▸ spin out
1 PHRASAL VERB If you spin something out , you make it last longer than it normally would. □ [V n P ] My wife's solicitor was anxious to spin things out for as long as possible. □ [V P n] The Government will try to spin out the conference into next autumn.
2 → see also spin off SYNONYMS spin VERB 1
revolve: Overhead, the fan revolved slowly.
turn: As the wheel turned, the potter shaped the clay.
rotate: Take each foot in both hands and rotate it to relax the ankle.
spi|na bi|fi|da /spa I nə b I f I də/ N‑UNCOUNT Spina bifida is a condition of the spine that some people are born with. It often makes them unable to use their legs.
spin|ach /sp I n I dʒ, - I tʃ/ N‑UNCOUNT Spinach is a vegetable with large dark green leaves that you chop up and boil in water before eating.
spi|nal /spa I n ə l/ ADJ [ADJ n] Spinal means relating to your spine. □ …spinal fluid. □ …spinal injuries.
spi |nal col|umn (spinal columns ) N‑COUNT Your spinal column is your spine.
spi |nal co rd (spinal cords ) N‑COUNT Your spinal cord is a thick cord of nerves inside your spine which connects your brain to nerves in all parts of your body.
spin|dle /sp I nd ə l/ (spindles )
1 N‑COUNT A spindle is a rod in a machine, around which another part of the machine turns.
2 N‑COUNT A spindle is a pointed rod which you use when you are spinning wool by hand. You twist the wool with the spindle to make it into a thread.
spin|dly /sp I ndli/ (spindlier , spindliest ) ADJ Something that is spindly is long and thin and looks very weak. □ I did have rather spindly legs.
spi n doc|tor (spin doctors ) N‑COUNT In politics, a spin doctor is someone who is skilled in public relations and who advises political parties on how to present their policies and actions. [INFORMAL ]
spine /spa I n/ (spines )
1 N‑COUNT Your spine is the row of bones down your back.
2 N‑COUNT The spine of a book is the narrow stiff part which the pages and covers are attached to.
3 N‑COUNT Spines are also long, sharp points on an animal's body or on a plant.
spi ne-chilling ADJ [usu ADJ n] A spine-chilling film or story makes you feel very frightened.
spine|less /spa I nləs/ ADJ If you say that someone is spineless , you mean that they are afraid to take action or oppose people when they should. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ …bureaucrats and spineless politicians.
spi ne-tingling ADJ A spine-tingling film or piece of music is enjoyable because it causes you to feel a strong emotion such as excitement or fear. □ It was a spine-tingling and stylish thriller.
spin|na|ker /sp I nəkə r / (spinnakers ) N‑COUNT A spinnaker is a large, light, triangular sail that is attached to the front mast of a boat.
spin|ner /sp I nə r / (spinners )
1 N‑COUNT A spinner is a cricketer who makes the ball spin when he or she bowls it so that it changes direction when it hits the ground or the bat.
2 N‑COUNT A spinner is a person who makes thread by spinning.
spin|ney /sp I ni/ (spinneys ) N‑COUNT A spinney is a small area covered with trees. [BRIT ] in AM, use copse
spi n|ning wheel (spinning wheels ) also spinning-wheel N‑COUNT A spinning wheel is a wooden machine that people used in their homes to make thread from wool, in former times.
spi n-off (spin-offs )
1 N‑COUNT A spin-off is an unexpected but useful or valuable result of an activity that was designed to achieve something else. □ [+ from/of ] The company put out a report on commercial spin-offs from its research.
2 N‑COUNT A spin-off is a book, film, or television series that comes after and is related to a successful book, film, or television series.
spin|ster /sp I nstə r / (spinsters ) N‑COUNT A spinster is a woman who has never been married; used especially when talking about an old or middle-aged woman. [OLD-FASHIONED ] WORD HISTORY spinster
A spinster was originally a spinner , that is, a person – not necessarily a woman – whose occupation was spinning. It is said that a young woman was not considered fit to be a wife until she had spun a certain amount of household linen. Hence, the word came to designate an unmarried woman.
spiny /spa I ni/ ADJ A spiny plant or animal is covered with long sharp points. □ …a spiny lobster. □ …a spiny cactus.
spi|ral /spa I ə rəl/ (spirals , spiralling , spiralled ) in AM, use spiraling , spiraled 1 N‑COUNT A spiral is a shape which winds round and round, with each curve above or outside the previous one. ● ADJ [ADJ n] Spiral is also an adjective. □ …a spiral staircase.
2 VERB If something spirals or is spiralled somewhere, it grows or moves in a spiral curve. □ [V adv/prep] Vines spiraled upward toward the roof. □ [be V -ed] Did you notice whether the roots were spiralled round the pot? [Also V ] ● N‑COUNT Spiral is also a noun. □ Larks were rising in spirals from the ridge.
3 VERB If an amount or level spirals , it rises quickly and at an increasing rate. □ [V ] Production costs began to spiral. □ [V -ing] …a spiralling trend of violence. □ [V adv/prep] The unemployment rate is spiralling upwards. ● N‑SING Spiral is also a noun. □ …an inflationary spiral. □ …a spiral of debt.
4 VERB If an amount or level spirals downwards, it falls quickly and at an increasing rate. □ [V adv/prep] House prices will continue to spiral downwards.
spire /spa I ə r / (spires ) N‑COUNT The spire of a building such as a church is the tall pointed structure on the top.
spir|it ◆◆◇ /sp I r I t/ (spirits , spiriting , spirited )
1 N‑SING Your spirit is the part of you that is not physical and that consists of your character and feelings. □ The human spirit is virtually indestructible.
2 → see also kindred spirit
3 N‑COUNT [usu poss N ] A person's spirit is the non-physical part of them that is believed to remain alive after their death. □ His spirit has left him and all that remains is the shell of his body.
4 N‑COUNT A spirit is a ghost or supernatural being. □ …protection against evil spirits.
5 → see also Holy Spirit
6 N‑UNCOUNT Spirit is the courage and determination that helps people to survive in difficult times and to keep their way of life and their beliefs. □ She was a very brave girl and everyone who knew her admired her spirit.
7 N‑UNCOUNT Spirit is the liveliness and energy that someone shows in what they do. □ They played with spirit.
8 N‑SING The spirit in which you do something is the attitude you have when you are doing it. □ [+ of ] Their problem can only be solved in a spirit of compromise.
9 N‑UNCOUNT [oft n N ] A particular kind of spirit is the feeling of loyalty to a group that is shared by the people who belong to the group. □ There is a great sense of team spirit among the British squad.
10 N‑SING A particular kind of spirit is the set of ideas, beliefs, and aims that are held by a group of people. □ …the real spirit of the Labour movement.
11 N‑SING The spirit of something such as a law or an agreement is the way that it was intended to be interpreted or applied. □ [+ of ] The requirement for work permits violates the spirit of the 1950 treaty.
12 N‑COUNT [usu adj N ] You can refer to a person as a particular kind of spirit if they show a certain characteristic or if they show a lot of enthusiasm in what they are doing. □ I like to think of myself as a free spirit.
13 N‑PLURAL Your spirits are your feelings at a particular time, especially feelings of happiness or unhappiness. □ At supper, everyone was in high spirits.
14 VERB If someone or something is spirited away , or if they are spirited out of somewhere, they are taken from a place quickly and secretly without anyone noticing. [WRITTEN ] □ [be V -ed + away ] He was spirited away and probably murdered. □ [V n + away ] His parents had spirited him away to the country. □ [be V -ed prep/adv] It is possible that he has been spirited out of the country.
15 N‑PLURAL Spirits are strong alcoholic drinks such as whisky and gin.
16 N‑UNCOUNT Spirit or spirits is an alcoholic liquid that is used as a fuel, for cleaning things, or for other purposes. There are many kinds of spirit.
17 → see also methylated spirits , surgical spirit COLLOCATIONS spirit NOUN
8
adjective + spirit : adventurous, competitive, entrepreneurial
9
noun + spirit : community, team
verb + spirit : embody, enter into, foster
13
adjective + spirit : good, high, low
verb + spirit : dampen, lift, raise
spir|it|ed /sp I r I t I d/
1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A spirited action shows great energy and courage. □ This television program provoked a spirited debate in the United Kingdom.
2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A spirited person is very active, lively, and confident. □ He was by nature a spirited little boy.
-spirited /-sp I r I t I d/
1 COMB -spirited combines with adjectives to describe a person's character, attitude, or behaviour. For example, a mean-spirited person behaves in a way that is unkind to other people; a free-spirited person behaves freely and does as they please. □ That's a mean-spirited thing for a mother to say. □ Murray was an affable, free-spirited man.
2 → see also high-spirited , public-spirited
spir|it|less /sp I r I tləs/ ADJ If someone is spiritless , they lack energy, courage, and liveliness. □ They were too spiritless even to resist.
spi r|it lev|el (spirit levels ) also spirit-level N‑COUNT A spirit level is a device for testing to see if a surface is level. It consists of a plastic, wood, or metal frame containing a glass tube of liquid with an air bubble in it.
spir|itu|al ◆◇◇ /sp I r I tʃuəl/ (spirituals )
1 ADJ Spiritual means relating to people's thoughts and beliefs, rather than to their bodies and physical surroundings. □ She lived entirely by spiritual values, in a world of poetry and imagination. ● spir|itu|al|ly ADV □ Our whole programme is spiritually oriented but not religious. ● spir|itu|al|ity /sp I r I tʃuæ l I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT □ [+ of ] …the peaceful spirituality of Japanese culture.
2 ADJ Spiritual means relating to people's religious beliefs. □ The spiritual leader of Ireland's 3.7 million Catholics.
3 N‑COUNT A spiritual is a religious song of the type originally sung by black slaves in America.
spir|itu|al|ism /sp I r I tʃuəl I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Spiritualism is the belief that the spirits of people who are dead can communicate with people who are still alive. ● spir|itu|al|ist (spiritualists ) N‑COUNT □ He was a poet and an ardent spiritualist.
spit /sp I t/ (spits , spitting , spat ) In American English, the form spit is used as the past tense and past participle. 1 N‑UNCOUNT Spit is the watery liquid produced in your mouth. You usually use spit to refer to an amount of it that has been forced out of someone's mouth.
2 VERB If someone spits , they force an amount of liquid out of their mouth, often to show hatred or contempt. □ [V ] The gang thought of hitting him too, but decided just to spit. □ [V prep] They spat at me and taunted me. □ [V prep] She spit into the little tray of mascara and brushed it on her lashes.
3 VERB If you spit liquid or food somewhere, you force a small amount of it out of your mouth. □ [V n with out ] Spit out that gum and pay attention. □ [V n prep] He felt as if a serpent had spat venom into his eyes.
4 VERB [usu cont] If it is spitting , it is raining very lightly. [BRIT ] □ [V ] It will stop in a minute–it's only spitting. in AM, use sprinkle 5 N‑COUNT A spit is a long rod which is pushed through a piece of meat and hung over an open fire to cook the meat. □ She roasted the meat on a spit.
6 N‑COUNT A spit of land is a long, flat, narrow piece of land that sticks out into the sea.
7 PHRASE If one place is within spitting distance of another, they are very close to each other. [INFORMAL ] □ [+ of ] …a restaurant within spitting distance of the Tower of London.
8 PHRASE If you say that one person is the spitting image of another, you mean that they look very similar. [INFORMAL ] □ Nina looks the spitting image of her mother.
spite ◆◇◇ /spa I t/
1 PHRASE You use in spite of to introduce a fact which makes the rest of the statement you are making seem surprising. □ Their love of life comes in spite of, almost in defiance of, considerable hardship.
2 PHRASE If you do something in spite of yourself , you do it although you did not really intend to or expect to. □ The blunt comment made Richard laugh in spite of himself.
3 N‑UNCOUNT If you do something cruel out of spite , you do it because you want to hurt or upset someone. □ He thinks Dan has vandalised the car out of spite.
4 VERB [only to-inf] If you do something cruel to spite someone, you do it in order to hurt or upset them. □ [V n] You don't want to come because you want to spite me in front of my neighbours.
5 to cut off your nose to spite your face → see nose USAGE in spite of
Don’t use ‘in spite of ’ as a conjunction. Don’t say, for example, ‘
In spite of we protested, they took him away
’. Say ‘Although
we protested, they took him away’. □
Although
he was late, he stopped to buy a sandwich.
spite|ful /spa I tfʊl/ ADJ Someone who is spiteful does cruel things to hurt people they dislike. □ He could be spiteful. □ …a stream of spiteful telephone calls. ● spite|ful|ly ADV [ADV with v] □ We crept into our little sister's bedroom and spitefully defaced her pop posters.
spit|tle /sp I t ə l/ N‑UNCOUNT Spittle is the watery liquid which is produced in your mouth. [OLD-FASHIONED ] □ Spittle oozed down his jaw.
spiv /sp I v/ (spivs ) N‑COUNT A spiv is a man who does not have a regular job and who makes money by business deals which are usually illegal. [BRIT , INFORMAL ]
splash /splæ ʃ/ (splashes , splashing , splashed )
1 VERB If you splash about or splash around in water, you hit or disturb the water in a noisy way, causing some of it to fly up into the air. □ [V about/around ] A lot of people were in the water, swimming or simply splashing about. □ [V ] She could hear the voices of her friends as they splashed in a nearby rock pool. □ [V + into ] The gliders and their pilots splashed into the lake and had to be fished out.
2 VERB If you splash a liquid somewhere or if it splashes , it hits someone or something and scatters in a lot of small drops. □ [V n prep] He closed his eyes tight, and splashed the water on his face. □ [V prep/adv] A little wave, the first of many, splashed in my face. □ [V n] Coffee splashed the carpet. □ [V n + with ] Lorries rumbled past them, splashing them with filthy water from the potholes in the road.
3 N‑SING A splash is the sound made when something hits water or falls into it. □ There was a splash and something fell clumsily into the water.
4 N‑COUNT A splash of a liquid is a small quantity of it that falls on something or is added to something. □ Wallcoverings and floors should be able to withstand steam and splashes.
5 N‑COUNT A splash of colour is an area of a bright colour which contrasts strongly with the colours around it. □ [+ of ] Anne left the walls white, but added splashes of colour with the paintings.
6 VERB If a magazine or newspaper splashes a story, it prints it in such a way that it is very noticeable. □ [V n] The newspapers splashed the story all over their front pages.
7 PHRASE If you make a splash , you become noticed or become popular because of something that you have done. □ Now she's made a splash in a top American television show.
▸ splash out PHRASAL VERB [no passive] If you splash out on something, especially on a luxury, you buy it even though it costs a lot of money. [BRIT ] □ [V P ] He wanted to splash out on a new car.
splash|down /splæ ʃdaʊn/ (splashdowns ) N‑COUNT A splashdown is the landing of a spacecraft in the sea after a flight.
splat /splæ t/ N‑SING ; N‑COUNT Splat is used to describe the sound of something wet hitting a surface with a lot of force. □ The egg landed on my cheek with a splat.
splat|ter /splæ tə r / (splatters , splattering , splattered ) VERB If a thick wet substance splatters on something or is splattered on it, it drops or is thrown over it. □ [V adv/prep] The rain splattered against the french windows. □ [V n] 'Sorry Edward,' I said, splattering the cloth with jam. □ [V -ed] …a mud-splattered white shirt.
splay /sple I / (splays , splaying , splayed ) VERB If things splay or are splayed , their ends are spread out away from each other. □ [V n] He splayed his fingers across his face. □ [V adv/prep] His fingers splay out in a star shape. □ [V -ed] He was on his stomach, his legs splayed apart.
spleen /spliː n/ (spleens )
1 N‑COUNT Your spleen is an organ near your stomach that controls the quality of your blood.
2 N‑UNCOUNT [usu poss N ] Spleen is great and bitter anger. [FORMAL ] □ His latest book vents his spleen against everything he hates about his country.
splen|did /sple nd I d/
1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you say that something is splendid , you mean that it is very good. □ Our house has got a splendid view across to the Cotswolds. ● splen|did|ly ADV [ADV with v] □ I have heard him tell people that we get along splendidly.
