Dd

D , d /diː / (D's, d's ) N‑VAR D is the fourth letter of the English alphabet.

d' /d-/ → see d'you

-'d Pronounced /-d/ after a vowel sound and /-əd/ after a consonant sound. 1 -'d is a spoken form of 'had', especially when 'had' is an auxiliary verb. It is added to the end of the pronoun which is the subject of the verb. For example, 'you had' can be shortened to 'you'd'.


2 -'d is a spoken form of 'would'. It is added to the end of the pronoun which is the subject of the verb. For example, 'I would' can be shortened to 'I'd'.

D.A. /diː e I / (D.A.s ) N‑COUNT A D.A. is a District Attorney . [AM ]

dab /dæ b/ (dabs , dabbing , dabbed )


1 VERB If you dab something, you touch it several times using quick, light movements. If you dab a substance onto a surface, you put it there using quick, light movements. □ [V n] She arrived weeping, dabbing her eyes with a tissue. □ [V n prep/adv] She dabbed iodine on the cuts on her forehead. □ [V + at ] He dabbed at his lips with the napkin. [Also V ]


2 N‑COUNT A dab of something is a small amount of it that is put onto a surface. [INFORMAL ] □ [+ of ] …a dab of glue.


3 N‑VAR A dab is a small flat fish with rough scales.

DAB /dæ b/ DAB is the transmission of digital stereo over conventional radio channels. DAB is an abbreviation for 'digital audio broadcasting'. □ The overall sound quality of DAB is miles better than FM.

dab|ble /dæ b ə l/ (dabbles , dabbling , dabbled ) VERB If you dabble in something, you take part in it but not very seriously. □ [V + in/with/at ] He dabbled in business. □ [V ] Magicians do not dabble, they work hard.

da b ha nd (dab hands ) N‑COUNT In British English, if you are a dab hand at something, you are very good at doing it. [INFORMAL ] □ [+ at ] She's a dab hand at DIY.

dace /de I s/ (dace ) N‑VAR A dace is a type of fish that lives in rivers and lakes.

da|cha /dæ tʃə, [AM ] dɑː tʃə/ (dachas ) N‑COUNT A dacha is a country house in Russia.

dachs|hund /dæ kshʊnd, [AM ] dɑː ksʊnt/ (dachshunds ) N‑COUNT A dachshund is a small dog that has very short legs, a long body, and long ears. WORD HISTORY dachshund


Dachshund is a German word meaning badger-dog , from Dachs , meaning 'badger', and Hund , meaning 'dog'. Dachshunds were originally bred to hunt badgers.

dad ◆◇◇ /dæ d/ (dads ) N‑COUNT Your dad is your father. You can call your dad 'Dad'. [INFORMAL ] □ How do you feel, Dad? □ He's living with his mum and dad.

dad|dy /dæ di/ (daddies ) N‑COUNT Children often call their father daddy . [INFORMAL ] □ Look at me, Daddy! □ She wanted her mummy and daddy.

dad|dy longlegs /dæ di lɒ ŋlegz, [AM ] - lɔː ŋ-/ (daddy longlegs ) N‑COUNT A daddy longlegs is a flying insect with very long legs.

dado /de I doʊ/ (dados ) N‑COUNT A dado is a strip of wood that can be fixed to the lower part of a wall. The wall is then often decorated differently above and below the dado .

daf|fo|dil /dæ fəd I l/ (daffodils ) N‑COUNT A daffodil is a yellow spring flower with a central part shaped like a tube and a long stem.

daffy /dæ fi/ ADJ If you describe a person or thing as daffy , you mean that they are strange or foolish, but in a rather attractive way. [INFORMAL , APPROVAL ] □ Daisy called her daffy, but goodhearted. □ …a daffy storyline.

daft /dɑː ft, dæ ft/ (dafter , daftest ) ADJ If you describe a person or their behaviour as daft , you think that they are stupid, impractical, or rather strange. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □ He's not so daft as to listen to rumours. □ Don't be daft!

dag|ger /dæ gə r / (daggers )


1 N‑COUNT A dagger is a weapon like a knife with two sharp edges.


2 PHRASE If you say that two people are at daggers drawn , you mean they are having an argument and are still very angry with each other. [BRIT ] □ She and her mother were at daggers drawn.

dahl|ia /de I liə/ (dahlias ) N‑COUNT A dahlia is a garden flower with a lot of brightly coloured petals.

dai|ly ◆◆◇ /de I li/ (dailies )


1 ADV [ADV after v] If something happens daily , it happens every day. □ Cathay Pacific flies daily non-stop to Hong Kong from Heathrow. □ The Visitor Centre is open daily 8.30 a.m.–4.30 p.m. ● ADJ [ADJ n] Daily is also an adjective. □ They held daily press briefings.


2 ADJ [ADJ n] Daily quantities or rates relate to a period of one day. □ …a diet containing adequate daily amounts of fresh fruit. □ Our average daily turnover is about £300.


3 N‑COUNT A daily is a newspaper that is published every day of the week except Sunday. □ Copies of the local daily had been scattered on a table. ● ADJ [ADJ n] Daily is also an adjective. □ He studied the daily papers.


4 PHRASE Your daily life is the things that you do every day as part of your normal life. □ …the failure of the government to improve most people's daily lives.

dain|ty /de I nti/ (daintier , daintiest ) ADJ If you describe a movement, person, or object as dainty , you mean that they are small, delicate, and pretty. □ …dainty pink flowers. ● dain|ti|ly ADV [ADV with v, Also ADV adj] □ She walked daintily down the steps.

dai|qui|ri /da I k I ri, dæ k-/ (daiquiris ) N‑COUNT A daiquiri is a drink made with rum, lime or lemon juice, sugar, and ice.

dairy /deə ri/ (dairies )


1 N‑COUNT A dairy is a shop or company that sells milk and food made from milk, such as butter, cream, and cheese.


2 ADJ [ADJ n] Dairy is used to refer to foods such as butter and cheese that are made from milk. □ …dairy produce. □ …vitamins found in eggs, meat and dairy products.


3 ADJ [ADJ n] Dairy is used to refer to the use of cattle to produce milk rather than meat. □ …a small vegetable and dairy farm. □ …the feeding of dairy cows.

dais /de I I s/ (daises ) N‑COUNT A dais is a raised platform in a hall.

dai|sy /de I zi/ (daisies ) N‑COUNT A daisy is a small wild flower with a yellow centre and white petals. WORD HISTORY daisy


Daisy comes from Old English dæges ēage , meaning 'day's eye'. The flower was given this name because it opens in the daytime and closes at night.

dai |sy chain (daisy chains ) also daisy-chain N‑COUNT A daisy chain is a string of daisies that have been joined together by their stems to make a necklace. [mainly BRIT ]

dal /dɑː l/ (dals ) also dhal N‑VAR Dal is an Indian dish made from pulses such as chick peas or lentils.

dale /de I l/ (dales ) N‑COUNT A dale is a valley. [BRIT ]

dal|li|ance /dæ liəns/ (dalliances )


1 N‑VAR If two people have a brief romantic relationship, you can say that they have a dalliance with each other, especially if they do not take it seriously. [OLD-FASHIONED ]


2 N‑COUNT [oft poss N ] Someone's dalliance with something is a brief involvement with it. [OLD-FASHIONED ] □ [+ with ] …my brief dalliance with higher education.

dal|ly /dæ li/ (dallies , dallying , dallied )


1 VERB If you dally , you act or move very slowly, wasting time. [OLD-FASHIONED ] □ [V ] The bureaucrats dallied too long. □ [V + over ] He did not dally over the choice of a partner. [Also V + with ]


2 VERB If someone dallies with you, they have a romantic, but not serious, relationship with you. [OLD-FASHIONED ] □ [V + with ] In the past he dallied with actresses and lady novelists.

Dal|ma|tian /dælme I ʃ ə n/ (Dalmatians ) N‑COUNT A Dalmatian is a large dog with short, smooth, white hair and black or dark brown spots.

dam /dæ m/ (dams , damming , dammed )


1 N‑COUNT A dam is a wall that is built across a river in order to stop the water flowing and to make a lake. □ …plans to build a dam on the Danube River.


2 VERB To dam a river means to build a dam across it. □ [V n] …plans to dam the nearby Delaware River.

dam|age ◆◆◇ /dæ m I dʒ/ (damages , damaging , damaged )


1 VERB To damage an object means to break it, spoil it physically, or stop it from working properly. □ [V n] He maliciously damaged a car with a baseball bat. □ [V n] The sun can damage your skin.


2 VERB To damage something means to cause it to become less good, pleasant, or successful. □ [V n] Jackson doesn't want to damage his reputation as a political personality. ● dam|ag|ing ADJ □ [+ to ] Is the recycling process in itself damaging to the environment?


3 N‑UNCOUNT Damage is physical harm that is caused to an object. □ [+ to ] The blast caused extensive damage to the house. □ Many professional boxers end their careers with brain damage.


4 N‑UNCOUNT Damage consists of the unpleasant effects that something has on a person, situation, or type of activity. □ [+ to ] Incidents of this type cause irreparable damage to relations with the community.


5 N‑PLURAL If a court of law awards damages to someone, it orders money to be paid to them by a person who has damaged their reputation or property, or who has injured them. □ He was vindicated in court and damages were awarded. SYNONYMS damage VERB


1


smash: Someone smashed a bottle.


harm: …a warning that the product may harm the environment.


ruin: Roads and bridges have been destroyed and crops ruined.


devastate: A few days before, a fire had devastated large parts of Windsor Castle.


wreck: He wrecked the garden.


2


spoil: It's important not to let mistakes spoil your life.


ruin: My wife was ruining her health through worry.


mar: That election was marred by massive cheating.


wreck: His life has been wrecked by the tragedy.

da m|age limi|ta |tion N‑UNCOUNT Damage limitation is action that is taken to make the bad results of something as small as possible, when it is impossible to avoid bad results completely. [BRIT ] □ The meeting was merely an exercise in damage limitation. in AM, use damage control

dam|ask /dæ məsk/ (damasks ) N‑VAR Damask is a type of heavy cloth with a pattern woven into it.

dame /de I m/ (dames )


1 N‑TITLE Dame is a title given to a woman as a special honour because of important service or work that she has done. [BRIT ] □ …Dame Judi Dench.


2 N‑COUNT A dame is a woman. This use could cause offence. [AM , INFORMAL , OLD-FASHIONED ] □ Who does that dame think she is?

dam|mit /dæ m I t/ → see damn

damn /dæ m/ (damns , damning , damned )


1 EXCLAM Damn , damn it , and dammit are used by some people to express anger or impatience. [INFORMAL , RUDE , FEELINGS ] □ Don't be flippant, damn it! This is serious.


2 ADJ [ADJ n] Damn is used by some people to emphasize what they are saying. [INFORMAL , RUDE , EMPHASIS ] □ There's not a damn thing you can do about it now. ● ADV [ADV adj/adv] Damn is also an adverb. □ As it turned out, I was damn right.


3 VERB If you say that a person or a news report damns something such as a policy or action, you mean that they are very critical of it. □ [V n] …a sensational book in which she damns the ultra-right party.


4 → see also damned , damning


5 PHRASE If you say that someone does not give a damn about something, you are emphasizing that they do not care about it at all. [INFORMAL , RUDE , EMPHASIS ]


6 PHRASE Some people say as near as damn it or as near as dammit to emphasize that what they have said is almost completely accurate, but not quite. [BRIT , INFORMAL , RUDE , EMPHASIS ] □ It's as near as damn it the same thing.

dam|nable /dæ mnəb ə l/ ADJ [ADJ n] You use damnable to emphasize that you dislike or disapprove of something a great deal. [OLD-FASHIONED , RUDE , EMPHASIS ] □ What a damnable climate we have! ● dam|nably /dæ mnəbli/ ADV [ADV adj] □ It was damnably unfair that he should suffer so much.

dam|na|tion /dæ mne I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT According to some religions, if someone suffers damnation , they have to stay in hell for ever after they have died because of their sins. □ …a fear of eternal damnation.

damned /dæ md/


1 ADJ [ADJ n] Damned is used by some people to emphasize what they are saying, especially when they are angry or frustrated. [INFORMAL , RUDE , EMPHASIS ] □ They're a damned nuisance. ● ADV [ADV adj/adv] Damned is also an adverb. □ We are making a damned good profit, I tell you that.


2 PHRASE If someone says ' I'm damned if I'm going to do it' or ' I'll be damned if I'll do it', they are emphasizing that they do not intend to do something and think it is unreasonable for anyone to expect them to do it. [INFORMAL , RUDE , EMPHASIS ]

damned|est /dæ md I st/ PHRASE If you say that you will do your damnedest to achieve something, you mean that you will try as hard as you can to do it, even though you think that it will take a lot of effort. [INFORMAL , RUDE ] □ I did my damnedest to persuade her.

da mn foo l ADJ [ADJ n] Damn fool means 'very stupid'. [AM , INFORMAL , OLD-FASHIONED , RUDE , EMPHASIS ] □ What a damn fool thing to do!

damn|ing /dæ m I ŋ/ ADJ If you describe evidence or a report as damning , you mean that it suggests very strongly that someone is guilty of a crime or has made a serious mistake. □ …a damning report into his handling of the affair.

Damocles /dæ məkliːz/ PHRASE If you say that someone has the Sword of Damocles hanging over their head, you mean that they are in a situation in which something very bad could happen to them at any time. [LITERARY ]

damp /dæ mp/ (damper , dampest , damps , damping , damped )


1 ADJ Something that is damp is slightly wet. □ Her hair was still damp. □ She wiped the table with a damp cloth.


2 N‑UNCOUNT Damp is moisture that is found on the inside walls of a house or in the air. □ There was damp everywhere and the entire building was in need of rewiring.


3 → see also rising damp


4 VERB If you damp something, you make it slightly wet. □ [V n] Hillsden damped a hand towel and laid it across her forehead.


▸ damp down PHRASAL VERB To damp down something such as a strong emotion, an argument, or a crisis means to make it calmer or less intense. □ [V P n] His hand moved to his mouth as he tried to damp down the panic.

da mp course (damp courses ) N‑COUNT A damp course is a layer of waterproof material which is put into the bottom of the outside wall of a building to prevent moisture from rising. [BRIT ]

damp|en /dæ mpən/ (dampens , dampening , dampened )


1 VERB To dampen something such as someone's enthusiasm or excitement means to make it less lively or intense. □ [V n] Nothing seems to dampen his perpetual enthusiasm. ● PHRASAL VERB To dampen something down means the same as to dampen it. □ [V P n] Although unemployment rose last month, this is unlikely to dampen down wage demands. □ [V n P ] The economy overheated and the government used to interest rates to dampen it down.


2 VERB If you dampen something, you make it slightly wet. □ [V n] She took the time to dampen a washcloth and do her face.

damp|en|er /dæ mpnə r / PHRASE To put a dampener on something means the same as to put a damper on it. □ Boy, did this woman know how to put a dampener on your day.

damp|er /dæ mpə r / (dampers ) PHRASE To put a damper on something means to have an effect on it which stops it being as enjoyable or as successful as it should be. [INFORMAL ] □ The cold weather put a damper on our plans.

damp|ness /dæ mpnəs/ N‑UNCOUNT Dampness is moisture in the air, or on the surface of something. □ The tins had to be kept away from dampness.

da mp-proof course (damp-proof courses ) N‑COUNT A damp-proof course is the same as a damp course .

dam|sel /dæ mz ə l/ (damsels ) N‑COUNT A damsel is a young, unmarried woman. [LITERARY , OLD-FASHIONED ] □ He keeps coming to the aid of this damsel in distress.

dam|son /dæ mz ə n/ (damsons ) N‑COUNT A damson is a small, sour, purple plum.

dance ◆◆◇ /dɑː ns, dæ ns/ (dances , dancing , danced )


1 VERB When you dance , you move your body and feet in a way which follows a rhythm, usually in time to music. □ [V ] Polly had never learned to dance. □ [V + to ] I like to dance to the music on the radio.


2 N‑COUNT A dance is a particular series of graceful movements of your body and feet, which you usually do in time to music. □ Sometimes the people doing this dance hold brightly colored scarves. □ She describes the tango as a very sexy dance.


3 VERB When you dance with someone, the two of you take part in a dance together, as partners. You can also say that two people dance . □ [V + with ] It's a terrible thing when nobody wants to dance with you. □ [V ] Shall we dance? □ [V ] He asked her to dance. ● N‑COUNT Dance is also a noun. □ Come and have a dance with me.


4 N‑COUNT A dance is a social event where people dance with each other. □ …the school dance.


5 N‑UNCOUNT Dance is the activity of performing dances, as a public entertainment or an art form. □ She loves dance, drama and music. □ …dance classes.


6 VERB If you dance a particular kind of dance, you do it or perform it. □ [V n] Then we put the music on, and we all danced the Charleston.


7 VERB If you dance somewhere, you move there lightly and quickly, usually because you are happy or excited. [LITERARY ] □ [V adv/prep] He danced off down the road.


8 VERB If you say that something dances , you mean that it moves about, or seems to move about, lightly and quickly. [LITERARY ] □ [V adv/prep] Light danced on the surface of the water.


9 to dance to someone's tune → see tune


10 to make a song and dance about → see song and dance

da nce floor (dance floors ) also dancefloor N‑COUNT In a restaurant or night club, the dance floor is the area where people can dance.

da nce hall (dance halls ) N‑COUNT Dance halls were large rooms or buildings where people used to pay to go and dance, usually in the evening. [OLD-FASHIONED ]

danc|er /dɑː nsə r , dæ ns-/ (dancers )


1 N‑COUNT A dancer is a person who earns money by dancing, or a person who is dancing. □ His previous girlfriend was a dancer with the Royal Ballet.


