COBUILD Advanced Learner’s Dictionary (Collins Cobuild)

2 VERB If you puree food, you make it into a puree. □ [V n] Puree the apricots in a liquidiser until completely smooth.

pure|ly /pjʊə ^r li/

1 ADV You use purely to emphasize that the thing you are mentioning is the most important feature or that it is the only thing which should be considered. [EMPHASIS ] □ It is a racing machine, designed purely for speed. □ The government said the moves were purely defensive.

2 PHRASE You use purely and simply to emphasize that the thing you are mentioning is the only thing involved. [EMPHASIS ] □ If Arthur was attracted here by the prospects of therapy, John came down purely and simply to make money.

pur|ga|tive /pɜː ^r gət I v/ (purgatives )

1 N‑COUNT A purgative is a medicine that causes you to get rid of unwanted waste from your body. [FORMAL ]

2 ADJ [ADJ n] A purgative substance acts as a purgative. [FORMAL ] □ …purgative oils. □ …a purgative tea.

pur|ga|tory /pɜː ^r gətri, [AM ] -tɔːri/

1 N‑PROPER Purgatory is the place where Roman Catholics believe the spirits of dead people are sent to suffer for their sins before they go to heaven. □ Prayers were said for souls in Purgatory.

2 N‑UNCOUNT You can describe a very unpleasant experience as purgatory . □ Every step of the last three miles was purgatory. □ …five years of economic purgatory.

purge /pɜː ^r dʒ/ (purges , purging , purged )

1 VERB To purge an organization of its unacceptable members means to remove them from it. You can also talk about purging people from an organization. □ [V n + of ] The leadership voted to purge the party of 'hostile and anti-party elements'. □ [V n] He recently purged the armed forces, sending hundreds of officers into retirement. □ [V n + from ] They have purged thousands from the upper levels of the civil service. ● N‑COUNT Purge is also a noun. □ [+ of ] The army have called for a more thorough purge of people associated with the late president.

2 VERB If you purge something of undesirable things, you get rid of them. □ [V n + of ] He closed his eyes and lay still, trying to purge his mind of anxiety. [Also V n]

pu|ri|fi|er /pjʊə r I fa I ə ^r / (purifiers ) N‑COUNT [oft n N ] A purifier is a device or a substance that is used to purify something such as water, air, or blood. □ …air purifiers.

pu|ri|fy /pjʊə r I fa I / (purifies , purifying , purified ) VERB If you purify a substance, you make it pure by removing any harmful, dirty, or inferior substances from it. □ [V n] I take wheat and yeast tablets daily to purify the blood. □ [V -ed] Only purified water is used. ● pu|ri|fi|ca|tion /pjuə r I f I ke I ʃ ^ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □ …a water purification plant.

pur|ist /pjʊə r I st/ (purists )

1 N‑COUNT A purist is a person who wants something to be totally correct or unchanged, especially something they know a lot about. □ The purists would prefer we played on grass, no matter the weather.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Purist attitudes are the kind of attitudes that purists have. □ Britain wanted a 'more purist' approach.

pu|ri|tan /pjʊə r I t ^ə n/ (puritans )

1 N‑COUNT You describe someone as a puritan when they live according to strict moral or religious principles, especially when they disapprove of physical pleasures. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ Bykov had forgotten that Malinin was something of a puritan.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Puritan attitudes are based on strict moral or religious principles and often involve disapproval of physical pleasures. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ Paul was someone who certainly had a puritan streak in him.

Pu|ri|tan (Puritans ) N‑COUNT The Puritans were a group of English Protestants in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries who lived in a very strict and religious way.

pu|ri|tani|cal /pjʊə r I tæ n I k ^ə l/ ADJ If you describe someone as puritanical , you mean that they have very strict moral principles, and often try to make other people behave in a more moral way. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ He has a puritanical attitude towards sex.

pu|ri|tan|ism /pjʊə r I tən I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Puritanism is behaviour or beliefs that are based on strict moral or religious principles, especially the principle that people should avoid physical pleasures. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ …the tight-lipped puritanism of the Scottish literary world.

Pu|ri|tan|ism N‑UNCOUNT Puritanism is the set of beliefs that were held by the Puritans. □ Out of Puritanism came the intense work ethic.

pu|rity /pjʊə r I ti/ → see pure

pur|loin /pɜː ^r lɔ I n/ (purloins , purloining , purloined ) VERB If someone purloins something, they steal it or borrow it without asking permission. [FORMAL ] □ [V n] Each side purloins the other's private letters.

pur|ple ◆◆◇ /pɜː ^r p ^ə l/ (purples )

1 COLOUR Something that is purple is of a reddish-blue colour. □ She wore purple and green silk. □ …sinister dark greens and purples.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Purple prose or a purple patch is a piece of writing that contains very elaborate language or images. □ …passages of purple prose describing intense experiences.

Pu r|ple Hea rt (Purple Hearts ) N‑COUNT The Purple Heart is a medal that is given to members of the US Armed Forces who have been wounded during battle.

pur|plish /pɜː ^r pəl I ʃ/ ADJ Purplish means slightly purple in colour.

pur|port /pə ^r pɔː ^r t/ (purports , purporting , purported ) VERB If you say that someone or something purports to do or be a particular thing, you mean that they claim to do or be that thing, although you may not always believe that claim. [FORMAL ] □ [V to-inf] …a book that purports to tell the whole truth.

pur|port|ed|ly /pə ^r pɔː ^r t I dli/ ADV [ADV with v] If you say that something has purportedly been done, you mean that you think that it has been done but you cannot be sure. [FORMAL ] □ He was given a letter purportedly signed by the Prime Minister.

pur|pose ◆◆◇ /pɜː ^r pəs/ (purposes )

1 N‑COUNT The purpose of something is the reason for which it is made or done. □ [+ of ] The purpose of the occasion was to raise money for medical supplies. □ Various insurance schemes already exist for this purpose. □ …the use of nuclear energy for military purposes. □ He was asked about casualties, but said it would serve no purpose to count bodies.