2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe a building or work of art as splendid , you mean that it is beautiful, impressive, and extremely well made. □ …a splendid Victorian mansion. ● splen|did|ly ADV [ADV adj, ADV with v] □ The young women are splendidly dressed, some in floor-length ball gowns.
splen|dour /sple ndə r / (splendours ) in AM, use splendor 1 N‑UNCOUNT The splendour of something is its beautiful and impressive appearance. □ The foreign ministers are meeting in the splendour of the Royal Palace.
2 N‑PLURAL The splendours of a place or way of life are its beautiful and impressive features. □ [+ of ] Montagu was extremely impressed by the splendours of the French court.
sple|net|ic /spl I ne t I k/ ADJ If you describe someone as splenetic , you mean that they easily become very angry about things. [FORMAL ] □ …retired military men with splenetic opinions.
splice /spla I s/ (splices , splicing , spliced ) VERB If you splice two pieces of rope, film, or tape together, you join them neatly at the ends so that they make one continuous piece. □ [V n] He taught me to edit and splice film.
spliff /spl I f/ (spliffs ) N‑COUNT A spliff is a cigarette which contains cannabis or marijuana. [INFORMAL ]
splint /spl I nt/ (splints ) N‑COUNT A splint is a long piece of wood or metal that is fastened to a broken arm, leg, or back to keep it still.
splin|ter /spl I ntə r / (splinters , splintering , splintered )
1 N‑COUNT A splinter is a very thin, sharp piece of wood, glass, or other hard substance, which has broken off from a larger piece. □ [+ of ] …splinters of glass. □ …a splinter in the finger.
2 VERB If something splinters or is splintered , it breaks into thin, sharp pieces. □ [V prep/adv] The ruler cracked and splintered into pieces. □ [V n] The stone rocketed into the glass, splintering it.
spli n|ter group (splinter groups ) N‑COUNT A splinter group is a group of people who break away from a larger group and form a separate organization, usually because they no longer agree with the views of the larger group.
split ◆◆◇ /spl I t/ (splits , splitting ) The form split is used in the present tense and is the past tense and past participle of the verb. 1 VERB If something splits or if you split it, it is divided into two or more parts. □ [V + in/into ] In a severe gale the ship split in two. □ [V n + in/into ] If the chicken is fairly small, you may simply split it in half. □ [V n] …uniting families split by the war.
2 VERB If an organization splits or is split , one group of members disagrees strongly with the other members, and may form a group of their own. □ [V ] Yet it is feared the Republican leadership could split over the agreement. □ [V n] A leadership contest now would split the party. ● ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] Split is also an adjective. □ The Kremlin is deeply split in its approach to foreign policy.
3 N‑COUNT A split in an organization is a disagreement between its members. □ They accused both radicals and conservatives of trying to provoke a split in the party.
4 N‑SING A split between two things is a division or difference between them. □ [+ between ] …a split between what is thought and what is felt.
5 VERB If something such as wood or a piece of clothing splits or is split , a long crack or tear appears in it. □ [V ] The seat of his short grey trousers split. □ [V n] Twist the mixture into individual sausages without splitting the skins.
6 N‑COUNT A split is a long crack or tear. □ The plastic-covered seat has a few small splits around the corners.
7 VERB If two or more people split something, they share it between them. □ [V n] I would rather pay for a meal than watch nine friends pick over and split a bill. □ [be V -ed + between ] All exhibits are for sale, the proceeds being split between Oxfam and the artist.
8 → see also splitting
▸ split off PHRASAL VERB If people split off from a group, they stop being part of the group and become separated from it. □ [V P ] Somehow, Quentin split off from his comrades. □ [V P n] …the Youth Wing which split off the National Liberal party earlier this year.
▸ split up
1 PHRASAL VERB If two people split up , or if someone or something splits them up , they end their relationship or marriage. □ [V P ] My parents split up when I was 16. □ [V n P ] I was beginning to think that nothing could ever split us up. □ [V P + with ] I split up with my boyfriend last year.
2 PHRASAL VERB If a group of people split up or are split up , they go away in different directions. □ [V P ] Did the two of you split up in the woods? □ [V P n] This situation has split up the family. □ [V n P ] Touring the album temporarily split the band up.
3 PHRASAL VERB If you split something up , or if it splits up , you divide it so that it is in a number of smaller separate sections. □ [V P n] Any thought of splitting up the company was unthinkable, they said. □ [V n P ] Even though museums have begged to borrow her collection, she could never split it up. □ [V P ] Her company has had to split up and work from two locations.
spli t e nds N‑PLURAL If you have split ends , some of your hairs are split at the ends because they are dry or damaged.
spli t in|fi ni|tive (split infinitives ) N‑COUNT A split infinitive is a structure in which an adverb is put between 'to' and the infinitive of a verb, as in 'to really experience it'. Some people think it is incorrect to use split infinitives.
spli t-le vel ADJ [usu ADJ n] A split-level house or room has part of the ground floor at a different level from another part, usually because the house has been built on ground that slopes.
spli t per|son|a l|ity (split personalities ) N‑COUNT If you say that someone has a split personality , you mean that their moods can change so much that they seem to have two separate personalities.
spli t-scree n (split-screens )
1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Split-screen is used to describe the technique in making films and television programmes in which two different pieces of film are shown at the same time. □ …split-screen movies.
2 N‑COUNT [oft N n] On a computer screen, a split-screen is a display of two different things in separate parts of the screen. [COMPUTING ]
spli t se |cond also split-second N‑SING A split second is an extremely short period of time. □ Her gaze met Michael's for a split second.
split|ting /spl I t I ŋ/ ADJ [ADJ n] A splitting headache is a very severe and painful one.
splodge /splɒ dʒ/ (splodges ) N‑COUNT A splodge is a large uneven mark or stain, especially one that has been caused by a liquid. [BRIT ] in AM, use splotch
splotch /splɒ tʃ/ (splotches ) N‑COUNT A splotch is a large uneven mark or stain, especially one that has been caused by a liquid.
splurge /splɜː r dʒ/ (splurges , splurging , splurged ) VERB If you splurge on something, you spend a lot of money, usually on things that you do not need. □ [V + on ] We splurged on Bohemian glass for gifts, and for ourselves.
splut|ter /splʌ tə r / (splutters , spluttering , spluttered )
1 VERB If someone splutters , they make short sounds and have difficulty speaking clearly, for example because they are embarrassed or angry. □ [V with quote] 'But it cannot be,' he spluttered. □ [V ] Molly leapt to her feet, spluttering and howling with rage.
2 VERB If something splutters , it makes a series of short, sharp sounds. □ [V ] Suddenly the engine coughed, spluttered and died.
spoil /spɔ I l/ (spoils , spoiling , spoiled , spoilt ) American English uses the form spoiled as the past tense and past participle. British English uses either spoiled or spoilt . 1 VERB If you spoil something, you prevent it from being successful or satisfactory. □ [V n] It's important not to let mistakes spoil your life. □ [be V -ed] Peaceful summer evenings can be spoilt by mosquitoes.
2 VERB If you spoil children, you give them everything they want or ask for. This is considered to have a bad effect on a child's character. □ [V n] Grandparents are often tempted to spoil their grandchildren whenever they come to visit. ● spoilt, spoiled ADJ □ A spoilt child is rarely popular with other children. □ Oh, that child. He's so spoiled.
3 VERB If you spoil yourself or spoil another person, you give yourself or them something nice as a treat or do something special for them. □ [V pron-refl] Spoil yourself with a new perfume this summer. □ [V n] Perhaps I could employ someone to iron his shirts, but I wanted to spoil him. He was my man.
4 VERB If food spoils or if it is spoilt , it is no longer fit to be eaten. □ [V ] We all know that fats spoil by becoming rancid. □ [V n] Some organisms are responsible for spoiling food and cause food poisoning.
5 VERB If someone spoils their vote, they write something illegal on their voting paper, usually as a protest about the election, and their vote is not accepted. [BRIT ] □ [V n] They had broadcast calls for voters to spoil their ballot papers.
6 N‑PLURAL The spoils of something are things that people get as a result of winning a battle or of doing something successfully. □ True to military tradition, the victors are now treating themselves to the spoils of war.
7 PHRASE If you say that someone is spoilt for choice or spoiled for choice , you mean that they have a great many things of the same type to choose from. □ At lunchtime, MPs are spoilt for choice in 26 restaurants and bars.
▸ spoil for PHRASAL VERB [only cont] If you are spoiling for a fight, you are very eager for it to happen. □ [V P n] A mob armed with guns was at the border between the two republics, spoiling for a fight.
spoil|age /spɔ I l I dʒ/ N‑UNCOUNT When spoilage occurs, something, usually food, decays or is harmed, so that it is no longer fit to be used. [TECHNICAL ]
spoil|er /spɔ I lə r / (spoilers )
1 N‑COUNT If you describe someone or something as a spoiler , you mean that they try to spoil the performance of other people or things. □ I was a talentless spoiler. If I couldn't be good, why should they?
2 N‑COUNT A spoiler is an object which forms part of an aircraft's wings or part of the body of a car. It changes the flow of air around the vehicle, allowing an aircraft to change direction or making a car's forward movement more efficient.
spoil|sport /spɔ I lspɔː r t/ (spoilsports ) N‑COUNT If you say that someone is a spoilsport , you mean that they are behaving in a way that ruins other people's pleasure or enjoyment. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ]
spoilt /spɔ I lt/ Spoilt is a past participle and past tense of spoil .
spoke /spoʊ k/ (spokes )
1 Spoke is the past tense of speak .
2 N‑COUNT [usu pl] The spokes of a wheel are the bars that connect the outer ring to the centre.
spo|ken /spoʊ kən/ Spoken is the past participle of speak .
-spoken /-spoʊ kən/ COMB -spoken combines with adverbs and adjectives to form adjectives which indicate how someone speaks. □ The woman was smartly dressed and well-spoken. □ …a soft-spoken man in his early thirties.
spo |ken wo rd N‑SING The spoken word is used to refer to language expressed in speech, for example in contrast to written texts or music. □ The spoken word has more impact than the written word.
spokes|man ◆◇◇ /spoʊ ksmən/ (spokesmen ) N‑COUNT A spokesman is a male spokesperson. □ A U.N. spokesman said that the mission will carry 20 tons of relief supplies.
spokes|person ◆◇◇ /spoʊ kspɜː r s ə n/ (spokespersons or spokespeople ) N‑COUNT A spokesperson is a person who speaks as the representative of a group or organization. □ A spokesperson for Amnesty, Norma Johnston, describes some cases.
spokes|woman ◆◇◇ /spoʊ kswʊmən/ (spokeswomen ) N‑COUNT A spokeswoman is a female spokesperson. □ A United Nations spokeswoman in New York said the request would be considered.
sponge /spʌ ndʒ/ (sponges , sponging , sponged )
1 N‑COUNT Sponge is a very light soft substance with lots of little holes in it, which can be either artificial or natural. It is used to clean things or as a soft layer. □ …a sponge mattress.
2 N‑COUNT A sponge is a sea animal with a soft round body made of natural sponge.
3 N‑COUNT A sponge is a piece of sponge that you use for washing yourself or for cleaning things. □ He wiped off the table with a sponge.
4 VERB If you sponge something, you clean it by wiping it with a wet sponge. □ [V n] Fill a bowl with water and gently sponge your face and body. ● PHRASAL VERB Sponge down means the same as sponge . □ [V n P ] If your child's temperature rises, sponge her down gently with tepid water. [Also V P n (not pron)]
5 N‑VAR A sponge is a light cake or pudding made from flour, eggs, sugar, and sometimes fat. □ It makes a superb filling for cakes and sponges.
6 VERB If you say that someone sponges off other people or sponges on them, you mean that they regularly get money from other people when they should be trying to support themselves. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □ [V + off ] He should just get an honest job and stop sponging off the rest of us! □ [V + on ] He spent his life grumbling about missed opportunities and sponging on his father for money.
sponge|bag /spʌ ndʒbæg/ (spongebags ) also sponge bag N‑COUNT A spongebag is a small bag in which you keep things such as soap and a toothbrush when you are travelling. [BRIT ]
spo nge cake (sponge cakes ) N‑VAR A sponge cake is a very light cake made from flour, eggs, and sometimes fat.
spong|er /spʌ ndʒə r / (spongers ) N‑COUNT If you describe someone as a sponger , you mean that they sponge off other people or organizations. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ]
spon|gy /spʌ ndʒi/ ADJ Something that is spongy is soft and can be pressed in, like a sponge. □ The earth was spongy from rain.
spon|sor ◆◇◇ /spɒ nsə r / (sponsors , sponsoring , sponsored )
1 VERB If an organization or an individual sponsors something such as an event or someone's training, they pay some or all of the expenses connected with it, often in order to get publicity for themselves. □ [be V -ed] The competition was sponsored by Ruinart Champagne.
2 VERB In Britain, if you sponsor someone who is doing something to raise money for charity, for example trying to walk a certain distance, you agree to give them a sum of money for the charity if they succeed in doing it. □ [V n] Please could you sponsor me for my school's campaign for Help the Aged?
3 VERB If you sponsor a proposal or suggestion, you officially put it forward and support it. □ [V n] Eight senators sponsored legislation to stop the military funding.
4 VERB When a country or an organization such as the United Nations sponsors negotiations between countries, it suggests holding the negotiations and organizes them. □ [V n] The superpowers may well have difficulties sponsoring negotiations.
5 VERB If one country accuses another of sponsoring attacks on it, they mean that the other country does not do anything to prevent the attacks, and may even encourage them. □ [V n] We have to make the states that sponsor terrorism pay a price.
6 VERB If a company or organization sponsors a television programme, they pay to have a special advertisement shown at the beginning and end of the programme, and at each commercial break. □ [V n] Companies will now be able to sponsor programmes on ITV and Channel 4.
7 N‑COUNT A sponsor is a person or organization that sponsors something or someone. □ [+ of ] I understand they are to be named as the new sponsors of the League Cup. COLLOCATIONS sponsor VERB 1
sponsor + noun : competition, event, exhibition; programme, project, scheme
noun + sponsor : company, firm
sponsor + adverb : jointly, proudly NOUN 7
noun + sponsor : club, company, event
adjective + sponsor : major, main, potential, principal; corporate, official; proud
verb + sponsor : attract, find, need, seek; name, thank
spon|sored /spɒ nsə r d/ ADJ [ADJ n] In Britain, a sponsored event is an event in which people try to do something such as walk or run a particular distance in order to raise money for charity. □ The sponsored walk will raise money for AIDS care.
spon|sor|ship /spɒ nsə r ʃ I p/
1 N‑UNCOUNT Sponsorship is financial support given by a sponsor. □ Campbell is one of an ever-growing number of skiers in need of sponsorship.
2 N‑UNCOUNT Sponsorship of something is the act of sponsoring it. □ When it is done properly, arts sponsorship can be more effective than advertising.
spon|ta|neity /spɒ ntəne I I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT Spontaneity is spontaneous, natural behaviour. □ He had the spontaneity of a child.
spon|ta|neous /spɒnte I niəs/
1 ADJ Spontaneous acts are not planned or arranged, but are done because someone suddenly wants to do them. □ Their spontaneous outbursts of song were accompanied by lively music. ● spon|ta|neous|ly ADV [usu ADV with v, oft ADV adj] □ As soon as the tremor passed, many people spontaneously arose and cheered.
2 ADJ A spontaneous event happens because of processes within something rather than being caused by things outside it. □ I had another spontaneous miscarriage at around the 16th to 18th week. ● spon|ta|neous|ly ADV [ADV after v] □ Usually a woman's breasts produce milk spontaneously after the birth.
spoof /spuː f/ (spoofs ) N‑COUNT A spoof is something such as an article or television programme that seems to be about a serious matter but is actually a joke. □ …a spoof on Hollywood life.
spook /spuː k/ (spooks , spooking , spooked )
1 N‑COUNT A spook is a ghost. [INFORMAL ]
2 N‑COUNT A spook is a spy. [AM , INFORMAL ] □ …as a U.S. intelligence spook said yesterday.
3 VERB If people are spooked , something has scared them or made them nervous. [mainly AM ] □ [V n] But was it the wind that spooked her? □ [be V -ed] Investors were spooked by slowing economies. ● spooked ADJ [v-link ADJ ] □ He was so spooked that he began to believe he heard strange clicks on the telephone.
spooky /spuː ki/ (spookier , spookiest ) ADJ A place that is spooky has a frightening atmosphere, and makes you feel that there are ghosts around. [INFORMAL ] □ The whole place has a slightly spooky atmosphere.
spool /spuː l/ (spools ) N‑COUNT A spool is a round object onto which thread, tape, or film can be wound, especially before it is put into a machine.
spoon /spuː n/ (spoons , spooning , spooned )
1 N‑COUNT A spoon is an object used for eating, stirring, and serving food. One end of it is shaped like a shallow bowl and it has a long handle. □ He stirred his coffee with a spoon.