2 N‑COUNT [adj N ] If you say that someone is a good dancer or a bad dancer , you are saying how well or badly they can dance. □ He was the best dancer in LA.

da nce stu|dio (dance studios ) N‑COUNT A dance studio is a place where people pay to learn how to dance.

danc|ing ◆◇◇ /dɑː ns I ŋ, dæ ns-/ N‑UNCOUNT When people dance for enjoyment or to entertain others, you can refer to this activity as dancing . □ All the schools have music and dancing as part of the curriculum. □ Let's go dancing tonight. □ …dancing shoes.

dan|de|lion /dæ nd I la I ən/ (dandelions ) N‑COUNT A dandelion is a wild plant which has yellow flowers with lots of thin petals. When the petals of each flower drop off, a fluffy white ball of seeds grows.

dan|druff /dæ ndrʌf/ N‑UNCOUNT Dandruff is small white pieces of dead skin in someone's hair, or fallen from someone's hair. □ He has very bad dandruff.

dan|dy /dæ ndi/ (dandies )


1 N‑COUNT A dandy is a man who thinks a great deal about his appearance and always dresses in smart clothes.


2 ADJ If you say that something is dandy , you mean it is good or just right. [AM , INFORMAL , OLD-FASHIONED ]

Dane /de I n/ (Danes ) N‑COUNT A Dane is a person who comes from Denmark.

dan|ger ◆◆◇ /de I ndʒə r / (dangers )


1 N‑UNCOUNT Danger is the possibility that someone may be harmed or killed. □ My friends endured tremendous danger in order to help me. □ His life could be in danger.


2 N‑COUNT A danger is something or someone that can hurt or harm you. □ [+ of ] …the dangers of smoking. □ [+ to ] Britain's roads are a danger to cyclists.


3 N‑SING [N that] If there is a danger that something unpleasant will happen, it is possible that it will happen. □ There is a real danger that some people will no longer be able to afford insurance.


4 PHRASE If someone who has been seriously ill is out of danger , they are still ill, but they are not expected to die.

dan|ger|ous ◆◆◇ /de I ndʒərəs/ ADJ If something is dangerous , it is able or likely to hurt or harm you. □ It's a dangerous stretch of road. □ …dangerous drugs. □ It's dangerous to jump to early conclusions. ● dan|ger|ous|ly ADV [oft ADV after v] □ He is dangerously ill. □ The coach rocked dangerously.

dan|gle /dæ ŋg ə l/ (dangles , dangling , dangled )


1 VERB If something dangles from somewhere or if you dangle it somewhere, it hangs or swings loosely. □ [V prep/adv] A gold bracelet dangled from his left wrist. □ [V n prep/adv] He and I were sitting out on his jetty dangling our legs in the water. [Also V , V n]


2 VERB If you say that someone is dangling something attractive before you, you mean they are offering it to you in order to try to influence you in some way. □ [V n + before/in front of ] They've dangled rich rewards before me.

Dan|ish /de I n I ʃ/


1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Danish means relating to or belonging to Denmark, or to its people, language, or culture.


2 N‑UNCOUNT Danish is the language spoken in Denmark.

Da n|ish pa s|try (Danish pastries ) N‑COUNT Danish pastries are cakes made from sweet pastry. They are often filled with things such as apple or almond paste.

dank /dæŋ k/ ADJ A dank place, especially an underground place such as a cave, is unpleasantly damp and cold. □ The kitchen was dank and cheerless.

dap|per /dæ pə r / ADJ A man who is dapper has a very neat and clean appearance, and is often also small and thin. □ …a dapper little man.

dap|pled /dæ p ə ld/ ADJ [ADJ n] You use dappled to describe something that has dark or light patches on it, or that is made up of patches of light and shade. □ …a dappled horse. □ [+ with/by/in ] The path was dappled with sunlight.

dare ◆◇◇ /deə r / (dares , daring , dared ) Dare sometimes behaves like an ordinary verb, for example 'He dared to speak' and 'He doesn't dare to speak' and sometimes like a modal, for example 'He daren't speak'. 1 VERB If you do not dare to do something, you do not have enough courage to do it, or you do not want to do it because you fear the consequences. If you dare to do something, you do something which requires a lot of courage. □ [V to-inf] Most people hate Harry but they don't dare to say so. □ [V inf] We have had problems in our family that I didn't dare tell Uncle. ● MODAL Dare is also a modal. □ Dare she risk staying where she was? □ The government dare not raise interest rates again. □ 'Are you coming with me?'—'I can't, Alice. I daren't.'


2 VERB If you dare someone to do something, you challenge them to prove that they are not frightened of doing it. □ [V n to-inf] She looked at him, her eyes daring him to comment.


3 N‑COUNT [usu sing, usu as/for/on a N ] A dare is a challenge which one person gives to another to do something dangerous or frightening. □ When found, the children said they'd run away for a dare.


4 PHRASE If you say to someone ' don't you dare ' do something, you are telling them not to do it and letting them know that you are angry. [SPOKEN , FEELINGS ] □ Allen, don't you dare go anywhere else, you hear?


5 PHRASE You say ' how dare you ' when you are very shocked and angry about something that someone has done. [SPOKEN , FEELINGS ] □ How dare you pick up the phone and listen in on my conversations!


6 PHRASE You use ' dare I say it ' when you know that what you are going to say will disappoint or annoy someone. [POLITENESS ] □ My life has become predictable and, dare I say it, just a little dull.


7 PHRASE You can use ' I dare say ' or ' I daresay ' before or after a statement to indicate that you believe it is probably true.

dare|devil /deə r dev ə l/ (daredevils )


1 ADJ [ADJ n] Daredevil people enjoy doing physically dangerous things. □ A daredevil parachutist jumped from the top of Tower Bridge today. ● N‑COUNT Daredevil is also a noun. □ He was a daredevil when young.


2 ADJ [ADJ n] You use daredevil to describe actions that are physically dangerous and require courage. □ The show's full of daredevil feats.

daren't /deə r nt/ Daren't is the usual spoken form of 'dare not'.

dare|say /deə r se I / → see dare

dar|ing /deə r I ŋ/


1 ADJ People who are daring are willing to do or say things which are new or which might shock or anger other people. □ Bergit was probably more daring than I was. □ He realized this to be a very daring thing to ask. ● dar|ing|ly ADV [ADV with v, ADV adj] □ …a daringly low-cut dress.


2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A daring person is willing to do things that might be dangerous. □ His daring rescue saved the lives of the youngsters.


3 N‑UNCOUNT Daring is the courage to do things which might be dangerous or which might shock or anger other people. □ His daring may have cost him his life.

dark ◆◆◇ /dɑː r k/ (darker , darkest )


1 ADJ When it is dark , there is not enough light to see properly, for example because it is night. □ It was too dark inside to see much. □ People usually draw the curtains once it gets dark. □ She snapped off the light and made her way back through the dark kitchen. ● dark|ness N‑UNCOUNT □ The light went out, and the room was plunged into darkness. ● dark|ly ADV [ADV -ed] □ …a darkly lit, seedy dance hall.


2 N‑SING The dark is the lack of light in a place. □ I've always been afraid of the dark.


3 ADJ If you describe something as dark , you mean that it is black in colour, or a shade that is close to black. □ He wore a dark suit and carried a black attaché case. ● dark|ly ADV [ADV after v, Also ADV adj/-ed] □ Joanne's freckles stood out darkly against her pale skin.


4 ADJ When you use dark to describe a colour, you are referring to a shade of that colour which is close to black, or seems to have some black in it. □ She was wearing a dark blue dress.


5 ADJ If someone has dark hair, eyes, or skin, they have brown or black hair, eyes, or skin. □ He had dark, curly hair.


6 ADJ If you describe a white person as dark , you mean that they have brown or black hair, and often a brownish skin. □ He's gorgeous – tall and dark.


7 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A dark period of time is unpleasant or frightening. □ This was the darkest period of the war.


8 ADJ [ADJ n] A dark place or area is mysterious and not fully known about. □ …the dark recesses of the mind.


9 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Dark thoughts are sad, and show that you are expecting something unpleasant to happen. [LITERARY ] □ Troy's chatter kept me from thinking dark thoughts.


10 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Dark looks or remarks make you think that the person giving them wants to harm you or that something horrible is going to happen. [LITERARY ] □ …dark threats. ● dark|ly ADV [ADV with v] □ 'Something's wrong here,' she said darkly.


11 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe something as dark , you mean that it is related to things that are serious or unpleasant, rather than light-hearted. □ Their dark humor never failed to astound him. ● dark|ly ADV [ADV adj] □ The atmosphere after Wednesday's debut was as darkly comic as the film itself.


12 → see also pitch-dark


13 PHRASE If you do something after dark , you do it when the sun has set and night has begun. □ They avoid going out alone after dark.


14 PHRASE If you do something before dark , you do it before the sun sets and night begins. □ They'll be back well before dark.


15 PHRASE If you are in the dark about something, you do not know anything about it. □ [+ about ] The investigators admit that they are completely in the dark about the killing.


16 PHRASE If you describe something someone says or does as a shot in the dark or a stab in the dark , you mean they are guessing that what they say is correct or that what they do will be successful. □ Every single one of those inspired guesses had been shots in the dark.

da rk age (dark ages ) also Dark Age


1 N‑COUNT If you refer to a period in the history of a society as a dark age , you think that it is characterized by a lack of knowledge and progress. [WRITTEN , DISAPPROVAL ] □ The Education Secretary accuses teachers of wanting to return to a dark age.


2 N‑PROPER The Dark Ages are the period of European history between about 500 A.D. and about 1000 A.D.

dark|en /dɑː r kən/ (darkens , darkening , darkened )


1 VERB If something darkens or if a person or thing darkens it, it becomes darker. □ [V ] The sky darkened abruptly. □ [V n] She had put on her make-up and darkened her eyelashes.


2 VERB If someone's mood darkens or if something darkens their mood, they suddenly become rather unhappy. [LITERARY ] □ [V ] My sunny mood suddenly darkened. □ [V n] Nothing was going to darken his mood today.


3 VERB If someone's face darkens , they suddenly look angry. [LITERARY ] □ [V ] Rawley's face darkened again.

dark|ened /dɑː r kənd/ ADJ [ADJ n] A darkened building or room has no lights on inside it. □ He drove past darkened houses.

da rk gla sses N‑PLURAL [oft a pair of N ] Dark glasses are glasses which have dark-coloured lenses to protect your eyes in the sunshine.

da rk ho rse (dark horses ) N‑COUNT If you describe someone as a dark horse , you mean that people know very little about them, although they may have recently had success or may be about to have success.

da rk ma t|ter N‑UNCOUNT Dark matter is material that is believed to form a large part of the universe, but which has never been seen.

dark|room /dɑː r kruːm/ (darkrooms ) N‑COUNT A darkroom is a room which can be sealed off from natural light and is lit only by red light. It is used for developing photographs.

dar|ling /dɑː r l I ŋ/ (darlings )


1 N‑COUNT You call someone darling if you love them or like them very much. [FEELINGS ] □ Thank you, darling.


2 ADJ [ADJ n] Some people use darling to describe someone or something that they love or like very much. [INFORMAL ] □ To have a darling baby boy was the greatest gift I could imagine.


3 N‑COUNT If you describe someone as a darling , you are fond of them and think that they are nice. [INFORMAL ] □ He's such a darling.


4 N‑COUNT [with poss] The darling of a group of people is someone who is especially liked by that group. □ Rajneesh was the darling of a prosperous family.

darn /dɑː r n/ (darns , darning , darned )


1 VERB If you darn something knitted or made of cloth, you mend a hole in it by sewing stitches across the hole and then weaving stitches in and out of them. □ [V n] Aunt Emilie darned old socks. ● darn|ing N‑UNCOUNT □ …chores such as sewing and darning.


2 ADJ [ADJ n] People sometimes use darn or darned to emphasize what they are saying, often when they are annoyed. [INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □ There's not a darn thing he can do about it. ● ADV [ADV adj/adv] Darn is also an adverb. □ …the desire to be free to do just as we darn well please.


3 PHRASE You can say I'll be darned to show that you are very surprised about something. [AM , INFORMAL , FEELINGS ] □ 'A talking horse!' he exclaimed. 'Well, I'll be darned.'

dart /dɑː r t/ (darts , darting , darted )


1 VERB If a person or animal darts somewhere, they move there suddenly and quickly. [WRITTEN ] □ [V prep/adv] Ingrid darted across the deserted street.


2 VERB If you dart a look at someone or something, or if your eyes dart to them, you look at them very quickly. [LITERARY ] □ [V n + at ] She darted a sly sideways glance at Bramwell. □ [V prep/adv] The conductor's eyes darted to Wilfred, then fixed on Michael again.


3 N‑COUNT A dart is a small, narrow object with a sharp point which can be thrown or shot. □ Markov died after being struck by a poison dart.


4 N‑UNCOUNT Darts is a game in which you throw darts at a round board which has numbers on it.

dart|board /dɑː r tbɔː r d/ (dartboards ) N‑COUNT A dartboard is a circular board with numbers on it which is used as the target in a game of darts.

dash /dæ ʃ/ (dashes , dashing , dashed )


1 VERB If you dash somewhere, you run or go there quickly and suddenly. □ [V adv/prep] Suddenly she dashed down to the cellar. ● N‑SING Dash is also a noun. □ …a 160-mile dash to hospital.


2 VERB [no cont] If you say that you have to dash , you mean that you are in a hurry and have to leave immediately. [INFORMAL ] □ [V ] Oh, Tim! I'm sorry but I have to dash.


3 N‑COUNT A dash of something is a small quantity of it which you add when you are preparing food or mixing a drink. □ [+ of ] Add a dash of balsamic vinegar.


4 N‑COUNT A dash of a quality is a small amount of it that is found in something and often makes it more interesting or distinctive. □ [+ of ] …a story with a dash of mystery thrown in.


5 VERB If you dash something against a wall or other surface, you throw or push it violently, often so hard that it breaks. [LITERARY ] □ [V n + against ] She seized the doll and dashed it against the stone wall with tremendous force. [Also V n prep]


6 VERB If an event or person dashes someone's hopes or expectations, it destroys them by making it impossible that the thing that is hoped for or expected will ever happen. [JOURNALISM , LITERARY ] □ [V n] The announcement dashed hopes of an early end to the crisis. □ [have n V -ed] They had their championship hopes dashed by a 3–1 defeat.


7 N‑COUNT A dash is a straight, horizontal line used in writing, for example to separate two main clauses whose meanings are closely connected.


8 N‑COUNT The dash of a car is its dashboard .


9 PHRASE If you make a dash for a place, you run there very quickly, for example to escape from someone or something. □ I made a dash for the front door but he got there before me.


▸ dash off


1 PHRASAL VERB If you dash off to a place, you go there very quickly. □ [V P + to ] He dashed off to lunch at the Hard Rock Cafe.


2 PHRASAL VERB If you dash off a piece of writing, you write or compose it very quickly, without thinking about it very much. □ [V P n] He dashed off a couple of novels.

dash|board /dæ ʃbɔː r d/ (dashboards ) N‑COUNT The dashboard in a car is the panel facing the driver's seat where most of the instruments and switches are.

dash|ing /dæ ʃ I ŋ/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A dashing person or thing is very stylish and attractive. [OLD-FASHIONED ] □ He was the very model of the dashing RAF pilot.

das|tard|ly /dæ stə r dli/


1 ADJ [ADJ n] If you describe an action as dastardly , you mean it is wicked and intended to hurt someone. [OLD-FASHIONED ]


2 ADJ [ADJ n] If you describe a person as dastardly , you mean they are wicked. [OLD-FASHIONED ]

DAT /dæ t/ N‑UNCOUNT DAT is a type of magnetic tape used to make very high quality recordings of sound by recording it in digital form. DAT is an abbreviation for 'digital audio tape'.

da|ta ◆◆◇ /de I tə/


1 N‑UNCOUNT ; N‑PLURAL You can refer to information as data , especially when it is in the form of facts or statistics that you can analyse. In American English, data is usually a plural noun. In technical or formal British English, data is sometimes a plural noun, but at other times, it is an uncount noun. □ The study was based on data from 2,100 women. □ To cope with these data, hospitals bought large mainframe computers.


2 N‑UNCOUNT Data is information that can be stored and used by a computer program. [COMPUTING ] □ No important data is stored on the devices. SYNONYMS data NOUN 1


facts: His opponent swamped him with facts and figures.


figures: New Government figures predict that one in two marriages will end in divorce.


statistics: Official statistics show real wages declining by 24%.

da |ta bank (data banks ) also databank N‑COUNT A data bank is the same as a database .

data|base /de I təbe I s/ (databases ) also data base N‑COUNT A database is a collection of data that is stored in a computer and that can easily be used and added to. □ They maintain a database of hotels that cater for businesswomen.

da |ta min|ing N‑UNCOUNT Data mining involves collecting information from data stored in a database, for example in order to find out about people's shopping habits. [COMPUTING ] □ Data mining is used to analyse individuals' buying habits.

da |ta pro |cess|ing N‑UNCOUNT Data processing is the series of operations that are carried out on data, especially by computers, in order to present, interpret, or obtain information. □ Taylor's company makes data-processing systems.

date ◆◆◇ /de I t/ (dates , dating , dated )


1 N‑COUNT A date is a specific time that can be named, for example a particular day or a particular year. □ What's the date today? □ You will need to give the dates you wish to stay and the number of rooms you require.


