated in one place and travels round a building through pipes and radiators.
cen|tral|ise /se ntrəla I z/ → see centralize
cen|tral|ism /se ntrəl I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Centralism is a way of governing a country, or organizing something such as industry, education, or politics, which involves having one central group of people who give instructions to everyone else.
cen|tral|ist /se ntrəl I st/ (centralists ) ADJ [usu ADJ n] Centralist organizations govern a country or organize things using one central group of people who control and instruct everyone else. □ …a strong centralist state. ● N‑COUNT A centralist is someone with centralist views.
cen|tral|ize /se ntrəla I z/ (centralizes , centralizing , centralized ) in BRIT, also use centralise VERB To centralize a country, state, or organization means to create a system in which one central group of people gives instructions to regional groups. □ [V n] In the mass production era, multinational firms tended to centralize their operations. □ [V -ed] The economy of the times made it difficult to support centralized rule. ● cen|trali|za|tion /se ntrəla I ze I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □ …an increasing centralization of control over the environment.
ce n|tral|ly hea t|ed ADJ [usu ADJ n] A centrally heated building or room has central heating. □ Centrally heated offices tend to be stuffy.
ce n|tral ne rv|ous sys|tem (central nervous systems ) N‑COUNT Your central nervous system is the part of your nervous system that consists of the brain and spinal cord.
ce n|tral res|er|va |tion (central reservations ) N‑COUNT The central reservation is the strip of ground, often covered with grass, that separates the two sides of a major road. [BRIT ] in AM, use median , median strip
cen|tre ◆◆◆ /se ntə r / (centres , centring , centred ) in AM, use center 1 N‑COUNT [oft in names] A centre is a building where people have meetings, take part in a particular activity, or get help of some kind. □ We went to a party at the leisure centre. □ …the National Exhibition Centre.
2 N‑COUNT If an area or town is a centre for an industry or activity, that industry or activity is very important there. □ London is also the major international insurance centre.
3 N‑COUNT [usu sing] The centre of something is the middle of it. □ [+ of ] A large wooden table dominates the centre of the room. □ Bake until light golden and crisp around the edges and slightly soft in the centre.
4 N‑COUNT [usu sing] The centre of a town or city is the part where there are the most shops and businesses and where a lot of people come from other areas to work or shop. □ …the city centre.
5 N‑COUNT [usu sing] If something or someone is at the centre of a situation, they are the most important thing or person involved. □ [+ of ] …the man at the centre of the controversy. □ [+ of ] At the centre of the inquiry has been concern for the pensioners involved.
6 N‑COUNT [usu sing] If someone or something is the centre of attention or interest, people are giving them a lot of attention. □ [+ of ] The rest of the cast was used to her being the centre of attention. □ [+ of ] The centre of attraction was Pierre Auguste Renoir's oil painting.
7 N‑SING [oft N n] In politics, the centre refers to groups and their beliefs, when they are considered to be neither left-wing nor right-wing. □ The Democrats have become a party of the centre. □ …the centre parties.
8 VERB If something centres or is centred on a particular thing or person, that thing or person is the main subject of attention. □ [V + on/around ] …a plan which centred on academic achievement and personal motivation. □ [be V -ed + on/around ] When working with patients, my efforts are centred on helping them to overcome illness. [Also V n on/around n] ● -centred COMB □ …a child-centred approach to teaching.
9 VERB If an industry or event is centred in a place, or if it centres there, it takes place to the greatest extent there. □ [be V -ed prep] Chinese restaurants have traditionally been centred around Chinatown. □ [V prep] The disturbances have centred round the two main university areas. □ [V -ed] Between 100 and 150 travellers' vehicles were scattered around the county, with the largest gathering centred on Ampfield.
10 → see also community centre , detention centre , garden centre , health centre , job centre , left-of-centre , nerve centre , reception centre , remand centre , right-of-centre , shopping centre
cen|tred /se ntə r d/ in AM, use centered 1 ADJ If an industry or event is centred in a place, it takes place to the greatest extent there. □ The tremor was centred in the Gulf of Sirte.
2 ADJ If you feel centred , you feel calm, confident, and in control of your emotions. □ I'm trying to be more centred, and not fall apart when I go through difficult things.
-centred /-sentə r d/ in AM, use -centered 1 COMB -centred can be added to adjectives and nouns to indicate what kind of a centre something has. □ …lemon-centered white chocolates.
2 → see also centre , self-centred
centre|fold /se ntə r foʊld/ (centrefolds ) in AM, use centerfold N‑COUNT A centrefold is a picture that covers the two central pages of a magazine, especially a photograph of a naked or partly naked woman.
ce ntre-fo rward (centre-forwards ) N‑COUNT A centre-forward in a team sport such as football or hockey is the player or position in the middle of the front row of attacking players.
ce n|tre of gra v|ity (centres of gravity ) N‑COUNT The centre of gravity of an object is a point in it. If this point is above the base of the object, it stays stable, rather than falling over.
centre|piece /se ntə r piːs/ (centrepieces ) in AM, use centerpiece 1 N‑COUNT The centrepiece of something is the best or most interesting part of it. □ [+ of ] The centrepiece of the plan is the idea of regular referendums, initiated by voters.
2 N‑COUNT A centrepiece is an ornament which you put in the middle of something, especially a dinner table.
ce n|tre sta ge The spellings centre-stage in British English, and center stage in American English are also used. N‑UNCOUNT [oft the N ] If something or someone takes centre stage , they become very important or noticeable. □ Nuclear proliferation has returned to centre stage in international affairs.
cen|trifu|gal force /sentr I fjʊg ə l fɔː r s/ N‑UNCOUNT In physics, centrifugal force is the force that makes objects move outwards when they are spinning around something or travelling in a curve. □ The juice is extracted by centrifugal force.
cen|tri|fuge /se ntr I fjuːdʒ/ (centrifuges ) N‑COUNT A centrifuge is a machine that spins mixtures of different substances around very quickly so that they separate by centrifugal force.
cen|trist /se ntr I st/ (centrists ) ADJ [usu ADJ n] Centrist policies and parties are moderate rather than extreme. □ He had left the movement because it had abandoned its centrist policies. ● N‑COUNT A centrist is someone with centrist views.
cen|tu|ri|on /sentjʊə riən, [AM ] -tʊr -/ (centurions ) N‑COUNT A centurion was an officer in the Roman army.
cen|tu|ry ◆◆◆ /se ntʃəri/ (centuries )
1 N‑COUNT A century is a period of a hundred years that is used when stating a date. For example, the 19th century was the period from 1801 to 1900. □ …celebrated figures of the late eighteenth century. □ …a 17th-century merchant's house.
2 N‑COUNT A century is any period of a hundred years. □ The drought there is the worst in a century.
3 N‑COUNT In cricket, a century is a score of one hundred runs or more by one batsman.
CEO ◆◇◇ /siː iː oʊ / (CEOs ) N‑COUNT CEO is an abbreviation for chief executive officer .
ce|ram|ic /s I ræ m I k/ (ceramics )
1 N‑VAR [usu N n] Ceramic is clay that has been heated to a very high temperature so that it becomes hard. □ …ceramic tiles. □ …items made from hand-painted ceramic.
2 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Ceramics are ceramic ornaments or objects. □ …a collection of Chinese ceramics.
3 N‑UNCOUNT Ceramics is the art of making artistic objects out of clay.
ce|real /s I ə riəl/ (cereals )
1 N‑VAR Cereal or breakfast cereal is a food made from grain. It is mixed with milk and eaten for breakfast. □ I have a bowl of cereal every morning.
2 N‑COUNT Cereals are plants such as wheat, corn, or rice that produce grain. □ …the rich cereal-growing districts of the Paris Basin.
cere|bral /se r I brəl, [AM ] səriː brəl/
1 ADJ If you describe someone or something as cerebral , you mean that they are intellectual rather than emotional. [FORMAL ] □ Washington struck me as a precarious place from which to publish such a cerebral newspaper.
2 ADJ [ADJ n] Cerebral means relating to the brain. [MEDICAL ] □ …a cerebral haemorrhage.
ce re|bral pa l|sy N‑UNCOUNT Cerebral palsy is a condition caused by damage to a baby's brain before or during its birth, which makes its limbs and muscles permanently weak.
cer|emo|nial /se r I moʊ niəl/
1 ADJ [ADJ n] Something that is ceremonial relates to a ceremony or is used in a ceremony. □ He represented the nation on ceremonial occasions. □ Feathers of various kinds are used by Native Americans for ceremonial purposes.