2 N‑COUNT You can refer to an amount of food resting on a spoon as a spoon of food. □ [+ of ] …tea with two spoons of sugar.
3 VERB If you spoon food into something, you put it there with a spoon. □ [V n prep] He spooned instant coffee into two of the mugs.
4 → see also greasy spoon , slotted spoon , soup spoon , wooden spoon
5 PHRASE If you think that someone has a lot of advantages because they have a rich or influential family, you can say that they have been born with a silver spoon in their mouth . □ She was born with a silver spoon in her mouth and everything has been done for her.
spoon|er|ism /spuː nər I zəm/ (spoonerisms ) N‑COUNT A spoonerism is a mistake made by a speaker in which the first sounds of two words are changed over, often with a humorous result, for example when someone says 'wrong load' instead of 'long road'.
spoo n-feed (spoon-feeds , spoon-feeding , spoon-fed )
1 VERB [usu passive] If you think that someone is being given too much help with something and is not making enough effort themselves, you can say they are being spoon-fed . [DISAPPROVAL ] □ [be V -ed] Students are unwilling to really work. They want to be spoon-fed.
2 VERB [usu passive] If you say that someone is spoon-fed ideas or information, you mean that they are told about them and are expected to accept them without questioning them. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ [be V -ed n] They were less willing to be spoon-fed doctrines from Japan.
3 VERB If you spoon-feed a small child or a sick person, you feed them using a spoon. □ [V n] Until I got better, he spoon-fed me and did everything around the house.
spoon|ful /spuː nfʊl/ (spoonfuls ) N‑COUNT You can refer to an amount of food resting on a spoon as a spoonful of food. □ [+ of ] He took a spoonful of the stew and ate it.
spoor /spʊə r / N‑SING The spoor of an animal is the marks or substances that it leaves behind as it moves along, which hunters can follow.
spo|rad|ic /spəræ d I k/ ADJ Sporadic occurrences of something happen at irregular intervals. □ …a year of sporadic fighting over northern France. ● spo|radi|cal|ly ADV [ADV with v] □ The distant thunder from the coast continued sporadically.
spore /spɔː r / (spores ) N‑COUNT Spores are cells produced by bacteria and fungi which can develop into new bacteria or fungi.
spor|ran /spɒ r ə n, [AM ] spɔː rən/ (sporrans ) N‑COUNT A sporran is a flat bag made out of leather or fur, which a Scotsman wears on a belt around his waist when he is wearing a skirt called a kilt.
sport ◆◆◇ /spɔː r t/ (sports )
1 N‑VAR Sports are games such as football and basketball and other competitive leisure activities which need physical effort and skill. □ I'd say football is my favourite sport. □ She excels at sport. □ Billy turned on a radio to get the sports news.
2 N‑COUNT If you say that someone is a sport or a good sport , you mean that they cope with a difficult situation or teasing in a cheerful way. [OLD-FASHIONED , APPROVAL ] □ He was accused of having no sense of humor, of not being a good sport. COLLOCATIONS sport NOUN 1
noun + sport : contact, spectator, team; motor, water, winter
adjective + sport : competitive, elite, extreme, professional
verb + sport : enjoy, play, pursue, quit; dominate, promote; watch
sport|ing /spɔː r t I ŋ/
1 ADJ [ADJ n] Sporting means relating to sports or used for sports. □ …major sporting events, such as Wimbledon and the World Cup finals. □ …a huge sporting goods store.
2 PHRASE If you have a sporting chance of doing something, it is quite likely that you will do that thing. □ There was a sporting chance they would meet, but not necessarily at the party.
spo rts car (sports cars ) N‑COUNT A sports car is a low, fast car, usually with room for only two people.
sports|cast /spɔː r tskɑːst, -kæst/ (sportscasts ) N‑COUNT A sportscast is a radio or television broadcast of a sporting event. [mainly AM ]
sports|caster /spɔː r tskɑːstə r , -kæst-/ (sportscasters ) N‑COUNT A sportscaster is a radio or television broadcaster who describes or comments on sporting events. [mainly AM ]
spo rts day (sports days ) N‑VAR In British schools, sports day is a day or an afternoon when pupils compete in athletics contests such as races and the high jump. Parents are often invited to come and watch the events.
spo rts jack|et (sports jackets ) N‑COUNT A sports jacket is a man's jacket, usually made of a woollen material called tweed. It is worn on informal occasions with trousers of a different material.
sports|man /spɔː r tsmən/ (sportsmen ) N‑COUNT A sportsman is a man who takes part in sports.
sports|man|ship /spɔː r tsmənʃ I p/ N‑UNCOUNT Sportsmanship is behaviour and attitudes that show respect for the rules of a game and for the other players.
sports|wear /spɔː r tsweə r / N‑UNCOUNT Sportswear is the special clothing worn for playing sports or for informal leisure activities.
sports|woman /spɔː r tswʊmən/ (sportswomen ) N‑COUNT A sportswoman is a woman who takes part in sports.
spo rts writ|er (sports writers ) N‑COUNT A sports writer is a journalist who writes about sport.
spo rt uti l|ity ve |hi|cle (sport utility vehicles ) also sports utility vehicle N‑COUNT A sport utility vehicle is a powerful vehicle with four-wheel drive that can be driven over rough ground. The abbreviation SUV is often used.
sporty /spɔː r ti/ (sportier , sportiest )
1 ADJ You can describe a car as sporty when it performs like a racing car but can be driven on normal roads. □ The steering and braking are exactly what you want from a sporty car.
2 ADJ Someone who is sporty likes playing sports.
spot ◆◆◇ /spɒ t/ (spots , spotting , spotted )
1 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Spots are small, round, coloured areas on a surface. □ The leaves have yellow areas on the top and underneath are powdery orange spots. □ The swimsuit comes in navy with white spots or blue with green spots.
2 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Spots on a person's skin are small lumps or marks. □ Never squeeze blackheads, spots or pimples.
3 N‑COUNT A spot of a liquid is a small amount of it. [mainly BRIT ] □ [+ of ] Spots of rain had begun to fall.
4 QUANT If you have a spot of something, you have a small amount of it. [mainly BRIT ] □ [+ of ] Mr Brooke is undoubtedly in a spot of bother. □ [+ of ] We've given all the club members tea, coffee and a spot of lunch.
5 N‑COUNT You can refer to a particular place as a spot . □ They stayed at several of the island's top tourist spots. □ They all stood there staring, as if frozen to the spot.
6 N‑COUNT A spot in a television or radio show is a part of it that is regularly reserved for a particular performer or type of entertainment. □ Unsuccessful at screen writing, he got a spot on a CNN film show.
7 VERB If you spot something or someone, you notice them. □ [V n] Vicenzo failed to spot the error.
8 → see also spotted , black spot , blind spot
9 PHRASE If you are on the spot , you are at the actual place where something is happening. □ …areas where troops are on the spot and protecting civilians.
10 PHRASE If you do something on the spot , you do it immediately. □ James was called to see the producer and got the job on the spot.
11 PHRASE If you put someone on the spot , you cause them to have to answer a difficult question or make a difficult decision. □ He put me on the spot because he invited me in front of his mum and I didn't want to go. □ Even clever people are not terribly clever when put on the spot.
12 rooted to the spot → see rooted
13 to have a soft spot for someone → see soft
spo t che ck (spot checks ) also spot-check N‑COUNT If someone carries out a spot check , they examine one thing from a group in order to make sure that it is satisfactory.
spot|less /spɒ tləs/ ADJ Something that is spotless is completely clean. □ Each morning cleaners make sure everything is spotless. ● spot|less|ly ADV [ADV adj] □ The house had huge, spotlessly clean rooms.
spot|light /spɒ tla I t/ (spotlights , spotlighting , spotlighted )
1 N‑COUNT A spotlight is a powerful light, for example in a theatre, which can be directed so that it lights up a small area.
2 VERB If something spotlights a particular problem or situation, it makes people notice it and think about it. □ [V n] …a new book spotlighting female entrepreneurs.
3 PHRASE Someone or something that is in the spotlight is getting a great deal of public attention. □ Webb is back in the spotlight.
spot|lit /spɒ tl I t/ ADJ Something that is spotlit is brightly lit up by one or more spotlights. □ She caught a clear view upwards of the spotlit temple.
spo t-o n also spot on ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] Spot-on means exactly correct or accurate. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □ Schools were told their exam information had to be spot-on and accurate.
spot|ted /spɒ t I d/
1 ADJ Something that is spotted has a pattern of spots on it. □ …hand-painted spotted cups and saucers in green and blue. □ [+ with ] His cheeks were spotted with blackheads.
2 → see also spot
spot|ter /spɒ tə r / (spotters ) N‑COUNT [n N ] A spotter of something such as trains or aeroplanes is someone whose hobby is watching and finding out about them. [BRIT ] □ I was a devoted train spotter.
-spotting /-spɒt I ŋ/ COMB -spotting combines with nouns to form nouns which describe the activity of looking out for things such as birds or trains as a hobby. □ …train-spotting. □ …bird-spotting.
spot|ty /spɒ ti/ (spottier , spottiest ) ADJ Someone who is spotty has spots on their face. □ She was rather fat, and her complexion was muddy and spotty.
spous|al /spaʊ zəl/ ADJ [ADJ n] Spousal rights and duties are ones which you gain if you are married. [AM , FORMAL ]
spouse /spaʊ s/ (spouses ) N‑COUNT Someone's spouse is the person they are married to.
spout /spaʊ t/ (spouts , spouting , spouted )
1 VERB If something spouts liquid or fire, or if liquid or fire spout out of something, it comes out very quickly with a lot of force. □ [V n] He replaced the boiler when the last one began to spout flames. □ [V n prep] The main square has a fountain that spouts water 40 feet into the air. □ [V adv/prep] In a storm, water spouts out of the blowhole just like a whale.
2 N‑COUNT A spout of liquid is a long stream of it which is coming out of something very forcefully.
3 VERB If you say that a person spouts something, you disapprove of them because they say something which you do not agree with or which you think they do not honestly feel. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ [V n] He used his column to spout ill-informed criticism of the Scots rugby team. ● PHRASAL VERB Spout forth and spout off mean the same as spout . □ [V P + about ] …an estate agent spouting forth about houses.
4 N‑COUNT A spout is a long, hollow part of a container through which liquids can be poured out easily.
sprain /spre I n/ (sprains , spraining , sprained )
1 VERB If you sprain a joint such as your ankle or wrist, you accidentally damage it by twisting it or bending it violently. □ [V n] He fell and sprained his ankle. ● sprained ADJ [usu ADJ n] □ …a badly sprained ankle. □ His wrist was sprained.
2 N‑COUNT A sprain is the injury caused by spraining a joint.
sprang /spræ ŋ/ Sprang is the past tense of spring .
sprat /spræ t/ (sprats ) N‑COUNT Sprats are very small European sea fish which can be eaten.
sprawl /sprɔː l/ (sprawls , sprawling , sprawled )
1 VERB If you sprawl somewhere, you sit or lie down with your legs and arms spread out in a careless way. □ [V prep/adv] She sprawled on the bed as he had left her, not even moving to cover herself up. ● PHRASAL VERB Sprawl out means the same as sprawl . □ [V P prep] He would take two aspirin and sprawl out on his bed.
2 → see also sprawled
3 VERB If you say that a place sprawls , you mean that it covers a large area of land. □ [V prep] The State Recreation Area sprawls over 900 acres.
4 N‑UNCOUNT You can use sprawl to refer to an area where a city has grown outwards in an uncontrolled way. □ The whole urban sprawl of Ankara contains over 2.6m people.
sprawled /sprɔː ld/ ADJ [v-link ADJ , ADJ after v] If you are sprawled somewhere, you are sitting or lying with your legs and arms spread out in a careless way. □ People are sprawled on makeshift beds in the cafeteria.
spray ◆◇◇ /spre I / (sprays , spraying , sprayed )
1 N‑VAR Spray is a lot of small drops of water which are being thrown into the air. □ [+ from/of ] The moon was casting a rainbow through the spray from the waterfall.
2 N‑VAR A spray is a liquid kept under pressure in a can or other container, which you can force out in very small drops. □ …hair spray. □ …a can of insect spray.
3 VERB If you spray a liquid somewhere or if it sprays somewhere, drops of the liquid cover a place or shower someone. □ [V n prep/adv] A sprayer hooked to a tractor can spray five gallons onto ten acres. □ [V n + with ] Two inmates hurled slates at prison officers spraying them with a hose. □ [V prep] Drops of blood sprayed across the room.
4 VERB If a lot of small things spray somewhere or if something sprays them, they are scattered somewhere with a lot of force. □ [V prep] A shower of mustard seeds sprayed into the air and fell into the grass. □ [V n prep] The intensity of the blaze shattered windows, spraying glass on the streets below. □ [V n + with ] The bullet slammed into the ceiling, spraying them with bits of plaster.
5 VERB If someone sprays bullets somewhere, they fire a lot of bullets at a group of people or things. □ [V n prep/adv] He ran to the top of the building spraying bullets into shoppers below. □ [be V -ed + with ] The army lorries were sprayed with machine gun fire from guerrillas in the woods. [Also V n]
6 VERB [usu passive] If something is sprayed , it is painted using paint kept under pressure in a container. □ [be V -ed + with ] The bare metal was sprayed with several coats of primer.
7 VERB When someone sprays against insects, they cover plants or crops with a chemical which prevents insects feeding on them. □ [V + against ] He doesn't spray against pests or diseases. □ [V n] Confine the use of insecticides to the evening and do not spray plants that are in flower. □ [V ] Because of the immunity of the immature insects, it's important to spray regularly. [Also V n prep]
8 N‑COUNT A spray is a piece of equipment for spraying water or another liquid, especially over growing plants.
9 N‑COUNT A spray of flowers or leaves is a number of flowers or leaves on one stem or branch. □ [+ of ] …a small spray of freesias. SYNONYMS spray VERB 3
squirt: Norman cut open his pie and squirted tomato sauce into it.
splash: He closed his eyes tight, and splashed the water on his face.
sprinkle: At the festival, candles are blessed and sprinkled with holy water.
spra y can (spray cans ) also spray-can N‑COUNT A spray can is a small metal container containing liquid such as paint under pressure so that it can be sprayed.
spray|er /spre I ə r / (sprayers ) N‑COUNT A sprayer is a piece of equipment used for spraying liquid somewhere.
spra y gun (spray guns ) also spray-gun N‑COUNT A spray gun is a piece of equipment which you use to spray paint under pressure onto a surface.
spra y paint (spray paints , spray painting , spray painted ) also spray-paint
1 N‑VAR Spray paint is paint bought in a special can which you spray on a surface by pressing a button on the top of the can. □ The walls have been horribly vandalized with spray paint.
2 VERB If you spray paint a surface, you paint it using spray paint. If you spray paint something on a surface, you paint it on that surface using spray paint. □ [V n] The youths are taught how to spray paint cars and mend fences. □ [V n + on ] He spray-painted his name on the wall.
spread ◆◆◇ /spre d/ (spreads , spreading , spread )
1 VERB If you spread something somewhere, you open it out or arrange it over a place or surface, so that all of it can be seen or used easily. □ [V n prep] She spread a towel on the sand and lay on it. ● PHRASAL VERB Spread out means the same as spread . □ [V n P ] He extracted several glossy prints and spread them out on a low coffee table. □ [V P n] In his room, Tom was spreading out a map of Scandinavia on the bed.
2 VERB If you spread your arms, hands, fingers, or legs, you stretch them out until they are far apart. □ [V n adv] Sitting on the floor, spread your legs as far as they will go without overstretching. □ [V n adj] He stepped back and spread his hands wide. 'You are most welcome to our home.' [Also V n] ● PHRASAL VERB Spread out means the same as spread . □ [V P n] David spread out his hands as if showing that he had no explanation. □ [V n P ] You need a bed that's large enough to let you spread yourself out.