2 VERB If you date something, you give or discover the date when it was made or when it began. □ [V n] I think we can date the decline of Western Civilization quite precisely. □ [V n + to ] Archaeologists have dated the fort to the reign of Emperor Antoninus Pius.


3 VERB When you date something such as a letter or a cheque, you write that day's date on it. □ [V n] Once the decision is reached, he can date and sign the sheet. □ [V -ed] The letter is dated 2 July 1993.


4 N‑SING [at N ] If you want to refer to an event without saying exactly when it will happen or when it happened, you can say that it will happen or happened at some date in the future or past. □ Retain copies of all correspondence, since you may need them at a later date.


5 PHRASE To date means up until the present time. □ 'Dottie' is by far his best novel to date.


6 VERB If something dates , it goes out of fashion and becomes unacceptable to modern tastes. □ [V ] A black coat always looks smart and will never date.


7 VERB If your ideas, what you say, or the things that you like or can remember date you, they show that you are quite old or older than the people you are with. □ [V n] It's going to date me now. I attended that school from 1969 to 1972.


8 N‑COUNT A date is an appointment to meet someone or go out with them, especially someone with whom you are having, or may soon have, a romantic relationship. □ I have a date with Bob.


9 N‑COUNT [usu poss N ] If you have a date with someone with whom you are having, or may soon have, a romantic relationship, you can refer to that person as your date . □ He lied to Essie, saying his date was one of the girls in the show.


10 VERB If you are dating someone, you go out with them regularly because you are having, or may soon have, a romantic relationship with them. You can also say that two people are dating . □ [V n] For a year I dated a woman who was a research assistant. □ [V ] They've been dating for three months.


11 N‑COUNT A date is a small, dark-brown, sticky fruit with a stone inside. Dates grow on palm trees in hot countries.


12 → see also blind date , carbon dating , dated , out of date , up-to-date


▸ date back PHRASAL VERB If something dates back to a particular time, it started or was made at that time. □ [V P + to ] …a palace dating back to the 16th century. □ [V P amount] This tradition dates back over 200 years.


▸ date from PHRASAL VERB If something dates from a particular time, it started or was made at that time. □ [V P n] The present controversy dates from 2016.

dat|ed /de I t I d/ ADJ Dated things seem old-fashioned, although they may once have been fashionable or modern. □ …people in dated dinner-jackets.

da te of bi rth (dates of birth ) N‑COUNT [oft poss N ] Your date of birth is the exact date on which you were born, including the year. □ The registration form showed his date of birth as August 2, 1979.

da te palm (date palms ) N‑VAR A date palm is a palm tree on which dates grow.

da te ra pe N‑UNCOUNT Date rape is when a man rapes a woman whom he has met socially.

da|ting /de I t I ŋ/ ADJ [ADJ n] Dating agencies or services are for people who are trying to find a girlfriend or boyfriend. □ I joined a dating agency.

da|tive /de I t I v/ N‑SING In the grammar of some languages, for example Latin, the dative , or the dative case, is the case used for a noun when it is the indirect object of a verb, or when it comes after some prepositions.

da|tum /de I təm, dɑː təm/ → see data

daub /dɔː b/ (daubs , daubing , daubed ) VERB When you daub a substance such as mud or paint on something, you spread it on that thing in a rough or careless way. □ [V n prep/adv] The make-up woman daubed mock blood on Jeremy. □ [V n + with ] They sent death threats and daubed his home with slogans.

daugh|ter ◆◆◆ /dɔː tə r / (daughters ) N‑COUNT [oft with poss] Someone's daughter is their female child. □ …Flora and her daughter Catherine. □ …the daughter of a university professor. □ I have two daughters.

dau ghter-in-law (daughters-in-law ) N‑COUNT [usu poss N ] Someone's daughter-in-law is the wife of one of their children.

daunt /dɔː nt/ (daunts , daunting , daunted ) VERB If something daunts you, it makes you feel slightly afraid or worried about dealing with it. □ [V n] …a gruelling journey that would have daunted a woman half her age. ● daunt|ed ADJ [v-link ADJ ] □ It is hard to pick up such a book and not to feel a little daunted.

daunt|ing /dɔː nt I ŋ/ ADJ Something that is daunting makes you feel slightly afraid or worried about dealing with it. □ They were faced with the daunting task of restoring the house. ● daunt|ing|ly ADV □ She is dauntingly articulate.

daunt|less /dɔː ntləs/ ADJ A dauntless person is brave and confident and not easily frightened. [LITERARY ] □ …their dauntless courage.

dau|phin /dɔː f I n, doʊ fæn/ also Dauphin N‑SING In former times, the king and queen of France's oldest son was called the dauphin .

daw|dle /dɔː d ə l/ (dawdles , dawdling , dawdled ) VERB If you dawdle , you spend more time than is necessary going somewhere. □ [V ] Eleanor will be back any moment, if she doesn't dawdle.

dawn /dɔː n/ (dawns , dawning , dawned )


1 N‑VAR Dawn is the time of day when light first appears in the sky, just before the sun rises. □ Nancy woke at dawn.


2 N‑SING The dawn of a period of time or a situation is the beginning of it. [LITERARY ] □ …the dawn of the radio age.


3 VERB If something is dawning , it is beginning to develop or come into existence. [WRITTEN ] □ [V ] The age of the computerized toilet has dawned. ● dawn|ing N‑SING □ …the dawning of the space age.


4 VERB When you say that a particular day dawned , you mean it arrived or began, usually when it became light. [WRITTEN ] □ [V ] When the great day dawned, the first concern was the weather.


5 at the crack of dawn → see crack ➋


▸ dawn on or dawn upon PHRASAL VERB If a fact or idea dawns on you, you realize it. □ [V P n that] It gradually dawned on me that I still had talent and ought to run again. □ [V P n] Then the chilling truth dawned on Captain Gary Snavely.

da wn cho |rus N‑SING The dawn chorus is the singing of birds at dawn. [BRIT ]

da wn rai d (dawn raids )


1 N‑COUNT If police officers carry out a dawn raid , they go to someone's house very early in the morning to search it or arrest them. □ Thousands of pounds worth of drugs were seized in dawn raids yesterday.


2 N‑COUNT If a person or company carries out a dawn raid , they try to buy a large number of a company's shares at the start of a day's trading, especially because they want to buy the whole company. [BUSINESS ] □ They acquired 11.2 per cent of the company in a dawn raid on Monday.

day ◆◆◆ /de I / (days )


1 N‑COUNT A day is one of the seven twenty-four hour periods of time in a week.


2 N‑VAR Day is the time when it is light, or the time when you are up and doing things. □ 27 million working days are lost each year due to work accidents and sickness. □ He arranged for me to go down to London one day a week. □ The snack bar is open during the day.


3 N‑COUNT You can refer to a particular period in history as a particular day or as particular days . □ He began to talk about the Ukraine of his uncle's day. □ She is doing just fine these days.


4 PHRASE If something happens day after day , it happens every day without stopping. □ The newspaper job had me doing the same thing day after day.


5 PHRASE In this day and age means in modern times. □ Even in this day and age the old attitudes persist.


6 PHRASE If you say that something has seen better days , you mean that it is old and in poor condition. □ The tweed jacket she wore had seen better days.


7 PHRASE If you call it a day , you decide to stop what you are doing because you are tired of it or because it is not successful. □ Faced with mounting debts, the decision to call it a day was inevitable.


8 PHRASE If someone carries the day , they are the winner in a contest such as a battle, debate, or sporting competition. [JOURNALISM ] □ For the time being, the liberals seem to have carried the day.


9 PHRASE If you say that something has had its day , you mean that the period during which it was most successful or popular has now passed. □ Beat music may finally have had its day.


10 PHRASE If something makes your day , it makes you feel very happy. [INFORMAL ] □ Come on, Bill. Send Tom a card and make his day.


11 PHRASE One day or some day or one of these days means at some time in the future. □ I too dreamed of living in London one day. □ I hope some day you will find the woman who will make you happy.


12 PHRASE If you say that something happened the other day , you mean that it happened a few days ago. □ I phoned your office the other day.


13 PHRASE If someone or something saves the day in a situation which seems likely to fail, they manage to make it successful. □ …this story about how he saved the day at his daughter's birthday party.


14 PHRASE If something happens from day to day or day by day , it happens each day. □ Your needs can differ from day to day. □ I live for the moment, day by day, not for the past.


15 PHRASE If it is a month or a year to the day since a particular thing happened, it is exactly a month or a year since it happened. □ It was January 19, a year to the day since he had arrived in Singapore.


16 PHRASE To this day means up until and including the present time. □ To this day young Zulu boys practise fighting.


17 PHRASE If a particular person, group, or thing wins the day , they win a battle, struggle, or competition. If they lose the day , they are defeated. [mainly JOURNALISM ] □ His determination and refusal to back down had won the day.


18 PHRASE If you say that a task is all in a day's work for someone, you mean that they do not mind doing it although it may be difficult, because it is part of their job or because they often do it. □ [+ for ] For war reporters, dodging snipers' bullets is all in a day's work.


19 it's early days → see early


20 at the end of the day → see end


21 late in the day → see late


22 someone's days are numbered → see number


23 the good old days → see old

-day /-de I / COMB You use -day with a number to indicate how long something lasts. □ The Sudanese leader has left for a two-day visit to Zambia.

day|break /de I bre I k/ N‑UNCOUNT Daybreak is the time in the morning when light first appears. □ Pedro got up every morning before daybreak.

da y care N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Day care is care that is provided during the day for people who cannot look after themselves, such as small children, old people, or people who are ill. Day care is provided by paid workers. □ …a day-care centre for elderly people.

day|dream /de I driːm/ (daydreams , daydreaming , daydreamed ) also day-dream


1 VERB If you daydream , you think about pleasant things for a period of time, usually about things that you would like to happen. □ [V + about ] Do you work hard for success rather than daydream about it? □ [V + of ] He daydreams of being a famous journalist. □ [V ] I am inclined to daydream.


2 N‑COUNT A daydream is a series of pleasant thoughts, usually about things that you would like to happen. □ He escaped into daydreams of beautiful women.

Day-Glo /de I gloʊ/ also Dayglo N‑UNCOUNT [usu N n] Day-Glo colours are shades of orange, pink, green, and yellow which are so bright that they seem to glow. [TRADEMARK ]

da y job PHRASE If someone tells you not to give up the day job , they are saying that they think you should continue doing what you are good at, rather than trying something new which they think you will fail at. [HUMOROUS ]

day|light /de I la I t/


1 N‑UNCOUNT Daylight is the natural light that there is during the day, before it gets dark. □ Lack of daylight can make people feel depressed.


2 N‑UNCOUNT Daylight is the time of day when it begins to get light. □ Quinn returned shortly after daylight yesterday morning.


3 PHRASE If you say that a crime is committed in broad daylight , you are expressing your surprise that it is done during the day when people can see it, rather than at night. [EMPHASIS ] □ A girl was attacked on a train in broad daylight.

da y|light ro b|bery N‑UNCOUNT If someone charges you a great deal of money for something and you think this is unfair or unreasonable, you can refer to this as daylight robbery . [BRIT , INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □ They're just ripping the fans off; it's daylight robbery.

day|lights /de I la I ts/


1 PHRASE If you knock the living daylights out of someone, or beat the living daylights out of them, you hit them very hard many times. [INFORMAL ]


2 PHRASE If someone or something scares the living daylights out of you, they make you feel extremely scared. [INFORMAL ]

Da y|light Sav|ing Time also daylight saving time N‑UNCOUNT Daylight Saving Time is a period of time in the summer when the clocks are set one hour forward, so that people can have extra light in the evening. [AM ] in BRIT, use British Summer Time

day|long /de I lɒŋ, [AM ] -lɔːŋ/ ADJ [ADJ n] Daylong is used to describe an event or activity that lasts for the whole of one day. [mainly AM ] □ …a daylong meeting.

da y nu rse|ry (day nurseries ) N‑COUNT A day nursery is a place where children who are too young to go to school can be left all day while their parents are at work.

da y o ff (days off ) N‑COUNT A day off is a day when you do not go to work, even though it is usually a working day. □ It was Mrs Dearden's day off, and Paul was on duty in her place.

da y of re ck|on|ing N‑SING If someone talks about the day of reckoning , they mean a day or time in the future when people will be forced to deal with an unpleasant situation which they have avoided until now. □ The day of reckoning is coming for the water company directors.

da y o ne N‑SING If something happens from day one of a process, it happens right from the beginning. If it happens on day one , it happens right at the beginning. □ This has been a bad inquiry from day one.

da y re|lea se also day-release N‑UNCOUNT Day release is a system in which workers spend one day each week at a college in order to study a subject connected with their work. [BRIT ]

da y re|tu rn (day returns ) N‑COUNT A day return is a train or bus ticket which allows you to go somewhere and come back on the same day for a lower price than an ordinary return ticket. [BRIT ] in AM, use round trip ticket

da y room (day rooms ) N‑COUNT A day room is a room in a hospital where patients can sit and relax during the day.

da y school (day schools ) N‑COUNT A day school is a school where the students go home every evening and do not live at the school. Compare boarding school .

day|time /de I ta I m/


1 N‑SING The daytime is the part of a day between the time when it gets light and the time when it gets dark. □ In the daytime he stayed up in his room, sleeping, or listening to music. □ Please give a daytime telephone number.


2 ADJ [ADJ n] Daytime television and radio is broadcast during the morning and afternoon on weekdays. □ …ITV's new package of daytime programmes.

da y-to-da y ADJ [ADJ n] Day-to-day things or activities exist or happen every day as part of ordinary life. □ I am a vegetarian and use a lot of lentils in my day-to-day cooking.

da y tra d|er (day traders ) N‑COUNT On the stock market, day traders are traders who buy and sell particular securities on the same day. [BUSINESS ]

da y trip (day trips ) also day-trip N‑COUNT A day trip is a journey to a place and back again on the same day, usually for pleasure.

da y-tripper (day-trippers ) also day tripper N‑COUNT A day-tripper is someone who goes on a day trip. [BRIT ]

daze /de I z/ N‑SING [oft in a N ] If someone is in a daze , they are feeling confused and unable to think clearly, often because they have had a shock or surprise. □ For 35 minutes I was walking around in a daze.

dazed /de I zd/ ADJ If someone is dazed , they are confused and unable to think clearly, often because of shock or a blow to the head. □ At the end of the interview I was dazed and exhausted.

daz|zle /dæ z ə l/ (dazzles , dazzling , dazzled )


1 VERB If someone or something dazzles you, you are extremely impressed by their skill, qualities, or beauty. □ [V n + with ] George dazzled her with his knowledge of the world. □ [V ] The movie's special effects fail to dazzle. [Also V n]


2 N‑SING [with poss] The dazzle of something is a quality it has, such as beauty or skill, which is impressive and attractive. □ The dazzle of stardom and status attracts them.


3 VERB If a bright light dazzles you, it makes you unable to see properly for a short time. □ [V n] The sun, glinting from the pool, dazzled me.


4 N‑UNCOUNT The dazzle of a light is its brightness, which makes it impossible for you to see properly for a short time. □ The sun's dazzle on the water hurts my eyes.


5 → see also razzle-dazzle

dazz|ling /dæ zl I ŋ/


1 ADJ Something that is dazzling is very impressive or beautiful. □ He gave Alberg a dazzling smile. ● dazz|ling|ly ADV □ The view was dazzlingly beautiful.


2 ADJ A dazzling light is very bright and makes you unable to see properly for a short time. □ He shielded his eyes against the dazzling declining sun. ● dazz|ling|ly ADV [ADV adj] □ The loading bay seemed dazzlingly bright.

DC /diː siː / N‑UNCOUNT DC is used to refer to an electric current that always flows in the same direction. DC is an abbreviation for 'direct current'.

D -day N‑UNCOUNT You can use D-day to refer to the day that is chosen for the beginning of an important activity. □ D-day for my departure was set for 29th June.

DDT /diː diː tiː / N‑UNCOUNT DDT is a poisonous substance which is used for killing insects.

PREFIX de-


is added to some verbs to make verbs that mean the opposite. For example, if something degenerates , it becomes weaker.

dea|con /diː kən/ (deacons ) N‑COUNT A deacon is a member of the clergy, for example in the Church of England, who is lower in rank than a priest.

de|ac|tiv|ate /diæ kt I ve I t/ (deactivates , deactivating , deactivated ) VERB If someone deactivates an explosive device or an alarm, they make it harmless or impossible to operate. □ [V n] Russia is deactivating some of its deadliest missiles.

dead ◆◆◇ /de d/


1 ADJ A person, animal, or plant that is dead is no longer living. □ Her husband's been dead a year now. □ The group had shot dead another hostage. □ …old newspapers and dead flowers. ● N‑PLURAL The dead are people who are dead. □ The dead included six people attending a religious ceremony.


2 ADJ If you describe a place or a period of time as dead , you do not like it because there is very little activity taking place in it. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ …some dead little town where the liveliest thing is the flies.


3 ADJ Something that is dead is no longer being used or is finished. □ The dead cigarette was still between his fingers.


4 ADJ If you say that an idea, plan, or subject is dead , you mean that people are no longer interested in it or willing to develop it any further. □ It's a dead issue, Baxter.


5 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A dead language is no longer spoken or written as a means of communication, although it may still be studied. □ We used to grumble that we were wasting time learning a dead language.


6 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] A telephone or piece of electrical equipment that is dead is no longer functioning, for example because it no longer has any electrical power. □ On another occasion I answered the phone and the line went dead.