2 N‑COUNT [with poss] Your purpose is the thing that you want to achieve. □ They might well be prepared to do you harm in order to achieve their purpose. □ His purpose was to make a profit by improving the company's performance.

3 N‑UNCOUNT Purpose is the feeling of having a definite aim and of being determined to achieve it. □ The teachers are enthusiastic and have a sense of purpose.

4 → see also cross-purposes

5 PHRASE You use for all practical purposes or to all intents and purposes to suggest that a situation is not exactly as you describe it, but the effect is the same as if it were. □ For all practical purposes the treaty has already ceased to exist.

6 PHRASE If you do something on purpose , you do it intentionally. □ Was it an accident or did David do it on purpose? COLLOCATIONS purpose NOUN 1

verb + purpose : fulfil, serve; defeat

adjective + purpose : sole, specific; express, intended, stated; commercial, educational, medicinal, recreational, scientific; practical, useful; main, primary SYNONYMS purpose NOUN

1

reason: The exact locations are being kept secret for reasons of security.

point: What was the point of thinking about him?

function: The main function of the merchant banks is to raise capital for industry.

2

aim: The aim of the festival is to increase awareness of Hindu culture and traditions.

goal: The goal is to raise as much money as possible.

objective: Our main objective was the recovery of the child safe and well.

pu rpose-bui lt ADJ A purpose-built building has been specially designed and built for a particular use. [mainly BRIT ] □ The company has recently moved into a new purpose-built factory. in AM, usually use custom-built

pur|pose|ful /pɜː ^r pəsfʊl/ ADJ If someone is purposeful , they show that they have a definite aim and a strong desire to achieve it. □ She had a purposeful air, and it became evident that this was not a casual visit. ● pur|pose|ful|ly ADV [usu ADV with v] □ He strode purposefully towards the barn.

pur|pose|less /pɜː ^r pəsləs/ ADJ If an action is purposeless , it does not seem to have a sensible purpose. □ Time may also be wasted in purposeless meetings. □ Surely my existence cannot be so purposeless?

pur|pose|ly /pɜː ^r pəsli/ ADV [usu ADV with v, oft ADV adj] If you do something purposely , you do it intentionally. [FORMAL ] □ They are purposely withholding information.

purr /pɜː ^r / (purrs , purring , purred )

1 VERB When a cat purrs , it makes a low vibrating sound with its throat because it is contented. □ [V ] The plump ginger kitten had settled comfortably in her arms and was purring enthusiastically.

2 VERB When the engine of a machine such as a car purrs , it is working and making a quiet, continuous, vibrating sound. □ [V prep] Both boats purred out of the cave mouth and into open water. [Also V ] ● N‑SING Purr is also a noun. □ [+ of ] Carmela heard the purr of a motor-cycle coming up the drive.

purse /pɜː ^r s/ (purses , pursing , pursed )

1 N‑COUNT A purse is a very small bag that people, especially women, keep their money in. [BRIT ] in AM, use change purse 2 N‑COUNT A purse is a small bag that women carry. [AM ] □ She reached in her purse for her phone. in BRIT, use bag , handbag 3 N‑SING Purse is used to refer to the total amount of money that a country, family, or group has. □ The money could simply go into the public purse, helping to lower taxes.

4 VERB If you purse your lips , you move them into a small, rounded shape, usually because you disapprove of something or when you are thinking. □ [V n] She pursed her lips in disapproval.

purs|er /pɜː ^r sə ^r / (pursers ) N‑COUNT On a ship, the purser is an officer who deals with the accounts and official papers. On a passenger ship, the purser is also responsible for the welfare of the passengers.

pu rse strings N‑PLURAL If you say that someone holds or controls the purse strings , you mean that they control the way that money is spent in a particular family, group, or country. □ Women control the purse strings of most families.

pur|su|ance /pə ^r sjuː əns, [AM ] -suː -/ N‑UNCOUNT [usu in N of n] If you do something in pursuance of a particular activity, you do it as part of carrying out that activity. [FORMAL ] □ [+ of ] He ordered disclosure of a medical report to the Metropolitan Police in pursuance of an investigation of murder.

pur|su|ant /pə ^r sjuː ənt, [AM ] -suː -/ PHRASE If someone does something pursuant to a law or regulation, they obey that law or regulation. [FORMAL ] □ He should continue to act pursuant to the United Nations Security Council resolutions.

pur|sue ◆◇◇ /pə ^r sjuː , -suː / (pursues , pursuing , pursued )

1 VERB If you pursue an activity, interest, or plan, you carry it out or follow it. [FORMAL ] □ [V n] He said his country would continue to pursue the policies laid down at the summit. □ [V n] She had come to England to pursue an acting career.

2 VERB If you pursue a particular aim or result, you make efforts to achieve it, often over a long period of time. [FORMAL ] □ [V n] Mr. Menendez has aggressively pursued new business.

3 VERB If you pursue a particular topic, you try to find out more about it by asking questions. [FORMAL ] □ [V n] If your original request is denied, don't be afraid to pursue the matter.