2 ADJ A position, function, or event that is ceremonial is considered to be representative of an institution, but has very little authority or influence. □ Up to now the post of president has been largely ceremonial.
cer|emo|ni|ous|ly /se r I moʊ niəsli/ ADV [ADV with v] If someone does something ceremoniously , they do it in an extremely formal way. [WRITTEN ] □ They ceremoniously cut a piece of ribbon, declaring the exhibition open. □ He thanked her ceremoniously.
cer|emo|ny ◆◇◇ /se r I məni, [AM ] -moʊni/ (ceremonies )
1 N‑COUNT A ceremony is a formal event such as a wedding. □ …his grandmother's funeral, a private ceremony attended only by the family. □ Today's award ceremony took place at the British Embassy in Tokyo.
2 N‑UNCOUNT [usu with N ] Ceremony consists of the special things that are said and done on very formal occasions. □ The Republic was proclaimed in public with great ceremony.
3 N‑UNCOUNT [without N ] If you do something without ceremony , you do it quickly and in a casual way. □ 'Is Hilton here?' she asked without ceremony.
4 → see also master of ceremonies COLLOCATIONS ceremony NOUN 1
noun + ceremony : closing, opening; awards, medal, presentation; citizenship, civil partnership, graduation, marriage, wedding; induction, initiation, swearing-in
adjective + ceremony : glittering, glitzy, lavish, star-studded; civil, religious; intimate, low-key
verb + ceremony : attend; conduct, hold, host, perform
ce|rise /səriː s/ COLOUR Something that is cerise is a bright pinkish red.
cert /sɜː r t/ (certs ) N‑COUNT If you say that someone or something is a cert , you mean that you are certain they will succeed. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □ There's no such thing as a cert in horse racing. □ Anthony was a dead cert for promotion.
cert. (certs ) Cert. is a written abbreviation for certificate .
certain
➊ BEING SURE
➋ REFERRING AND INDICATING AMOUNT
➊ cer|tain ◆◇◇ /sɜː r t ə n/
1 ADJ [v-link ADJ , oft ADJ that/wh] If you are certain about something, you firmly believe it is true and have no doubt about it. If you are not certain about something, you do not have definite knowledge about it. □ She's absolutely certain she's going to make it in the world. □ We are not certain whether the appendix had already burst or not. □ [+ of ] It wasn't a balloon–I'm certain of that. [Also + about ]
2 ADJ [oft ADJ to-inf] If you say that something is certain to happen, you mean that it will definitely happen. □ However, the scheme is certain to meet opposition from fishermen's leaders. □ [+ of ] Brazil need to beat Uruguay to be certain of a place in the finals. □ The Prime Minister is heading for certain defeat if he forces a vote. □ Victory looked certain.
3 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you say that something is certain , you firmly believe that it is true, or have definite knowledge about it. □ One thing is certain, both have the utmost respect for each other. □ It is certain that Rodney arrived the previous day.
4 PHRASE If you know something for certain , you have no doubt at all about it. □ Hill had to find out for certain.
5 PHRASE If you make certain that something is the way you want or expect it to be, you take action to ensure that it is. □ Firstly, they must make certain that their pension needs are adequately catered for.
➋ cer|tain ◆◆◇ /sɜː r t ə n/
1 ADJ [ADJ n] You use certain to indicate that you are referring to one particular thing, person, or group, although you are not saying exactly which it is. □ There will be certain people who'll say 'I told you so!'. □ Leaflets have been air dropped telling people to leave certain areas.
2 QUANT When you refer to certain of a group of people or things, you are referring to some particular members of that group. [FORMAL ] □ [+ of ] They'll have to give up completely on certain of their studies.
3 ADJ You can use a certain before the name of a person in order to indicate that you do not know the person or anything else about them. □ She managed to arrange for them to be hidden in the house of a certain Father Boduen.
4 ADJ You use a certain to indicate that something such as a quality or condition exists, and often to suggest that it is not great in amount or degree. □ That was the very reason why he felt a certain bitterness. SYNONYMS certain ADJ ➊1
sure: She was no longer sure how she felt about him.
positive: 'She's never late. You sure she said eight?'—'Positive.'
confident: I am confident that everything will come out right in time.
satisfied: People must be satisfied that the treatment is safe.
convinced: He was convinced that I was part of the problem.
cer|tain|ly ◆◆◇ /sɜː r t ə nli/
1 ADV You use certainly to emphasize what you are saying when you are making a statement. [EMPHASIS ] □ The bombs are almost certainly part of a much bigger conspiracy. □ Today's inflation figure is certainly too high. □ Certainly, pets can help children develop friendship skills.
2 ADV You use certainly when you are agreeing with what someone has said. □ 'In any case you remained friends.'—'Certainly.' □ 'You keep out of their way don't you?'—'I certainly do.'
3 ADV You say certainly not when you want to say 'no' in a strong way. [EMPHASIS ] □ 'Perhaps it would be better if I withdrew altogether.'—'Certainly not!' SYNONYMS certainly ADV 1
definitely: Something should definitely be done about that.
without (a) doubt: The refugees, without a doubt, are the most vulnerable.
undoubtedly: Hanley is undoubtedly a great player.
unquestionably: He is unquestionably a star.
cer|tain|ty /sɜː r t ə nti/ (certainties )
1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft with N , N that] Certainty is the state of being definite or of having no doubts at all about something. □ I have told them with absolute certainty there'll be no change of policy. □ [+ about ] If you buy from reputable dealers you have more certainty about what you're getting.
2 N‑UNCOUNT [oft a N ] Certainty is the fact that something is certain to happen. □ A general election became a certainty three weeks ago. □ [+ of ] …the certainty of more violence and bloodshed.
3 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Certainties are things that nobody has any doubts about. □ There are no certainties in modern Europe.
cer|ti|fi|able /sɜː r t I fa I əb ə l/ ADJ If you describe someone as certifiable , you think that their behaviour is extremely unreasonable or foolish. [mainly BRIT , INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □ …if he can convince the committee that he is not certifiable.
cer|tifi|cate /sə r t I f I kət/ (certificates )
1 N‑COUNT A certificate is an official document stating that particular facts are true. □ …birth certificates. □ …share certificates.
2 N‑COUNT A certificate is an official document that you receive when you have completed a course of study or training. The qualification that you receive is sometimes also called a certificate . □ To the right of the fireplace are various framed certificates. □ …the Post-Graduate Certificate of Education.
cer|tifi|cat|ed /sə r t I f I ke I t I d/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A certificated person has been awarded a certificate to prove that they have achieved a certain level or standard. [mainly BRIT ] □ …a genuine certificated physician.
cer|ti|fy /sɜː r t I fa I / (certifies , certifying , certified )
1 VERB If someone in an official position certifies something, they officially state that it is true. □ [V that] The president certified that the project would receive $650m from overseas sources. □ [V n] The National Election Council is supposed to certify the results of the election. □ [be V -ed as adj] It has been certified as genuine. □ [be V -ed adj] Mrs Simpson was certified dead. [Also V n adj, V n as adj] ● cer|ti|fi|ca|tion /sə r t I f I ke I ʃ ə n/ (certifications ) N‑VAR □ An employer can demand written certification that the relative is really ill.
2 VERB [usu passive] If someone is certified as a particular kind of worker, they are given a certificate stating that they have successfully completed a course of training in their profession. □ [get V -ed + as ] They wanted to get certified as divers. □ [V -ed] …a certified accountant. ● cer|ti|fi|ca|tion N‑UNCOUNT □ [+ of ] Pupils would be offered training leading to the certification of their skill in a particular field.
cer|ti|tude /sɜː r t I tjuːd, [AM ] -tuːd/ (certitudes ) N‑UNCOUNT [oft N that] Certitude is the same as certainty . [FORMAL ] □ We have this definite certitude that Cicippio will be freed.
cer|vi|cal /sɜː r v I k ə l, sə r va I k ə l/
1 ADJ [ADJ n] Cervical means relating to the cervix. [MEDICAL ] □ …the number of women dying from cervical cancer.
2 ADJ [ADJ n] Cervical means relating to the neck. [MEDICAL ] □ …the discs in the upper cervical spine.
cer|vix /sɜː r v I ks/ (cervixes or cervices /sə r va I siːz/) N‑COUNT The cervix is the entrance to the womb. [MEDICAL ]
ces|sa|tion /sese I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft a N ] The cessation of something is the stopping of it. [FORMAL ] □ [+ of ] He would not agree to a cessation of hostilities.
cess|pit /se sp I t/ (cesspits ) N‑COUNT A cesspit is a hole or tank in the ground into which waste water and sewage flow.
cess|pool /se spuːl/ (cesspools ) N‑COUNT A cesspool is the same as a cesspit .
ce|ta|cean /s I te I ʃ ə n/ (cetaceans ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Cetaceans are animals such as whales, dolphins, and porpoises.
cet|era → see etcetera
cf. cf. is used in writing to introduce something that should be considered in connection with the subject you are discussing. □ For the more salient remarks on the matter, cf. Isis Unveiled, Vol. I.