7 ADJ In sport, when a ball is dead , it has gone outside the playing area, or a situation has occurred in which the game has to be temporarily stopped, and none of the players can score points or gain an advantage. [JOURNALISM ]


8 ADJ [ADJ n] Dead is used to mean 'complete' or 'absolute', especially before the words 'centre', 'silence', and 'stop'. [EMPHASIS ] □ They hurried about in dead silence, with anxious faces. □ Lila's boat came to a dead stop.


9 ADV Dead means 'precisely' or 'exactly'. [EMPHASIS ] □ Mars was visible, dead in the centre of the telescope. □ Their arrows are dead on target.


10 ADV Dead is sometimes used to mean 'very'. [BRIT , INFORMAL , SPOKEN , EMPHASIS ] □ I am dead against the legalisation of drugs.


11 CONVENTION If you reply ' Over my dead body ' when a plan or action has been suggested, you are emphasizing that you dislike it, and will do everything you can to prevent it. [INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □ 'Let's invite her to dinner.'—'Over my dead body!'


12 PHRASE If you say that something such as an idea or situation is dead and buried , you are emphasizing that you think that it is completely finished or past, and cannot happen or exist again in the future. [EMPHASIS ] □ I thought the whole business was dead and buried.


13 PHRASE If you say that a person or animal dropped dead or dropped down dead , you mean that they died very suddenly and unexpectedly. □ He dropped dead on the quayside.


14 PHRASE If you say that you feel dead or are half dead , you mean that you feel very tired or ill and very weak. [INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □ You looked half dead after that journey.


15 PHRASE If something happens in the dead of night , at dead of night , or in the dead of winter , it happens in the middle part of the night or the winter, when it is darkest or coldest. [LITERARY ] □ We buried it in the garden at dead of night.


16 PHRASE If you say that you wouldn't be seen dead or be caught dead in particular clothes, places, or situations, you are expressing strong dislike or disapproval of them. [INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □ I wouldn't be seen dead in a straw hat.


17 PHRASE To stop dead means to suddenly stop happening or moving. To stop someone or something dead means to cause them to suddenly stop happening or moving. □ We all stopped dead and looked at it.


18 PHRASE If you say that someone or something is dead in the water , you are emphasizing that they have failed, and that there is little hope of them being successful in the future. [EMPHASIS ] □ A 'no' vote would have left the treaty dead in the water.


19 to flog a dead horse → see flog


20 a dead loss → see loss


21 a dead ringer → see ringer


22 to stop dead in your tracks → see track SYNONYMS dead ADJ 1


deceased: …his recently deceased mother.


late: …my late husband.


extinct: It is 250 years since the wolf became extinct in Britain.

dead|beat /de dbiːt/ (deadbeats ) N‑COUNT If you refer to someone as a deadbeat , you are criticizing them because you think they are lazy and do not want to be part of ordinary society. [AM , INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ]

dea d-bea t also dead beat ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you are dead-beat , you are very tired and have no energy left. [INFORMAL ]

dea d du ck (dead ducks ) N‑COUNT If you describe someone or something as a dead duck , you are emphasizing that you think they have absolutely no chance of succeeding. [INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ]

dead|en /de d ə n/ (deadens , deadening , deadened ) VERB If something deadens a feeling or a sound, it makes it less strong or loud. □ [V n] He needs morphine to deaden the pain in his chest.

dea d e nd (dead ends )


1 N‑COUNT If a street is a dead end , there is no way out at one end of it.


2 N‑COUNT [oft N n] A dead end job or course of action is one that you think is bad because it does not lead to further developments or progress. □ Waitressing was a dead-end job.

dead|en|ing /de d ə n I ŋ/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A deadening situation destroys people's enthusiasm and imagination. □ She was bored with the deadening routine of her life.

dea d ha nd N‑SING You can refer to the dead hand of a particular thing when that thing has a bad or depressing influence on a particular situation. [mainly BRIT ] □ …the dead hand of bureaucracy.

dea d-head (dead-heads , dead-heading , dead-headed ) also deadhead


1 VERB To dead-head a plant which is flowering means to remove all the dead flowers from it. [BRIT ] □ [V n] Dead-head roses as the blooms fade.


2 N‑COUNT If you say that someone is a deadhead , you mean that they are stupid or slow. [AM , INFORMAL ]

dea d hea t (dead heats ) N‑COUNT If a race or contest is a dead heat , two or more competitors are joint winners, or are both winning at a particular moment in the race or contest. In American English, you can say that a race or contest is in a dead heat . □ The race ended in a dead heat between two horses.

dea d le t|ter (dead letters ) N‑COUNT If you say that a law or agreement is a dead letter , you mean that it still exists but people ignore it. □ No one does anything about it and the law becomes a dead letter.

dead|line ◆◇◇ /de dla I n/ (deadlines ) N‑COUNT A deadline is a time or date before which a particular task must be finished or a particular thing must be done. □ We were not able to meet the deadline because of manufacturing delays. □ [+ for ] The deadline for submissions to the competition will be Easter Sunday.

dead|lock /de dlɒk/ (deadlocks ) N‑VAR If a dispute or series of negotiations reaches deadlock , neither side is willing to give in at all and no agreement can be made. □ They called for a compromise on all sides to break the deadlock in the world trade talks.

dead|locked /de dlɒkt/ ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If a dispute or series of negotiations is deadlocked , no agreement can be reached because neither side will give in at all. You can also say that the people involved are deadlocked . □ [+ over ] The peace talks have been deadlocked over the issue of human rights since August.

dead|ly /de dli/ (deadlier , deadliest )


1 ADJ If something is deadly , it is likely or able to cause someone's death, or has already caused someone's death. □ He was acquitted on charges of assault with a deadly weapon. □ …a deadly disease currently affecting dolphins. □ Passive smoking can be deadly too.


2 ADJ If you describe a person or their behaviour as deadly , you mean that they will do or say anything to get what they want, without caring about other people. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ The Duchess levelled a deadly look at Nikko.


3 ADV [ADV adj] You can use deadly to emphasize that something has a particular quality, especially an unpleasant or undesirable quality. [EMPHASIS ] □ Broadcast news was accurate and reliable but deadly dull.


4 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A deadly situation has unpleasant or dangerous consequences. □ …the deadly combination of low expectations and low achievement.


5 ADJ Deadly enemies or rivals fight or compete with each other in a very aggressive way. □ The two became deadly enemies.

dea d mea t N‑UNCOUNT If you say that someone is dead meat , you mean that they are in very serious trouble that may result in them being hurt or injured in some way. [INFORMAL , SPOKEN ]

dead|pan /de dpæn/ ADJ Deadpan humour is when you appear to be serious and are hiding the fact that you are joking or teasing someone. □ …her natural capacity for irony and deadpan humour.

dea d wei ght (dead weights )


1 N‑COUNT A dead weight is a load which is surprisingly heavy and difficult to lift.


2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] You can refer to something that makes change or progress difficult as a dead weight . □ …the dead weight of traditional policies.

dea d woo d N‑UNCOUNT People or things that have been used for a very long time and that are no longer considered to be useful can be referred to as dead wood . [DISAPPROVAL ] □ …the idea that historical linguistics is so much dead wood.

deaf /de f/ (deafer , deafest )


1 ADJ Someone who is deaf is unable to hear anything or is unable to hear very well. □ She is now profoundly deaf. ● N‑PLURAL The deaf are people who are deaf. This use could cause offence. □ Many regular TV programs are captioned for the deaf. ● deaf|ness N‑UNCOUNT □ Because of her deafness she was hard to make conversation with.


2 ADJ If you say that someone is deaf to people's requests, arguments, or criticisms, you are criticizing them because they refuse to pay attention to them. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ [+ to ] The provincial assembly were deaf to all pleas for financial help.


3 to fall on deaf ears → see ear


4 to turn a deaf ear → see ear

deaf|en /de fən/ (deafens , deafening , deafened )


1 VERB If a noise deafens you, it is so loud that you cannot hear anything else at the same time. □ [V n] The noise of the typewriters deafened her.


2 VERB [usu passive] If you are deafened by something, you are made deaf by it, or are unable to hear for some time. □ [be V -ed] He was deafened by the noise from the gun.


3 → see also deafening

deaf|en|ing /de fən I ŋ/


1 ADJ A deafening noise is a very loud noise. □ …the deafening roar of fighter jets taking off.


2 ADJ If you say there was a deafening silence , you are emphasizing that there was no reaction or response to something that was said or done. [EMPHASIS ] □ When we ask people for suggestions we get a deafening silence.

dea f-mu te (deaf-mutes ) N‑COUNT A deaf-mute is someone who cannot hear or speak. This word could cause offence.


deal


➊ QUANTIFIER USES


➋ VERB AND NOUN USES


➊ deal ◆◇◇ /diː l/ QUANT If you say that you need or have a great deal of or a good deal of a particular thing, you are emphasizing that you need or have a lot of it. [EMPHASIS ] □ …a great deal of money. □ I am in a position to save you a good deal of time. ● ADV [ADV after v] Deal is also an adverb. □ Their lives became a good deal more comfortable. □ He depended a great deal on his partner for support. ● PRON Deal is also a pronoun. □ Although he had never met the man, he knew a good deal about him.

➋ deal ◆◆◆ /diː l/ (deals , dealing , dealt )


→ Please look at category 8 to see if the expression you are looking for is shown under another headword.


1 N‑COUNT If you make a deal , do a deal , or cut a deal , you complete an agreement or an arrangement with someone, especially in business. [BUSINESS ] □ [+ with/on ] Japan will have to do a deal with America on rice imports. □ The two sides tried and failed to come to a deal. □ He was involved in shady business deals.


2 VERB If a person, company, or shop deals in a particular type of goods, their business involves buying or selling those goods. [BUSINESS ] □ [V + in ] They deal in antiques. □ [V + in ] …the rights of our citizens to hold and to deal in foreign currency.


3 VERB If someone deals illegal drugs, they sell them. □ [V n] I certainly don't deal drugs. ● deal|ing N‑UNCOUNT [oft n N ] □ …his involvement in drug dealing and illegal money laundering.


4 N‑COUNT [adj N ] If someone has had a bad deal , they have been unfortunate or have been treated unfairly. □ The people of Liverpool have had a bad deal for many, many years.


5 VERB If you deal playing cards, you give them out to the players in a game of cards. □ [V n n] The croupier dealt each player a card, face down. □ [V n] He once dealt cards in an illegal gambling joint. ● PHRASAL VERB Deal out means the same as deal . □ [V P n] Dalton dealt out five cards to each player.


6 PHRASE If an event deals a blow to something or someone, it causes them great difficulties or makes failure more likely. [JOURNALISM ] □ The summer drought has dealt a heavy blow to the government's economic record.


7 → see also dealings , wheel and deal


8 a raw deal → see raw


▸ deal out PHRASAL VERB If someone deals out a punishment or harmful action, they punish or harm someone. [WRITTEN ] □ [V P n + to ] …a failure to deal out effective punishment to aggressors. [Also V P n (not pron), V n P ]


▸ deal with


1 PHRASAL VERB When you deal with something or someone that needs attention, you give your attention to them, and often solve a problem or make a decision concerning them. □ [V P n] …the way that building societies deal with complaints. □ [V P n] The President said the agreement would allow other vital problems to be dealt with.


2 PHRASAL VERB If you deal with an unpleasant emotion or an emotionally difficult situation, you recognize it, and remain calm and in control of yourself in spite of it. □ [V P n] She saw a psychiatrist who used hypnotism to help her deal with her fear.


3 PHRASAL VERB If a book, speech, or film deals with a particular thing, it has that thing as its subject or is concerned with it. □ [V P n] …the parts of his book which deal with contemporary Paris.


4 PHRASAL VERB If you deal with a particular person or organization, you have business relations with them. □ [V P n] When I worked in Florida I dealt with British people all the time. SYNONYMS deal NOUN ➋1


agreement: It looks as though a compromise agreement has now been reached.


understanding: We had not set a date for marriage but there was an understanding between us.


contract: The company won a prestigious contract for work on Europe's tallest building.


pact: Last month he signed a new non-aggression pact with Germany.

deal|break|er /diː lbre I kə r / (dealbreakers ) N‑COUNT A dealbreaker is an issue that prevents people from reaching an agreement. □ Their refusal to change location was a dealbreaker.

deal|er ◆◇◇ /diː lə r / (dealers )


1 N‑COUNT A dealer is a person whose business involves buying and selling things. □ …an antique dealer. □ …dealers in commodities and financial securities.


2 → see also wheeler-dealer


3 N‑COUNT A dealer is someone who buys and sells illegal drugs. □ They aim to clear every dealer from the street. SYNONYMS dealer NOUN 1


trader: Market traders display an exotic selection of the island's produce.


merchant: Any knowledgeable wine merchant would be able to advise you.


supplier: …Hillsdown Holdings, one of the U.K.'s biggest food suppliers.


tradesman: There was a meeting of the local tradesmen.

deal|er|ship /diː lə r ʃ I p/ (dealerships ) N‑COUNT A dealership is a company that sells cars, usually for one car company. □ …a car dealership.

dea l|ing room (dealing rooms ) N‑COUNT A dealing room is a place where shares, currencies, or commodities are bought and sold. [BUSINESS ]

deal|ings /diː l I ŋz/ N‑PLURAL Someone's dealings with a person or organization are the relations that they have with them or the business that they do with them. □ [+ with ] He has learnt little in his dealings with the international community.

dea l-maker (deal-makers ) also dealmaker N‑COUNT A deal-maker is someone in business or politics who makes deals. ● deal-making N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] □ …a chairman with a reputation for deal-making. □ …Britain's deal-making culture.

dealt /de lt/ Dealt is the past tense and past participle of deal .

dean /diː n/ (deans )


1 N‑COUNT A dean is an important official at a university or college. □ [+ of ] She was Dean of the Science faculty at Sophia University.


2 N‑COUNT A dean is a priest who is the main administrator of a large church. □ [+ of ] …Alan Webster, former Dean of St Paul's.

dear ◆◇◇ /d I ə r / (dearer , dearest , dears )


1 ADJ [ADJ n] You use dear to describe someone or something that you feel affection for. □ Mrs Cavendish is a dear friend of mine.


2 ADJ If something is dear to you or dear to your heart , you care deeply about it. □ This is a subject very dear to the hearts of academics up and down the country.


3 ADJ [ADJ n] You use dear in expressions such as ' my dear fellow ', ' dear girl ', or ' my dear Richard ' when you are addressing someone whom you know and are fond of. You can also use expressions like this in a rude way to indicate that you think you are superior to the person you are addressing. [BRIT , FEELINGS ] □ Of course, Toby, my dear fellow, of course.


4 ADJ [ADJ n] Dear is written at the beginning of a letter, followed by the name or title of the person you are writing to. □ Dear Peter, I have been thinking about you so much during the past few days.


5 CONVENTION In British English, you begin formal letters with ' Dear Sir ' or ' Dear Madam '. In American English, you begin them with 'Sir' or 'Madam'. [WRITTEN ] □ 'Dear sir,' she began.


6 N‑COUNT You can call someone dear as a sign of affection. [FEELINGS ] □ You're a lot like me, dear.


7 EXCLAM You can use dear in expressions such as ' oh dear ', ' dear me ', and ' dear, dear ' when you are sad, disappointed, or surprised about something. [FEELINGS ] □ 'Oh dear, oh dear.' McKinnon sighed. 'You, too.'


8 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you say that something is dear , you mean that it costs a lot of money, usually more than you can afford or more than you think it should cost. [mainly BRIT , INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □ Clothes here are much dearer than in the States.


9 PHRASE If something that someone does costs them dear , they suffer a lot as a result of it. □ Such complacency is costing the company dear.

dear|est /d I ə r I st/


1 ADJ [ADJ n] When you are writing to someone you are very fond of, you can use dearest at the beginning of the letter before the person's name. □ Dearest Maria, Aren't I terrible, not coming back like I promised?


2 nearest and dearest → see near

dearie /d I ə ri/ N‑COUNT Some people use dearie as a friendly way of addressing someone, or as a way of showing that they think they are superior. [BRIT , INFORMAL , FEELINGS ]

dear|ly /d I ə r li/


1 ADV [ADV with v] If you love someone dearly , you love them very much. [FORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □ She loved her father dearly.


2 ADV [ADV before v] If you would dearly like to do or have something, you would very much like to do it or have it. [FORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □ I would dearly love to marry.


3 PHRASE If you pay dearly for doing something or if it costs you dearly , you suffer a lot as a result. [FORMAL ] □ He drank too much and is paying dearly for it.

dearth /dɜː r θ/ N‑SING If there is a dearth of something, there is not enough of it. □ [+ of ] …the dearth of good fiction by English authors.

death ◆◆◇ /de θ/ (deaths )


1 N‑VAR Death is the permanent end of the life of a person or animal. □ 1.5 million people are in immediate danger of death from starvation. □ …the thirtieth anniversary of her death. □ There had been a death in the family.


2 N‑COUNT A particular kind of death is a particular way of dying. □ They made sure that he died a horrible death.


3 N‑SING The death of something is the permanent end of it. □ It meant the death of everything he had ever been or ever hoped to be.


4 PHRASE If you say that someone is at death's door , you mean they are very ill indeed and likely to die. [INFORMAL ] □ He told his boss a tale about his mother being at death's door.


5 PHRASE If you say that you will fight to the death for something, you are emphasizing that you will do anything to achieve or protect it, even if you suffer as a consequence. [EMPHASIS ] □ She'd have fought to the death for that child.


6 PHRASE If you refer to a fight or contest as a fight to the death , you are emphasizing that it will not stop until the death or total victory of one of the opponents. [EMPHASIS ] □ He now faces a fight to the death to reach the quarter-finals.