3 VERB If you spread a substance on a surface or spread the surface with the substance, you put a thin layer of the substance over the surface. □ [V n prep] Spread the mixture in the cake tin and bake for 30 minutes. □ [V n + with ] Spread the bread with the cheese.
4 N‑VAR Spread is a soft food which is put on bread. □ …a wholemeal salad roll with low fat spread.
5 VERB If something spreads or is spread by people, it gradually reaches or affects a larger and larger area or more and more people. □ [V prep/adv] The industrial revolution which started a couple of hundred years ago in Europe is now spreading across the world. □ [V ] …the sense of fear spreading in residential neighborhoods. □ [be V -ed] He was fed-up with the lies being spread about him. ● N‑SING Spread is also a noun. □ The greatest hope for reform is the gradual spread of information.
6 VERB If something such as a liquid, gas, or smoke spreads or is spread , it moves outwards in all directions so that it covers a larger area. □ [V ] Fire spread rapidly after a chemical truck exploded. □ [V prep] A dark red stain was spreading across his shirt. □ [V n prep] In Northern California, a wildfire has spread a haze of smoke over 200 miles. ● N‑SING Spread is also a noun. □ The situation was complicated by the spread of a serious forest fire.
7 VERB If you spread something over a period of time, it takes place regularly or continuously over that period, rather than happening at one time. □ [V n + over ] You can eat all your calorie allowance in one go, or spread it over the day.
8 VERB If you spread something such as wealth or work, you distribute it evenly or equally. □ [V n] …policies that spread the state's wealth more evenly. ● N‑SING Spread is also a noun. □ [+ of ] There are easier ways to encourage the even spread of wealth.
9 N‑SING A spread of ideas, interests, or other things is a wide variety of them. □ [+ of ] …primary schools with a typical spread of ability.
10 N‑COUNT A spread is a large meal, especially one that has been prepared for a special occasion.
11 N‑COUNT A spread is two pages of a book, magazine, or newspaper that are opposite each other when you open it at a particular place. □ There was a double-page spread of a dinner for 46 people.
12 N‑SING Spread is used to refer to the difference between the price that a seller wants someone to pay for a particular stock or share and the price that the buyer is willing to pay. [BUSINESS ] □ Market makers earn their livings from the spread between buying and selling prices.
13 to spread your wings → see wing
▸ spread out
1 PHRASAL VERB If people, animals, or vehicles spread out , they move apart from each other. □ [V P ] Felix watched his men move like soldiers, spreading out into two teams.
2 PHRASAL VERB If something such as a city or forest spreads out , it gets larger and gradually begins to covers a larger area. □ [V P ] Cities such as Tokyo are spreading out.
3 → see spread 1 , spread 2 SYNONYMS spread VERB
1
open out: …oval tables which open out to become circular.
extend: … a table which extends to accommodate extra guests.
stretch: Ease the pastry into the corners of the tin, making sure you don't stretch it.
unfold: The bird's wings unfold to an impressive six-foot span.
3
coat: Coat the fish with seasoned flour.
smear: Smear a little olive oil over the inside of the salad bowl.
smooth: She smoothed the lotion across his shoulder blades.
plaster: She plastered herself from head to toe in high-factor sun lotion.
sprea d bet|ting N‑UNCOUNT Spread betting is a form of gambling that involves predicting a range of possible scores or results rather than one particular score or result.
spread|eagled /spre diːg ə ld/ also spread-eagled ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] Someone who is spreadeagled is lying with their arms and legs spread out. □ They lay spreadeagled on the floor.
sprea d ou t ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If people or things are spread out , they are a long way apart. □ The Kurds are spread out across five nations.
spread|sheet /spre dʃiːt/ (spreadsheets ) N‑COUNT A spreadsheet is a computer program that is used for displaying and dealing with numbers. Spreadsheets are used mainly for financial planning. [COMPUTING ]
spree /spriː / (sprees ) N‑COUNT [usu n N ] If you spend a period of time doing something in an excessive way, you can say that you are going on a particular kind of spree . □ Some Americans went on a spending spree in December to beat the new tax.
sprig /spr I g/ (sprigs ) N‑COUNT A sprig is a small stem with leaves on it which has been picked from a bush or plant, especially so that it can be used in cooking or as a decoration.
sprigged /spr I gd/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Sprigged material or paper has a pattern of small leaves or flowers on it. □ …a sprigged cotton dress.
spright|ly /spra I tli/ (sprightlier , sprightliest ) ADJ [usu ADJ n] A sprightly person, especially an old person, is lively and active. □ …the sprightly 85-year-old President.
spring ◆◆◇ /spr I ŋ/ (springs , springing , sprang , sprung )
1 N‑VAR Spring is the season between winter and summer when the weather becomes warmer and plants start to grow again. □ We planted bulbs to flower in spring. □ The Labor government of Western Australia has an election due next spring. □ We met again in the spring of 1977. □ The apricot plant provides delicate, white spring flowers.
2 N‑COUNT A spring is a spiral of wire which returns to its original shape after it is pressed or pulled. □ Both springs in the fuel pump were broken.
3 N‑COUNT [usu pl] A spring is a place where water comes up through the ground. It is also the water that comes from that place. □ To the north are the hot springs of Banyas de Sant Loan.
4 VERB When a person or animal springs , they jump upwards or forwards suddenly or quickly. □ [V prep] He sprang to his feet, grabbing his keys off the coffee table. □ [V prep] Throwing back the sheet, he sprang from the bed. □ [V ] The lion roared once and sprang.
5 VERB If something springs in a particular direction, it moves suddenly and quickly. □ [V adj] Sadly when the lid of the boot sprang open, it was empty.
6 VERB If one thing springs from another thing, it is the result of it. □ [V + from ] Ethiopia's art springs from her early Christian as well as her Muslim heritage.
7 VERB If a boat or container springs a leak , water or some other liquid starts coming in or out through a crack. □ [V n] The yacht has sprung a leak in the hull.
8 VERB If you spring some news or a surprise on someone, you tell them something that they did not expect to hear, without warning them. □ [V n + on ] Mclaren sprang a new idea on him.
9 to spring to mind → see mind ➊
▸ spring up PHRASAL VERB If something springs up , it suddenly appears or begins to exist. □ [V P ] New theatres and arts centres sprang up all over the country.
spring|board /spr I ŋbɔː r d/ (springboards )
1 N‑COUNT If something is a springboard for something else, it makes it possible for that thing to happen or start. □ [+ for/to ] The 1981 budget was the springboard for an economic miracle.
2 N‑COUNT A springboard is a flexible board from which you jump into a swimming pool or onto a piece of gymnastic equipment.
spri ng chi ck|en (spring chickens ) PHRASE If you say that someone is no spring chicken , you are saying that they are not young. [HUMOROUS ] □ At 85, he is no spring chicken, but Henry Cook is busier than ever.
spri ng-clea n (spring-cleans , spring-cleaning , spring-cleaned ) VERB When you spring-clean a house, you thoroughly clean everything in it. □ [V n] It's almost as easy to give your rooms a new coat of paint as to spring-clean them.
spri ng o n|ion (spring onions ) N‑VAR [usu pl] Spring onions are small onions with long green leaves. They are often eaten raw in salads. [BRIT ] in AM, use scallion
spri ng ro ll (spring rolls ) N‑COUNT A spring roll is a Chinese food consisting of a small roll of thin pastry filled with vegetables and sometimes meat, and then fried.
spri ng tide (spring tides ) N‑COUNT A spring tide is an unusually high tide that happens at the time of a new moon or a full moon.
spring|time /spr I ŋta I m/ N‑UNCOUNT Springtime is the period of time during which spring lasts.
springy /spr I ŋi/ ADJ If something is springy , it returns quickly to its original shape after you press it. □ Steam for about 12 mins until the cake is risen and springy to touch in the centre.
sprin|kle /spr I ŋk ə l/ (sprinkles , sprinkling , sprinkled )
1 VERB If you sprinkle a thing with something such as a liquid or powder, you scatter the liquid or powder over it. □ [V n + with ] Sprinkle the meat with salt and place in the pan. □ [be V -ed + on ] Cheese can be sprinkled on egg or vegetable dishes.
2 VERB If something is sprinkled with particular things, it has a few of them throughout it and they are far apart from each other. □ [be V -ed + with ] Unfortunately, the text is sprinkled with errors. □ [be V -ed prep] Men in green army uniforms are sprinkled throughout the huge auditorium.
3 VERB If it is sprinkling , it is raining very lightly. [AM ] in BRIT, use spit
sprin|kler /spr I ŋklə r / (sprinklers ) N‑COUNT A sprinkler is a device used to spray water. Sprinklers are used to water plants or grass, or to put out fires in buildings.
sprin|kling /spr I ŋkl I ŋ/ N‑SING A sprinkling of something is a small quantity or amount of it, especially if it is spread over a large area. □ [+ of ] …a light sprinkling of snow.
sprint /spr I nt/ (sprints , sprinting , sprinted )
1 N‑SING The sprint is a short, fast running race. □ Rob Harmeling won the sprint in Bordeaux. □ …the women's 100-metres sprint.
2 N‑COUNT A sprint is a short race in which the competitors run, drive, ride, or swim very fast. □ Lewis will compete in both sprints in Stuttgart.
3 N‑SING A sprint is a fast run that someone does, either at the end of a race or because they are in a hurry. □ I broke into a sprint.
4 VERB If you sprint , you run or ride as fast as you can over a short distance. □ [V adv/prep] Sergeant Horne sprinted to the car.
sprint|er /spr I ntə r / (sprinters ) N‑COUNT A sprinter is a person who takes part in short, fast races.
sprite /spra I t/ (sprites ) N‑COUNT In fairy stories and legends, a sprite is a small, magic creature which lives near water.
spritz|er /spr I tsə r / (spritzers ) N‑COUNT A spritzer is a drink consisting of white wine and soda water.
sprock|et /sprɒ k I t/ (sprockets ) N‑COUNT A sprocket is a wheel with teeth around the outer edge that fit into the holes in a chain or a length of film or tape in order to move it round.
sprog /sprɒ g/ (sprogs ) N‑COUNT A sprog is a baby or child. [BRIT , INFORMAL ]
sprout /spraʊ t/ (sprouts , sprouting , sprouted )
1 VERB When plants, vegetables, or seeds sprout , they produce new shoots or leaves. □ [V ] It only takes a few days for beans to sprout.
2 VERB When leaves, shoots, or plants sprout somewhere, they grow there. □ [V prep] Leaf-shoots were beginning to sprout on the hawthorn.
3 VERB [no passive] If a garden or other area of land sprouts plants, they start to grow there. □ [V n] …the garden, which had had time to sprout a shocking collection of weeds.
4 VERB [no passive] If something such as hair sprouts from a person or animal, or if they sprout it, it grows on them. □ [V prep] She has little wire-rimmed glasses and whiskers sprouting from her chin. □ [V n] Kevin is sprouting a few grey hairs.
5 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Sprouts are vegetables that look like tiny cabbages. They are also called brussels sprouts .
6 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Sprouts are new shoots on plants. □ After eleven days of growth the number of sprouts was counted.
spruce /spruː s/ (spruce , spruces , sprucing , spruced )
1 N‑VAR A spruce is a kind of evergreen tree. □ Trees such as spruce, pine and oak have been planted. □ …a young blue spruce. □ …80-year-old spruces. ● N‑UNCOUNT Spruce is the wood from this tree. □ Early settlers built frames of spruce, maple and pine.
2 ADJ Someone who is spruce is very neat and smart in appearance. □ Chris was looking spruce in his stiff-collared black shirt and new short hair cut.
▸ spruce up PHRASAL VERB If something is spruced up , its appearance is improved. If someone is spruced up , they have made themselves look very smart. □ [be V -ed P ] Many buildings have been spruced up. □ [V n P ] In the evening we spruced ourselves up a bit and went out for dinner.
sprung /sprʌ ŋ/ Sprung is the past participle of spring .
spry /spra I / ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] Someone, especially an old person, who is spry , is lively and active. □ The old gentleman was as spry as ever.
spud /spʌ d/ (spuds ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Spuds are potatoes. [INFORMAL ]
spun /spʌ n/ Spun is the past tense and past participle of spin .
spunk /spʌ ŋk/ N‑UNCOUNT Spunk is courage. [INFORMAL , APPROVAL ] □ I admired her independence and her spunk.
spunky /spʌ ŋki/ (spunkier , spunkiest ) ADJ A spunky person shows courage. [INFORMAL , APPROVAL ] □ She's so spunky and spirited.
spur ◆◇◇ /spɜː r / (spurs , spurring , spurred )
1 VERB If one thing spurs you to do another, it encourages you to do it. □ [V n to-inf] It's the money that spurs these fishermen to risk a long ocean journey in their flimsy boats. □ [V n + to/into ] His friend's plight had spurred him into taking part. ● PHRASAL VERB Spur on means the same as spur . □ [V n P ] Their attitude, rather than reining him back, only seemed to spur Philip on. □ [V n P + to ] We may not like criticism, but it can spur us on to greater things. [Also V P n (not pron), V n P to-inf]
2 VERB If something spurs a change or event, it makes it happen faster or sooner. [JOURNALISM ] □ [V n] The administration may put more emphasis on spurring economic growth.
3 N‑COUNT [usu sing] Something that acts as a spur to something else encourages a person or organization to do that thing or makes it happen more quickly. □ [+ to ] …a belief in competition as a spur to efficiency.
4 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Spurs are small metal wheels with sharp points that are attached to the heels of a rider's boots. The rider uses them to make their horse go faster.
5 N‑COUNT The spur of a hill or mountain is a piece of ground which sticks out from its side.
6 PHRASE If you do something on the spur of the moment , you do it suddenly, without planning it beforehand. □ They admitted they had taken a vehicle on the spur of the moment.
spu|ri|ous /spjʊə riəs/
1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Something that is spurious seems to be genuine, but is false. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ He was arrested in 1979 on spurious corruption charges.
2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A spurious argument or way of reasoning is incorrect, and so the conclusion is probably incorrect. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ …a spurious framework for analysis.
spurn /spɜː r n/ (spurns , spurning , spurned ) VERB If you spurn someone or something, you reject them. □ [V n] He spurned the advice of management consultants. □ [V -ed] …a spurned lover.
spu r-of-the-mo ment → see spur
spurt /spɜː r t/ (spurts , spurting , spurted )
1 VERB When liquid or fire spurts from somewhere, or when something spurts liquid or fire, it comes out quickly in a thin, powerful stream. □ [V n] They spurted blood all over me. I nearly passed out. □ [V n] …a fountain that spurts water nine stories high. □ [V prep] I saw flames spurt from the roof. [Also V ] ● PHRASAL VERB Spurt out means the same as spurt . □ [V P n] When the washing machine spurts out water at least we can mop it up. □ [V P ] Wear eye protection when opening the container, since it's so easy for contents to spurt out.
2 N‑COUNT A spurt of liquid is a stream of it which comes out of something very forcefully. □ [+ of ] A spurt of diesel came from one valve and none from the other.
3 N‑COUNT A spurt of activity, effort, or emotion is a sudden, brief period of intense activity, effort, or emotion. □ At adolescence, muscles go through a growth spurt.
4 VERB If someone or something spurts somewhere, they suddenly increase their speed for a short while in order to get there. □ [V prep/adv] The back wheels spun and the van spurted up the last few feet.
5 PHRASE If something happens in spurts , there are periods of activity followed by periods in which it does not happen. □ The deals came in spurts: three in 1977, none in 1978, three more in 1979.
sput|ter /spʌ tə r / (sputters , sputtering , sputtered ) VERB If something such as an engine or a flame sputters , it works or burns in an uneven way and makes a series of soft popping sounds. □ [V ] The truck sputtered and stopped. □ [V prep/adv] The flame sputters out.
spu|tum /spjuː təm/ N‑UNCOUNT Sputum is the wet substance which is coughed up from someone's lungs. [MEDICAL ]
spy /spa I / (spies , spying , spied )
1 N‑COUNT A spy is a person whose job is to find out secret information about another country or organization. □ He was jailed for five years as an alleged British spy.