CFC /siː ef siː / (CFCs ) N‑COUNT CFCs are gases that were widely used in the past in things such as aerosols and refrigerators and can cause damage to the ozone layer. CFC is an abbreviation for 'chlorofluorocarbon'.
CFS /siː ef e s/ N‑UNCOUNT CFS is an abbreviation for chronic fatigue syndrome .
CGI /siː dʒiː a I / N‑UNCOUNT CGI is a type of computer technology that is used to make special effects in cinema and on television. CGI is an abbreviation for computer-generated imagery . □ He tried to limit the use of CGI in the film, instead building sets.
ch. (chs ) N‑VAR Ch. is a written abbreviation for chapter .
cha-cha /tʃɑː tʃɑː/ (cha-chas ) N‑COUNT A cha-cha is a Latin American dance with small fast steps.
chafe /tʃe I f/ (chafes , chafing , chafed )
1 VERB If your skin chafes or is chafed by something, it becomes sore as a result of something rubbing against it. □ [V n] My shorts were chafing my thighs. □ [V + against ] His wrists began to chafe against the cloth strips binding them. □ [V ] The messenger bent and scratched at his knee where the strapping chafed.
2 VERB [no passive] If you chafe at something such as a restriction, you feel annoyed about it. [FORMAL ] □ [V + at ] He had chafed at having to take orders from another. □ [V + under ] He was chafing under the company's new ownership. [Also V + against ]
chaff /tʃɑː f, tʃæ f/
1 N‑UNCOUNT Chaff is the outer part of grain such as wheat. It is removed before the grain is used as food.
2 PHRASE If you separate the wheat from the chaff or sort the wheat from the chaff , you decide which people or things in a group are good or important and which are not. □ It isn't always easy to separate the wheat from the chaff.
chaf|finch /tʃæ f I ntʃ/ (chaffinches ) N‑COUNT A chaffinch is a small European bird. Male chaffinches have reddish-brown fronts and grey heads.
cha|grin /ʃæ gr I n, [AM ] ʃəgr I n/ N‑UNCOUNT [usu with poss] Chagrin is a feeling of disappointment, upset, or annoyance, perhaps because of your own failure. [FORMAL , WRITTEN ] □ Much to his father's chagrin, Al had no taste for further education.
cha|grined /ʃæ gr I nd, [AM ] ʃəgr I nd/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you are chagrined by something, it disappoints, upsets, or annoys you, perhaps because of your own failure. [WRITTEN ] □ [+ by ] The chair of the committee did not appear chagrined by the compromises and delays.
chain ◆◇◇ /tʃe I n/ (chains , chaining , chained )
1 N‑COUNT A chain consists of metal rings connected together in a line. □ His open shirt revealed a fat gold chain. □ The dogs were leaping and growling at the full stretch of their chains.
2 N‑PLURAL [in N ] If prisoners are in chains , they have thick rings of metal round their wrists or ankles to prevent them from escaping. □ He'd spent four and a half years in windowless cells, much of the time in chains.
3 VERB If a person or thing is chained to something, they are fastened to it with a chain. □ [be V -ed + to ] The dog was chained to the leg of the one solid garden seat. □ [V n + to ] She chained her bike to the railings. □ [V -ed] We were sitting together in our cell, chained to the wall. ● PHRASAL VERB Chain up means the same as chain . □ [V n P ] I'll lock the doors and chain you up. □ [V -ed P ] All the rowing boats were chained up. [Also V P n]
4 N‑COUNT A chain of things is a group of them existing or arranged in a line. □ [+ of ] …a chain of islands known as the Windward Islands. □ Students tried to form a human chain around the parliament.
5 N‑COUNT A chain of shops, hotels, or other businesses is a number of them owned by the same person or company. □ …a large supermarket chain. □ [+ of ] …Italy's leading chain of cinemas.
6 N‑SING A chain of events is a series of them happening one after another. □ [+ of ] …the bizarre chain of events that led to his departure in January 1938.
7 → see also food chain
▸ chain up → see chain 4 COLLOCATIONS chain NOUN 6
noun + chain : cinema, hotel, pub, restaurant, supermarket; clothing, DIY, electricals, fashion; discount, high-street
adjective + chain : retail
chained /tʃe I nd/ ADJ If you say that someone is chained to a person or a situation, you are emphasizing that there are reasons why they cannot leave that person or situation, even though you think they might like to. □ [+ to ] At work, he was chained to a system of boring meetings.
chai n gang (chain gangs ) N‑COUNT In the United States, a chain gang is a group of prisoners who are chained together to do work outside their prison. Chain gangs existed especially in former times.
chai n let|ter (chain letters ) N‑COUNT A chain letter is a letter, often with a promise of money, that is sent to several people who send copies on to several more people. Chain letters are illegal in some countries.
chai n mai l N‑UNCOUNT Chain mail is a kind of armour made from small metal rings joined together so that they look like cloth.
chai n re|a c|tion (chain reactions )
1 N‑COUNT A chain reaction is a series of chemical changes, each of which causes the next.
2 N‑COUNT A chain reaction is a series of events, each of which causes the next. □ [+ of ] The powder immediately ignited and set off a chain reaction of explosions.
chai n saw (chain saws ) also chainsaw N‑COUNT A chain saw is a big saw with teeth fixed in a chain that is driven round by a motor.
chai n-smoke (chain-smokes , chain-smoking , chain-smoked ) VERB Someone who chain-smokes smokes cigarettes or cigars continuously. □ [V ] Melissa had chain-smoked all evening while she waited for a phone call from Tom. [Also V n]
chai n-smoker (chain-smokers ) also chain smoker N‑COUNT A chain-smoker is a person who chain-smokes.
chai n store (chain stores ) also chain-store N‑COUNT A chain store is one of several similar shops that are owned by the same person or company, especially one that sells a variety of things.
chair ◆◆◇ /tʃeə r / (chairs , chairing , chaired )
1 N‑COUNT A chair is a piece of furniture for one person to sit on. Chairs have a back and four legs. □ He rose from his chair and walked to the window.
2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] At a university, a chair is the post of professor. □ [+ of/in ] He has been appointed to the chair of sociology at Southampton University.
3 N‑COUNT [usu sing] The person who is the chair of a committee or meeting is the person in charge of it. □ [+ of ] She shared her concerns with the chair of the church's finance council.
4 VERB If you chair a meeting or a committee, you are the person in charge of it. □ [V n] He was about to chair a meeting in Venice of E.U. foreign ministers.
5 N‑SING The chair is the same as the electric chair . [AM ]
chai r lift (chair lifts ) also chairlift N‑COUNT A chair lift is a line of chairs that hang from a moving cable and carry people up and down a mountain or ski slope.
chair|man ◆◆◇ /tʃeə r mən/ (chairmen )
1 N‑COUNT [oft with poss] The chairman of a committee, organization, or company is the head of it. □ [+ of ] Glyn Ford is chairman of the Committee which produced the report. □ I had done business with the company's chairman.
2 N‑COUNT The chairman of a meeting or debate is the person in charge, who decides when each person is allowed to speak. □ The chairman declared the meeting open. □ I hear you, Mr. Chairman. COLLOCATIONS chairman NOUN 1
noun + chairman : club, committee, company, party; deputy
adjective + chairman : former, outgoing; executive, non-executive, honorary; acting, interim
verb + chairman : appoint, elect
chair|man|ship /tʃeə r mənʃ I p/ (chairmanships ) N‑VAR The chairmanship of a committee or organization is the fact of being its chairperson. Someone's chairmanship can also mean the period during which they are chairperson. □ [+ of ] The Government has set up a committee under the chairmanship of Professor Roy Goode.
chair|person /tʃeə r pɜː r s ə n/ (chairpersons ) N‑COUNT The chairperson of a meeting, committee, or organization is the person in charge of it. □ [+ of ] She's the chairperson of the safety committee.
chair|woman /tʃeə r wʊmən/ (chairwomen ) N‑COUNT The chairwoman of a meeting, committee, or organization is the woman in charge of it. □ [+ of ] The chairwoman of the committee backed the new approach.
chaise longue /ʃe I z lɒ ŋ/ (chaises longues ) The singular and the plural are both pronounced in the same way. N‑COUNT A chaise longue is a kind of sofa with only one arm and usually a back along half its length.
chaise lounge /ʃe I z laʊ ndʒ/ (chaise lounges ) N‑COUNT A chaise lounge is the same as a chaise longue . [AM ]
cha|let /ʃæ le I , [AM ] ʃæle I / (chalets ) N‑COUNT A chalet is a small wooden house, especially in a mountain area or a holiday camp.
chal|ice /tʃæ l I s/ (chalices )
1 N‑COUNT A chalice is a large gold or silver cup with a stem. Chalices are used to hold wine in the Christian service of Holy Communion.