4 VERB If you pursue a person, vehicle, or animal, you follow them, usually in order to catch them. [FORMAL ] □ [V n] She pursued the man who had stolen a woman's bag. SYNONYMS pursue VERB

1

engage in: I have never engaged in the drug trade.

practise: Acupuncture was practised in China as long ago as the third millennium BC.

follow: Do you follow any particular religion?'—'Yes, we're all Hindus.'

4

follow: I think we're being followed.

chase: She chased the thief for 100 yards.

hunt: Detectives have been hunting him for seven months.

run after: Neighbouring shopkeepers ran after the man and caught him.

pur|su|er /pə ^r sjuː ə ^r , [AM ] -suː -/ (pursuers ) N‑COUNT [oft poss N in pl] Your pursuers are the people who are chasing or searching for you. [FORMAL ] □ They had shaken off their pursuers.

pur|suit /pə ^r sjuː t, [AM ] -suː t/ (pursuits )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Your pursuit of something is your attempts at achieving it. If you do something in pursuit of a particular result, you do it in order to achieve that result. □ [+ of ] …a young man whose relentless pursuit of excellence is conducted with determination.

2 N‑UNCOUNT The pursuit of an activity, interest, or plan consists of all the things that you do when you are carrying it out. □ [+ of ] The vigorous pursuit of policies is no guarantee of success.

3 N‑UNCOUNT [usu in N of n] Someone who is in pursuit of a person, vehicle, or animal is chasing them. □ …a police officer who drove a patrol car at more than 120mph in pursuit of a motor cycle.

4 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Your pursuits are your activities, usually activities that you enjoy when you are not working. □ They both love outdoor pursuits.

5 PHRASE If you are in hot pursuit of someone, you are chasing after them with great determination. □ I rushed through with Sue in hot pursuit.

pur|vey /pə ^r ve I / (purveys , purveying , purveyed )

1 VERB If you purvey something such as information, you tell it to people. [FORMAL ] □ [V n] …one who would, for a hefty fee, purvey strategic advice to private corporations.

2 VERB If someone purveys goods or services, they provide them. [FORMAL ] □ [V n] They have two restaurants that purvey dumplings and chicken noodle soup.

pur|vey|or /pə ^r ve I ə ^r / (purveyors ) N‑COUNT A purveyor of goods or services is a person or company that provides them. [FORMAL ] □ [+ of ] …purveyors of gourmet foods.

pur|view /pɜː ^r vjuː/ N‑SING The purview of something such as an organization or activity is the range of things it deals with. [FORMAL ] □ [+ of ] That, however, was beyond the purview of the court; it was a diplomatic matter.

pus /pʌ s/ N‑UNCOUNT Pus is a thick yellowish liquid that forms in wounds when they are infected.

push ◆◆◇ /pʊ ʃ/ (pushes , pushing , pushed )

1 VERB When you push something, you use force to make it move away from you or away from its previous position. □ [V n with adv] The woman pushed back her chair and stood up. □ [V n prep] They pushed him into the car. □ [V n] …a woman pushing a pushchair. □ [V ] He put both hands flat on the door and pushed as hard as he could. □ [V n adj] When there was no reply, he pushed the door open. ● N‑COUNT [usu sing] Push is also a noun. □ He gave me a sharp push. □ [+ of ] Information is called up at the push of a button.

2 VERB If you push through things that are blocking your way or push your way through them, you use force in order to move past them. □ [V prep/adv] I pushed through the crowds and on to the escalator. □ [V n prep/adv] He pushed his way towards her, laughing.

3 VERB If an army pushes into a country or area that it is attacking or invading, it moves further into it. □ [V + into ] One detachment pushed into the eastern suburbs towards the airfield. □ [V adv + into ] The army may push southwards into the Kurdish areas. ● N‑COUNT [usu sing] Push is also a noun. □ All that was needed was one final push, and the enemy would be vanquished once and for all.

4 VERB To push a value or amount up or down means to cause it to increase or decrease. □ [V n with adv] Any shortage could push up grain prices. □ [V n prep] Interest had pushed the loan up to $27,000.

5 VERB If someone or something pushes an idea or project in a particular direction, they cause it to develop or progress in a particular way. □ [V n with adv] We are continuing to push the business forward. □ [V n prep] The government seemed intent on pushing local and central government in opposite directions.

6 VERB If you push someone to do something or push them into doing it, you encourage or force them to do it. □ [V n to-inf] She thanks her parents for keeping her in school and pushing her to study. □ [V n + into ] James did not push her into stealing the money. □ [V n prep/adv] I knew he was pushing himself to the limit. □ [V n] There is no point in pushing them unless they are talented. ● N‑COUNT [usu sing] Push is also a noun. □ We need a push to take the first step.

7 VERB If you push for something, you try very hard to achieve it or to persuade someone to do it. □ [V + for ] Campaigners are pushing for more information and better treatments. □ [V + for ] Germany is pushing for direct flights to be established. ● N‑COUNT [usu sing] Push is also a noun. □ In its push for economic growth it has ignored projects that would improve living standards.

8 VERB If someone pushes an idea, a point, or a product, they try in a forceful way to convince people to accept it or buy it. □ [V n] Ministers will push the case for opening the plant.

9 VERB When someone pushes drugs, they sell them illegally. [INFORMAL ] □ [V n] She was sent for trial yesterday accused of pushing drugs.

10 → see also pushed , pushing

11 PHRASE If you get the push or are given the push , you are told that you are not wanted any more, either in your job or by someone you are having a relationship with. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □ Two cabinet ministers also got the push.