2 ADJ [ADJ n] A spy satellite or spy plane obtains secret information about another country by taking photographs from the sky.
3 VERB Someone who spies for a country or organization tries to find out secret information about another country or organization. □ [V + for ] The agent spied for the government for more than twenty years. □ [V + on ] East and West are still spying on one another. □ [V + against ] I never agreed to spy against the United States. ● spy|ing N‑UNCOUNT □ …a ten-year sentence for spying.
4 VERB If you spy on someone, you watch them secretly. □ [V + on n] That day he spied on her while pretending to work on the shrubs.
5 VERB If you spy someone or something, you notice them. [LITERARY ] □ [V n] He was walking down the street when he spied an old friend.
spy|master /spa I mɑːstə r , -mæs-/ (spymasters ) N‑COUNT A spymaster is a spy who is in charge of a group of spies.
spy|ware /spa I weə r / N‑UNCOUNT Spyware is computer software that secretly records information about which websites you visit. [COMPUTING ] □ The publishers promise not to use spyware to grab your personal information.
sq also sq. sq is used as a written abbreviation for square when you are giving the measurement of an area. □ The building provides about 25,500 sq ft of air-conditioned offices.
squab|ble /skwɒ b ə l/ (squabbles , squabbling , squabbled ) VERB When people squabble , they quarrel about something that is not really important. □ [V ] They are devoted to each other although they squabble all the time. □ [V + with ] My four-year-old squabbles with his friends. ● squab|bling N‑UNCOUNT □ In recent months its government has been paralysed by political squabbling.
squad ◆◇◇ /skwɒ d/ (squads )
1 N‑COUNT [usu sing] A squad is a section of a police force that is responsible for dealing with a particular type of crime. □ The building was evacuated and the bomb squad called. □ The club is under investigation by the fraud squad.
2 N‑COUNT A squad is a group of players from which a sports team will be chosen. □ She has been named in the England squad for the tour.
3 N‑COUNT A squad of soldiers is a small group of them. □ [+ of ] …a squad of commandos.
4 → see also death squad , firing squad , Flying Squad , vice squad
squa d car (squad cars ) N‑COUNT A squad car is a car used by the police. [AM ] in BRIT, usually use patrol car , police car
squad|die /skwɒ di/ (squaddies ) N‑COUNT A squaddie is a soldier of the lowest rank in the army. [BRIT , INFORMAL ]
squad|ron /skwɒ drən/ (squadrons ) N‑COUNT [with sing or pl verb] A squadron is a section of one of the armed forces, especially the air force. □ He commanded a squadron of six warships.
squa d|ron lea d|er (squadron leaders ) N‑COUNT ; N‑TITLE A squadron leader is an officer of middle rank in the British air force.
squal|id /skwɒ l I d/
1 ADJ A squalid place is dirty, untidy, and in bad condition. □ He followed her up a rickety staircase to a squalid bedsit.
2 ADJ Squalid activities are unpleasant and often dishonest. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ They called the bill 'a squalid measure'.
squall /skwɔː l/ (squalls , squalling , squalled )
1 N‑COUNT A squall is a sudden strong wind which often causes a brief, violent rain storm or snow storm. □ The boat was hit by a squall north of the island.
2 VERB If a person or animal squalls , they make a loud unpleasant noise like the noise made by a crying baby. □ [V ] There was an infant squalling in the back of the church. □ [V -ing] …squalling guitars.
squal|ly /skwɔː li/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] In squally weather, there are sudden strong winds which often cause brief, violent storms. □ The competitors had to contend with squally weather conditions.
squal|or /skwɒ lə r / N‑UNCOUNT You can refer to very dirty, unpleasant conditions as squalor . □ He was out of work and living in squalor.
squan|der /skwɒ ndə r / (squanders , squandering , squandered ) VERB If you squander money, resources, or opportunities, you waste them. □ [V n + on ] Hooker didn't squander his money on flashy cars or other vices. □ [V n] He had squandered his chances to win.
square ◆◆◇ /skweə r / (squares , squaring , squared )
1 N‑COUNT A square is a shape with four sides that are all the same length and four corners that are all right angles. □ Serve the cake warm or at room temperature, cut in squares. □ Most of the rugs are simple cotton squares.
2 N‑COUNT In a town or city, a square is a flat open place, often in the shape of a square. □ The house is located in one of Pimlico's prettiest garden squares. □ …St Mark's Square.
3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Something that is square has a shape the same as a square or similar to a square. □ Round tables seat more people in the same space as a square table. □ His finger nails were square and cut neatly across.
4 ADJ [ADJ n] Square is used before units of length when referring to the area of something. For example, if something is three metres long and two metres wide, its area is six square metres. □ Canary Wharf was set to provide 10 million square feet of office space. □ The Philippines has just 6,000 square kilometres of forest left.
5 ADJ Square is used after units of length when you are giving the length of each side of something that is square in shape. □ …a linen cushion cover, 45 cm square. □ …two pieces of wood 4 inches square.
6 VERB To square a number means to multiply it by itself. For example, 3 squared is 3 x 3, or 9. 3 squared is usually written as 3². □ [V n] Take the time in seconds, square it, and multiply by 5.12. □ [V -ed] A squared plus B squared equals C squared.
7 N‑COUNT [usu with poss] The square of a number is the number produced when you multiply that number by itself. For example, the square of 3 is 9. □ …the square of the speed of light, an exceedingly large number.
8 VERB If you square two different ideas or actions with each other or if they square with each other, they fit or match each other. □ [V + with ] That explanation squares with the facts, doesn't it. □ [V n + with ] He set out to square his dreams with reality.
9 VERB If you square something with someone, you ask their permission or check with them that what you are doing is acceptable to them. □ [V n + with ] She should have squared things with Jay before she went into this business with Walker.
10 → see also squared , squarely
11 PHRASE If you say that someone squares the circle , you mean that they bring together two things which are normally thought to be so different that they cannot exist together. □ He has squared the circle of keeping the City happy and doing something to improve business cash flow. □ 'Nirvana' squared the circle by making a record that was pop and rock at the same time.
12 PHRASE If you are back to square one , you have to start dealing with something from the beginning again because the way you were dealing with it has failed. □ If your complaint is not upheld, you may feel you are back to square one.
13 fair and square → see fair
▸ square off
1 PHRASAL VERB If you square something off , you alter it so that it has the shape of a square. □ [V P n] Peel a thick-skinned orange and square off the ends with a sharp knife. [Also V P n]
2 PHRASAL VERB If one group or person squares off against or with another, they prepare to fight them. [mainly AM ] □ [V P against ] In Florida, farmers are squaring off against cities for rights to groundwater.
▸ square up PHRASAL VERB If you square up to a problem, person, or situation, you accept that you have to deal with them and take action to do so. □ [V P ] The world's most prestigious insurance company was last night squaring up to take on MPs who have accused it of being riddled with corruption.
squared /skweə r d/
1 ADJ Something that is squared has the shape of a square, or has a pattern of squares on it. □ Draw up a scale floor plan on squared paper, marking in the door opening and windows.
2 → see also square
squa re dance (square dances )
1 N‑COUNT A square dance is a traditional American dance in which sets of four couples dance together, forming a square at the beginning of the dance.
2 N‑COUNT A square dance is a social event where people dance square dances.
square|ly /skweə r li/
1 ADV [ADV with v] Squarely means directly or in the middle, rather than indirectly or at an angle. □ I kept the gun aimed squarely at his eyes.
2 ADV [ADV with v] If something such as blame or responsibility lies squarely with someone, they are definitely the person responsible. □ Responsibility for success or failure lies squarely with the Nigerians.
3 ADV [ADV with v] If you face something squarely , you face it directly, without trying to avoid it. □ The management committee have faced the situation squarely.
squa re mea l (square meals ) N‑COUNT A square meal is a meal which is big enough to satisfy you. □ They haven't had a square meal for four or five days.
Squa re Mi le
1 N‑PROPER The Square Mile is the part of London where many important financial institutions have their main offices.
2 → see also City
squa re roo t (square roots ) N‑COUNT The square root of a number is another number which produces the first number when it is multiplied by itself. For example, the square root of 16 is 4.
squash /skwɒ ʃ/ (squashes , squashing , squashed )
1 VERB If someone or something is squashed , they are pressed or crushed with such force that they become injured or lose their shape. □ [be V -ed + against , be V -ed prep] Robert was hurt when he was squashed against a fence by a car. □ Whole neighbourhoods have been squashed flat by shelling. □ [V n adj] She made clay models and squashed them flat again. [Also V n]
2 ADJ If people or things are squashed into a place, they are put or pushed into a place where there is not enough room for them to be. □ The stage is squashed into a small corner of the field.
3 N‑SING If you say that getting a number of people into a small space is a squash , you mean that it is only just possible for them all to get into it. [INFORMAL ] □ It all looked a bit of a squash as they squeezed inside the small hatchback.
4 VERB If you squash something that is causing you trouble, you put a stop to it, often by force. □ [V n] The troops would stay in position to squash the first murmur of trouble.
5 N‑UNCOUNT Squash is a game in which two players hit a small rubber ball against the walls of a court using rackets.
6 N‑VAR Squash is a drink made from fruit juice, sugar, and water. Squash is sold in bottles in a concentrated form to which you add water. [BRIT ] □ …a glass of orange squash.
7 N‑VAR A squash is one of a family of vegetables that have thick skin and soft or firm flesh inside.
squashy /skwɒ ʃi/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Squashy things are soft and able to be squashed easily. □ …deep, squashy sofas.
squat /skwɒ t/ (squats , squatting , squatted )
1 VERB If you squat , you lower yourself towards the ground, balancing on your feet with your legs bent. □ [V ] We squatted beside the pool and watched the diver sink slowly down. □ [V + on ] He came over and squatted on his heels, looking up at the boys. ● PHRASAL VERB Squat down means the same as squat . □ [V P ] Albert squatted down and examined it. □ [V P prep] She had squatted down on her heels. ● N‑SING Squat is also a noun. □ He bent to a squat and gathered the puppies on his lap.
2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe someone or something as squat , you mean they are short and thick, usually in an unattractive way. □ Eddie was a short squat fellow in his forties with thinning hair.
3 VERB People who squat occupy an unused building or unused land without having a legal right to do so. □ [V ] You can't simply wander around squatting on other people's property. □ [V n] They earn their living by squatting the land and sharecropping.
4 N‑COUNT A squat is an empty building that people are living in illegally, without paying any rent or any property tax. □ After returning from Paris, David moved to a squat in Brixton.
squat|ter /skwɒ tə r / (squatters ) N‑COUNT A squatter is someone who lives in an unused building without having a legal right to do so and without paying any rent or any property tax.
squaw /skwɔː / (squaws ) N‑COUNT In the past, people sometimes referred to a Native American Indian woman as a squaw . [OFFENSIVE ]
squawk /skwɔː k/ (squawks , squawking , squawked )
1 VERB When a bird squawks , it makes a loud harsh noise. □ [V ] I threw pebbles at the hens, and that made them jump and squawk. ● N‑COUNT Squawk is also a noun. □ A mallard suddenly took wing, rising steeply into the air with an angry squawk.
2 VERB If a person squawks , they complain loudly, often in a high-pitched, harsh tone. [INFORMAL ] □ [V that] Mr Arbor squawked that the deal was a double-cross. [Also V ]
squeak /skwiː k/ (squeaks , squeaking , squeaked )
1 VERB If something or someone squeaks , they make a short, high-pitched sound. □ [V ] My boots squeaked a little as I walked. □ [V adj] The door squeaked open. □ [V + with ] She squeaked with delight. ● N‑COUNT Squeak is also a noun. □ He gave an outraged squeak.
2 VERB To squeak through or squeak by means to only just manage to get accepted, get included in something, or win something. □ [V prep/adv] The President's economic package squeaked through the House of Representatives by 219 votes to 213.
3 → see also bubble and squeak
squeaky /skwiː ki/ ADJ Something that is squeaky makes high-pitched sounds. □ …squeaky floorboards. □ He had a squeaky voice.
squea ky clea n also squeaky-clean ADJ If you say that someone is squeaky clean , you mean that they live a very moral life and have never done anything wrong. [INFORMAL ] □ Maybe this guy isn't so squeaky clean after all.
squeal /skwiː l/ (squeals , squealing , squealed ) VERB If someone or something squeals , they make a long, high-pitched sound. □ [V + with ] Jennifer squealed with delight and hugged me. □ [V ] The car's tires squealed again as it sped around the corner. [Also V with quote] ● N‑COUNT Squeal is also a noun. □ At that moment there was a squeal of brakes and the angry blowing of a car horn.
squeam|ish /skwiː m I ʃ/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you are squeamish , you are easily upset by unpleasant sights or situations. □ I am not squeamish about blood.
squeeze ◆◇◇ /skwiː z/ (squeezes , squeezing , squeezed )
1 VERB If you squeeze something, you press it firmly, usually with your hands. □ [V n] He squeezed her arm reassuringly. □ [V n adj] Dip the bread briefly in water, then squeeze it dry. ● N‑COUNT [usu sing] Squeeze is also a noun. □ [+ of ] I liked her way of reassuring you with a squeeze of the hand.
2 VERB If you squeeze a liquid or a soft substance out of an object, you get the liquid or substance out by pressing the object. □ [V n prep] Joe put the plug in the sink and squeezed some detergent over the dishes. □ [V -ed] …freshly squeezed lemon juice.
3 VERB If you squeeze your eyes shut or if your eyes squeeze shut, you close them tightly, usually because you are frightened or to protect your eyes from something such as strong sunlight. □ [V n adj] Nancy squeezed her eyes shut and prayed. □ [V adj] If you keep your eyes squeezed shut, you'll miss the show.
4 VERB If you squeeze a person or thing somewhere or if they squeeze there, they manage to get through or into a small space. □ [V n prep/adv] Somehow they squeezed him into the cockpit, and strapped him in. □ [V prep/adv] Many break-ins are carried out by youngsters who can squeeze through tiny windows.
5 N‑SING If you say that getting a number of people into a small space is a squeeze , you mean that it is only just possible for them all to get into it. [INFORMAL ] □ It was a squeeze in the car with five of them.
6 VERB If you squeeze something out of someone, you persuade them to give it to you, although they may be unwilling to do this. □ [V n + from/out of ] The investigators complained about the difficulties of squeezing information out of residents.
7 VERB If a government squeezes the economy, they put strict controls on people's ability to borrow money or on their own departments' freedom to spend money, in order to control the country's rate of inflation. □ [V n] The government will squeeze the economy into a severe recession to force inflation down. ● N‑SING Squeeze is also a noun. □ The CBI also says the squeeze is slowing down inflation.
8 N‑COUNT Someone's squeeze is their boyfriend or girlfriend. [INFORMAL , JOURNALISM ] □ Jack showed off his latest squeeze at the weekend.
▸ squeeze out PHRASAL VERB [usu passive] If a person or thing is squeezed out , they are no longer included in something that they were previously involved in. □ [be V -ed P ] Other directors appear happy that Lord Hollick has been squeezed out. □ [be V -ed P + of ] Arts subjects will be squeezed out of school timetables. SYNONYMS squeeze VERB 1
press: They pressed the silver knife into the cake.
squash: She made clay models and squashed them flat again.
crush: Andrew crushed his empty can.
pinch: She pinched his arm as hard as she could.
squelch /skwe ltʃ/ (squelches , squelching , squelched ) VERB To squelch means to make a wet, sucking sound, like the sound you make when you are walking on wet, muddy ground. □ [V prep/adv] He squelched across the turf.
squib /skw I b/ (squibs ) PHRASE You can describe something such as an event or a performance as a damp squib when it is expected to be interesting, exciting, or impressive, but fails to be any of these things. [BRIT ] □ The all-party meeting was a damp squib.
squid /skw I d/ (squids or squid ) N‑COUNT A squid is a sea creature with a long soft body and many soft arms called tentacles. ● N‑UNCOUNT Squid is pieces of this creature eaten as food. □ Add the prawns and squid and cook for 2 minutes.
squidgy /skw I dʒi/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Something that is squidgy is soft and can be squashed easily. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □ …the squidgy end of a melon. □ …a squidgy sofa.
squig|gle /skw I g ə l/ (squiggles ) N‑COUNT A squiggle is a line that bends and curls in an irregular way.
squig|gly /skw I gəli/ ADJ Squiggly lines are lines that bend and curl in an irregular way. □ He drew three squiggly lines.
squint /skw I nt/ (squints , squinting , squinted )
1 VERB If you squint at something, you look at it with your eyes partly closed. □ [V prep/adv] The girl squinted at the photograph. □ [V ] The bright sunlight made me squint. □ [V n] He squinted his eyes and looked at the floor.