2 PHRASE If you refer to a job or an opportunity as a poisoned chalice , you mean that it seems to be very attractive but you believe it will lead to failure. □ He does not regard his new job as a poisoned chalice.
chalk /tʃɔː k/ (chalks , chalking , chalked )
1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Chalk is a type of soft white rock. You can use small pieces of it for writing or drawing with. □ …the highest chalk cliffs in Britain. □ Her skin was chalk white and dry-looking.
2 N‑UNCOUNT Chalk is small sticks of chalk, or a substance similar to chalk, used for writing or drawing with. □ …somebody writing with a piece of chalk. □ …drawing a small picture with coloured chalks.
3 VERB If you chalk something, you draw or write it using a piece of chalk. □ [V n] He chalked the message on the blackboard. □ [V -ed] There was a blackboard with seven names chalked on it.
4 PHRASE If you say that two people or things are like chalk and cheese , you are emphasizing that they are completely different from each other. [BRIT , EMPHASIS ] □ The two places, he insists, are as different as chalk and cheese. □ We are very aware of our differences, we accept that we are chalk and cheese.
▸ chalk up PHRASAL VERB If you chalk up a success, a victory, or a number of points in a game, you achieve it. □ [V P n] Andy Wilkinson chalked up his first win of the season. [Also V n P ]
chalk|board /tʃɔː kbɔː r d/ (chalkboards ) N‑COUNT A chalkboard is a dark-coloured board that you can write on with chalk. [mainly AM ] in BRIT, use blackboard
chalky /tʃɔː ki/
1 ADJ Something that is chalky contains chalk or is covered with chalk. □ The chalky soil around Saumur produces the famous Anjou wines.
2 ADJ Something that is chalky is a pale dull colour or has a powdery texture. □ Her face became a chalky white.
chal|lenge ◆◆◇ /tʃæ l I ndʒ/ (challenges , challenging , challenged )
1 N‑VAR A challenge is something new and difficult which requires great effort and determination. □ I like a big challenge and they don't come much bigger than this. □ The new government's first challenge is the economy.
2 PHRASE If someone rises to the challenge , they act in response to a difficult situation which is new to them and are successful. □ [+ of ] Such projects illustrate the company's ability to rise to the challenge of an evolving marketplace.
3 N‑VAR A challenge to something is a questioning of its truth or value. A challenge to someone is a questioning of their authority. □ [+ to ] The demonstrators have now made a direct challenge to the authority of the government.
4 VERB If you challenge ideas or people, you question their truth, value, or authority. □ [V n to-inf] Democratic leaders have challenged the president to sign the bill. □ [be V -ed] The move was immediately challenged by two of the republics. □ [V n + on/about ] I challenged him on the hypocrisy of his political attitudes. [Also V with quote, V n]
5 VERB If you challenge someone, you invite them to fight or compete with you in some way. □ [V n + to ] A mum challenged her to a fight after their daughters fell out. □ [V n to-inf] He left a note at the scene of the crime, challenging detectives to catch him. □ [V n] We challenged a team who called themselves 'College Athletes'. ● N‑COUNT Challenge is also a noun. □ A third presidential candidate emerged to mount a serious challenge.
6 → see also challenged , challenging COLLOCATIONS challenge NOUN
1
adjective + challenge : big, great, major; daunting, serious, tough
verb + challenge : enjoy, relish; pose, present; accept, face, meet, overcome
5
noun + challenge : leadership, promotion, title
verb + challenge : mount
chal|lenged /tʃæ l I ndʒd/ ADJ [adv ADJ ] If you say that someone is challenged in a particular way, you mean that they have a disability in that area. Challenged is often combined with inappropriate words for humorous effect. □ …terms like 'vertically-challenged'–meaning short. □ She ran off with an intellectually-challenged ski instructor.
chal|leng|er /tʃæ l I ndʒə r / (challengers ) N‑COUNT A challenger is someone who competes with you for a position or title that you already have, for example being a sports champion or a political leader. □ [+ to ] The Glasgow team was the strongest challenger to the winners from London. [Also + for ]
chal|leng|ing /tʃæ l I ndʒ I ŋ/
1 ADJ A challenging task or job requires great effort and determination. □ Mike found a challenging job as a computer programmer. □ I'm ready to do all those things which are more challenging.
2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you do something in a challenging way, you seem to be inviting people to argue with you or compete against you in some way. □ Mona gave him a challenging look.
cham|ber ◆◇◇ /tʃe I mbə r / (chambers )
1 N‑COUNT A chamber is a large room, especially one that is used for formal meetings. □ We are going to make sure we are in the council chamber every time he speaks.
2 N‑COUNT You can refer to a country's parliament or to one section of it as a chamber . □ More than 80 parties are contesting seats in the two-chamber parliament. □ [+ of ] His government has only a 16-seat majority in the Chamber of Deputies.
3 N‑COUNT A chamber is a room designed and equipped for a particular purpose. □ For many, the dentist's surgery remains a torture chamber.
4 → see also gas chamber
cham|ber|lain /tʃe I mbə r l I n/ (chamberlains ) N‑COUNT A chamberlain is the person who is in charge of the household affairs of a king, queen, or person of high social rank.
chamber|maid /tʃe I mbə r me I d/ (chambermaids ) N‑COUNT A chambermaid is a woman who cleans and tidies the bedrooms in a hotel.
cha m|ber mu|sic N‑UNCOUNT Chamber music is classical music written for a small number of instruments.
cha m|ber of co m|merce (chambers of commerce ) N‑COUNT A chamber of commerce is an organization of businessmen that promotes local commercial interests. [BUSINESS ]
cha m|ber or|ches|tra (chamber orchestras ) N‑COUNT A chamber orchestra is a small orchestra which plays classical music.
cha m|ber pot (chamber pots ) N‑COUNT A chamber pot is a round container shaped like a very large cup. Chamber pots used to be kept in bedrooms so that people could urinate in them instead of having to leave their room during the night.
cha|me|le|on /kəmiː liən/ (chameleons ) N‑COUNT A chameleon is a kind of lizard whose skin changes colour to match the colour of its surroundings.
cham|ois /ʃæ mi/ (chamois ) Pronounced /ʃæ mwɑː/ for meaning 1 in British English. 1 N‑COUNT Chamois are small animals rather like goats that live in the mountains of Europe and South West Asia.
2 N‑COUNT A chamois or a chamois leather is a soft leather cloth used for cleaning and polishing.
chamo|mile /kæ məma I l/ → see camomile
champ /tʃæ mp/ (champs ) N‑COUNT [oft n N ] A champ is the same as a champion . [INFORMAL ] □ …the reigning European heavyweight champ.
cham|pagne /ʃæ mpe I n/ (champagnes ) N‑VAR Champagne is an expensive French white wine with bubbles in. It is often drunk to celebrate something.
cham|pers /ʃæ mpə r z/ N‑UNCOUNT Champers is champagne. [BRIT , INFORMAL ]
cham|pi|on ◆◆◇ /tʃæ mpiən/ (champions , championing , championed )
1 N‑COUNT A champion is someone who has won the first prize in a competition, contest, or fight. □ …a former Commonwealth champion. □ Kasparov became world champion. □ …a champion boxer and skier.
2 N‑COUNT If you are a champion of a person, a cause, or a principle, you support or defend them. □ [+ of ] He was once known as a champion of social reform.
3 VERB If you champion a person, a cause, or a principle, you support or defend them. □ [V n] He passionately championed the poor. □ [be V -ed + by] The amendments had been championed by pro-democracy activists. SYNONYMS champion NOUN 1
winner: The winner was a horse called Last Town.
victor: He was the eventual victor.
conqueror: He easily overcame Garcia, Saturday's conqueror of Ernie Els.
cham|pi|on|ship ◆◆◇ /tʃæ mpiənʃ I p/ (championships )
1 N‑COUNT A championship is a competition to find the best player or team in a particular sport. □ …the world chess championship.