12 to push the boat out → see boat

13 to push your luck → see luck

14 if push comes to shove → see shove

▸ push ahead or push forward PHRASAL VERB If you push ahead or push forward with something, you make progress with it. □ [V P + with ] The government intends to push ahead with its reform programme. [Also V P ]

▸ push around PHRASAL VERB If someone pushes you around , they give you orders in a rude and insulting way. [INFORMAL ] □ [V n P ] We don't like somebody coming in with lots of money and trying to push people around.

▸ push back PHRASAL VERB If you push back against something, such as a change or criticism, you refuse to accept it or try to prevent it. □ [V P ] Teachers who feel they have been criticized are starting to push back.

▸ push forward → see push ahead

▸ push in PHRASAL VERB When someone pushes in , they unfairly join a queue or line in front of other people who have been waiting longer. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ [V P ] Nina pushed in next to Liddie.

▸ push on PHRASAL VERB When you push on , you continue with a journey or task. □ [V P ] Although the journey was a long and lonely one, Tumalo pushed on.

▸ push over

1 PHRASAL VERB If you push someone or something over , you push them so that they fall onto the ground. □ [V P n] People have damaged hedges and pushed over walls. □ [V n P ] Anna is always attacking other children, pushing them over.

2 → see also pushover

▸ push through PHRASAL VERB If someone pushes through a law, they succeed in getting it accepted although some people oppose it. □ [V P n] The vote will enable the Prime Minister to push through tough policies. □ [V n P n] He tried to push the amendment through Parliament. [Also V n P ]

push|back /pʊ ʃbæk/ N‑UNCOUNT Pushback is a negative response to a change or a plan, often a refusal to accept it. □ There's been a lot of pushback from conservatives on this issue.

pu sh bike (push bikes ) N‑COUNT A push bike is a bicycle which you move by turning the pedals with your feet. [BRIT , OLD-FASHIONED ]

pu sh-button ADJ [ADJ n] A push-button machine or process is controlled by means of buttons or switches. □ …push-button phones.

push|cart /pʊ ʃkɑː ^r t/ (pushcarts ) N‑COUNT A pushcart is a cart from which fruit or other goods are sold in the street. [AM ] in BRIT, use barrow

push|chair /pʊ ʃtʃeə ^r / (pushchairs ) N‑COUNT A pushchair is a small chair on wheels, in which a baby or small child can sit and be wheeled around. [BRIT ] in AM, use stroller

pushed /pʊ ʃt/

1 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you are pushed for something such as time or money, you do not have enough of it. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □ [+ for ] He's going to be a bit pushed for money. in AM, use pressed for

2 PHRASE If you are hard pushed to do something, you find it very difficult to do it. [BRIT ] □ I'd be hard pushed to teach him anything.

push|er /pʊ ʃə ^r / (pushers ) N‑COUNT A pusher is a person who sells illegal drugs. [INFORMAL ] □ …drug pushers.

push|ing /pʊ ʃ I ŋ/ PREP If you say that someone is pushing a particular age, you mean that they are nearly that age. [INFORMAL ] □ Pushing 40, he was an ageing rock star.

push|over /pʊ ʃoʊvə ^r / (pushovers )

1 N‑COUNT You say that someone is a pushover when you find it easy to persuade them to do what you want. [INFORMAL ] □ He is a tough negotiator. We did not expect to find him a pushover and he has not been one.

2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] You say that something is a pushover when it is easy to do or easy to get. [INFORMAL ] □ You might think Hungarian a pushover to learn. It is not.

pu sh-up (push-ups ) N‑COUNT Push-ups are exercises to strengthen your arms and chest muscles. They are done by lying with your face towards the floor and pushing with your hands to raise your body until your arms are straight. [AM ] in BRIT, use press-ups

pushy /pʊ ʃi/ (pushier , pushiest ) ADJ If you describe someone as pushy , you mean that they try in a forceful way to get things done as they would like. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □ She was a confident and pushy young woman.

pu|sil|lani|mous /pjuː s I læ n I məs/ ADJ If you say that someone is pusillanimous , you mean that they are timid or afraid. [FORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □ The authorities have been too pusillanimous in merely condemning the violence.

puss /pʊ s/ N‑COUNT People sometimes call a cat by saying ' Puss '.

pussy /pʊ si/ (pussies )

1 N‑COUNT Pussy is a child's word for a cat.

2 N‑COUNT Some people use pussy to refer to a woman's genitals. [INFORMAL , VERY RUDE ]

pussy|cat /pʊ sikæt/ (pussycats )

1 N‑COUNT Children or people talking to children often refer to a cat as a pussycat .

2 N‑COUNT If you describe someone as a pussycat , you think that they are kind and gentle.

pussy|foot /pʊ sifʊt/ (pussyfoots , pussyfooting , pussyfooted ) VERB If you say that someone is pussyfooting around , you are criticizing them for behaving in a too cautious way because they are not sure what to do and are afraid to commit themselves. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ Why don't they stop pussyfooting around and say what they really mean? [Also V ]

pus|tule /pʌ stʃuːl/ (pustules ) N‑COUNT A pustule is a small infected swelling on the skin. [MEDICAL ]

put ◆◆◆ /pʊ t/ (puts , putting ) The form put is used in the present tense and is the past tense and past participle. Put is used in a large number of expressions which are explained under other words in this dictionary. For example, the expression to put someone in the picture is explained at picture . 1 VERB When you put something in a particular place or position, you move it into that place or position. □ [V n prep/adv] Leaphorn put the photograph on the desk. □ [V n prep/adv] She hesitated, then put her hand on Grace's arm. □ [V n with adv] Mishka put down a heavy shopping bag.

2 VERB If you put someone somewhere, you cause them to go there and to stay there for a period of time. □ [V n prep/adv] Rather than put him in the hospital, she had been caring for him at home. □ [V n prep/adv] I'd put the children to bed.