2 N‑COUNT If someone has a squint , their eyes look in different directions from each other.
squire /skwa I ə r / (squires ) N‑COUNT ; N‑TITLE In former times, the squire of an English village was the man who owned most of the land in it.
squirm /skwɜː r m/ (squirms , squirming , squirmed )
1 VERB If you squirm , you move your body from side to side, usually because you are nervous or uncomfortable. □ [V ] He had squirmed and wriggled and screeched when his father had washed his face. □ [V adj] He gave a feeble shrug and tried to squirm free. □ [V adv/prep] He squirmed out of the straps of his backpack.
2 VERB If you squirm , you are very embarrassed or ashamed. □ [V ] Mentioning religion is a sure way to make him squirm.
squir|rel /skw I rəl, [AM ] skwɜː rəl/ (squirrels ) N‑COUNT A squirrel is a small animal with a long furry tail. Squirrels live mainly in trees.
squirt /skwɜː r t/ (squirts , squirting , squirted )
1 VERB If you squirt a liquid somewhere or if it squirts somewhere, the liquid comes out of a narrow opening in a thin fast stream. □ [V n prep/adv] Norman cut open his pie and squirted tomato sauce into it. □ [V prep/adv] The water squirted from its throat. ● N‑COUNT Squirt is also a noun. □ [+ of ] It just needs a little squirt of oil.
2 VERB If you squirt something with a liquid, you squirt the liquid at it. □ [V n + with ] I squirted him with water.
squishy /skw I ʃi/ (squishier , squishiest ) ADJ Something that is squishy is soft and easy to squash. □ …squishy pink leather chairs.
Sr in AM, use Sr. Sr is a written abbreviation for senior , and is written after a man's name. It is used in order to distinguish a man from his son when they both have the same name. □ …Donald Cunningham, Sr.
st st is used as a written abbreviation for stone when you are mentioning someone's weight. [BRIT ] □ He weighs 11st 8lb.
St also st. The form SS or SS. is used as the plural for meaning 2 . 1 St is a written abbreviation for street . □ …116 Princess St.
2 St is a written abbreviation for saint . □ …St Thomas. □ …the Church of SS Cornelius and Cyprian.
SUFFIX -st
You add -st to numbers written in figures and ending in 1 – but not 11 – in order to form ordinal numbers. For example, ' 1st August' is day number 1 in the month of August.
stab /stæ b/ (stabs , stabbing , stabbed )
1 VERB If someone stabs you, they push a knife or sharp object into your body. □ [V n] Somebody stabbed him in the stomach. □ [V + to ] Stephen was stabbed to death in an unprovoked attack nearly five months ago.
2 VERB If you stab something or stab at it, you push at it with your finger or with something pointed that you are holding. □ [V n] Bess stabbed a slice of cucumber. □ [V n + at ] Goldstone flipped through the pages and stabbed his thumb at the paragraph he was looking for. □ [V + at ] He stabbed at the omelette with his fork.
3 N‑SING If you have a stab at something, you try to do it. [INFORMAL ] □ Several tennis stars have had a stab at acting.
4 N‑SING You can refer to a sudden, usually unpleasant feeling as a stab of that feeling. [LITERARY ] □ [+ of ] …a stab of pain just above his eye. □ [+ of ] She felt a stab of pity for him.
5 PHRASE If you say that someone has stabbed you in the back , you mean that they have done something very harmful to you when you thought that you could trust them. You can refer to an action of this kind as a stab in the back . □ She felt betrayed, as though her daughter had stabbed her in the back.
6 a stab in the dark → see dark
stab|bing /stæ b I ŋ/ (stabbings )
1 N‑COUNT A stabbing is an incident in which someone stabs someone else with a knife.
2 ADJ [ADJ n] A stabbing pain is a sudden sharp pain. □ He was struck by a stabbing pain in his midriff.
sta|bil|ity /stəb I l I ti/ → see stable
sta|bi|lize /ste I b I la I z/ (stabilizes , stabilizing , stabilized ) in BRIT, also use stabilise VERB If something stabilizes , or is stabilized , it becomes stable. □ [V ] Although her illness is serious, her condition is beginning to stabilize. □ [V n] Officials hope the move will stabilize exchange rates. ● sta|bi|li|za|tion /ste I b I la I ze I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □ [+ of ] …the stabilisation of property prices.
sta|bi|li|zer /ste I b I la I zə r / (stabilizers ) in BRIT, also use stabiliser N‑COUNT A stabilizer is a device, mechanism, or chemical that makes something stable.
sta|ble ◆◆◇ /ste I b ə l/ (stabler , stablest , stables )
1 ADJ If something is stable , it is not likely to change or come to an end suddenly. □ The price of oil should remain stable for the rest of the year. □ …a stable marriage. ● sta|bil|ity /stəb I l I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT □ It was a time of political stability and progress.
2 ADJ If someone has a stable personality, they are calm and reasonable and their mood does not change suddenly. □ Their characters are fully formed and they are both very stable children.
3 ADJ You can describe someone who is seriously ill as stable when their condition has stopped getting worse. □ The injured man was in a stable condition.
4 ADJ Chemical substances are described as stable when they tend to remain in the same chemical or atomic state. [TECHNICAL ] □ Cordite was a particularly stable compound.
5 ADJ If an object is stable , it is firmly fixed in position and is not likely to move or fall. □ This structure must be stable.
6 N‑COUNT A stable or stables is a building in which horses are kept.
7 N‑COUNT A stable or stables is an organization that breeds and trains horses for racing. □ Miss Curling won on two horses from Mick Trickey's stable.
8 VERB [usu passive] When horses are stabled , they are put into a stable. □ [be V -ed] The animals had been fed and stabled. SYNONYMS stable ADJ
1
secure: …trade union demands for secure wages and employment.
lasting: We are well on our way to a lasting peace.
strong: He felt he had a relationship strong enough to talk frankly to Sarah.
sound: When we bought the house, it was structurally sound.
2
well-balanced: …a fun-loving, well-balanced individual.
sensible: She was a sensible girl and did not panic.
reasonable: He's a reasonable sort of chap. ADJ 5
solid: Banks are built to look solid to reassure their customers.
firm: If you have to climb up, use a firm platform or a sturdy ladder.
secure: Shelves are only as secure as their fixings.
sta |ble boy (stable boys ) also stableboy N‑COUNT A stable boy is a young man who works in a stable looking after the horses.
sta |ble lad (stable lads ) also stable-lad N‑COUNT A stable lad is the same as a stable boy . [BRIT ] in AM, use stable boy
stable|mate /ste I b ə lme I t/ (stablemates ) N‑COUNT [usu poss N ] Stablemates are race horses that come from the same stables and often compete against each other. □ The head groom is responsible for looking after Milton and his stablemates.
sta b wound (stab wounds ) N‑COUNT A stab wound is a wound that someone has when they have been stabbed with a knife.
stac|ca|to /stəkɑː toʊ/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A staccato noise consists of a series of short, sharp, separate sounds. □ He spoke in Arabic, a short staccato burst.
stack /stæ k/ (stacks , stacking , stacked )
1 N‑COUNT A stack of things is a pile of them. □ [+ of ] There were stacks of books on the bedside table and floor.
2 VERB If you stack a number of things, you arrange them in neat piles. □ [V n] Mme Cathiard was stacking the clean bottles in crates. □ [V -ed] They are stacked neatly in piles of three. ● PHRASAL VERB Stack up means the same as stack . □ [V P n] He ordered them to stack up pillows behind his back. □ [V -ed P ] …plates of delicious food stacked up on the counters. [Also V n P ]
3 N‑PLURAL If you say that someone has stacks of something, you mean that they have a lot of it. [INFORMAL ] □ [+ of ] If the job's that good, you'll have stacks of money.
4 VERB If someone in authority stacks an organization or body, they fill it with their own supporters so that the decisions it makes will be the ones they want it to make. [mainly AM ] □ [V n + with ] They said they were going to stack the court with anti-abortion judges. [Also V n]
5 → see also stacked , chimney stack
6 PHRASE If you say that the odds are stacked against someone, or that particular factors are stacked against them, you mean that they are unlikely to succeed in what they want to do because the conditions are not favourable. □ The odds are stacked against civilians getting a fair trial. □ Everything seems to be stacked against us.
▸ stack up
1 PHRASAL VERB [no passive] If you ask how one person or thing stacks up against other people or things, you are asking how the one compares with the others. [INFORMAL ] □ [V P ] How does this final presidential debate stack up and compare to the others, do you think?
2 PHRASAL VERB If facts or figures do not stack up , they do not make sense or give the results you expect. □ [V P ] There have been a number of explanations, but none of them stack up.
3 → see stack 2
stacked /stæ kt/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If a place or surface is stacked with objects, it is filled with piles of them. □ [+ with ] Shops in Ho Chi Minh City are stacked with goods.
sta|dium ◆◇◇ /ste I diəm/ (stadiums or stadia /ste I diə/) N‑COUNT A stadium is a large sports ground with rows of seats all round it. □ …a baseball stadium. □ …Wembley Stadium.
staff ◆◆◆ /stɑː f, stæ f/ (staffs , staffing , staffed )
1 N‑COUNT [with sing or pl verb] The staff of an organization are the people who work for it. □ The staff were very good. □ He thanked his staff. □ …members of staff. □ Many employers seek diversity in their staffs.
2 → see also Chief of Staff
3 N‑PLURAL People who are part of a particular staff are often referred to as staff . □ 10 staff were allocated to the task. □ He had the complete support of hospital staff.
4 VERB [usu passive] If an organization is staffed by particular people, they are the people who work for it. □ [be V -ed + by/with ] They are staffed by volunteers. □ [be V -ed] The centre is staffed at all times. ● staffed ADJ [adv ADJ ] □ The house allocated to them was pleasant and spacious, and well-staffed.
5 → see also short-staffed
6 N‑COUNT A staff is a strong stick or pole.
7 A staff is the five lines that music is written on. [AM ] in BRIT, use stave SYNONYMS staff NOUN 1
workers: …office workers.
employees: They are all employees of Fuji Bank.
personnel: There has been very little renewal of personnel in higher education.
workforce: …a country where half the workforce is unemployed.
staff|er /stɑː fə r , stæ f-/ (staffers ) N‑COUNT [usu n N ] A staffer is a member of staff, especially in political organizations or in journalism. [mainly AM ] □ The newspaper has a small nucleus of full-time staffers.
staff|ing /stɑː f I ŋ, stæ f-/ N‑UNCOUNT Staffing refers to the number of workers employed to work in a particular organization or building. [BUSINESS ] □ Staffing levels in prisons are too low.
sta ff nurse (staff nurses ) N‑COUNT A staff nurse is a hospital nurse whose rank is just below that of a sister or charge nurse. [BRIT ]
sta ff of|fic|er (staff officers ) N‑COUNT In the army and air force, a staff officer is an officer who works for a commander or in the headquarters.
sta ff ser|geant (staff sergeants ) also Staff Sergeant N‑COUNT ; N‑TITLE A staff sergeant is a person of middle rank in the British army or the United States army, marines, or air force. □ His father is a staff sergeant in the army. □ …Staff Sergeant Robert Daily.
stag /stæ g/ (stags ) N‑COUNT A stag is an adult male deer belonging to one of the larger species of deer. Stags usually have large branch-like horns called antlers.
stage ◆◆◆ /ste I dʒ/ (stages , staging , staged )
1 N‑COUNT A stage of an activity, process, or period is one part of it. □ The way children express their feelings depends on their stage of development. □ Mr Cook has arrived in Greece on the final stage of a tour which also included Egypt and Israel.
2 N‑COUNT [oft on N ] In a theatre, the stage is an area where actors or other entertainers perform. □ I went on stage and did my show.
3 N‑SING You can refer to acting and the production of plays in a theatre as the stage . □ He was the first comedian I ever saw on the stage.
4 VERB If someone stages a play or other show, they organize and present a performance of it. □ [V n] Maya Angelou first staged the play 'And I Still Rise' in the late 1970s.
5 VERB If you stage an event or ceremony, you organize it and usually take part in it. □ [V n] Workers have staged a number of strikes in protest.
6 N‑SING You can refer to a particular area of activity as a particular stage , especially when you are talking about politics. □ He was finally forced off the political stage by the deterioration of his health.
7 to set the stage → see set ➋
stage|coach /ste I dʒkoʊtʃ/ (stagecoaches ) also stage-coach N‑COUNT [oft by N ] Stagecoaches were large carriages pulled by horses which carried passengers and mail.
stage|craft /ste I dʒkrɑːft, -kræft/ N‑UNCOUNT Stagecraft is skill in writing or producing or directing plays in the theatre.
sta ge di|rec|tion (stage directions ) N‑COUNT Stage directions are the notes in the text of a play which say what the actors should do.
sta ge doo r (stage doors ) N‑COUNT The stage door of a theatre is the entrance used by actors and actresses and by employees of the theatre.
sta ge fright also stage-fright N‑UNCOUNT Stage fright is a feeling of fear or nervousness that some people have just before they appear in front of an audience.
stage|hand /ste I dʒhænd/ (stagehands ) also stage hand N‑COUNT A stagehand is a person whose job is to move the scenery and equipment on the stage in a theatre.
sta ge le ft ADV [usu ADV after v] Stage left is the left side of the stage for an actor who is standing facing the audience. □ He entered stage left.
sta ge-manage (stage-manages , stage-managing , stage-managed ) VERB If someone stage-manages an event, they carefully organize and control it, rather than letting it happen in a natural way. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ [V n] Some may protest at the attempt by his supporters to stage-manage the congress.
sta ge man|ag|er (stage managers ) also stage-manager N‑COUNT At a theatre, a stage manager is the person who is responsible for the scenery and lights and for the way that actors or other performers move about and use the stage during a performance.
sta ge name (stage names ) N‑COUNT A stage name is a name that an actor or entertainer uses instead of his or her real name when they work. □ She performed under the stage name Princess.
sta ge ri ght ADV [usu ADV after v] Stage right is the right side of the stage for an actor who is standing facing the audience.
sta ge-struck also stagestruck ADJ Someone who is stage-struck is fascinated by the theatre and wants to become an actor or actress.
sta ge whi s|per (stage whispers ) also stage-whisper N‑COUNT If someone says something in a stage whisper , they say it as if they are speaking privately to one person, although it is actually loud enough to be heard by other people.
stag|fla|tion /stæ gfle I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT If an economy is suffering from stagflation , inflation is high but there is no increase in the demand for goods or in the number of people who have jobs. [BUSINESS ]
stag|ger /stæ gə r / (staggers , staggering , staggered )
1 VERB If you stagger , you walk very unsteadily, for example because you are ill or drunk. □ [V adv/prep] He lost his balance, staggered back against the rail and toppled over. □ [V ] He was staggering and had to lean on the bar.
2 VERB If you say that someone or something staggers on , you mean that it is only just succeeds in continuing. □ [V adv/prep] Truman allowed him to stagger on for nearly another two years.
3 VERB If something staggers you, it surprises you very much. □ [V n] The whole thing staggers me. ● stag|gered ADJ [v-link ADJ ] □ I was simply staggered by the heat of the Argentinian high-summer.
4 VERB To stagger things such as people's holidays or hours of work means to arrange them so that they do not all happen at the same time. □ [V n] During the past few years the government has staggered summer vacation periods.
5 → see also staggering
stag|ger|ing /stæ gər I ŋ/ ADJ Something that is staggering is very surprising. □ The results have been quite staggering.
sta g|ing post (staging posts ) also staging-post
1 N‑COUNT A staging post on a long journey is a place where people who are making that journey usually stop, for example to rest or to get new supplies. [BRIT ] □ The island is a staging-post for many visiting yachts on their way south.