2 N‑SING The championship refers to the title or status of being a sports champion. □ This season I expect us to retain the championship and win the European Cup.
chance ◆◆◆ /tʃɑː ns, tʃæ ns/ (chances , chancing , chanced )
1 N‑VAR [N that] If there is a chance of something happening, it is possible that it will happen. □ [+ of ] Do you think they have a chance of beating Australia? □ [+ of ] This partnership has a good chance of success. □ [+ of ] The specialist who carried out the brain scan thought Tim's chances of survival were still slim. □ There was really very little chance that Ben would ever have led a normal life.
2 N‑COUNT [usu N to-inf] If you have a chance to do something, you have the opportunity to do it. □ The electoral council announced that all eligible people would get a chance to vote. □ I felt I had to give him a chance. [Also + for ]
3 ADJ [ADJ n] A chance meeting or event is one that is not planned or expected. □ …a chance meeting. ● N‑UNCOUNT Chance is also a noun. □ …a victim of chance and circumstance.
4 VERB If you chance to do something or chance on something, you do it or find it although you had not planned or tried to. [FORMAL ] □ [V to-inf] It was just then that I chanced to look round. □ [V + upon/on/across ] They once holidayed in Rome and chanced upon a bar called The Seamus Heaney.
5 VERB If you chance something, you do it even though there is a risk that you may not succeed or that something bad may happen. □ [V it ] Andy knew the risks. I cannot believe he would have chanced it. □ [V n] He decided no assassin would chance a shot from amongst that crowd.
6 → see also off-chance
7 PHRASE Something that happens by chance was not planned by anyone. □ He had met Mr Maude by chance.
8 PHRASE You can use by any chance when you are asking questions in order to find out whether something that you think might be true is actually true. □ Are they by any chance related?
9 PHRASE If you say that someone stands a chance of achieving something, you mean that they are likely to achieve it. If you say that someone doesn't stand a chance of achieving something, you mean that they cannot possibly achieve it. □ [+ of ] Being very good at science subjects, I stood a good chance of gaining high grades. □ [+ of ] Neither is seen as standing any chance of snatching the leadership from him.
10 PHRASE When you take a chance , you try to do something although there is a large risk of danger or failure. □ [+ on ] You take a chance on the weather if you holiday in the U.K. □ From then on, they were taking no chances. COLLOCATIONS chance NOUN 2
adjective + chance : decent, fair, good, realistic, reasonable; little, outside, slight, slim; excellent, golden, strong
verb + chance : get, have, stand; miss, waste; create, offer; grab, seize, take
chan|cel /tʃɑː ns ə l, tʃæ ns ə l/ (chancels ) N‑COUNT The chancel is the part of a church containing the altar, where the clergy and the choir usually sit.
chan|cel|lery /tʃɑː nsələri, tʃæ ns-/ (chancelleries )
1 N‑COUNT A chancellery is the building where a chancellor has his offices.
2 N‑SING The chancellery is the officials who work in a chancellor's office. □ He is a former head of the chancellery.
Chan|cel|lor ◆◆◇ /tʃɑː nslə r , tʃæ ns-/ (Chancellors )
1 N‑TITLE ; N‑COUNT Chancellor is the title of the head of government in Germany and Austria. □ …Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany. □ …as the Chancellor arrived.
2 N‑COUNT In Britain, the Chancellor is the Chancellor of the Exchequer.
3 N‑COUNT The Chancellor of a British university is the official head of the university. The Chancellor does not take part in running the university.
4 N‑COUNT The head of some American universities is called the Chancellor .
5 → see also vice-chancellor
Cha n|cel|lor of the Ex|che q|uer (Chancellors of the Exchequer ) N‑COUNT The Chancellor of the Exchequer is the minister in the British government who makes decisions about finance and taxes.
chan|cel|lor|ship /tʃɑː nslə r ʃ I p, tʃæ ns-/ N‑SING The chancellorship is the position of chancellor. Someone's chancellorship is the period of time when they are chancellor. □ Austria prospered under his chancellorship.
chan|cer /tʃɑː nsə, tʃæ nsə/ (chancers ) N‑COUNT You can refer to someone as a chancer if you think they use opportunities for their own advantage and often pretend to have skills they do not have. [INFORMAL ] □ …a corrupt, opportunistic chancer.
Chan|cery /tʃɑː nsəri, tʃæ ns-/ N‑SING [oft in N ] In Britain, the Chancery or Chancery Division is the Lord Chancellor's court, which is a division of the High Court of Justice.
chancy /tʃɑː nsi, tʃæ nsi/ ADJ Something that is chancy involves a lot of risk or uncertainty. [INFORMAL ] □ Investment is becoming a chancy business.
chan|de|lier /ʃæ ndəl I ə r / (chandeliers ) N‑COUNT A chandelier is a large, decorative frame which holds light bulbs or candles and hangs from the ceiling.
change ◆◆◆ /tʃe I ndʒ/ (changes , changing , changed )
1 N‑VAR If there is a change in something, it becomes different. □ [+ in ] The ambassador appealed for a change in U.S. policy. □ [+ of ] What is needed is a change of attitude on the part of architects. □ There are going to have to be some drastic changes. □ …a passionate, eloquent campaigner for political change in her home country. □ This is a time of change for the corporation.
2 → see also sea change
3 N‑SING If you say that something is a change or makes a change , you mean that it is enjoyable because it is different from what you are used to. [APPROVAL ] □ It is a complex system, but it certainly makes a change. □ Do you feel like you could do with a change?
4 VERB If you change from one thing to another, you stop using or doing the first one and start using or doing the second. □ [V + to ] His doctor increased the dosage but did not change to a different medication. □ [V + from] He changed from voting against to abstaining.
5 VERB When something changes or when you change it, it becomes different. □ [V ] We are trying to detect and understand how the climates change. □ [V from n to n] In the union office, the mood gradually changed from resignation to rage. □ [V + into ] She has now changed into a happy, self-confident woman. □ [V n] They should change the law to make it illegal to own replica weapons. □ [V n] Trees are changing colour earlier than last year. □ [V -ed] He is a changed man since you left. □ [V -ing] A changing world has put pressures on the corporation. [Also V n into n]
6 VERB To change something means to replace it with something new or different. □ [V n] I paid £80 to have my car radio fixed and I bet all they did was change a fuse. □ [V n] If you want to change your doctor there are two ways of doing it. ● N‑COUNT [oft a N of n] Change is also a noun. □ [+ of ] A change of leadership alone will not be enough.
7 VERB When you change your clothes or change , you take some or all of your clothes off and put on different ones. □ [V n] Ben had merely changed his shirt. □ [V ] They had allowed her to shower and change. □ [V + into ] I changed into a tracksuit. □ [get V -ed] I've got to get changed first. I've got to put my uniform on. [Also V + out of ]
8 N‑COUNT A change of clothes is an extra set of clothes that you take with you when you go to stay somewhere or to take part in an activity. □ [+ of ] He stuffed a bag with a few changes of clothing.
9 VERB When you change a bed or change the sheets, you take off the dirty sheets and put on clean ones. □ [V n] After changing the bed, I would fall asleep quickly. □ [V n] I changed the sheets on your bed today.
10 VERB When you change a baby or change its nappy or diaper, you take off the dirty one and put on a clean one. □ [V n] She criticizes me for the way I feed or change him. □ [V -ed] He needs his nappy changed.
11 VERB When you change buses, trains, or planes or change , you get off one bus, train, or plane and get on to another in order to continue your journey. □ [V n] At Glasgow I changed trains for Greenock. □ [V ] We were turned off the train at Hanover, where we had to change.
12 VERB When you change gear or change into another gear, you move the gear lever on a car, bicycle, or other vehicle in order to use a different gear. [BRIT ] □ [V n] The driver tried to change gear, then swerved. □ [V prep] He looked up into the mirror as he changed through his gears. in AM, use shift 13 N‑UNCOUNT Your change is the money that you receive when you pay for something with more money than it costs because you do not have exactly the right amount of money. □ 'There's your change.'—'Thanks very much.'. □ They told the shopkeeper to keep the change.
14 N‑UNCOUNT Change is coins, rather than paper money. □ Thieves ransacked the office, taking a sack of loose change. □ [+ for ] The man in the store won't give him change for the phone unless he buys something.
15 → see also small change
16 N‑UNCOUNT If you have change for larger notes, bills, or coins, you have the same value in smaller notes, bills, or coins, which you can give to someone in exchange. □ [+ for ] The courier had change for a £10 note. ● PHRASE If you make change , you give someone smaller notes, bills, or coins, in exchange for the same value of larger ones. [AM ]
17 VERB When you change money, you exchange it for the same amount of money in a different currency, or in smaller notes, bills, or coins. □ [V n] You can expect to pay the bank a fee of around 1% to 2% every time you change money. □ [V n + into ] Find an agency that will change one foreign currency directly into another.