3 VERB To put someone or something in a particular state or situation means to cause them to be in that state or situation. □ [V n prep/adv] This is going to put them out of business. □ [V n prep/adv] He was putting himself at risk. □ [V n prep/adv] My doctor put me in touch with a psychiatrist.

4 VERB To put something on people or things means to cause them to have it, or to cause them to be affected by it. □ [V n + on ] The ruling will put extra pressure on health authorities. □ [V n + on ] They will also force schools to put more emphasis on teaching basic subjects.

5 VERB If you put your trust, faith, or confidence in someone or something, you trust them or have faith or confidence in them. □ [V n + in ] How much faith should we put in anti-ageing products?

6 VERB If you put time, strength, or energy into an activity, you use it in doing that activity. □ [V n + into ] Eleanor did not put much energy into the discussion.

7 VERB If you put money into a business or project, you invest money in it. □ [V n + into ] Investors should consider putting some money into an annuity.

8 VERB When you put an idea or remark in a particular way, you express it in that way. You can use expressions like to put it simply and to put it bluntly before saying something when you want to explain how you are going to express it. □ [V n] I had already met him a couple of times through–how should I put it–friends in low places. □ [V n adv/prep] He doesn't, to put it very bluntly, give a damn about the woman or the baby. □ [V it ] He admitted the security forces might have made some mistakes, as he put it. □ [V n + into ] You can't put that sort of fear into words.

9 VERB When you put a question to someone, you ask them the question. □ [V n + to ] Is this fair? Well, I put that question today to the deputy counsel. □ [V n adv] He thinks that some workers may be afraid to put questions publicly.

10 VERB If you put a case, opinion, or proposal, you explain it and list the reasons why you support or believe it. □ [V n] He always put his point of view with clarity and with courage. □ [V n + to ] He put the case to the Saudi Foreign Minister.

11 VERB If you put something at a particular value or in a particular category, you consider that it has that value or that it belongs in that category. □ [V n + at ] I would put her age at about 50 or so. □ [V n + on ] All the more technically advanced countries put a high value on science. □ [V n + into ] It is not easy to put the guilty and innocent into clear-cut categories. [Also V n adj-compar]

12 VERB If you put written information somewhere, you write, type, or print it there. □ [V n prep/adv] Mary's family were so pleased that they put an announcement in the local paper to thank them. □ [V n] He crossed out 'Screenplay' and put 'Written by' instead.

13 PHRASE If you put it to someone that something is true, you suggest that it is true, especially when you think that they will be unwilling to admit this. □ But I put it to you that they're useless.

14 PHRASE If you say that something is bigger or better than several other things put together , you mean that it is bigger or has more good qualities than all of those other things if they are added together. □ London has more pubs and clubs than the rest of the country put together.

▸ put about The forms put around and put round are also used in British English. PHRASAL VERB If you put something about , you tell it to people that you meet and cause it to become well-known. [mainly BRIT ] □ [V n P that] Moderates are putting it about that people shouldn't take the things said at the Republican Convention too seriously. □ [V P n] The King had been putting about lurid rumours for months. [Also V n P ]

▸ put across or put over PHRASAL VERB When you put something across or put it over , you succeed in describing or explaining it to someone. □ [V n P ] He has taken out a half-page advertisement in his local paper to put his point across. □ [V P n] This is actually a very entertaining book putting over serious health messages.

▸ put around → see put about

▸ put aside

1 PHRASAL VERB If you put something aside , you keep it to be dealt with or used at a later time. □ [V n P ] She took up a slice of bread, broke it nervously, then put it aside. □ [V P n] Encourage children to put aside some of their pocket-money to buy birthday presents.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you put a feeling or disagreement aside , you forget about it or ignore it in order to solve a problem or argument. □ [V P n] We should put aside our differences and discuss the things we have in common. □ [V n P ] We admitted that the attraction was there, but decided that we would put the feelings aside.

▸ put away

1 PHRASAL VERB If you put something away , you put it into the place where it is normally kept when it is not being used, for example in a drawer. □ [V n P ] She finished putting the milk away and turned around. □ [V P n] 'Yes, Mum,' replied Cheryl as she slowly put away her doll. □ [V -ed P ] Her bed was crisply made, her clothes put away.

2 PHRASAL VERB If someone is put away , they are sent to prison or to a mental hospital for a long time. [INFORMAL ] □ [be V -ed P ] He's an animal! He should be put away. □ [V n P ] His testimony could put Drago away for life.

▸ put back PHRASAL VERB To put something back means to delay it or arrange for it to happen later than you previously planned. [mainly BRIT ] □ [V n P ] There are always new projects which seem to put the reunion back further. □ [be V -ed P ] News conferences due to be held by both men have been put back. [Also V P n]

▸ put down

1 PHRASAL VERB If you put something down somewhere, you write or type it there. □ [V n P + in/on ] Never put anything down on paper which might be used in evidence against you at a later date. □ [V P that] We've put down that we would like some technology courses. □ [V P wh] I had prepared for the meeting by putting down what I wanted from them. [Also V P n]

2 PHRASAL VERB If you put down some money, you pay part of the price of something, and will pay the rest later. □ [V P n] He bought an investment property for $100,000 and put down $20,000. □ [V n P ] He's got to put cash down.

3 PHRASAL VERB When soldiers, police, or the government put down a riot or rebellion, they stop it by using force. □ [V P n] Soldiers went in to put down a rebellion. [Also V n P ]

4 PHRASAL VERB If someone puts you down , they treat you in an unpleasant way by criticizing you in front of other people or making you appear foolish. □ [V n P ] I know that I do put people down occasionally. □ [V P n] Racist jokes come from wanting to put down other kinds of people we feel threatened by.