2 N‑COUNT If you describe an action or achievement as a staging post , you mean that it helps you reach a particular goal that you have. [BRIT ] □ Privatisation is a necessary staging post to an open market.
stag|nant /stæ gnənt/
1 ADJ If something such as a business or society is stagnant , there is little activity or change. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ He is seeking advice on how to revive the stagnant economy. □ Mass movements are often a factor in the awakening and renovation of stagnant societies.
2 ADJ Stagnant water is not flowing, and therefore often smells unpleasant and is dirty.
stag|nate /stægne I t, [AM ] stæ gne I t/ (stagnates , stagnating , stagnated ) VERB If something such as a business or society stagnates , it stops changing or progressing. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ [V ] Industrial production is stagnating. ● stag|na|tion /stægne I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □ [+ of ] …the stagnation of the steel industry.
sta g night (stag nights ) N‑COUNT A stag night is a party for a man who is getting married very soon, to which only men are invited.
sta g par|ty (stag parties ) N‑COUNT A stag party is the same as a stag night .
staid /ste I d/ ADJ If you say that someone or something is staid , you mean that they are serious, dull, and rather old-fashioned. □ …a staid seaside resort.
stain /ste I n/ (stains , staining , stained )
1 N‑COUNT A stain is a mark on something that is difficult to remove. □ Remove stains by soaking in a mild solution of bleach. □ …a black stain.
2 VERB If a liquid stains something, the thing becomes coloured or marked by the liquid. □ [V n] Some foods can stain the teeth, as of course can smoking. ● stained ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] □ His clothing was stained with mud. ● -stained COMB □ …ink-stained fingers.
stai ned gla ss also stained-glass N‑UNCOUNT Stained glass consists of pieces of glass of different colours which are fixed together to make decorative windows or other objects.
stain|less steel /ste I nləs stiː l/ N‑UNCOUNT Stainless steel is a metal made from steel and chromium which does not rust. □ …a stainless steel sink.
stair /steə r / (stairs )
1 N‑PLURAL Stairs are a set of steps inside a building which go from one floor to another. □ Nancy began to climb the stairs. □ We walked up a flight of stairs. □ He stopped at the top of the stairs. □ …a stair carpet.
2 N‑COUNT A stair is one of the steps in a flight of stairs. □ Terry was sitting on the bottom stair.
stair|case /steə r ke I s/ (staircases ) N‑COUNT A staircase is a set of stairs inside a building. □ They walked down the staircase together.
stair|lift /steə r l I ft/ also stair lift (stairlifts ) N‑COUNT A stairlift is a device that is fitted to a staircase in a house in order to allow an elderly or sick person to go upstairs.
stair|way /steə r we I / (stairways ) N‑COUNT A stairway is a staircase or a flight of steps, inside or outside a building.
stair|well /steə r wel/ (stairwells ) N‑COUNT The stairwell is the part of a building that contains the staircase.
stake ◆◆◇ /ste I k/ (stakes , staking , staked )
1 PHRASE If something is at stake , it is being risked and might be lost or damaged if you are not successful. □ The tension was naturally high for a game with so much at stake. □ At stake is the success or failure of world trade talks.
2 N‑PLURAL The stakes involved in a contest or a risky action are the things that can be gained or lost. □ By arresting the organisation's leaders the government has raised the stakes.
3 VERB If you stake something such as your money or your reputation on the result of something, you risk your money or reputation on it. □ [V n + on ] He has staked his political future on an election victory.
4 N‑COUNT If you have a stake in something such as a business, it matters to you, for example because you own part of it or because its success or failure will affect you. □ [+ in ] He enjoyed an entrepreneurial role where he had a big financial stake in his own efforts.
5 N‑PLURAL You can use stakes to refer to something that is like a contest. For example, you can refer to the choosing of a leader as the leadership stakes . □ She won hands down in the glamour stakes.
6 N‑COUNT A stake is a pointed wooden post which is pushed into the ground, for example in order to support a young tree.
7 PHRASE If you stake a claim , you say that something is yours or that you have a right to it. □ Jane is determined to stake her claim as an actress.
▸ stake out PHRASAL VERB If you stake out a position that you are stating or a claim that you are making, you are defending the boundaries or limits of the position or claim. □ [V P n] I am trying to stake out a position between extremes. COLLOCATIONS stake NOUN 4
noun + stake : equity, majority, minority
adjective + stake : high, large, significant; controlling
verb + stake : acquire, buy, take; sell; hold, own, retain
stake|hold|er /ste I khoʊldə r / (stakeholders ) N‑COUNT Stakeholders are people who have an interest in a company's or organization's affairs. [BUSINESS ]
sta ke|hold|er pe n|sion (stakeholder pensions ) N‑COUNT In Britain, a stakeholder pension is a flexible pension scheme with low charges. Both employees and the state contribute to the scheme, which is optional, and is in addition to the basic state pension. [BUSINESS ]
stake|out /ste I aʊt/ (stakeouts ) also stake-out N‑COUNT If police officers are on a stakeout , they are secretly watching a building for evidence of criminal activity.
stal|ac|tite /stæ ləkta I t, [AM ] stəlæ k-/ (stalactites ) N‑COUNT A stalactite is a long piece of rock which hangs down from the roof of a cave. Stalactites are formed by the slow dropping of water containing the mineral lime.
stal|ag|mite /stæ ləgma I t, [AM ] stəlæ g-/ (stalagmites ) N‑COUNT A stalagmite is a long piece of rock which sticks up from the floor of a cave. Stalagmites are formed by the slow dropping of water containing the mineral lime.
stale /ste I l/ (staler , stalest )
1 ADJ Stale food is no longer fresh or good to eat. □ Their daily diet consisted of a lump of stale bread, a bowl of rice and stale water.
2 ADJ Stale air or a stale smells is unpleasant because it is no longer fresh. □ A layer of smoke hung low in the stale air. □ …the smell of stale sweat.
3 ADJ If you say that a place, an activity, or an idea is stale , you mean that it has become boring because it is always the same. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ Her relationship with Mark has become stale.
stale|mate /ste I lme I t/ (stalemates )
1 N‑VAR Stalemate is a situation in which neither side in an argument or contest can win or in which no progress is possible. □ The President has ended the stalemate over cutting the country's budget deficit.
2 N‑VAR In chess, stalemate is a position in which a player cannot make any move which is allowed by the rules, so that the game ends and no one wins.
stalk /stɔː k/ (stalks , stalking , stalked )
1 N‑COUNT The stalk of a flower, leaf, or fruit is the thin part that joins it to the plant or tree. □ A single pale blue flower grows up from each joint on a long stalk. □ …corn stalks.
2 VERB If you stalk a person or a wild animal, you follow them quietly in order to kill them, catch them, or observe them carefully. □ [V n] He stalks his victims like a hunter after a deer.
3 VERB If someone stalks someone else, especially a famous person or a person they used to have a relationship with, they keep following them or contacting them in an annoying and frightening way. □ [V n] Even after their divorce he continued to stalk and threaten her. ● stalk|ing N‑UNCOUNT □ The Home Secretary is considering a new law against stalking.
4 VERB If you stalk somewhere, you walk there in a stiff, proud, or angry way. □ [V adv/prep] If his patience is tried at meetings he has been known to stalk out.
stalk|er /stɔː kə r / (stalkers ) N‑COUNT A stalker is someone who keeps following or contacting someone else, especially a famous person or a person they used to have a relationship with, in an annoying and frightening way.
sta lk|ing horse (stalking horses )
1 N‑COUNT If you describe a person or thing as a stalking horse , you mean that it is being used to obtain a temporary advantage so that someone can get what they really want. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ I think the development is a stalking horse for exploitation of the surrounding countryside.
2 N‑COUNT [oft N n] In politics, a stalking horse is someone who stands against a leader in order to see how strong the opposition is. The stalking horse then withdraws in favour of a stronger challenger. □ The possibility of another stalking horse challenge this autumn cannot be ruled out.
stall /stɔː l/ (stalls , stalling , stalled )
1 VERB If a process stalls , or if someone or something stalls it, the process stops but may continue at a later time. □ [V n] They will try to stall the bill until the current session ends. □ [V ] …but the peace process stalled. □ [V -ed] Negotiations remained stalled yesterday in New York.
2 VERB If you stall , you try to avoid doing something until later. □ [V ] Some parties have accused the governor of stalling. □ [V + over/on ] Thomas had spent all week stalling over his decision.
3 VERB If you stall someone, you prevent them from doing something until a later time. □ [V n] Shop manager Brian Steel stalled the man until the police arrived.
4 VERB If a vehicle stalls or if you accidentally stall it, the engine stops suddenly. □ [V ] The engine stalled. □ [V n] Your foot falls off the pedal and you stall the car.
5 N‑COUNT A stall is a large table on which you put goods that you want to sell, or information that you want to give people. □ …market stalls selling local fruits.
6 N‑PLURAL The stalls in a theatre or concert hall are the seats on the ground floor directly in front of the stage. [mainly BRIT ] in AM, use orchestra 7 N‑COUNT A stall is a small enclosed area in a room which is used for a particular purpose, for example a shower. [AM ] in BRIT, usually use cubicle
stall|holder /stɔː lhoʊldə r / (stallholders ) N‑COUNT A stallholder is a person who sells goods at a stall in a market.
stal|lion /stæ liən/ (stallions ) N‑COUNT A stallion is a male horse, especially one kept for breeding.
stal|wart /stɔː lwə r t/ (stalwarts )
1 N‑COUNT A stalwart is a loyal worker or supporter of an organization, especially a political party. □ His free-trade policies aroused suspicion among Tory stalwarts.
2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A stalwart supporter or worker is loyal, steady, and completely reliable. □ …a stalwart supporter of the colonial government.
sta|men /ste I men/ (stamens ) N‑COUNT The stamens of a flower are the small, delicate stalks which grow at the flower's centre and produce pollen. [TECHNICAL ]
stami|na /stæ m I nə/ N‑UNCOUNT Stamina is the physical or mental energy needed to do a tiring activity for a long time. □ You have to have a lot of stamina to be a top-class dancer.
stam|mer /stæ mə r / (stammers , stammering , stammered )
1 VERB If you stammer , you speak with difficulty, hesitating and repeating words or sounds. □ [V ] Five per cent of children stammer at some point. □ [V with quote] 'Forgive me,' I stammered. □ [V n] People cursed and stammered apologies. ● stam|mer|ing N‑UNCOUNT □ Of all speech impediments stammering is probably the most embarrassing.
2 N‑SING Someone who has a stammer tends to stammer when they speak. □ A speech-therapist cured his stammer.
stamp ◆◇◇ /stæ mp/ (stamps , stamping , stamped )
1 N‑COUNT A stamp or a postage stamp is a small piece of paper which you stick on an envelope or package before you post it to pay for the cost of the postage. □ …a book of stamps. □ …two first class stamps.
2 → see also food stamp
3 N‑COUNT A stamp is a small block of wood or metal which has a pattern or a group of letters on one side. You press it onto an pad of ink and then onto a piece of paper in order to produce a mark on the paper. The mark that you produce is also called a stamp . □ …a date stamp and an ink pad. □ You may live only where the stamp in your passport says you may.
4 VERB If you stamp a mark or word on an object, you press the mark or word onto the object using a stamp or other device. □ [V n prep] Car manufacturers stamp a vehicle identification number in several places. □ [be V -ed prep] 'Eat before JULY 14' was stamped on the label.
5 VERB If you stamp or stamp your foot , you lift your foot and put it down very hard on the ground, for example because you are angry or because your feet are cold. □ [V ] Often he teased me till my temper went and I stamped and screamed. □ [V adv/prep] His foot stamped down on the accelerator. □ [V n prep/adv] She stamped her feet on the pavement to keep out the cold. [Also V n] ● N‑COUNT [usu sing] Stamp is also a noun. □ …hearing the creak of a door and the stamp of cold feet.
6 VERB If you stamp somewhere, you walk there putting your feet down very hard on the ground because you are angry. □ [V prep/adv] 'I'm going before things get any worse!' he shouted as he stamped out of the bedroom.
7 VERB If you stamp on something, you put your foot down on it very hard. □ [V + on ] He received the original ban last week after stamping on the referee's foot during the supercup final.
8 N‑SING If something bears the stamp of a particular quality or person, it clearly has that quality or was done by that person. □ [+ of ] Most of us want to put the stamp of our personality on our home.
9 → see also rubber stamp
▸ stamp on PHRASAL VERB If someone stamps on a dishonest or undesirable activity, they act immediately to stop it happening or spreading. □ [V P n] The tone of her voice was designed to stamp on this topic of conversation once and for all.
▸ stamp out PHRASAL VERB If you stamp out something bad that is happening, you make it stop. □ [V n P ] Dr Muffett stressed that he was opposed to bullying in schools and that action would be taken to stamp it out. [Also V P n (not pron)]
sta mp col|lect|ing N‑UNCOUNT Stamp collecting is the hobby of building up a collection of stamps.
sta mp duty N‑UNCOUNT In Britain, stamp duty is a tax that you pay to the government when you buy a house.
stamped /stæ mpt/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A stamped envelope or package has a stamp stuck on it.
sta mped ad|dressed e n|velope (stamped addressed envelopes ) N‑COUNT A stamped addressed envelope is an envelope with a stamp on it and your own name and address, which you send to someone so that something can be sent back to you. The abbreviation s.a.e. is also used. [BRIT ] in AM, use SASE
stam|pede /stæmpiː d/ (stampedes , stampeding , stampeded )
1 N‑COUNT [usu sing] If there is a stampede , a group of people or animals run in a wild, uncontrolled way. □ There was a stampede for the exit.
2 VERB If a group of animals or people stampede or if something stampedes them, they run in a wild, uncontrolled way. □ [V ] The crowd stampeded and many were crushed or trampled underfoot. □ [V n] They stampede cattle to distract farmers before raiding their homes. □ [V -ing] …a herd of stampeding cattle.
3 N‑COUNT [usu sing] If a lot of people all do the same thing at the same time, you can describe it as a stampede . □ Generous redundancy terms had triggered a stampede of staff wanting to leave.
sta mp|ing ground (stamping grounds ) N‑COUNT [usu with poss] Someone's stamping ground is a place where they like to go often.
stance /stæ ns/ (stances )
1 N‑COUNT [usu sing] Your stance on a particular matter is your attitude to it. □ The Congress had agreed to reconsider its stance on the armed struggle.
2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] Your stance is the way that you are standing. [FORMAL ] □ Take a comfortably wide stance and flex your knees a little.
stan|chion /stæ ntʃ ə n/ (stanchions ) N‑COUNT A stanchion is a pole or bar that stands upright and is used as a support. [FORMAL ]
stand ◆◆◆ /stræ nd/ (stands , standing , stood )
1 VERB When you are standing , your body is upright, your legs are straight, and your weight is supported by your feet. □ [V prep] She was standing beside my bed staring down at me. □ [V adj] They told me to stand still and not to turn round. □ [V ] Overcrowding is so bad that prisoners have to sleep in shifts, while others have to stand. ● PHRASAL VERB Stand up means the same as stand . □ [V P ] We waited, standing up, for an hour.
2 VERB When someone who is sitting stands , they change their position so that they are upright and on their feet. □ [V ] Becker stood and shook hands with Ben. ● PHRASAL VERB Stand up means the same as stand . □ [V P ] When I walked in, they all stood up and started clapping.
3 VERB If you stand aside or stand back , you move a short distance sideways or backwards, so that you are standing in a different place. □ [V adv/prep] I stood aside to let her pass me. □ [V adv/prep] The police officers stood back. Could it be a bomb?
4 VERB If something such as a building or a piece of furniture stands somewhere, it is in that position, and is upright. [WRITTEN ] □ [V prep/adv] The house stands alone on top of a small hill.
5 VERB You can say that a building is standing when it remains after other buildings around it have fallen down or been destroyed. □ [V ] There are very few buildings left standing.
6 VERB If you stand something somewhere, you put it there in an upright position. □ [V n prep/adv] Stand the plant in the open in a sunny, sheltered place.
7 VERB If you leave food or a mixture of something to stand , you leave it without disturbing it for some time. □ [V ] The salad improves if made in advance and left to stand.