18 PHRASE If you say that you are doing something or something is happening for a change , you mean that you do not usually do it or it does not usually happen, and you are happy to be doing it or that it is happening. □ Now let me ask you a question, for a change. □ Liz settled back in her seat, comfortably relaxed, enjoying being driven for a change.
19 to change for the better → see better
20 to change hands → see hand ➊
21 a change of heart → see heart
22 to change your mind → see mind ➊
23 to change places → see place
24 to ring the changes → see ring ➊
25 to change the subject → see subject
26 to change tack → see tack
27 to change your tune → see tune
28 to change for the worse → see worse
▸ change down PHRASAL VERB When you change down , you move the gear lever in the vehicle you are driving in order to use a lower gear. [BRIT ] □ [V P ] Changing down, he turned into the drive. □ [V P + to ] I braked at the second corner and changed down to third. in AM, use shift down
▸ change over
1 PHRASAL VERB If you change over from one thing to another, you stop doing one thing and start doing the other. □ [V P + from/to ] We are gradually changing over to a completely metric system. □ [V P ] The two men swapped places, always extinguishing the light when they changed over.
2 → see also changeover
▸ change up PHRASAL VERB When you change up , you move the gear lever in the vehicle you are driving in order to use a higher gear. [BRIT ] □ [V P ] I accelerated and changed up. in AM, use shift up SYNONYMS change NOUN 1
alteration: Making some simple alterations to your diet will make you feel fitter.
transformation: Chemical transformations occur.
modification: Relatively minor modifications were required. VERB 5
alter: Little had altered in the village.
transform: Your metabolic rate is the speed at which your body transforms food into energy.
revise: He soon came to revise his opinion of the profession.
modify: The club members did agree to modify their recruitment policy.
change|able /tʃe I ndʒəb ə l/ ADJ Someone or something that is changeable is likely to change many times. □ The forecast is for changeable weather.
change|ling /tʃe I ndʒl I ŋ/ (changelings ) N‑COUNT A changeling is a child who was put in the place of another child when they were both babies. In stories changelings were often taken or left by fairies. [LITERARY ]
cha nge ma n|age|ment N‑UNCOUNT Change management is a style of management that aims to encourage organizations and individuals to deal effectively with the changes taking place in their work. [BUSINESS ] □ She is hoping to go into change management or IT management when she graduates.
cha nge of li fe N‑SING The change of life is the menopause .
change|over /tʃe I ndʒoʊvə r / (changeovers ) N‑COUNT A changeover is a change from one activity or system to another. □ [+ to ] He again called for a faster changeover to a market economy. □ Right now we are in the changeover period between autumn and winter.
cha nge purse (change purses ) N‑COUNT A change purse is a very small bag that people, especially women, keep their money in. [AM ] in BRIT, use purse
cha ng|ing room (changing rooms ) N‑COUNT A changing room is a room where you can change your clothes and usually have a shower, for example at a sports centre.
chan|nel ◆◆◇ /tʃæ n ə l/ (channels , channelling , channelled ) in AM, use channeling , channeled 1 N‑COUNT A channel is a television station. □ …the only serious current affairs programme on either channel. □ …the presenter of Channel 4 News.
2 N‑COUNT A channel is a band of radio waves on which radio messages can be sent and received.
3 N‑COUNT [oft adj N ] If you do something through a particular channel , or particular channels , that is the system or organization that you use to achieve your aims or to communicate. □ [+ for ] The Americans recognise that the U.N. can be the channel for greater diplomatic activity. □ [+ of ] Keeping channels of communication open was crucial.
4 VERB If you channel money or resources into something, you arrange for them to be used for that thing, rather than for a wider range of things. □ [V n prep] …a nonprofit foundation through which to channel funds to alleviate poverty.
5 VERB If you channel your energies or emotions into something, you concentrate on or do that one thing, rather than a range of things. □ [V n + into ] Stephen is channelling his energies into a novel called Blue. [Also V n adv]
6 N‑COUNT A channel is a passage along which water flows. □ Keep the drainage channel clear.
7 N‑COUNT A channel is a route used by boats.
8 N‑PROPER The Channel or the English Channel is the narrow area of water between England and France. SYNONYMS channel VERB 5
direct: Direct the learner's attention to the significant features.
focus: Today he was able to focus his message exclusively on the economy.
concentrate: This helps you to be aware of time and concentrates your mind on the immediate task.
cha nnel-hopping N‑UNCOUNT Channel-hopping means switching quickly between different television channels because you are looking for something interesting to watch. [BRIT ] in AM, use channel-surfing
cha nnel-surfing N‑UNCOUNT Channel-surfing is the same as channel-hopping . [mainly AM ]
chant /tʃɑː nt, tʃæ nt/ (chants , chanting , chanted )
1 N‑COUNT A chant is a word or group of words that is repeated over and over again. □ [+ of ] He was greeted by the chant of 'Judas! Judas!'.
2 N‑COUNT [usu adj N ] A chant is a religious song or prayer that is sung on only a few notes. □ …a Buddhist chant.
3 VERB If you chant something or if you chant , you repeat the same words over and over again. □ [V n] Demonstrators chanted slogans. □ [V with quote] The crowd chanted 'We are with you.' □ [V ] Several thousand people chanted and demonstrated outside the building. [Also V that] ● chant|ing N‑UNCOUNT □ A lot of the chanting was in support of the deputy Prime Minister.
4 VERB If you chant or if you chant something, you sing a religious song or prayer. □ [V ] Muslims chanted and prayed. □ [V n] Mr Sharma lit incense and chanted Sanskrit mantras. ● chant|ing N‑UNCOUNT □ The chanting inside the temple stopped.
Cha|nu|kah /hɑː nəkə/ N‑UNCOUNT Chanukah is the same as Hanukkah .
cha|os ◆◇◇ /ke I ɒs/ N‑UNCOUNT Chaos is a state of complete disorder and confusion. □ The world's first transatlantic balloon race ended in chaos last night. SYNONYMS chaos NOUN
disorder: The emergency room was in disorder.
confusion: There was confusion when a man fired shots.
mayhem: …the economic mayhem that this country's going through now.
havoc: Rioters caused havoc in the centre of the town.
cha|ot|ic /ke I ɒ t I k/ ADJ Something that is chaotic is in a state of complete disorder and confusion. □ Mullins began to rummage among the chaotic mess of papers on his desk.
chap /tʃæ p/ (chaps )
1 N‑COUNT A chap is a man or boy. [mainly BRIT , INFORMAL ] □ She thought he was a very nice chap.
2 → see also chapped
chap. (chaps ) N‑VAR Chap. is a written abbreviation for chapter . □ Today the best tests are performed in the hospital (see chap. 17).
chap|el /tʃæ p ə l/ (chapels )
1 N‑COUNT A chapel is a part of a church which has its own altar and which is used for private prayer. □ …the chapel of the Virgin Mary.
2 N‑COUNT A chapel is a small church attached to a hospital, school, or prison. □ [+ of ] We married in the chapel of Charing Cross Hospital in London.
3 N‑VAR A chapel is a building used for worship by members of some Christian churches. Chapel refers to the religious services that take place there. □ …a Methodist chapel. □ On Sundays, the family went three times to chapel.
chap|er|one /ʃæ pəroʊn/ (chaperones , chaperoning , chaperoned ) also chaperon
1 N‑COUNT A chaperone is someone who accompanies another person somewhere in order to make sure that they do not come to any harm.
2 VERB [usu passive] If you are chaperoned by someone, they act as your chaperone. □ [be V -ed] We were chaperoned by our aunt.
chap|lain /tʃæ pl I n/ (chaplains ) N‑COUNT [oft n N ] A chaplain is a member of the Christian clergy who does religious work in a place such as a hospital, school, prison, or in the armed forces. □ He joined the 40th Division as an army chaplain.
chap|lain|cy /tʃæ pl I nsi/ (chaplaincies )
1 N‑COUNT A chaplaincy is the building or office in which a chaplain works.
2 N‑COUNT A chaplaincy is the position or work of a chaplain. □ [+ of ] …the chaplaincy of the Royal Hospital.
chapped /tʃæ pt/ ADJ If your skin is chapped , it is dry, cracked, and sore. □ …chapped hands. □ Her skin felt chapped.
chap|py /tʃæ pi/ (chappies ) N‑COUNT A chappy is the same as a chap . [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □ His cheeky chappy image is reinforced by the spiky hair and the wide grin.
chap|ter ◆◆◇ /tʃæ ptə r / (chapters )
1 N‑COUNT A chapter is one of the parts that a book is divided into. Each chapter has a number, and sometimes a title. □ As we shall see in Chapter 9, there is a totally different explanation. □ I took the title of this chapter from one of my favorite books.