5 → see also put-down

6 PHRASAL VERB When an animal is put down , it is killed because it is dangerous or very ill. [mainly BRIT ] □ [be V -ed P ] Magistrates ordered his dog Samson to be put down immediately. □ [V P n] They think that any legislation that involved putting down dogs was wrong. [Also V n P ]

▸ put down to PHRASAL VERB If you put something down to a particular thing, you believe that it is caused by that thing. □ [V n P P n] You may be a sceptic and put it down to life's inequalities.

▸ put forward PHRASAL VERB If you put forward a plan, proposal, or name, you suggest that it should be considered for a particular purpose or job. □ [V P n] He has put forward new peace proposals. □ [V n P + for ] I rang the colonel and asked him to put my name forward for the vacancy. [Also V n P ]

▸ put in

1 PHRASAL VERB If you put in an amount of time or effort doing something, you spend that time or effort doing it. □ [V P n] They've put in time and effort to keep the strike going. □ [V n P ] If we don't put money in we will lose our investment.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you put in a request or put in for something, you formally request or apply for that thing. □ [V P n] The ministry ordered 113 of these and later put in a request for 21 more. □ [V P + for ] I decided to put in for a job as deputy secretary.

3 PHRASAL VERB If you put in a remark, you interrupt someone or add to what they have said with the remark. □ [V P with quote] 'He was a lawyer before that,' Mary Ann put in.

4 PHRASAL VERB When a ship puts in or puts into a port, it goes into the port for a short stop. □ [V P adv/prep] It's due to put in at Aden and some other ports before arriving in Basra.

▸ put off

1 PHRASAL VERB If you put something off , you delay doing it. □ [V P v-ing/n] Women who put off having a baby often make the best mothers. □ [V n P ] The Association has put the event off until October.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you put someone off , you make them wait for something that they want. □ [V n P ] The old priest tried to put them off, saying that the hour was late.

3 PHRASAL VERB If something puts you off something, it makes you dislike it, or decide not to do or have it. □ [V n P n/v-ing] The thought of caring for young plants can put people off growing their own veg. □ [V n P ] His personal habits put them off. □ [V P n] The country's worsening reputation does not seem to be putting off the tourists. □ [be V -ed P ] We tried to visit the Abbey but were put off by the queues.

4 PHRASAL VERB If someone or something puts you off , they take your attention from what you are trying to do and make it more difficult for you to do it. □ [V n P ] She asked me to be serious–said it put her off if I laughed. □ [V n P n/v-ing] It put her off revising for her exams. [Also V P n (not pron)]

▸ put on

1 PHRASAL VERB When you put on clothing or make-up, you place it on your body in order to wear it. □ [V P n] She put on her coat and went out. □ [V n P ] I haven't even put any lipstick on.

2 PHRASAL VERB When people put on a show, exhibition, or service, they perform it or organize it. □ [V P n] The band are hoping to put on a U.K. show before the end of the year. □ [V n P ] We put it on and everybody said 'Oh it's a brilliant production'.

3 PHRASAL VERB If someone puts on weight, they become heavier. □ [V P n] I can eat what I want but I never put on weight. □ [V P n] Luther's put on three stone. [Also V n P ]

4 PHRASAL VERB If you put on a piece of equipment or a device, you make it start working, for example by pressing a switch or turning a knob. □ [V n P ] I put the radio on. □ [V P n] I put on the light by the bed.

5 PHRASAL VERB If you put a record or CD on , you place it in a record or CD player and listen to it. □ [V n P ] She poured them drinks, and put a record on loud. □ [V P n] Let's go into the study and put on some music.

6 PHRASAL VERB If you put something on , you begin to cook or heat it. □ [V n P ] She immediately put the kettle on. □ [V n P ] Put some rice on now. □ [V P n] Put on a pan of water to simmer and gently poach the eggs.

7 PHRASAL VERB If you put a sum of money on something, you make a bet about it. For example, if you put £10 on a racehorse, you bet £10 that it will win. □ [V n P n/v-ing] They each put £20 on Matthew scoring the first goal. □ [V n P ] I'll put a bet on for you. [Also V P n]

8 PHRASAL VERB To put a particular amount on the cost or value of something means to add that amount to it. □ [V n P n] The proposal could put 3p on a loaf of bread.

9 PHRASAL VERB If you put on a way of behaving, you behave in a way that is not natural to you or that does not express your real feelings. □ [V P n] Stop putting on an act and be yourself. □ [V n P ] It was hard to believe she was ill, she was putting it on.

▸ put out

1 PHRASAL VERB If you put out an announcement or story, you make it known to a lot of people. □ [V P n] The French news agency put out a statement from the Trade Minister. [Also V n P ]

2 PHRASAL VERB If you put out a fire, candle, or cigarette, you make it stop burning. □ [V P n] Firefighters tried to free the injured and put out the blaze. □ [V n P ] She tried to light a candle but the rain put it out.

3 PHRASAL VERB If you put out an electric light, you make it stop shining by pressing a switch. □ [V P n] He crossed to the bedside table and put out the light. [Also V n P ]

4 PHRASAL VERB If you put out things that will be needed, you place them somewhere ready to be used. □ [V P n] Paula had put out her luggage for the coach. □ [V n P ] I slowly unpacked the teapot and put it out on the table.

5 PHRASAL VERB If you put out your hand, you move it forward, away from your body. □ [V P n] He put out his hand to Alfred. □ [V n P ] She put her hand out and tried to touch her mother's arm.