7 PHRASE If you say that something is a matter of life and death , you are emphasizing that it is extremely important, often because someone may die or suffer great harm if people do not act immediately. [EMPHASIS ] □ Well, never mind, John, it's not a matter of life and death.


8 PHRASE If someone is put to death , they are executed. [FORMAL ] □ Those put to death by firing squad included three generals.


9 PHRASE You use to death after a verb to indicate that a particular action or process results in someone's death. □ He was stabbed to death. □ …relief missions to try to keep the country's population from starving to death. □ He almost bled to death after the bullet severed an artery.


10 PHRASE You use to death after an adjective or a verb to emphasize the action, state, or feeling mentioned. For example, if you are frightened to death or bored to death , you are extremely frightened or bored. [EMPHASIS ] □ He scares teams to death with his pace and power.

death|bed /de θbed/ (deathbeds ) N‑COUNT [usu sing, usu with poss, oft on N ] If someone is on their deathbed , they are in a bed and about to die. □ He promised his mother on her deathbed that he would never marry.

dea th blow also death-blow N‑SING If you say that an event or action deals a death blow to something such as a plan or hope, or is a death blow to something, you mean that it puts an end to it. [JOURNALISM ] □ [+ to ] The deportations would be a death blow to the peace process.

dea th camp (death camps ) N‑COUNT A death camp is a place where prisoners are kept, especially during a war, and where many of them die or are killed.

dea th cer|tifi|cate (death certificates ) N‑COUNT A death certificate is an official certificate signed by a doctor which states the cause of a person's death.

dea th duties N‑PLURAL Death duties were a tax which had to be paid on the money and property of someone who had died. This tax is now called inheritance tax . [BRIT ]

dea th knell also death-knell N‑SING If you say that something sounds the death knell for a particular person or thing, you mean it will cause that person or thing to fail, end, or cease to exist. □ [+ for ] The tax increase sounded the death knell for the business.

death|ly /de θli/


1 ADV [ADV adj] If you say that someone is deathly pale or deathly still, you are emphasizing that they are very pale or still, like a dead person. [LITERARY , EMPHASIS ] □ Bernadette turned deathly pale.


2 ADJ [ADJ n] If you say that there is a deathly silence or a deathly hush, you are emphasizing that it is very quiet. [LITERARY , EMPHASIS ] □ A deathly silence hung over the square.

dea th mask (death masks ) also death-mask N‑COUNT A death mask is a model of someone's face, which is made from a mould that was taken of their face soon after they died.

dea th pen|al|ty N‑SING The death penalty is the punishment of death used in some countries for people who have committed very serious crimes. □ If convicted for murder, both youngsters could face the death penalty.

dea th rate (death rates ) N‑COUNT The death rate is the number of people per thousand who die in a particular area during a particular period of time. □ By the turn of the century, Pittsburgh had the highest death rate in the United States.

dea th rat|tle also death-rattle N‑SING If you say that one thing is the death rattle of another, you mean that the first thing is a sign that very soon the second thing will come to an end. [JOURNALISM ] □ [+ of ] His rhetoric sounds like the death rattle of a fading leadership.

death row /de θ roʊ / N‑UNCOUNT [oft on N ] If someone is on death row , they are in the part of a prison which contains the cells for criminals who have been sentenced to death. [AM ] □ He has been on Death Row for 11 years.

dea th sen|tence (death sentences ) N‑COUNT A death sentence is a punishment of death given by a judge to someone who has been found guilty of a serious crime such as murder. □ His original death sentence was commuted to life in prison.

dea th squad (death squads ) N‑COUNT Death squads are groups of people who operate illegally and carry out the killing of people such as their political opponents or criminals.

dea th taxes N‑PLURAL Death taxes were a tax which had to be paid on the money and property of someone who had died. This tax is now called inheritance tax . [AM ]

dea th throes also death-throes


1 N‑PLURAL [usu with poss] The death throes of something are its final stages, just before it fails completely or ends. [LITERARY ]


2 N‑PLURAL [oft in poss N ] If a person or animal is in their death throes , they are dying and making violent, uncontrolled movements, usually because they are suffering great pain.

dea th toll (death tolls ) also death-toll N‑COUNT The death toll of an accident, disaster, or war is the number of people who die in it.

dea th trap (death traps ) also death-trap N‑COUNT If you say that a place or vehicle is a death trap , you mean it is in such bad condition that it might cause someone's death. [INFORMAL ] □ Badly-built kit cars can be death traps.

dea th war|rant (death warrants ) also death-warrant


1 N‑COUNT A death warrant is an official document which orders that someone is to be executed as a punishment for a crime.


2 PHRASE If you say that someone is signing their own death warrant , you mean that they are behaving in a way which will cause their ruin or death. □ By accusing the King of murder, he signed his own death warrant.

dea th wish also death-wish N‑SING A death wish is a conscious or unconscious desire to die or be killed.

deb /de b/ (debs ) N‑COUNT A deb is the same as a debutante .

de|ba|cle /de I bɑː k ə l, [AM ] d I b-/ (debacles ) in BRIT, also use débâcle N‑COUNT A debacle is an event or attempt that is a complete failure. □ [+ of ] After the debacle of the war the world was never the same again.

de|bar /d I bɑː r , diː -/ (debars , debarring , debarred ) VERB [usu passive] If you are debarred from doing something, you are prevented from doing it by a law or regulation. [FORMAL ] □ [be V -ed + from ] If found guilty, she could be debarred from politics for seven years. [Also be V -ed from -ing]

de|base /d I be I s/ (debases , debasing , debased ) VERB To debase something means to reduce its value or quality. [FORMAL ] □ [V n] Politicians have debased the meaning of the word 'freedom'. ● de|based ADJ □ …the debased standards of today's media.

de|base|ment /d I be I smənt/ N‑UNCOUNT Debasement is the action of reducing the value or quality of something. [FORMAL ] □ [+ of ] …the debasement of popular culture.

de|bat|able /d I be I təb ə l/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you say that something is debatable , you mean that it is not certain. □ Whether we can stay in this situation is debatable. □ It is debatable whether or not antibiotics would make any difference.

de|bate ◆◆◇ /d I be I t/ (debates , debating , debated )


1 N‑VAR A debate is a discussion about a subject on which people have different views. □ An intense debate is going on within the Israeli government. □ [+ about ] There has been a lot of debate among scholars about this. [Also + on/over ]


2 N‑COUNT A debate is a formal discussion, for example in a parliament or institution, in which people express different opinions about a particular subject and then vote on it. □ There are expected to be some heated debates in parliament over the next few days. [Also + on/about ] ● de|bat|ing N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] □ …debating skills.


3 VERB If people debate a topic, they discuss it fairly formally, putting forward different views. You can also say that one person debates a topic with another person. □ [V n] The United Nations Security Council will debate the issue today. □ [V wh] Scholars have debated whether or not Yagenta became a convert. □ [V n + with ] He likes to debate issues with his friends. [Also V with n]


4 VERB If you debate whether to do something or what to do, you think or talk about possible courses of action before deciding exactly what you are going to do. □ [V wh] Taggart debated whether to have yet another coffee. □ [V v-ing] I debated going back inside, but decided against it.


5 PHRASE If you say that a matter is open to debate , you mean that people have different opinions about it, or it has not yet been firmly decided. □ Which of them has more musical talent is open to debate. COLLOCATIONS debate NOUN


1


noun + debate : election, independence, referendum; TV


adjective + debate : fierce, heated, lively, passionate, robust, vigorous; acrimonious, bitter, divisive, furious; considerable, much; ethical, political; ongoing


verb + debate : provoke, spark, trigger; reignite, reopen, revive; fuel, stimulate


2


adjective + debate : parliamentary; presidential VERB 3


debate + noun : issue, matter, question, subject, topic


debate + adverb : fiercely, heatedly, hotly, passionately, vigorously; earnestly, intensely; endlessly; openly, publicly SYNONYMS debate NOUN 1


discussion: There was a lot of discussion about the wording of the report.


argument: The issue has caused heated political argument.


dispute: They have won previous pay disputes with the government.


controversy: The proposed cuts have caused considerable controversy. VERB 3


discuss: I will be discussing the situation with colleagues tomorrow.


thrash out: …a sincere effort by two people to thrash out differences.


argue: They were still arguing; I could hear them down the road.


wrangle: A group of MPs is still wrangling with the government over the timing of elections.

de|bat|er /d I be I tə r / (debaters ) N‑COUNT [oft adj N ] A debater is someone who takes part in debates. □ They are skilled debaters.

de|bauched /d I bɔː tʃt/ ADJ If you describe someone as debauched , you mean they behave in a way that you think is socially unacceptable, for example because they drink a lot of alcohol or have sex with a lot of people. [OLD-FASHIONED , DISAPPROVAL ] □ …a debt-ridden and debauched lifestyle.

de|bauch|ery /d I bɔː tʃəri/ N‑UNCOUNT You use debauchery to refer to the drinking of alcohol or to sexual activity if you disapprove of it or regard it as excessive. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ …scenes of drunkenness and debauchery.

de|ben|ture /d I be ntʃə r / (debentures ) N‑COUNT A debenture is a type of savings bond which offers a fixed rate of interest over a long period. Debentures are usually issued by a company or a government agency. [BUSINESS ]

de|bili|tate /d I b I l I te I t/ (debilitates , debilitating , debilitated )


1 VERB [usu passive] If you are debilitated by something such as an illness, it causes your body or mind to become gradually weaker. [FORMAL ] □ [be V -ed + by ] Stewart took over yesterday when Russell was debilitated by a stomach virus. ● de|bili|tat|ing ADJ □ …a debilitating illness. ● de|bili|tat|ed ADJ □ Occasionally a patient is so debilitated that he must be fed intravenously.


2 VERB To debilitate an organization, society, or government means to gradually make it weaker. [FORMAL ] □ [V n] …their efforts to debilitate the political will of the Western alliance. ● de|bili|tat|ing ADJ □ …years of debilitating economic crisis. ● de|bili|tat|ed ADJ □ …the debilitated ruling party.

de|bil|ity /d I b I l I ti/ (debilities ) N‑VAR Debility is a weakness of a person's body or mind, especially one caused by an illness. [FORMAL ] □ …exhaustion or post-viral debility.

deb|it /de b I t/ (debits , debiting , debited )


1 VERB When your bank debits your account, money is taken from it and paid to someone else. □ [V n] We will always confirm the revised amount to you in writing before debiting your account.


2 N‑COUNT A debit is a record of the money taken from your bank account, for example when you write a cheque. □ The total of debits must balance the total of credits.


3 → see also direct debit

de b|it card (debit cards ) N‑COUNT A debit card is a bank card that you can use to pay for things. When you use it the money is taken out of your bank account immediately.

debo|nair /de bəneə r / ADJ A man who is debonair is confident, charming, and well-dressed. □ He was a handsome, debonair, death-defying racing-driver.

de|brief /diː briː f/ (debriefs , debriefing , debriefed ) VERB When someone such as a soldier, diplomat, or astronaut is debriefed , they are asked to give a report on an operation or task that they have just completed. □ [be V -ed] The men have been debriefed by British and Saudi officials. □ [V n] He went to Rio after the CIA had debriefed him.

de|brief|ing /diː briː f I ŋ/ (debriefings ) N‑VAR A debriefing is a meeting where someone such as a soldier, diplomat, or astronaut is asked to give a report on an operation or task that they have just completed. □ A debriefing would follow this operation, to determine where it went wrong.

de|bris /de I bri, [AM ] de I briː / N‑UNCOUNT Debris is pieces from something that has been destroyed or pieces of rubbish or unwanted material that are spread around. □ A number of people were killed by flying debris.

debt ◆◆◇ /de t/ (debts )


1 N‑VAR A debt is a sum of money that you owe someone. □ Three years later, he is still paying off his debts. □ …reducing the country's $18 billion foreign debt.


2 → see also bad debt


3 N‑UNCOUNT Debt is the state of owing money. □ Stress is a main reason for debt. ● PHRASE If you are in debt or get into debt , you owe money. If you are out of debt or get out of debt , you succeed in paying all the money that you owe. □ He was already deeply in debt through gambling losses. □ How can I accumulate enough cash to get out of debt?


4 N‑COUNT [usu sing, oft in poss N ] You use debt in expressions such as I owe you a debt or I am in your debt when you are expressing gratitude for something that someone has done for you. [FORMAL , FEELINGS ] □ He was so good to me that I can never repay the debt I owe him. COLLOCATIONS debt NOUN 1


noun + debt : bank, government, sovereign; credit card, household, mortgage, student


adjective + debt : bad, crippling, toxic; manageable, outstanding, sustainable, unsecured, unsustainable; national


verb + debt : clear, pay off, reduce, repay, service; get into, incur, owe SYNONYMS debt NOUN 1


loan: The country has no access to foreign loans or financial aid.


liabilities: The company had assets of $138 million and liabilities of $120.5 million.

de bt bur|den (debt burdens ) N‑COUNT A debt burden is a large amount of money that one country or organization owes to another and which they find very difficult to repay. □ …the massive debt burden of the Third World.

debt|or /de tə r / (debtors ) N‑COUNT [oft N n] A debtor is a country, organization, or person who owes money. □ …the situation of debtor countries.

de bt-ridden ADJ [usu ADJ n] Debt-ridden countries, companies, or people owe extremely large amounts of money. □ …the debt-ridden economies of Latin America.

de|bug /diː bʌ g/ (debugs , debugging , debugged ) VERB When someone debugs a computer program, they look for the faults in it and correct them so that it will run properly. [COMPUTING ] □ [V n] The production lines ground to a halt for hours while technicians tried to debug software.

de|bunk /diː bʌ ŋk/ (debunks , debunking , debunked ) VERB If you debunk a widely held belief, you show that it is false. If you debunk something that is widely admired, you show that it is not as good as people think it is. □ [V n] Historian Michael Beschloss debunks a few myths.

de|but ◆◇◇ /de I bjuː, [AM ] de I bjuː / (debuts ) N‑COUNT [oft with poss] The debut of a performer or sports player is their first public performance, appearance, or recording. □ Israel's brightest young star made his international debut on Wednesday. □ It was the fastest selling debut album in the history of the British charts. COLLOCATIONS debut NOUN


noun + debut : big-screen, film, screen, stage; acting


adjective + debut : acclaimed, impressive, memorable, sensational; directorial, solo, theatrical; first-class, international; auspicious, promising

debu|tante /de bjʊtɑːnt/ (debutantes ) N‑COUNT A debutante is a young woman from the upper classes who has started going to social events with other young people. [OLD-FASHIONED ]

Dec. Dec. is a written abbreviation for December .

dec|ade ◆◆◇ /de ke I d/ (decades ) N‑COUNT A decade is a period of ten years, especially one that begins with a year ending in 0, for example 1980 to 1989. □ …the last decade of the nineteenth century.

deca|dent /de kədənt/ ADJ If you say that a person or society is decadent , you think that they have low moral standards and are interested mainly in pleasure. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ …the excesses and stresses of their decadent rock 'n' roll lifestyles. ● deca|dence N‑UNCOUNT □ The empire had for years been falling into decadence.

de|caf /diː kæf/ (decafs ) also decaff N‑VAR Decaf is decaffeinated coffee. [INFORMAL ]

de|caf|fein|at|ed /diː kæ f I ne I t I d/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Decaffeinated coffee has had most of the caffeine removed from it.

de|cal /diː kæl/ (decals ) N‑COUNT Decals are pieces of paper with a design on one side. The design can be transferred onto a surface by heating it, soaking it in water, or pressing it hard. [AM ] in BRIT, use transfer

de|camp /d I kæ mp/ (decamps , decamping , decamped ) VERB If you decamp , you go away from somewhere secretly or suddenly. □ [V ] We all decamped to the pub.

de|cant /d I kæ nt/ (decants , decanting , decanted ) VERB If you decant a liquid into another container, you put it into another container. [FORMAL ] □ [V n + into ] She always used to decant the milk into a jug. [Also V n]

de|cant|er /d I kæ ntə r / (decanters ) N‑COUNT A decanter is a glass container that you use for serving wine, sherry, or port.

de|capi|tate /d I kæ p I te I t/ (decapitates , decapitating , decapitated ) VERB If someone is decapitated , their head is cut off. [FORMAL ] □ [be V -ed] A worker was decapitated when a lift plummeted down the shaft on top of him. ● de|capi|ta|tion /d I kæ p I te I ʃ ə n/ (decapitations ) N‑VAR □ …executions by decapitation.

de|cath|lon /d I kæ θlɒn/ (decathlons ) N‑COUNT The decathlon is a competition in which athletes compete in 10 different sporting events.

de|cay /d I ke I / (decays , decaying , decayed )


1 VERB When something such as a dead body, a dead plant, or a tooth decays , it is gradually destroyed by a natural process. □ [V ] The bodies buried in the fine ash slowly decayed. □ [V -ing] The ground was scattered with decaying leaves. ● N‑UNCOUNT Decay is also a noun. □ When not removed, plaque causes tooth decay and gum disease. ● de|cayed ADJ □ …decayed teeth.


2 VERB If something such as a society, system, or institution decays , it gradually becomes weaker or its condition gets worse. □ [V ] Popular cinema seems to have decayed. ● N‑UNCOUNT Decay is also a noun. □ There are problems of urban decay and gang violence.

de|ceased /d I siː st/ (deceased )


1 N‑COUNT The deceased is used to refer to a particular person or to particular people who have recently died. [LEGAL ] □ The identities of the deceased have now been determined.