2 N‑COUNT [adj N ] A chapter in someone's life or in history is a period of time during which a major event or series of related events takes place. [WRITTEN ] □ [+ in ] This had been a particularly difficult chapter in the country's recent history. □ [+ of ] …one of the most dramatic chapters of recent British politics.
cha p|ter house (chapter houses )
1 N‑COUNT A chapter house is the building or set of rooms in the grounds of a cathedral where the members of the clergy hold their meetings.
2 N‑COUNT In a university or college, a chapter house is the place where a fraternity or sorority lives or meets. [AM ]
char /tʃɑː r / (chars , charring , charred )
1 VERB If food chars or if you char it, it burns slightly and turns black as it is cooking. □ [V ] Toast hazelnuts on a baking sheet until the skins char. □ [V n] Halve the peppers and char the skins under a hot grill. ● char|ring N‑UNCOUNT □ The chops should be cooked over moderate heat to prevent excessive charring.
2 → see also charred
chara|banc /ʃæ rəbæŋ/ (charabancs ) N‑COUNT A charabanc is a large old-fashioned coach with several rows of seats. Charabancs were used especially for taking people on trips or on holiday. [BRIT ]
char|ac|ter ◆◆◇ /kæ r I ktə r / (characters )
1 N‑COUNT The character of a person or place consists of all the qualities they have that make them distinct from other people or places. □ Perhaps there is a negative side to his character that you haven't seen yet. □ [+ of ] The character of this country has been formed by immigration.
2 N‑SING [oft in N ] If something has a particular character , it has a particular quality. □ The financial concessions granted to British Aerospace were, he said, of a precarious character. □ The state farms were semi-military in character.
3 N‑SING You can use character to refer to the qualities that people from a particular place are believed to have. □ Individuality is a valued and inherent part of the British character.
4 N‑COUNT [usu adj N ] You use character to say what kind of person someone is. For example, if you say that someone is a strange character , you mean they are strange. □ It's that kind of courage and determination that makes him such a remarkable character. □ What a sad character that Nigel is.
5 N‑VAR Your character is your personality, especially how reliable and honest you are. If someone is of good character , they are reliable and honest. If they are of bad character , they are unreliable and dishonest. □ He's begun a series of personal attacks on my character. □ Mr Bartman was a man of good character.
6 N‑UNCOUNT If you say that someone has character , you mean that they have the ability to deal effectively with difficult, unpleasant, or dangerous situations. [APPROVAL ] □ She showed real character in her attempts to win over the crowd. □ I didn't know Ron had that much strength of character.
7 N‑UNCOUNT If you say that a place has character , you mean that it has an interesting or unusual quality which makes you notice it and like it. [APPROVAL ] □ An ugly shopping centre stands across from one of the few buildings with character.
8 N‑COUNT The characters in a film, book, or play are the people that it is about. □ The film is autobiographical and the central character is played by Collard himself. □ He's made the characters believable.
9 N‑COUNT If you say that someone is a character , you mean that they are interesting, unusual, or amusing. [INFORMAL ] □ He'll be sadly missed. He was a real character.
10 N‑COUNT A character is a letter, number, or other symbol that is written or printed.
11 PHRASE If someone's actions are in character , they are doing what you would expect them to do, knowing what kind of person they are. If their actions are out of character , they are not doing what you would expect them to do. □ [+ for ] It was entirely in character for Rachel to put her baby first. □ What else could make him behave so out of character?
cha r|ac|ter ac|tor (character actors ) N‑COUNT A character actor is an actor who specializes in playing unusual or eccentric people.
cha r|ac|ter as|sas|si|na|tion (character assassinations ) N‑VAR A character assassination is a deliberate attempt to destroy someone's reputation, especially by criticizing them in an unfair and dishonest way when they are not present. □ [+ of ] A full-scale character assassination of the dead woman got underway in the tabloid press.
char|ac|ter|ful /kæ r I ktə r fʊl/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe something as characterful , you mean that it is pleasant and interesting. [JOURNALISM ] □ …small characterful hotels serving local cuisine.
char|ac|ter|is|tic ◆◇◇ /kæ r I ktər I st I k/ (characteristics )
1 N‑COUNT [usu pl] The characteristics of a person or thing are the qualities or features that belong to them and make them recognizable. □ [+ of ] Genes determine the characteristics of every living thing. □ …their physical characteristics.
2 ADJ A quality or feature that is characteristic of someone or something is one which is often seen in them and seems typical of them. □ Windmills are a characteristic feature of the Mallorcan landscape. □ Nehru responded with characteristic generosity. ● char|ac|ter|is|ti|cal|ly /kæ r I ktər I st I kli/ ADV [usu ADV adj, oft ADV with v] □ He replied in characteristically robust style. SYNONYMS characteristic NOUN 1
feature: The spacious gardens are a special feature of this property.
quality: …the pretentious quality of the poetry.
attribute: He has every attribute you could want and could play for any team.
trait: Creativity is a human trait.
property: A radio signal has both electrical and magnetic properties.
char|ac|teri|za|tion /kæ r I ktəra I ze I ʃ ə n/ (characterizations ) in BRIT, also use characterisation 1 N‑VAR Characterization is the way an author or an actor describes or shows what a character is like. □ [+ of ] …Chaucer's characterization of Criseyde.
2 → see also characterize
char|ac|ter|ize /kæ r I ktəra I z/ (characterizes , characterizing , characterized ) in BRIT, also use characterise 1 VERB If something is characterized by a particular feature or quality, that feature or quality is an obvious part of it. [FORMAL ] □ [be V -ed + by ] This election campaign has been characterized by violence. □ [V n] A bold use of colour characterizes the bedroom.
2 VERB If you characterize someone or something as a particular thing, you describe them as that thing. [FORMAL ] □ [V n + as ] Both companies have characterized the relationship as friendly.
char|ac|ter|less /kæ r I ktə r ləs/ ADJ If you describe something as characterless , you mean that it is dull and uninteresting. □ The town is boring and characterless. □ …a bland and characterless meal.
cha r|ac|ter rec|og|ni |tion N‑UNCOUNT Character recognition is a process which allows computers to recognize written or printed characters such as numbers or letters and to change them into a form that the computer can use. [COMPUTING ]
cha|rade /ʃərɑː d, [AM ] -re I d/ (charades )
1 N‑COUNT [usu sing] If you describe someone's actions as a charade , you mean that their actions are so obviously false that they do not convince anyone. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ I wondered why he had gone through the elaborate charade. □ [+ of ] The U.N. at the moment is still trying to maintain the charade of neutrality.
2 N‑UNCOUNT Charades is a game for teams of players in which one team acts a word or phrase, syllable by syllable, until other players guess the whole word or phrase.
char|coal /tʃɑː r koʊl/ N‑UNCOUNT Charcoal is a black substance obtained by burning wood without much air. It can be burned as a fuel, and small sticks of it are used for drawing with.
chard /tʃɑː r d/ N‑UNCOUNT Chard is a plant with a round root, large leaves, and a thick stalk.
charge ◆◆◆ /tʃɑː r dʒ/ (charges , charging , charged )
1 VERB If you charge someone an amount of money, you ask them to pay that amount for something that you have sold to them or done for them. □ [V n] Even local nurseries charge £100 a week. □ [V n + for ] The hospitals charge the patients for every aspirin. □ [V ] Some banks charge if you access your account to determine your balance. □ [V n n] …the architect who charged us a fee of seven hundred and fifty pounds.
2 VERB To charge something to a person or organization means to tell the people providing it to send the bill to that person or organization. To charge something to someone's account means to add it to their account so they can pay for it later. □ [V n + to ] Go out and buy a pair of glasses, and charge it to us. □ [be V -ed + to ] All transactions have been charged to your account.
3 N‑COUNT A charge is an amount of money that you have to pay for a service. □ We can arrange this for a small charge. □ [+ of ] Customers who arrange overdrafts will face a monthly charge of £5.
4 N‑COUNT A charge is a formal accusation that someone has committed a crime. □ He may still face criminal charges. □ [+ of ] They appeared at court yesterday to deny charges of murder.