6 PHRASAL VERB If you put someone out , you cause them trouble because they have to do something for you. □ [V n P ] I've always put myself out for others and I'm not doing it any more.

7 PHRASAL VERB In a sporting competition, to put out a player or team means to defeat them so that they are no longer in the competition. □ [V P n] The Spaniard was put out in three sets. □ [V n P + of ] …the debatable goal that put them out of the UEFA Cup. [Also V n P ]

8 → see also put out

▸ put over → see put across

▸ put round → see put about

▸ put through

1 PHRASAL VERB When someone puts through someone who is making a phone call, they make the connection that allows the phone call to take place. □ [V n P ] The operator will put you through. □ [be V -ed P + to ] He asked to be put through to Charley Lunn. [Also V P n]

2 PHRASAL VERB If someone puts you through an unpleasant experience, they make you experience it. □ [V n P n] She wouldn't want to put them through the ordeal of a huge ceremony.

▸ put together

1 PHRASAL VERB If you put something together , you join its different parts to each other so that it can be used. □ [V n P ] He took it apart brick by brick, and put it back together again. □ [V P n] The factories no longer relied upon a mechanic to put together looms within the plant.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you put together a group of people or things, you form them into a team or collection. □ [V P n] It will be able to put together a governing coalition. □ [V n P ] He is trying to put a team together for next season.

3 PHRASAL VERB If you put together an agreement, plan, or product, you design and create it. □ [V P n] We wouldn't have time to put together an agreement. □ [V n P ] We got to work on putting the book together.

▸ put up

1 PHRASAL VERB If people put up a wall, building, tent, or other structure, they construct it so that it is upright. □ [V P n] Protesters have been putting up barricades across a number of major intersections. [Also V n P ]

2 PHRASAL VERB If you put up a poster or notice, you fix it to a wall or board. □ [V n P ] They're putting new street signs up. □ [V P n] The teacher training college put up a plaque to the college's founder.

3 PHRASAL VERB To put up resistance to something means to resist it. □ [V P n] In the end they surrendered without putting up any resistance. □ [V P n] He'd put up a real fight to keep you there.

4 PHRASAL VERB If you put up money for something, you provide the money that is needed to pay for it. □ [V P n] The state agreed to put up $69,000 to start his company. □ [V n P ] The merchant banks raise capital for industry. They don't actually put it up themselves.

5 PHRASAL VERB To put up the price of something means to cause it to increase. □ [V P n] Their friends suggested they should put up their prices. □ [V n P ] They know he would put their taxes up.

6 PHRASAL VERB If a person or hotel puts you up or if you put up somewhere, you stay there for one or more nights. □ [V n P ] I wanted to know if she could put me up for a few days. □ [V P prep] He decided that he would drive back to town instead of putting up for the night at the hotel.

7 PHRASAL VERB If a political party puts up a candidate in an election or if the candidate puts up , the candidate takes part in the election. □ [V P n] The new party is putting up 15 candidates for 22 seats. □ [V P + as ] He put up as a candidate.

▸ put up for PHRASAL VERB If you put something up for sale or auction, for example, you make it available to be sold or auctioned. □ [V n P P n] The old flower and fruit market has been put up for sale. □ [V P n P n] She put up her daughter for adoption in 1967.

▸ put up to PHRASAL VERB If you put someone up to something wrong or foolish or something which they would not normally do, you suggest that they do it and you encourage them to do it. □ [V n P P n] How do you know he asked me out? You put him up to it.

▸ put up with PHRASAL VERB If you put up with something, you tolerate or accept it, even though you find it unpleasant or unsatisfactory. □ [V P P n] We'd been unhappy for years, but I put up with it for the sake of the kids.

pu|ta|tive /pjuː tət I v/ ADJ [ADJ n] If you describe someone or something as putative , you mean that they are generally thought to be the thing mentioned. [LEGAL , FORMAL ] □ …a putative father.

pu t-down (put-downs ) also put down N‑COUNT A put-down is something that you say or do to criticize someone or make them appear foolish. [INFORMAL ] □ I see the term as a put-down of women.

pu t ou t ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you feel put out , you feel rather annoyed or upset. □ I did not blame him for feeling put out.

pu|tre|fac|tion /pjuː tr I fæ kʃ ^ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT Putrefaction is the process of decay. [FORMAL ] □ …the lingering stench of putrefaction.

pu|tre|fy /pjuː tr I fa I / (putrefies , putrefying , putrefied ) VERB When something putrefies , it decays and produces a very unpleasant smell. [FORMAL ] □ [V ] The meat in all of the open flasks putrefied. □ [V -ing] …putrefying corpses.

pu|trid /pjuː tr I d/ ADJ Something that is putrid has decayed and smells very unpleasant. [FORMAL ] □ …a foul, putrid stench.

putsch /pʊ tʃ/ (putsches ) N‑COUNT A putsch is a sudden attempt to get rid of a government by force.

putt /pʌ t/ (putts , putting , putted )

1 N‑COUNT A putt is a stroke in golf that you make when the ball has reached the green in an attempt to get the ball in the hole. □ …a 5-foot putt.