2 ADJ A deceased person is one who has recently died. [FORMAL ] □ …his recently deceased mother.

de|ceit /d I siː t/ (deceits ) N‑VAR Deceit is behaviour that is deliberately intended to make people believe something which is not true. □ They have been involved in a campaign of deceit.

de|ceit|ful /d I siː tfʊl/ ADJ If you say that someone is deceitful , you mean that they behave in a dishonest way by making other people believe something that is not true. □ The ambassador called the report deceitful and misleading.

de|ceive /d I siː v/ (deceives , deceiving , deceived )


1 VERB If you deceive someone, you make them believe something that is not true, usually in order to get some advantage for yourself. □ [V n] He has deceived and disillusioned us all. □ [V n + into ] She deceived her father into thinking she was going to school.


2 VERB If you deceive yourself , you do not admit to yourself something that you know is true. □ [V pron-refl] Alcoholics are notorious for their ability to deceive themselves about the extent of their problem.


3 VERB If something deceives you, it gives you a wrong impression and makes you believe something that is not true. □ [V n] His gentle, kindly appearance did not deceive me.

de|cel|er|ate /diː se ləre I t/ (decelerates , decelerating , decelerated )


1 VERB When a vehicle or machine decelerates or when someone in a vehicle decelerates , the speed of the vehicle or machine is reduced. □ [V ] …the sensation of the train decelerating. ● de|cel|era|tion /diː se ləre I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □ The harder the brake pedal is pressed, the greater the car's deceleration.


2 VERB When the rate of something such as inflation or economic growth decelerates , it slows down. □ [V ] Inflation has decelerated remarkably over the past two years. ● de|cel|era|tion N‑UNCOUNT □ …a significant deceleration in the annual rate of growth.

De|cem|ber /d I se mbə r / (Decembers ) N‑VAR December is the twelfth and last month of the year in the Western calendar. □ …a bright morning in mid-December. □ Her baby was born on 4 December.

de|cen|cy /diː s ə nsi/


1 N‑UNCOUNT Decency is the quality of following accepted moral standards. □ His sense of decency forced him to resign.


2 PHRASE If you say that someone did not have the decency to do something, you are criticizing them because there was a particular action which they did not do but which you believe they ought to have done. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ Nobody had the decency to inform me of what was planned.

de|cent ◆◇◇ /diː s ə nt/


1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Decent is used to describe something which is considered to be of an acceptable standard or quality. □ Nearby is a village with a decent pub. ● de|cent|ly ADV [usu ADV with v, Also ADV adj] □ The allies say they will treat their prisoners decently.


2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Decent is used to describe something which is morally correct or acceptable. □ But, after a decent interval, trade relations began to return to normal. ● de|cent|ly ADV [usu ADV with v, Also ADV adj] □ And can't you dress more decently–people will think you're a tramp.


3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Decent people are honest and behave in a way that most people approve of. □ The majority of people around here are decent people.

de|cen|tral|ize /diː se ntrəla I z/ (decentralizes , decentralizing , decentralized ) in BRIT, also use decentralise VERB To decentralize government or a large organization means to move some departments away from the main administrative area, or to give more power to local departments. □ [V n] They have decentralised the company and made it less bureaucratic. □ [V ] …the need to decentralize and devolve power to regional governments. ● de|cen|trali|za|tion /diː se ntrəla I ze I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □ …increased decentralisation and greater powers for regional authorities.

de|cep|tion /d I se pʃ ə n/ (deceptions ) N‑VAR Deception is the act of deceiving someone or the state of being deceived by someone. □ He admitted conspiring to obtain property by deception.

de|cep|tive /d I se pt I v/ ADJ If something is deceptive , it encourages you to believe something which is not true. □ Appearances can be deceptive. ● de|cep|tive|ly ADV □ The storyline is deceptively simple.

deci|bel /de s I bel/ (decibels ) N‑COUNT A decibel is a unit of measurement which is used to indicate how loud a sound is. □ Continuous exposure to sound above 80 decibels could be harmful.

de|cide ◆◆◆ /d I sa I d/ (decides , deciding , decided )


1 VERB If you decide to do something, you choose to do it, usually after you have thought carefully about the other possibilities. □ [V to-inf] She decided to do a secretarial course. □ [V that] He has decided that he doesn't want to embarrass the movement and will therefore step down. □ [V + against ] The house needed totally rebuilding, so we decided against buying it. □ [V wh] I had a cold and couldn't decide whether to go to work or not. □ [V ] Think about it very carefully before you decide. [Also V + in favour of ]


2 VERB If a person or group of people decides something, they choose what something should be like or how a particular problem should be solved. □ [V n] She was still young, he said, and that would be taken into account when deciding her sentence.


3 VERB If an event or fact decides something, it makes it certain that a particular choice will be made or that there will be a particular result. □ [V n] The goal that decided the match came just before the interval. □ [V if] The results will decide if he will win a place at a good university. □ [V -ing] Luck is certainly one deciding factor.


4 VERB If you decide that something is true, you form that opinion about it after considering the facts. □ [V that] He decided Franklin must be suffering from a bad cold. □ [V wh] I couldn't decide whether he was incredibly brave or just insane.


5 VERB If something decides you to do something, it is the reason that causes you to choose to do it. □ [V n to-inf] The banning of his play decided him to write about censorship. □ [V n] I don't know what finally decided her, but she agreed. [Also V n that]


▸ decide on PHRASAL VERB If you decide on something or decide upon something, you choose it from two or more possibilities. □ [V P n] After leaving university, Therese decided on a career in publishing.

de|cid|ed /d I sa I d I d/ ADJ [ADJ n] Decided means clear and definite. □ Her ignorance of the area put her at a decided disadvantage.

de|cid|ed|ly /d I sa I d I dli/ ADV Decidedly means to a great extent and in a way that is very obvious. □ Sometimes he is decidedly uncomfortable at what he sees on the screen.

de|cid|er /d I sa I də r / (deciders )


1 N‑COUNT In sport, a decider is one of the games in a series, which establishes which player or team wins the series. [BRIT , JOURNALISM ] □ He won the decider which completed England's 3–2 victory over Austria.


2 N‑COUNT In games such as football and hockey, the decider is the last goal to be scored in a match that is won by a difference of only one goal. [BRIT , JOURNALISM ] □ McGrath scored the decider in Villa's 2–1 home win over Forest.

de|cidu|ous /d I s I dʒuəs/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A deciduous tree or bush is one that loses its leaves in the autumn every year.

deci|mal /de s I m ə l/ (decimals )


1 ADJ [ADJ n] A decimal system involves counting in units of ten. □ …the decimal system of metric weights and measures.


2 N‑COUNT A decimal is a fraction that is written in the form of a dot followed by one or more numbers which represent tenths, hundredths, and so on: for example .5, .51, .517. □ …simple math concepts, such as decimals and fractions.

de ci|mal poi nt (decimal points ) N‑COUNT A decimal point is the dot in front of a decimal fraction.

deci|mate /de s I me I t/ (decimates , decimating , decimated )


1 VERB To decimate something such as a group of people or animals means to destroy a very large number of them. □ [V n] The pollution could decimate the river's thriving population of kingfishers.


2 VERB To decimate a system or organization means to reduce its size and effectiveness greatly. □ [V n] …a recession which decimated the nation's manufacturing industry.

de|ci|pher /d I sa I fə r / (deciphers , deciphering , deciphered ) VERB If you decipher a piece of writing or a message, you work out what it says, even though it is very difficult to read or understand. □ [V n] I'm still no closer to deciphering the code.

de|ci|sion ◆◆◆ /d I s I ʒ ə n/ (decisions )


1 N‑COUNT [oft N to-inf] When you make a decision , you choose what should be done or which is the best of various possible actions. □ [+ on ] A decision was taken to discipline Marshall. □ I don't want to make the wrong decision and regret it later.


2 N‑UNCOUNT Decision is the act of deciding something or the need to decide something. □ The moment of decision cannot be delayed.


3 N‑UNCOUNT Decision is the ability to decide quickly and definitely what to do. □ He is very much a man of decision and action. COLLOCATIONS decision NOUN 1


adjective + decision : correct, right, wrong; difficult, easy, hard, tough; controversial, unpopular; informed; unanimous; conscious


verb + decision : come to, make, reach, take; announce; reverse, overrule, overturn

deci sion-making N‑UNCOUNT Decision-making is the process of reaching decisions, especially in a large organization or in government.

de|ci|sive /d I sa I s I v/


1 ADJ If a fact, action, or event is decisive , it makes it certain that there will be a particular result. □ …his decisive victory in the presidential elections. ● de|ci|sive|ly ADV [usu ADV with v] □ The plan was decisively rejected by Congress three weeks ago.


2 ADJ If someone is decisive , they have or show an ability to make quick decisions in a difficult or complicated situation. □ He should give way to a younger, more decisive leader. ● de|ci|sive|ly ADV □ 'I'll call for you at half ten,' she said decisively. ● de|ci|sive|ness N‑UNCOUNT □ His supporters admire his decisiveness.

deck ◆◇◇ /de k/ (decks , decking , decked )


1 N‑COUNT A deck on a vehicle such as a bus or ship is a lower or upper area of it. □ …a luxury liner with five passenger decks.


2 → see also flight deck


3 N‑COUNT [oft on N ] The deck of a ship is the top part of it that forms a floor in the open air which you can walk on. □ She stood on the deck and waved.


4 N‑COUNT [oft n N ] A tape deck or record deck is a piece of equipment on which you play tapes or records. □ I stuck a tape in the deck.


5 N‑COUNT A deck of cards is a complete set of playing cards. [AM ] □ Matt picked up the cards and shuffled the deck. in BRIT, usually use pack 6 N‑COUNT A deck is a flat wooden area next to a house, where people can sit and relax or eat. □ A natural timber deck leads into the main room of the home.


7 VERB If something is decked with pretty things, it is decorated with them. [WRITTEN ] □ [V n + with ] Villagers decked the streets with bunting. □ [V -ed] The house was decked with flowers.


8 PHRASE If you clear the decks , you get ready to start something new by finishing any work that has to be done or getting rid of any problems that are in the way. □ Clear the decks before you think of taking on any more responsibilities.


▸ deck out PHRASAL VERB If a person or thing is decked out with or in something, they are decorated with it or wearing it, usually for a special occasion. □ [be V -ed P ] The cab was decked out with multi-coloured lights. □ [V n P ] She had decked him out from head to foot in expensive clothes. [Also V P n]

deck|chair /de ktʃeə r / (deckchairs ) also deck chair N‑COUNT A deckchair is a simple chair with a folding frame, and a piece of canvas as the seat and back. Deckchairs are usually used on the beach, on a ship, or in the garden.

-decker /-de kə r / COMB [ADJ n] -decker is used after adjectives like 'double' and 'single' to indicate how many levels or layers something has. □ …a red double-decker bus full of tourists. □ …a triple-decker peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

deck|hand /de khænd/ (deckhands ) N‑COUNT A deckhand is a person who does the cleaning and other work on the deck of a ship.

deck|ing /de k I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT Decking is wooden boards that are fixed to the ground in a garden or other outdoor area for people to walk on. [mainly BRIT ]

de ck shoe (deck shoes ) N‑COUNT Deck shoes are flat casual shoes made of canvas or leather.

de|claim /d I kle I m/ (declaims , declaiming , declaimed ) VERB If you declaim , you speak dramatically, as if you were acting in a theatre. [WRITTEN ] □ [V with quote] He raised his right fist and declaimed: 'Liar and cheat!'. □ [V n] He used to declaim French verse to us. [Also V , V that]

de|clama|tory /d I klæ mətri, [AM ] -tɔːri/ ADJ A declamatory phrase, statement, or way of speaking is dramatic and confident. [FORMAL ]

dec|la|ra|tion ◆◇◇ /de kləre I ʃ ə n/ (declarations )


1 N‑COUNT A declaration is an official announcement or statement. □ They will sign the declaration tomorrow. □ [+ of ] The opening speeches sounded more like declarations of war than offerings of peace.


2 N‑COUNT A declaration is a firm, emphatic statement which shows that you have no doubts about what you are saying. □ [+ of ] …declarations of undying love.


3 N‑COUNT A declaration is a written statement about something which you have signed and which can be used as evidence in a court of law. □ On the customs declaration, the sender labeled the freight as agricultural machinery.

de|clare ◆◆◇ /d I kleə r / (declares , declaring , declared )


1 VERB If you declare that something is true, you say that it is true in a firm, deliberate way. You can also declare an attitude or intention. [WRITTEN ] □ [V that] Speaking outside Ten Downing Street, she declared that she would fight on. □ [V with quote] 'I'm absolutely thrilled to have done what I've done,' he declared. □ [V n] He declared his intention to become the best golfer in the world. [Also V n n, V n to-inf]


2 VERB If you declare something, you state officially and formally that it exists or is the case. □ [V n] The government is ready to declare a permanent ceasefire. □ [V n adj] His lawyers are confident that the judges will declare Mr Stevens innocent. □ [V n to-inf] The U.N. has declared it to be a safe zone. □ [V that] You may have to declare that you have had an HIV test.


3 VERB If you declare goods that you have bought in another country or money that you have earned, you say how much you have bought or earned so that you can pay tax on it. □ [V n] Your income must be declared on this form.

de|clas|si|fy /diː klæ s I fa I / (declassifies , declassifying , declassified ) VERB [usu passive] If secret documents or records are declassified , it is officially stated that they are no longer secret. □ [be V -ed] These reports were only declassified last year.

de|cline ◆◆◇ /d I kla I n/ (declines , declining , declined )


1 VERB If something declines , it becomes less in quantity, importance, or strength. □ [V + from ] The number of staff has declined from 217,000 to 114,000. □ [V amount] Hourly output by workers declined 1.3% in the first quarter. □ [V ] Union membership and union power are declining fast. □ [V -ing] …a declining birth rate. [Also V + to/by ]


2 VERB If you decline something or decline to do something, you politely refuse to accept it or do it. [FORMAL ] □ [V n] He declined their invitation. □ [V to-inf] The band declined to comment on the story. □ [V ] He offered the boys some coffee. They declined politely.


3 N‑VAR If there is a decline in something, it becomes less in quantity, importance, or quality. □ [+ in ] There wasn't such a big decline in enrollments after all. □ The first signs of economic decline became visible.


4 PHRASE If something is in decline or on the decline , it is gradually decreasing in importance, quality, or power. □ Thankfully the smoking of cigarettes is on the decline.


5 PHRASE If something goes or falls into decline , it begins to gradually decrease in importance, quality, or power. □ Libraries are an investment for the future and they should not be allowed to fall into decline. SYNONYMS decline VERB


1


fall: Output will fall by 6%.


drop: Temperatures can drop to freezing at night.


sink: Pay increases have sunk to around seven per cent.


decrease: Population growth is decreasing by 1.4% each year.


lessen: He is used to a lot of attention from his wife, which will inevitably lessen when the baby is born.


dwindle: Exports are dwindling and the trade deficit is swelling.


2


refuse: He offered me a second drink which I refused.


reject: Seventeen publishers rejected the manuscript before Jenks saw its potential.


turn down: I thanked him for the offer but turned it down. NOUN 3


fall: There was a sharp fall in the value of the pound.


drop: The poll indicates a drop in support for the Conservatives.


decrease: Bank base rates have fallen from 10 per cent to 6 per cent–a decrease of 40 per cent.


deterioration: …the slow steady deterioration of a patient with Alzheimer's disease.


worsening: This latest incident is bound to lead to a further worsening of relations between the two countries.


downturn: They predicted a severe economic downturn. COLLOCATIONS decline NOUN 3


adjective + decline : precipitous, rapid, sharp, steep; gradual, steady; irreversible, terminal


verb + decline : halt; reverse; offset VERB


1


decline + adverb : precipitously, rapidly, sharply, steeply; steadily


2


decline + noun : invitation, offer, request

de|code /diː koʊ d/ (decodes , decoding , decoded )


1 VERB If you decode a message that has been written or spoken in a code, you change it into ordinary language. □ [V n] All he had to do was decode it and pass it over.


2 VERB A device that decodes a broadcast signal changes it into a form that can be displayed on a television screen. □ [V n] About 60,000 subscribers have special adapters to receive and decode the signals.

de|cod|er /diː koʊ də r / (decoders ) N‑COUNT A decoder is a device used to decode messages or signals sent in code, for example the television signals from a satellite.

de|colo|niza|tion /diː kɒ ləna I ze I ʃ ə n/ in BRIT, also use decolonisation N‑UNCOUNT Decolonization means giving political independence to a country that was previously a colony.

de|com|mis|sion /diː kəm I ʃ ə n/ (decommissions , decommissioning , decommissioned ) VERB When something such as a nuclear reactor or a large machine is decommissioned , it is taken to pieces because it is no longer going to be used. □ [be V -ed] HMS Warspite was decommissioned as part of defence cuts. [Also V n]

de|com|pose /diː kəmpoʊ z/ (decomposes , decomposing , decomposed ) VERB When things such as dead plants or animals decompose , or when something decomposes them, they change chemically and begin to decay. □ [V ] …a dead body found decomposing in a wood. □ [V + into ] The debris slowly decomposes into compost. □ [V n] The fertiliser releases nutrients gradually as bacteria decompose it. ● de|com|posed ADJ □ The body was too badly decomposed to be identified at once.

de|com|po|si|tion /diː kɒ mpəz I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT Decomposition is the process of decay that takes place when a living thing changes chemically after dying. [FORMAL ]

de|com|pres|sion /diː kəmpre ʃ ə n/


1 N‑UNCOUNT Decompression is the reduction of the force on something that is caused by the weight of the air. □ Decompression blew out a window in the plane.