5 VERB When the police charge someone, they formally accuse them of having done something illegal. □ [V n] They have the evidence to charge him. □ [V n + with ] Police have charged Mr Bell with murder.
6 VERB If you charge someone with doing something wrong or unpleasant, you publicly say that they have done it. [WRITTEN ] □ [V n + with ] He charged the minister with lying about the economy.
7 N‑UNCOUNT If you take charge of someone or something, you make yourself responsible for them and take control over them. If someone or something is in your charge , you are responsible for them. □ [+ of ] A few years ago Bacryl took charge of the company. □ [+ of ] I have been given charge of this class. □ They would never forget their time in his charge.
8 PHRASE If you are in charge in a particular situation, you are the most senior person and have control over something or someone. □ Who's in charge here? □ [+ of ] …the Swiss governess in charge of the smaller children.
9 N‑COUNT [usu pl] If you describe someone as your charge , they have been given to you to be looked after and you are responsible for them. □ The coach tried to get his charges motivated.
10 VERB If you charge towards someone or something, you move quickly and aggressively towards them. □ [V prep/adv] He charged through the door to my mother's office. □ [V ] He ordered us to charge. □ [V -ing] …a charging bull. ● N‑COUNT Charge is also a noun. □ …a bayonet charge.
11 VERB To charge a battery means to pass an electrical current through it in order to make it more powerful or to make it last longer. □ [V n] Alex had forgotten to charge the battery. ● PHRASAL VERB Charge up means the same as charge . □ [V P n] The car recovers energy to charge up the batteries while driving. [Also V n P ]
12 N‑COUNT [usu sing] An electrical charge is an amount of electricity that is held in or carried by something. [TECHNICAL ]
13 → see also baton charge , charged , cover charge , depth charge , service charge
14 PHRASE If something is free of charge , it does not cost anything. □ The leaflet is available free of charge from post offices.
▸ charge up → see charge 11 SYNONYMS charge NOUN 3
price: …a sharp increase in the price of petrol.
rate: Calls cost 36p per minute cheap rate and 48p at all other times.
cost: Badges are also available at a cost of £2.50.
payment: The fund will make payments of just over £1 billion next year.
toll: We pay enough in toll charges to use their roads. VERB 5
accuse: Her assistant was accused of theft and fraud by the police.
indict: He was later indicted on corruption charges.
impeach: …an opposition move to impeach the President.
charge|able /tʃɑː r dʒəb ə l/
1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If something is chargeable , you have to pay a sum of money for it. [FORMAL ] □ The day of departure is not chargeable if rooms are vacated by 12.00 noon.
2 ADJ If something is chargeable , you have to pay tax on it. [FORMAL ] □ …the taxpayer's chargeable gain.
cha rge card (charge cards ) also chargecard
1 N‑COUNT A charge card is a plastic card that you use to buy goods on credit from a particular store or group of stores. Compare credit card . [BRIT ]
2 N‑COUNT A charge card is the same as a credit card . [AM ]
charged /tʃɑː r dʒd/
1 ADJ [usu adv ADJ ] If a situation is charged , it is filled with emotion and therefore very tense or exciting. □ There was a highly-charged atmosphere. □ A wedding is an emotionally-charged situation.
2 ADJ [oft adv ADJ ] Charged particles carry an electrical charge. □ …negatively-charged ions.
char|gé d'af|faires /ʃɑː r ʒe I dæfeə r / (chargés d'affaires )
1 N‑COUNT A chargé d'affaires is a person appointed to act as head of a diplomatic mission in a foreign country while the ambassador is away.
2 N‑COUNT A chargé d'affaires is the head of a minor diplomatic mission in a foreign country.
cha rge nurse (charge nurses ) N‑COUNT A charge nurse is a nurse who is in charge of a hospital ward. [BRIT ]
charg|er /tʃɑː r dʒə r / (chargers )
1 N‑COUNT A charger is a device used for charging or recharging batteries. □ [+ for ] He forgot the charger for his mobile phone.
2 N‑COUNT A charger was a strong horse that a knight in the Middle Ages used to ride in battle.
cha r-grilled also chargrilled ADJ [usu ADJ n] Char-grilled meat or fish has been cooked so that it burns slightly and turns black. [BRIT ] in AM, usually use charbroiled
chari|ot /tʃæ riət/ (chariots ) N‑COUNT In ancient times, chariots were fast-moving vehicles with two wheels that were pulled by horses.
cha|ris|ma /kər I zmə/ N‑UNCOUNT You say that someone has charisma when they can attract, influence, and inspire people by their personal qualities. □ He has neither the policies nor the personal charisma to inspire people.
char|is|mat|ic /kæ r I zmæ t I k/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A charismatic person attracts, influences, and inspires people by their personal qualities. □ …her striking looks and charismatic personality.
chari|table /tʃæ r I təb ə l/
1 ADJ [ADJ n] A charitable organization or activity helps and supports people who are ill or very poor, or who have a disability. □ …charitable work for cancer awareness.
2 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] Someone who is charitable to people is kind or understanding towards them. □ [+ towards ] They were rather less than charitable towards the referee.
char|ity ◆◇◇ /tʃæ r I ti/ (charities )
1 N‑COUNT A charity is an organization which raises money in order to help people who are sick or very poor, or who have a disability. □ The National Trust is a registered charity. □ She was working as a volunteer at a homeless charity in Cambridge.
2 N‑UNCOUNT If you give money to charity , you give it to one or more charitable organizations. If you do something for charity , you do it in order to raise money for one or more charitable organizations. □ He made substantial donations to charity. □ Gooch will be raising money for charity. □ …a charity event.
3 N‑UNCOUNT People who live on charity live on money or goods which other people give them because they are poor. □ My mum was very proud. She wouldn't accept charity. □ Her husband is unemployed and the family depends on charity.
4 N‑UNCOUNT Charity is kindness and understanding towards other people. [FORMAL ]
cha r|ity shop (charity shops ) N‑COUNT A charity shop is a shop that sells used goods cheaply and gives its profits to a charity. [BRIT ] in AM, use thrift shop
char|la|tan /ʃɑː r lət ə n/ (charlatans ) N‑COUNT You describe someone as a charlatan when they pretend to have skills or knowledge that they do not really possess. [FORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □ He was exposed as a charlatan.
Charles|ton /tʃɑː r lstən/ N‑SING The Charleston is a lively dance that was popular in the 1920s.
charm /tʃɑː r m/ (charms , charming , charmed )
1 N‑VAR Charm is the quality of being pleasant or attractive. □ 'Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs', the 1937 Disney classic, has lost none of its original charm. □ The house had its charms, not the least of which was the furniture that came with it.
2 N‑UNCOUNT Someone who has charm behaves in a friendly, pleasant way that makes people like them. □ He was a man of great charm and distinction.
3 VERB If you charm someone, you please them, especially by using your charm. □ [V n] He even charmed Mrs Prichard, carrying her shopping and flirting with her, though she's 83.
4 N‑COUNT A charm is a small ornament that is fixed to a bracelet or necklace.
5 N‑COUNT A charm is an act, saying, or object that is believed to have magic powers. □ …a good luck charm.
6 PHRASE If you say that something worked like a charm , you mean that it was very effective or successful. □ Economically, the policy worked like a charm.
charmed /tʃɑː r md/ ADJ [ADJ n] A charmed place, time, or situation is one that is very beautiful or pleasant, and seems slightly separate from the real world or real life. [WRITTEN ] □ …the charmed atmosphere of Oxford in the late Twenties.
cha rmed ci r|cle N‑SING If you refer to a group of people as a charmed circle , you mean that they seem to have special power or influence, and do not allow anyone else to join their group. [LITERARY ] □ [+ of ] …the immense role played by this very small charmed circle of critics.
charm|er /tʃɑː r mə r / (charmers )
1 N‑COUNT If you refer to someone, especially a man, as a charmer , you think that they behave in a very charming but rather insincere way. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ He comes across as an intelligent, sophisticated, charmer.
2 → see also snake charmer
charm|ing /tʃɑː r m I ŋ/
1 ADJ If you say that something is charming , you mean that it is very pleasant or attractive. □ …a charming little fishing village. □ …the charming custom of wearing a rose on that day. ● charm|ing|ly ADV [ADV adj, ADV after v] □ There's something charmingly old-fashioned about his brand of entertainment.
2 ADJ If you describe someone as charming , you mean they behave in a friendly, pleasant way that makes people like them. □ …a charming young man. □ [+ to ] He can be charming to his friends. ● charm|ing|ly ADV [ADV after v] □ Calder smiled charmingly and put out his hand. 'A pleasure, Mrs Talbot.'
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