2 VERB In golf, when you putt the ball, you hit a putt. □ [V ] Turner, however, putted superbly, twice holing from 40 feet.

putt|er /pʌ tə ^r / (putters , puttering , puttered )

1 N‑COUNT A putter is a club used for hitting a golf ball a short distance once it is on the green.

2 VERB If you putter around , you do unimportant but quite enjoyable things, without hurrying. [AM ] □ I started puttering around outside, not knowing what I was doing. □ [V ] She liked to putter in the kitchen. in BRIT, use potter

putt|ing green /pʌ t I ŋ griːn/ (putting greens ) N‑COUNT A putting green is a very small golf course on which the grass is kept very short and on which there are no obstacles.

put|ty /pʌ ti/ N‑UNCOUNT Putty is a stiff paste used to fix sheets of glass into window frames.

pu t-upon also put upon ADJ If you are put-upon , you are treated badly by someone who takes advantage of your willingness to help them. [INFORMAL ] □ Volunteers from all walks of life are feeling put upon.

puz|zle /pʌ z ^ə l/ (puzzles )

1 VERB If something puzzles you, you do not understand it and feel confused. □ [V n] My sister puzzles me and causes me anxiety. ● puz|zling ADJ □ His letter poses a number of puzzling questions.

2 VERB If you puzzle over something, you try hard to think of the answer to it or the explanation for it. □ [V + about ] I stayed up nights, puzzling over epic Old English poems in a fog of incomprehension.

3 N‑COUNT A puzzle is a question, game, or toy which you have to think about carefully in order to answer it correctly or put it together properly. □ …a word puzzle.

4 → see also crossword

5 N‑SING You can describe a person or thing that is hard to understand as a puzzle . □ Data from Voyager II has presented astronomers with a puzzle about why our outermost planet exists.

puz|zled /pʌ z ^ə ld/ ADJ Someone who is puzzled is confused because they do not understand something. □ [+ by ] Critics remain puzzled by the British election results. □ Norman looked puzzled. [Also + about/at ]

puz|zle|ment /pʌ z ^ə lmənt/ N‑UNCOUNT Puzzlement is the confusion that you feel when you do not understand something. □ He frowned in puzzlement.

PVC /piː viː siː / N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] PVC is a plastic material that is used for many purposes, for example to make clothing or shoes or to cover chairs. PVC is an abbreviation for 'polyvinyl chloride'.

Pvt. N‑TITLE Pvt. is used before a person's name as a written abbreviation for the military title private . [AM ] □ …Pvt. Carlton McCarthy of the Richmond Howitzers. in BRIT, use Pte

pw pw is used especially when stating the weekly cost of something. pw is the written abbreviation for 'per week'. □ …single room–£55 pw.

pyg|my /p I gmi/ (pygmies ) also pigmy

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Pygmy means belonging to a species of animal which is the smallest of a group of related species. □ Reaching a maximum height of 56cm the pygmy goat is essentially a pet.

2 N‑COUNT A pygmy is a member of a group of very short people who live in Africa or south-east Asia. □ …the pygmy tribes of Papua New Guinea.

py|ja|mas /p I dʒɑː məz/ The spelling pajamas is used in American English. The forms pyjama and pajama are used as modifiers. N‑PLURAL [oft a pair of N ] A pair of pyjamas consists of loose trousers and a loose jacket that people wear in bed. □ My brother was still in his pyjamas. □ …a pyjama jacket. WORD HISTORY pyjamas

Pyjamas comes from Persian pāy jāma , meaning 'leg clothing'.

py|lon /pa I lɒn/ (pylons ) N‑COUNT Pylons are very tall metal structures which hold electric cables high above the ground so that electricity can be transmitted over long distances. □ …electricity pylons.

pyra|mid /p I rəm I d/ (pyramids )

1 N‑COUNT Pyramids are ancient stone buildings with four triangular sloping sides. The most famous pyramids are those built in ancient Egypt to contain the bodies of their kings and queens. □ We set off to see the Pyramids and Sphinx.

2 N‑COUNT A pyramid is a shape, object, or pile of things with a flat base and sloping triangular sides that meet at a point. □ [+ of ] On a plate in front of him was piled a pyramid of flat white biscuits.

3 N‑COUNT You can describe something as a pyramid when it is organized so that there are fewer people at each level as you go towards the top. □ The structure of the group is more like a loose net than a hierarchical pyramid.

py|rami|dal /p I rəm I d ^ə l, p I ræ m-/ ADJ Something that is pyramidal is shaped like a pyramid. [FORMAL ] □ …a black pyramidal tent.

pyra|mid se ll|ing N‑UNCOUNT Pyramid selling is a method of selling in which one person buys a supply of a particular product direct from the manufacturer and then sells it to a number of other people at an increased price. These people sell it on to others in a similar way, but eventually the final buyers are only able to sell the product for less than they paid for it. [BUSINESS ] □ If the scheme appears to be a pyramid selling scam, have nothing to do with it.

pyre /pa I ə ^r / (pyres ) N‑COUNT A pyre is a high pile of wood built outside on which people burn a dead body or other things in a ceremony.

Py|rex /pa I ə reks/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Pyrex is a type of strong glass which is used for making bowls and dishes that do not break when you cook things in them. [TRADEMARK ]

pyro|ma|ni|ac /pa I ə roʊme I niæk/ (pyromaniacs ) N‑COUNT A pyromaniac is a person who has an uncontrollable desire to start fires.

pyro|tech|nics /pa I roʊte kn I ks/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Pyrotechnics is the making or displaying of fireworks. □ The festival will feature pyrotechnics, live music, and sculptures.

2 N‑PLURAL Impressive and exciting displays of skill are sometimes referred to as pyrotechnics . □ …the soaring pyrotechnics of the singer's voice.

Pyr|rhic vic|to|ry /p I r I k v I ktəri/ (Pyrrhic victories ) also pyrrhic victory N‑COUNT If you describe a victory as a Pyrrhic victory , you mean that although someone has won or gained something, they have also lost something which was worth even more.

py|thon /pa I θən/ (pythons ) N‑COUNT A python is a large snake that kills animals by squeezing them with its body.