2 N‑UNCOUNT [usu N n] Decompression is the process of bringing someone back to the normal pressure of the air after they have been deep underwater. □ …a decompression chamber.

de|con|gest|ant /diː kəndʒe stənt/ (decongestants ) N‑VAR A decongestant is a medicine which helps someone who has a cold to breathe more easily.

de|con|struct /diː kənstrʌ kt/ (deconstructs , deconstructing , deconstructed ) VERB In philosophy and literary criticism, to deconstruct an idea or text means to show the contradictions in its meaning, and to show how it does not fully explain what it claims to explain. [TECHNICAL ] □ [V n] She sets up a rigorous intellectual framework to deconstruct various categories of film. ● de|con|struc|tion /diː kənstrʌ kʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □ [+ of ] …the deconstruction of the macho psyche.

de|con|tami|nate /diː kəntæ m I ne I t/ (decontaminates , decontaminating , decontaminated ) VERB To decontaminate something means to remove all germs or dangerous substances from it. □ [V n] …procedures for decontaminating pilots hit by chemical weapons. ● de|con|tami|na|tion /diː kəntæm I ne I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □ The land will require public money for decontamination.

de|con|trol /diː kəntroʊ l/ (decontrols , decontrolling , decontrolled ) VERB When governments decontrol an activity, they remove controls from it so that companies or organizations have more freedom. [mainly AM ] □ [V n] The government chose not to decontrol oil and gas prices last January. ● N‑VAR Decontrol is also a noun. □ [+ of ] …continuing decontrol of banking institutions.

de|cor /de I kɔː r , [AM ] de I kɔː r/ N‑UNCOUNT The decor of a house or room is its style of furnishing and decoration. □ The decor is simple–black lacquer panels on white walls.

deco|rate ◆◇◇ /de kəre I t/ (decorates , decorating , decorated )


1 VERB If you decorate something, you make it more attractive by adding things to it. □ [V n + with ] He decorated his room with pictures of all his favorite sports figures. □ [V n] Use shells to decorate boxes, trays, mirrors or even pots.


2 VERB If you decorate a room or the inside of a building, you put new paint or wallpaper on the walls and ceiling, and paint the woodwork. □ [V n] We decorated the guest bedroom in shades of white and cream. □ [V ] The boys are planning to decorate when they get the time. □ [have n V -ed] I had the flat decorated quickly so that Philippa could move in. ● deco|rat|ing N‑UNCOUNT □ I did a lot of the decorating myself. ● deco|ra|tion N‑UNCOUNT □ The renovation process and decoration took four months.


3 VERB [usu passive] If someone is decorated , they are given a medal or other honour as an official reward for something that they have done. □ [be V -ed] He was decorated for bravery in battle.

deco|ra|tion /de kəre I ʃ ə n/ (decorations )


1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft with poss] The decoration of a room is its furniture, wallpaper, and ornaments. □ The decoration and furnishings had to be practical enough for a family home.


2 N‑VAR Decorations are features that are added to something in order to make it look more attractive. □ The only wall decorations are candles and a single mirror.


3 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Decorations are brightly coloured objects such as pieces of paper and balloons, which you put up in a room on special occasions to make it look more attractive. □ Festive paper decorations had been hung from the ceiling.


4 N‑COUNT A decoration is an official title or honour which is given to someone, usually in the form of a medal, as a reward for military bravery or public service. □ He was awarded several military decorations.


5 → see also decorate

deco|ra|tive /de kərət I v/ ADJ Something that is decorative is intended to look pretty or attractive. □ The curtains are for purely decorative purposes and do not open or close.

deco|ra|tor /de kəre I tə r / (decorators )


1 N‑COUNT A decorator is a person whose job is to paint houses or put wallpaper up. [BRIT ]


2 N‑COUNT A decorator is a person who is employed to design and decorate the inside of people's houses. [AM ] in BRIT, use interior decorator

deco|rous /de kərəs/ ADJ Decorous behaviour is very respectable, calm, and polite. [FORMAL ] ● deco|rous|ly ADV □ He sipped his drink decorously.

de|co|rum /d I kɔː rəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Decorum is behaviour that people consider to be correct, polite, and respectable. [FORMAL ] □ I was treated with decorum and respect throughout the investigation.

de|cou|ple /diː kʌ p ə l/ (decouples , decoupling , decoupled ) VERB If two countries, organizations, or ideas that were connected in some way are decoupled , the connection between them is ended. [FORMAL ] □ [V n] …a conception which decouples culture and politics. □ [V n + from ] The issue threatened to decouple Europe from the United States.

de|coy /diː kɔ I / (decoys ) N‑COUNT If you refer to something or someone as a decoy , you mean that they are intended to attract people's attention and deceive them, for example by leading them into a trap or away from a particular place. □ He was booked on a flight leaving that day, but that was just a decoy.

de|crease (decreases , decreasing , decreased ) The verb is pronounced /d I kriː s/. The noun is pronounced /diː kriːs/. 1 VERB When something decreases or when you decrease it, it becomes less in quantity, size, or intensity. □ [V + by ] Population growth is decreasing by 1.4% each year. □ [V + from/to ] The number of independent firms decreased from 198 to 96. □ [V amount] Raw-steel production by the nation's mills decreased 2.1% last week. □ [V + in ] Since 1945 air forces have decreased in size. □ [V n] Gradually decrease the amount of vitamin C you are taking. □ [V -ing] We've got stable labor, decreasing interest rates, low oil prices.


2 N‑COUNT A decrease in the quantity, size, or intensity of something is a reduction in it. □ [+ in ] …a decrease in the number of young people out of work. □ [+ of ] Bank base rates have fallen from 10 per cent to 6 per cent–a decrease of 40 per cent.

de|cree /d I kriː / (decrees , decreeing , decreed )


1 N‑COUNT [oft by N ] A decree is an official order or decision, especially one made by the ruler of a country. □ In July he issued a decree ordering all unofficial armed groups in the country to disband.


2 VERB If someone in authority decrees that something must happen, they decide or state this officially. □ [V that] The U.N. Security Council has decreed that the election must be held by May. □ [V n] The king decreed a general amnesty.


3 N‑COUNT A decree is a judgment made by a law court. [mainly AM ] □ …court decrees.

de|cree a b|so|lute (decrees absolute ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] A decree absolute is the final order made by a court in a divorce case which ends a marriage completely.

de|cree nisi /d I kriː na I sa I / (decrees nisi ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] A decree nisi is an order made by a court which states that a divorce must take place at a certain time in the future unless a good reason is produced to prevent this.

de|crep|it /d I kre p I t/ ADJ Something that is decrepit is old and in bad condition. Someone who is decrepit is old and weak. □ The film had been shot in a decrepit old police station.

de|crepi|tude /d I kre p I tjuːd, [AM ] -tuːd/ N‑UNCOUNT Decrepitude is the state of being very old and in poor condition. [FORMAL ] □ The building had a general air of decrepitude and neglect.

de|crimi|nal|ize /diː kr I m I nəla I z/ (decriminalizes , decriminalizing , decriminalized ) in BRIT, also use decriminalise VERB When a criminal offence is decriminalized , the law changes so that it is no longer a criminal offence. □ [be V -ed] …the question of whether prostitution should be decriminalized. [Also V n] ● de|crimi|nali|za|tion /diː kr I m I nəla I ze I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □ [+ of ] We urged the Government to consider decriminalisation of personal drug possession.

de|cry /d I kra I / (decries , decrying , decried ) VERB If someone decries an idea or action, they criticize it strongly. [FORMAL ] □ [V n] He is impatient with those who decry the scheme. □ [V n + as ] People decried the campaign as a waste of money.

dedi|cate /de d I ke I t/ (dedicates , dedicating , dedicated )


1 VERB If you say that someone has dedicated themselves to something, you approve of the fact that they have decided to give a lot of time and effort to it because they think that it is important. [APPROVAL ] □ [V pron-refl + to ] Back on the island, he dedicated himself to politics. □ [V n + to ] Bessie has dedicated her life to caring for others. ● dedi|cat|ed ADJ □ [+ to ] He's quite dedicated to his students. ● dedi|ca|tion N‑UNCOUNT □ [+ to ] We admire her dedication to the cause of humanity.


2 VERB If someone dedicates something such as a book, play, or piece of music to you, they mention your name, for example in the front of a book or when a piece of music is performed, as a way of showing affection or respect for you. □ [V n + to ] She dedicated her first album to Woody Allen.

dedi|cat|ed /de d I ke I t I d/


1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You use dedicated to describe someone who enjoys a particular activity very much and spends a lot of time doing it. □ Her great-grandfather had clearly been a dedicated and stoical traveller.


2 ADJ You use dedicated to describe something that is made, built, or designed for one particular purpose or thing. □ Such areas should also be served by dedicated cycle routes. □ [+ to ] …the world's first museum dedicated to ecology.


3 → see also dedicate

dedi|ca|tion /de d I ke I ʃ ə n/ (dedications )


1 N‑COUNT A dedication is a message which is written at the beginning of a book, or a short announcement which is sometimes made before a play or piece of music is performed, as a sign of affection or respect for someone.


2 → see also dedicate

de|duce /d I djuː s, [AM ] -duː s/ (deduces , deducing , deduced ) VERB If you deduce something or deduce that something is true, you reach that conclusion because of other things that you know to be true. □ [V that] Alison had cleverly deduced that I was the author of the letter. □ [be V -ed + from ] The date of the document can be deduced from references to the Civil War. □ [V n] She hoped he hadn't deduced the reason for her visit. [Also V n from n, V with quote]

de|duct /d I dʌ kt/ (deducts , deducting , deducted ) VERB When you deduct an amount from a total, you subtract it from the total. □ [V n + from ] The company deducted this payment from his compensation. [Also V n]

de|duc|tion /d I dʌ kʃ ə n/ (deductions )


1 N‑COUNT A deduction is a conclusion that you have reached about something because of other things that you know to be true. □ [+ about ] It was a pretty astute deduction.


2 N‑UNCOUNT Deduction is the process of reaching a conclusion about something because of other things that you know to be true. □ …a case that tested his powers of deduction.


3 N‑COUNT A deduction is an amount that has been subtracted from a total. □ …your gross income (before tax and National Insurance deductions).


4 N‑UNCOUNT Deduction is the act or process of subtracting an amount of money from a total amount. □ After the deduction of tax at 20 per cent, the interest rate will be 6.2 per cent.

de|duc|tive /d I dʌ kt I v/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Deductive reasoning involves drawing conclusions logically from other things that are already known. [FORMAL ]

deed /diː d/ (deeds )


1 N‑COUNT A deed is something that is done, especially something that is very good or very bad. [LITERARY ] □ …the warm feeling one gets from doing a good deed.


2 N‑COUNT A deed is a document containing the terms of an agreement, especially an agreement concerning the ownership of land or a building. [LEGAL ] □ He asked if I had the deeds to his father's property.

dee d poll PHRASE In Britain, if you change your name by deed poll , you change it officially and legally.

deem /diː m/ (deems , deeming , deemed ) VERB If something is deemed to have a particular quality or to do a particular thing, it is considered to have that quality or do that thing. [FORMAL ] □ [be V -ed adj/n] French and German were deemed essential. □ [V n adj/n] He says he would support the use of force if the U.N. deemed it necessary. □ [be V -ed to-inf] I was deemed to be a competent shorthand typist. [Also V n to-inf]

deep ◆◆◇ /diː p/ (deeper , deepest )


1 ADJ If something is deep , it extends a long way down from the ground or from the top surface of something. □ The water is very deep and mysterious-looking. □ Den had dug a deep hole in the centre of the garden. □ Kelly swore quietly, looking at the deep cut on his left hand. □ …a deep ravine. ● ADV [ADV after v] Deep is also an adverb. □ Deep in the earth's crust the rock may be subjected to temperatures high enough to melt it. □ Gingerly, she put her hand in deeper, to the bottom. ● deep|ly ADV [ADV after v, ADV adj/-ed] □ There isn't time to dig deeply and put in manure or compost.


2 ADJ A deep container, such as a cupboard, extends or measures a long distance from front to back. □ The wardrobe was very deep.


3 ADJ [n ADJ ] [as ADJ as ] You use deep to talk or ask about how much something measures from the surface to the bottom, or from front to back. □ I found myself in water only three feet deep. □ The mud is ankle deep around Shush Square. □ How deep did the snow get? ● COMB Deep is also a combining form. □ …an inch-deep stab wound.


4 ADV [ADV after v] Deep in an area means a long way inside it. □ They were now deep inside rebel territory.


5 ADV If you say that things or people are two , three , or four deep , you mean that there are two, three, or four rows or layers of them there. □ A crowd three deep seemed paralysed by the images on these monitors.


6 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You use deep to emphasize the seriousness, strength, importance, or degree of something. [EMPHASIS ] □ I had a deep admiration for Sartre. □ He wants to express his deep sympathy to the family. ● deep|ly ADV □ Our meetings and conversations left me deeply depressed.


7 ADV If you experience or feel something deep inside you or deep down , you feel it very strongly even though you do not necessarily show it. □ Deep down, she supported her husband's involvement in the organization.


8 ADJ [ADJ n] If you are in a deep sleep, you are sleeping peacefully and it is difficult to wake you. □ Una soon fell into a deep sleep. ● deep|ly ADV [ADV after v] □ She slept deeply but woke early.


9 ADJ If you are deep in thought or deep in conversation, you are concentrating very hard on what you are thinking or saying and are not aware of the things that are happening around you. □ [+ in ] Abby was so deep in thought that she had walked past without seeing me.


10 ADJ [ADJ n] A deep breath or sigh uses or fills the whole of your lungs. □ Cal took a long, deep breath, struggling to control his own emotions. ● deep|ly ADV [ADV after v] □ She sighed deeply and covered her face with her hands.


11 ADJ You use deep to describe colours that are strong and fairly dark. □ The sky was deep blue and starry. ● ADJ [usu ADJ n] Deep is also an adjective. □ …deep colours.


12 ADJ A deep sound is low in pitch. □ His voice was deep and mellow. □ They heard a deep, distant roar.


13 ADJ If you describe someone as deep , you mean that they are quiet and reserved in a way that makes you think that they have good qualities such as intelligence or determination. □ James is a very deep individual.


14 ADJ If you describe something such as a problem or a piece of writing as deep , you mean that it is important, serious, or complicated. □ They're written as adventure stories. They're not intended to be deep.


15 ADV If you are deep in debt, you have a lot of debts. □ [+ in/into ] He is so deep in debt and desperate for money that he's apparently willing to say anything. ● deep|ly ADV □ [+ in/into ] Because of her medical and her legal bills, she is now penniless and deeply in debt.


16 PHRASE If you know something deep down or deep down inside , you know that it is true, but you are not always conscious of it or willing to admit it to yourself. □ We knew deep down that we could do it. □ Deep down, we had always detested each other.


17 PHRASE If you say that you took a deep breath before doing something dangerous or frightening, you mean that you tried to make yourself feel strong and confident. □ I took a deep breath and went in.


18 PHRASE If you say that something goes deep or runs deep , you mean that it is very serious or strong and is hard to change. □ His anger and anguish clearly went deep.


19 in at the deep end → see end


20 in deep water → see water

deep|en /diː pən/ (deepens , deepening , deepened )


1 VERB If a situation or emotion deepens or if something deepens it, it becomes stronger and more intense. □ [V ] If this is not stopped, the financial crisis will deepen. □ [V n] Surviving tough times can really deepen your relationship.


2 VERB If you deepen your knowledge or understanding of a subject, you learn more about it and become more interested in it. □ [V n] He did not get a chance to deepen his knowledge of Poland.


3 VERB When a sound deepens or is deepened , it becomes lower in tone. □ [V ] Her voice has deepened and coarsened with the years. □ [V n] The music room had been made to reflect and deepen sounds.


4 VERB When your breathing deepens , or you deepen it, you take more air into your lungs when you breathe. □ [V ] He heard her breathing deepen. □ [V n] When you are ready to finish the exercise, gradually deepen your breathing.


5 VERB If people deepen something, they increase its depth by digging out its lower surface. □ [V n] …a major project to deepen the channel.


6 VERB Something such as a river or a sea deepens where the bottom begins to slope downwards. □ [V ] As we drew nearer to it the water gradually deepened.

dee p free ze (deep freezes ) also deep-freeze N‑COUNT A deep freeze is the same as a freezer .

dee p-fry (deep-fries , deep-frying , deep-fried ) VERB If you deep-fry food, you fry it in a large amount of fat or oil. □ [V n] Heat the oil and deep-fry the fish fillets.

dee p-roo ted ADJ [usu ADJ n] Deep-rooted means the same as deep-seated . □ …long-term solutions to a deep-rooted problem.

dee p-sea ADJ [ADJ n] Deep-sea activities take place in the areas of the sea that are a long way from the coast. □ …deep-sea diving. □ …a deep-sea fisherman.

dee p-sea ted ADJ [usu ADJ n] A deep-seated problem, feeling, or belief is difficult to change because its causes have been there for a long time. □ The country is still suffering from deep-seated economic problems.

dee p-set ADJ [usu ADJ n] Deep-set eyes seem to be further back in the face than most people's eyes. [WRITTEN ] □ He had deep-set brown eyes.

dee p-si x (deep-sixes , deep-sixing , deep-sixed ) VERB To deep-six something means to get rid of it or destroy it. [mainly AM , INFORMAL ] □ [V n] I'd simply like to deep-six this whole project.

Dee p Sou th N‑SING The Deep South consists of the states that are furthest south in the United States.

deep vein throm|bo |sis (deep vein thromboses ) N‑VAR Deep vein thrombosis is a serious medical condition caused by blood clots in the legs moving up to the lungs. The abbreviation DVT is also used. [MEDICAL ] □ He could have died after developing deep vein thrombosis during a flight to Sydney.

deer /d I ə r / (deer ) N‑COUNT A deer is a large wild animal that eats grass and leaves. A male deer usually has large, branching horns.

deer|stalker /d I ə r stɔːkə r / (deerstalkers ) N‑COUNT A deerstalker is an old-fashioned hat with parts at the sides which can be folded down to cover the ears. Deerstalkers are usually worn by men.

de|face /d I fe I s/ (defaces , defacing , defaced ) VERB If someone defaces something such as a wall or a notice, they spoil it by writing or drawing things on it. □ [V n] It's illegal to deface banknotes.

de fac|to /de I fæ ktoʊ/ ADJ [ADJ n] De facto is used to indicate that something is a particular thing, even though it was not planned or intended to be that thing. [FORMAL ] □ This might be interpreted as a de facto recognition of the republic's independence. ● ADV De facto is also an adverb. □ They will be de facto in a state of war.

defa|ma|tion /de fəme I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT Defamation is the damaging of someone's good reputation by saying something bad and untrue about them. [FORMAL ] □ He sued for defamation.

de|fama|tory /d I fæ mətri, [AM ] -tɔːri/ ADJ Speech or writing that is defamatory is likely to damage someone's good reputation by saying something bad and untrue about them. [FORMAL ] □ The article was highly defamatory.

de|fame /d I fe I m/ (defames , defaming , defamed ) VERB If someone defames another person or thing, they say bad and untrue things about them. [FORMAL ] □ [V n] Sgt Norwood complained that the article defamed him.

de|fault /d I fɔː lt/ (defaults , defaulting , defaulted ) Pronounced /diː fɔːlt/ for meanings 2 and 3 . 1 VERB If a person, company, or country defaults on something that they have legally agreed to do, such as paying some money or doing a piece of work before a particular time, they fail to do it. [LEGAL ] □ [V + on ] The credit card business is down, and more borrowers are defaulting on loans. ● N‑UNCOUNT [in N ] Default is also a noun. □ The corporation may be charged with default on its contract with the government.


2 ADJ [ADJ n] A default situation is what exists or happens unless someone or something changes it. □ …default passwords installed on commercial machines.


3 N‑UNCOUNT In computing, the default is a particular set of instructions which the computer always uses unless the person using the computer gives other instructions. [COMPUTING ] □ The default is usually the setting that most users would probably choose. □ …default settings.


4 PHRASE If something happens by default , it happens only because something else which might have prevented it or changed it has not happened. [FORMAL ] □ Premium-rate numbers are often barred by mobile phone networks by default.

de|fault|er /d I fɔː ltə r / (defaulters ) N‑COUNT A defaulter is someone who does not do something that they are legally supposed to do, such as make a payment at a particular time, or appear in a court of law.

de|feat ◆◆◇ /d I fiː t/ (defeats , defeating , defeated )


1 VERB If you defeat someone, you win a victory over them in a battle, game, or contest. □ [V n] His guerrillas defeated the colonial army in 1954.


2 VERB [usu passive] If a proposal or motion in a debate is defeated , more people vote against it than for it. □ [be V -ed] The proposal was defeated by just one vote.


3 VERB If a task or a problem defeats you, it is so difficult that you cannot do it or solve it. □ [V n] There were times when the challenges of writing such a huge novel almost defeated her.


4 VERB To defeat an action or plan means to cause it to fail. □ [V n] The navy played a limited but significant role in defeating the rebellion.


5 N‑VAR Defeat is the experience of being beaten in a battle, game, or contest, or of failing to achieve what you wanted to. □ The most important thing is not to admit defeat until you really have to. □ [+ for ] The vote is seen as a defeat for the anti-abortion lobby. SYNONYMS defeat VERB 1


beat: In yesterday's games, Switzerland beat the United States two–one.


conquer: Early in the eleventh century the whole of England was again conquered by the Vikings.

de|feat|ism /d I fiː t I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Defeatism is a way of thinking or talking which suggests that you expect to be unsuccessful. □ …the mood of economic defeatism.

de|feat|ist /d I fiː t I st/ (defeatists ) N‑COUNT A defeatist is someone who thinks or talks in a way that suggests that they expect to be unsuccessful. ● ADJ Defeatist is also an adjective. □ There is no point going out there with a defeatist attitude.

def|ecate /de fəke I t/ (defecates , defecating , defecated ) VERB When people and animals defecate , they get rid of waste matter from their body through their anus. [FORMAL ] ● def|eca|tion /de fəke I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □ The drug's side-effects can include involuntary defecation.

de|fect (defects , defecting , defected ) The noun is pronounced /diː fekt/. The verb is pronounced /d I fe kt/. 1 N‑COUNT A defect is a fault or imperfection in a person or thing. □ He was born with a hearing defect. □ …a defect in the aircraft caused the crash.


2 VERB If you defect , you leave your country, political party, or other group, and join an opposing country, party, or group. □ [V + to/from ] 25 per cent of its listed client base defect to rival auditors. □ [V ] …a KGB officer who defected in 1963. ● de|fec|tion /d I fe kʃ ə n/ (defections ) N‑VAR □ …the defection of at least sixteen Parliamentary deputies.

de|fec|tive /d I fe kt I v/ ADJ If something is defective , there is something wrong with it and it does not work properly. □ Retailers can return defective merchandise.

de|fec|tor /d I fe ktə r / (defectors ) N‑COUNT A defector is someone who leaves their country, political party, or other group, and joins an opposing country, party, or group.

de|fence ◆◆◇ /d I fe ns/ (defences ) The spelling defense is used in American English, and in meaning 8 is pronounced /diː fens/. 1 N‑UNCOUNT Defence is action that is taken to protect someone or something against attack. □ The land was flat, giving no scope for defence. □ By wielding a knife in defence you run the risk of having it used against you.


2 N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Defence is the organization of a country's armies and weapons, and their use to protect the country or its interests. □ Twenty eight percent of the federal budget is spent on defense. □ …the French defence minister.


3 N‑PLURAL The defences of a country or region are all its armed forces and weapons. □ …the need to maintain Britain's defences at a sufficiently high level.


4 N‑COUNT A defence is something that people or animals can use or do to protect themselves. □ [+ against ] The immune system is our main defence against disease.


5 N‑COUNT [oft in N ] A defence is something that you say or write which supports ideas or actions that have been criticized or questioned. □ [+ of ] Chomsky's defence of his approach goes further.


6 N‑COUNT [oft with poss] In a court of law, an accused person's defence is the process of presenting evidence in their favour. □ He has insisted on conducting his own defence.


7 N‑SING The defence is the case that is presented by a lawyer in a trial for the person who has been accused of a crime. You can also refer to this person's lawyers as the defence . □ The defence was that the records of the interviews were fabricated by the police.


8 N‑SING [with sing or pl verb, oft poss N , oft in N ] In games such as football or hockey, the defence is the group of players in a team who try to stop the opposing players scoring a goal or a point. □ Their defence, so strong last season, has now conceded 12 goals in six games. □ I still prefer to play in defence.


9 PHRASE If you come to someone's defence , you help them by doing or saying something to protect them. □ He realized none of his schoolmates would come to his defense. COLLOCATIONS defence NOUN


5


adjective + defence : passionate, spirited, successful, vigorous


verb + defence : launch, mount


7


adjective + defence : credible, robust, solid

de|fence|less /d I fe nsləs/ in AM, use defenseless ADJ If someone or something is defenceless , they are weak and unable to defend themselves properly. □ …a savage attack on a defenceless young girl.

de|fe nce mecha|nism (defence mechanisms ) N‑COUNT A defence mechanism is a way of behaving or thinking which is not conscious or deliberate and is an automatic reaction to unpleasant experiences or feelings such as anxiety and fear.

de|fend ◆◆◇ /d I fe nd/ (defends , defending , defended )


1 VERB If you defend someone or something, you take action in order to protect them. □ [V n] His courage in defending religious and civil rights inspired many outside the church. [Also V n against n]


2 VERB If you defend someone or something when they have been criticized, you argue in support of them. □ [V n] Matt defended all of Clarence's decisions, right or wrong. [Also V pron-refl]


3 VERB When a lawyer defends a person who has been accused of something, the lawyer argues on their behalf in a court of law that the charges are not true. □ [V n] …a lawyer who defended political prisoners during the military regime. □ [V n + against ] He has hired a lawyer to defend him against the allegations. □ [V ] Guy Powell, defending, told magistrates: 'It's a sad and disturbing case.'


4 VERB When a sports player plays in the tournament which they won the previous time it was held, you can say that they are defending their title. [JOURNALISM ] □ [V n] The reigning champion expects to defend her title successfully next year. SYNONYMS defend VERB 1


protect: So, what can women do to protect themselves from heart disease?


guard: Gunmen guarded homes near the cemetery with shotguns.


shield: He shielded his head from the sun with an old sack.


safeguard: The interests of minorities will have to be safeguarded under a new constitution.

de|fend|ant /d I fe ndənt/ (defendants ) N‑COUNT A defendant is a person who has been accused of breaking the law and is being tried in court.

de|fend|er /d I fe ndə r / (defenders )


1 N‑COUNT If someone is a defender of a particular thing or person that has been criticized, they argue or act in support of that thing or person. □ [+ of ] …the most ardent defenders of conventional family values.


2 N‑COUNT A defender in a game such as football or hockey is a player whose main task is to try and stop the other side scoring.

de|fense /d I fe ns/ → see defence

de|fen|sible /d I fe ns I b ə l/ ADJ An opinion, system, or action that is defensible is one that people can argue is right or good. □ Her reasons for acting are morally defensible.

de|fen|sive /d I fe ns I v/


1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You use defensive to describe things that are intended to protect someone or something. □ The Government hastily organized defensive measures against the raids.


2 ADJ Someone who is defensive is behaving in a way that shows they feel unsure or threatened. □ Like their children, parents are often defensive about their private lives. ● de|fen|sive|ly ADV □ 'Oh, I know, I know,' said Kate, defensively. ● de|fen|sive|ness N‑UNCOUNT □ He felt a certain defensiveness about his position.


3 PHRASE If someone is on the defensive , they are trying to protect themselves or their interests because they feel unsure or threatened. □ Accusations are likely to put the other person on the defensive.


4 ADJ [usu ADJ n] In sports, defensive play is play that is intended to prevent your opponent from scoring goals or points against you. □ I'd always played a defensive game, waiting for my opponent to make a mistake. ● de|fen|sive|ly ADV [ADV after v] □ Mexico did not play defensively.

de|fer /d I fɜː r / (defers , deferring , deferred )


1 VERB If you defer an event or action, you arrange for it to happen at a later date, rather than immediately or at the previously planned time. □ [V n/v-ing] Customers often defer payment for as long as possible.


2 VERB If you defer to someone, you accept their opinion or do what they want you to do, even when you do not agree with it yourself, because you respect them or their authority. □ [V + to ] Doctors are encouraged to defer to experts.

def|er|ence /de frəns/ N‑UNCOUNT Deference is a polite and respectful attitude towards someone, especially because they have an important position. □ The old sense of deference and restraint in royal reporting has vanished. [Also + to ]

def|er|en|tial /de fəre nʃ ə l/ ADJ Someone who is deferential is polite and respectful towards someone else. □ They like five-star hotels and deferential treatment. [Also + to ] ● def|er|en|tial|ly ADV [ADV with v] □ The old man spoke deferentially.

de|fer|ment /d I fɜː r mənt/ (deferments ) N‑VAR Deferment means arranging for something to happen at a later date. [FORMAL ] □ [+ of ] …the deferment of debt repayments.

de|fer|ral /d I fɜː rəl/ (deferrals ) N‑VAR Deferral means the same as deferment .

de|fi|ance /d I fa I əns/


1 N‑UNCOUNT Defiance is behaviour or an attitude which shows that you are not willing to obey someone. □ [+ of ] …his courageous defiance of the government.


2 PHRASE If you do something in defiance of a person, rule, or law, you do it even though you know that you are not allowed to do it. □ Thousands of people have taken to the streets in defiance of the curfew.

de|fi|ant /d I fa I ənt/ ADJ If you say that someone is defiant , you mean they show aggression or independence by refusing to obey someone. □ The players are in defiant mood as they prepare for tomorrow's game. ● de|fi|ant|ly ADV [usu ADV with v] □ They defiantly rejected any talk of a compromise.

de|fib|ril|la|tor /diːf I br I le I tə r / (defibrillators ) N‑COUNT A defibrillator is a machine that starts the heart beating normally again after a heart attack, by giving it an electric shock. [MEDICAL ]

de|fi|cien|cy /d I f I ʃ ə nsi/ (deficiencies )


1 N‑VAR Deficiency in something, especially something that your body needs, is not having enough of it. □ They did blood tests on him for signs of vitamin deficiency.


2 N‑VAR A deficiency that someone or something has is a weakness or imperfection in them. [FORMAL ] □ …a serious deficiency in our air defence.

de|fi|cient /d I f I ʃ ə nt/


1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If someone or something is deficient in a particular thing, they do not have the full amount of it that they need in order to function normally or work properly. [FORMAL ] □ [+ in ] …a diet deficient in vitamin B. ● COMB Deficient is also a combining form. □ Vegetarians can become iron-deficient.


2 ADJ Someone or something that is deficient is not good enough for a particular purpose. [FORMAL ] □ …deficient landing systems.

defi|cit ◆◆◇ /de fəs I t/ (deficits ) N‑COUNT [oft n N ] A deficit is the amount by which something is less than what is required or expected, especially the amount by which the total money received is less than the total money spent. □ They're ready to cut the federal budget deficit for the next fiscal year. ● PHRASE If an account or organization is in deficit , more money has been spent than has been received. □ The current account of the balance of payments is in deficit. COLLOCATIONS deficit NOUN


noun + deficit : budget, pension, trade


verb + deficit : cut, eliminate, halve, reduce; tackle SYNONYMS deficit NOUN


shortfall: The government has refused to make up a £30,000 shortfall in funding.


shortage: A shortage of funds is preventing the U.N. from monitoring relief.

de|file /d I fa I l/ (defiles , defiling , defiled )


1 VERB To defile something that people think is important or holy means to do something to it or say something about it which is offensive. [LITERARY ] □ [V n] He had defiled the sacred name of the Holy Prophet.


2 N‑COUNT A defile is a very narrow valley or passage, usually through mountains. [FORMAL ]

de|fin|able /d I fa I nəb ə l/ ADJ Something that is definable can be described or identified. □ Many suffered from a definable mental disorder. □ …groups broadly definable as conservative.

de|fine ◆◇◇ /d I fa I n/ (defines , defining , defined )


1 VERB If you define something, you show, describe, or state clearly what it is and what its limits are, or what it is like. □ [V wh] We were unable to define what exactly was wrong with him. □ [V n] He was asked to define his concept of cool. ● de|fined ADJ [usu adv ADJ ] □ …a party with a clearly defined programme and strict rules of membership.


2 VERB If you define a word or expression, you explain its meaning, for example in a dictionary. □ [V n + as ] Collins English Dictionary defines a workaholic as 'a person obsessively addicted to work'. SYNONYMS define VERB 1


describe: The myth of Narcissus is described in Ovid's work.


interpret: The whole speech could be interpreted as a coded message to the Americans.


characterize: Both companies have characterized the relationship as friendly.

de|fined /d I fa I nd/ ADJ [usu adv ADJ ] If something is clearly defined or strongly defined , its outline is clear or strong. □ A clearly defined track now leads down to the valley.

defi|nite /de f I n I t/


1 ADJ If something such as a decision or an arrangement is definite , it is firm and clear, and unlikely to be changed. □ It's too soon to give a definite answer. □ Her Royal Highness has definite views about most things. □ She made no definite plans for her future.


2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Definite evidence or information is true, rather than being someone's opinion or guess. □ We didn't have any definite proof.


3 ADJ [ADJ n] You use definite to emphasize the strength of your opinion or belief. [EMPHASIS ] □ There has already been a definite improvement. □ That's a very definite possibility.


4 ADJ Someone who is definite behaves or talks in a firm, confident way. □ Mary is very definite about this.

de fi|nite a r|ti|cle (definite articles ) N‑COUNT The word 'the' is sometimes called the definite article .

defi|nite|ly ◆◇◇ /de f I n I tli/


1 ADV [ADV before v] You use definitely to emphasize that something is the case, or to emphasize the strength of your intention or opinion. [EMPHASIS ] □ I'm definitely going to get in touch with these people. □ 'I think the earlier ones are a lot better.'—'Mm, definitely.'

ТЕЛЕГРАМ

Канал с обзорами, анонсами новинок и книжными подборками

Книжный Вестник

Бот для удобного поиска книг (если не нашлось на сайте)

Поиск книг

Свежие любовные романы в удобных форматах

Любовные романы

Детективы и триллеры, все новинки

Детективы

Фантастика и фэнтези, все новинки

Фантастика

Отборные классические книги

Классика
ВКОНТАКТЕ

Цитаты, афоризмы, стихи, книжные подборки, обсуждения и многое другое

Книжный Вестник
БИБЛИОТЕКИ

Библиотека с любовными романами, которая наверняка придётся по вкусу женской части аудитории

Любовные романы

Библиотека с фантастикой и фэнтези, а также смежных жанров

Фантастика

Самые популярные книги в формате фб2

Топ фб2 книги