8 N‑COUNT [usu sing] If you take or make a stand , you do something or say something in order to make it clear what your attitude to a particular thing is. □ [+ against ] He felt the need to make a stand against racism. □ They must take a stand and cast their votes. [Also + on ]
9 VERB If you ask someone where or how they stand on a particular issue, you are asking them what their attitude or view is. □ [V + on ] The amendment will force senators to show where they stand on the issue of sexual harassment. □ [V ] So far, the bishop hasn't said where he stands.
10 VERB If you do not know where you stand with someone, you do not know exactly what their attitude to you is. □ [V + with ] No-one knows where they stand with him; he is utterly unpredictable.
11 V‑LINK You can use stand instead of 'be' when you are describing the present state or condition of something or someone. □ [V adj] The alliance stands ready to do what is necessary. □ [V ] The peace plan as it stands violates basic human rights.
12 VERB If a decision, law, or offer stands , it still exists and has not been changed or cancelled. □ [V ] Although exceptions could be made, the rule still stands.
13 VERB If something that can be measured stands at a particular level, it is at that level. □ [V + at ] The inflation rate now stands at 3.6 per cent.
14 VERB You can describe how tall or high someone or something is by saying that they stand a particular height. □ [V amount adj] She stood five feet five inches tall and weighed 120 pounds. □ [V adj] She stood tall and aloof.
15 VERB If something can stand a situation or a test, it is good enough or strong enough to experience it without being damaged, harmed, or shown to be inadequate. □ [V n] These are the first machines that can stand the wear and tear of continuously crushing glass.
16 VERB If you cannot stand something, you cannot bear it or tolerate it. □ [V n/v-ing] I can't stand any more. I'm going to run away. □ [V n/v-ing] How does he stand the pain?
17 VERB If you cannot stand someone or something, you dislike them very strongly. [INFORMAL ] □ [V n/v-ing] He can't stand smoking.
18 VERB If you stand to gain something, you are likely to gain it. If you stand to lose something, you are likely to lose it. □ [V to-inf] The management group would stand to gain millions of dollars if the company were sold.
19 VERB If you stand in an election, you are a candidate in it. [BRIT ] □ [V + in ] He has not yet announced whether he will stand in the election. in AM, use run 20 N‑COUNT [oft n N ] A stand is a small shop or stall, outdoors or in a large public building. □ She bought a hot dog from a stand on a street corner.
21 → see also newsstand
22 N‑COUNT A stand at a sports ground is a large structure where people sit or stand to watch what is happening. [BRIT ] ● N‑PLURAL In American English, stands is used with same meaning. □ The people in the stands are cheering with all their might.
23 N‑COUNT A stand is an object or piece of furniture that is designed for supporting or holding a particular kind of thing. □ The teapot came with a stand to catch the drips.
24 N‑COUNT [usu n N ] A stand is an area where taxis or buses can wait to pick up passengers. □ Luckily there was a taxi stand nearby.
25 N‑SING In a law court, the stand is the place where a witness stands to answer questions. □ When the father took the stand today, he contradicted his son's testimony.
26 → see also standing
27 PHRASE If you say it stands to reason that something is true or likely to happen, you mean that it is obvious. □ It stands to reason that if you are friendly to people you will get more back.
28 PHRASE If you stand in the way of something or stand in a person's way , you prevent that thing from happening or prevent that person from doing something. □ The British government would not stand in the way of such a proposal.
29 to stand a chance → see chance
30 to stand up and be counted → see count
31 to stand firm → see firm
32 to stand on your own two feet → see foot
33 to stand your ground → see ground
34 to stand someone in good stead → see stead
35 to stand trial → see trial
▸ stand aside PHRASAL VERB If someone stands aside , they resign from an important job or position, often in order to let someone else take their place. [BRIT ] □ [V P ] The President said he was willing to stand aside if that would stop the killing. in AM, use stand down
▸ stand back PHRASAL VERB If you stand back and think about a situation, you think about it as if you were not involved in it. □ [V P ] Stand back and look objectively at the problem.
▸ stand by
1 PHRASAL VERB If you are standing by , you are ready and waiting to provide help or to take action. □ [V P to-inf] British and American warships are standing by to evacuate their citizens if necessary. □ [V P + for ] We will be holding the auditions from nine o'clock tomorrow night so stand by for details. [Also V P ]
2 → see also standby
3 PHRASAL VERB If you stand by and let something bad happen, you do not do anything to stop it. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ [V P ] I will not stand by and let democracy be undermined.
4 PHRASAL VERB If you stand by someone, you continue to give them support, especially when they are in trouble. [APPROVAL ] □ [V P n] I wouldn't break the law for a friend, but I would stand by her if she did.
5 PHRASAL VERB If you stand by an earlier decision, promise, or statement, you continue to support it or keep it. □ [V P n] The decision has been made and I have got to stand by it.
▸ stand down PHRASAL VERB If someone stands down , they resign from an important job or position, often in order to let someone else take their place. □ [V P ] Four days later, the despised leader finally stood down, just 17 days after taking office. □ [V P + as ] Profits plunged and he stood down as chairman last January.
▸ stand for
1 PHRASAL VERB If you say that a letter stands for a particular word, you mean that it is an abbreviation for that word. □ [V P n] What does E.U. stand for?
2 PHRASAL VERB The ideas or attitudes that someone or something stands for are the ones that they support or represent. □ [V P n] The party is trying to give the impression that it alone stands for democracy.
3 PHRASAL VERB [with neg] If you will not stand for something, you will not allow it to happen or continue. □ [V P n] It's outrageous, and we won't stand for it any more.
▸ stand in
1 PHRASAL VERB If you stand in for someone, you take their place or do their job, because they are ill or away. □ [V P + for ] I had to stand in for her on Tuesday when she didn't show up. □ [V P ] …the acting president, who's standing in while she's out of the country.
2 → see also stand-in
▸ stand out
1 PHRASAL VERB If something stands out , it is very noticeable. □ [V P ] Every tree, wall and fence stood out against dazzling white fields.
2 PHRASAL VERB If something stands out , it is much better or much more important than other things of the same kind. □ [V P + from ] He played the violin, and he stood out from all the other musicians.
3 PHRASAL VERB If something stands out from a surface, it rises up from it. □ [V P ] His tendons stood out like rope beneath his skin.
▸ stand up
1 → see stand 1 , stand 2
2 PHRASAL VERB If something such as a claim or a piece of evidence stands up , it is accepted as true or satisfactory after being carefully examined. □ [V P ] He made wild accusations that did not stand up. □ [V P + to ] How well does this thesis stand up to close examination?
3 PHRASAL VERB If a boyfriend or girlfriend stands you up , they fail to keep an arrangement to meet you. [INFORMAL ] □ [V n P ] We were to have had dinner together yesterday evening, but he stood me up. [Also V P n (not pron)]
▸ stand up for PHRASAL VERB If you stand up for someone or something, you defend them and make your feelings or opinions very clear. [APPROVAL ] □ [V P P n] They stood up for what they believed to be right.
▸ stand up to
1 PHRASAL VERB If something stands up to bad conditions, it is not damaged or harmed by them. □ [V P P n/v-ing] Is this building going to stand up to the strongest gales?
2 PHRASAL VERB If you stand up to someone, especially someone more powerful than you are, you defend yourself against their attacks or demands. □ [V P P n] He hit me, so I hit him back–the first time in my life I'd stood up to him.
sta nd-alone
1 ADJ [ADJ n] A stand-alone business or organization is independent and does not receive financial support from another organization. [BUSINESS ] □ They plan to relaunch it as a stand-alone company.
2 ADJ [ADJ n] A stand-alone computer is one that can operate on its own and does not have to be part of a network. [COMPUTING ] □ …an operating system that can work on networks and stand-alone machines.
stand|ard ◆◆◇ /stæ ndə r d/ (standards )
1 N‑COUNT A standard is a level of quality or achievement, especially a level that is thought to be acceptable. □ The standard of professional cricket has never been lower. □ There will be new national standards for hospital cleanliness.
2 N‑COUNT A standard is something that you use in order to judge the quality of something else. □ …systems that were by later standards absurdly primitive.
3 N‑PLURAL Standards are moral principles which affect people's attitudes and behaviour. □ My father has always had high moral standards.
4 → see also double standard
5 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You use standard to describe things which are usual and normal. □ It was standard practice for untrained clerks to advise in serious cases such as murder.
6 ADJ [ADJ n] A standard work or text on a particular subject is one that is widely read and often recommended. SYNONYMS standard NOUN
1
level: The exercises are marked according to their level of difficulty.
grade: …a good grade of plywood.
quality: …high-quality paper and plywood.
calibre: I was impressed by the high calibre of the researchers and analysts.
3
principle: …moral principles.
ideal: The party has drifted too far from its socialist ideals.
moral: …Western ideas and morals. ADJ 5
usual: She's smiling her usual friendly smile.
normal: The two countries resumed normal diplomatic relations.
customary: The king carried himself with his customary elegance.
typical: Cheney is everyone's image of a typical cop.
sta nd|ard bear|er (standard bearers ) also standard-bearer N‑COUNT If you describe someone as the standard bearer of a group, you mean that they act as the leader or public representative of a group of people who have the same aims or interests. □ Farrakhan was a poor standard-bearer for the causes of African-Americans.
stand|ard|ize /stæ ndə r da I z/ (standardizes , standardizing , standardized ) in BRIT, also use standardise VERB To standardize things means to change them so that they all have the same features. □ [V n] There is a drive both to standardise components and to reduce the number of models on offer. ● stand|ardi|za|tion /stæ ndə r da I ze I ʃ ə n, [AM ] -d I z-/ N‑UNCOUNT □ [+ of ] …the standardisation of working hours.
sta nd|ard lamp (standard lamps ) N‑COUNT A standard lamp is a tall electric light which stands on the floor in a living room. [BRIT ] in AM, use floor lamp
sta nd|ard of li v|ing (standards of living ) N‑COUNT Your standard of living is the level of comfort and wealth which you have. □ We'll continue to fight for a decent standard of living for our members.
sta nd|ard time N‑UNCOUNT Standard time is the official local time of a region or country. □ French standard time is GMT plus 1 hr.
stand|by /stæ ndba I / (standbys ) also stand-by
1 N‑COUNT [oft N n] A standby is something or someone that is always ready to be used if they are needed. □ He sat through the trial as a standby juror.
2 PHRASE If someone or something is on standby , they are ready to be used if they are needed. □ Security forces have been put on standby in case of violence.
3 ADJ [ADJ n] A standby ticket for something such as the theatre or a plane journey is a cheap ticket that you buy just before the performance starts or the plane takes off, if there are still some seats left. □ Access International books standby flights from New York to Europe. ● ADV [ADV after v] Standby is also an adverb. □ Magda was going to fly standby.
sta nd-in (stand-ins ) N‑COUNT A stand-in is a person who takes someone else's place or does someone else's job for a while, for example because the other person is ill or away. □ He was a stand-in for my regular doctor.
stand|ing /stæ nd I ŋ/ (standings )
1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft adj N , with poss] Someone's standing is their reputation or status. □ …an artist of international standing. □ He has improved his country's standing abroad.
2 N‑COUNT [usu sing, with poss] A party's or person's standing is their popularity. □ The opinion poll shows the party's standing has never been so low.
3 ADJ [ADJ n] You use standing to describe something which is permanently in existence. □ Israel has a relatively small standing army and its strength is based on its reserves. □ Elizabeth had a standing invitation to stay with her.
4 → see also free-standing , long-standing
5 PHRASE You can use the expression of many years' standing to say that something has had a particular function or someone has had a particular role for many years. For example, if a place is your home of ten years' standing , it has been your home for ten years. [WRITTEN ] □ …a Congressman of 24 years' standing. □ My girlfriend of long standing left me.
sta nd|ing jo ke (standing jokes ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] If something is a standing joke among a group of people, they often make jokes about it. □ Her precision became a standing joke with colleagues.
sta nd|ing o r|der (standing orders ) N‑COUNT [oft by N ] A standing order is an instruction to your bank to pay a fixed amount of money to someone at regular times. [BRIT ]
sta nd|ing ova |tion (standing ovations ) N‑COUNT If a speaker or performer gets a standing ovation when they have finished speaking or performing, the audience stands up to clap in order to show its admiration or support.
sta nd|ing room N‑UNCOUNT Standing room is space in a room or bus, where people can stand when all the seats have been occupied. □ The place quickly fills up so it's soon standing room only.
sta nd-off (stand-offs ) also standoff
1 N‑COUNT A stand-off is a situation in which neither of two opposing groups or forces will make a move until the other one does something, so nothing can happen until one of them gives way. □ This situation could lead to another diplomatic stand-off.
2 → see also Mexican stand-off
sta nd-o ffish also standoffish ADJ If you say that someone is stand-offish , you mean that they behave in a formal and rather unfriendly way. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ He can be quite stand-offish and rude, even to his friends.
stand|out /stæ ndaʊt/ (standouts ) also stand-out N‑COUNT Journalists use standout to refer to a person or thing that is much better than the other people or things involved in something. [AM , AUSTRALIAN ] □ In the earlier rounds, Ferguson and Dickinson were the standouts.
stand|pipe /stæ ndpa I p/ (standpipes ) N‑COUNT A standpipe is a vertical pipe that is connected to a water supply and stands in a street or other public place.
stand|point /stæ ndpɔ I nt/ (standpoints ) N‑COUNT [usu from N ] From a particular standpoint means looking at an event, situation, or idea in a particular way. □ He believes that from a military standpoint, the situation is under control. □ From my standpoint, you know, this thing is just ridiculous.
stand|still /stæ ndst I l/ N‑SING [usu to/at N ] If movement or activity comes to or is brought to a standstill , it stops completely. □ Abruptly the group ahead of us came to a standstill. □ Production is more or less at a standstill.
sta nd-up also standup (stand-ups )
1 ADJ [ADJ n] A stand-up comic or comedian stands alone in front of an audience and tells jokes. □ Women do not normally break into the big time by doing stand-up comedy. ● N‑COUNT Stand-up is also a noun. □ …one of the worst stand-ups alive.
2 N‑UNCOUNT Stand-up is stand-up comedy. □ …getting by on likeability, professionalism and the kind of nerve you need to do stand-up.
3 ADJ [ADJ n] If people have a stand-up argument or fight, they stand up and shout at each other or hit each other violently.
stank /stæ ŋk/ Stank is the past tense of stink .
Stanley knife /stæ nli na I f/ (Stanley knives ) N‑COUNT A Stanley knife is a very sharp knife that is used to cut materials such as carpet and paper. It consists of a small blade fixed in the end of a handle. [TRADEMARK ]
stan|za /stæ nzə/ (stanzas ) N‑COUNT A stanza is one of the parts into which a poem is divided. [TECHNICAL ]
sta|ple /ste I p ə l/ (staples , stapling , stapled )
1 ADJ [ADJ n] A staple food, product, or activity is one that is basic and important in people's everyday lives. □ The Chinese also eat a type of pasta as part of their staple diet. □ Staple goods are disappearing from the shops. ● N‑COUNT Staple is also a noun. □ Fish is a staple in the diet of many Africans.
2 N‑COUNT A staple is something that forms an important part of something else. □ [+ of ] Political reporting has become a staple of American journalism.
3 N‑COUNT Staples are small pieces of bent wire that are used mainly for holding sheets of paper together firmly. You put the staples into the paper using a device called a stapler.
4 VERB If you staple something, you fasten it to something else or fix it in place using staples. □ [V n with adv] Staple some sheets of paper together into a book. □ [V -ed] …polythene bags stapled to an illustrated card. [Also V n prep]
sta |ple gun (staple guns ) N‑COUNT A staple gun is a small machine used for forcing staples into wood or brick.
sta|pler /ste I plə r / (staplers ) N‑COUNT A stapler is a device used for putting staples into sheets of paper.
star ◆◆◆ /stɑː r / (stars , starring , starred )
1 N‑COUNT A star is a large ball of burning gas in space. Stars appear to us as small points of light in the sky on clear nights. □ The night was dark, the stars hidden behind cloud.
2 → see also morning star , shooting star
3 N‑COUNT You can refer to a shape or an object as a star when it has four, five, or more points sticking out of it in a regular pattern. □ Children at school receive coloured stars for work well done.
4 N‑COUNT You can say how many stars something such as a hotel or restaurant has as a way of talking about its quality, which is often indicated by a number of star-shaped symbols. The more stars something has, the better it is. □ …five star hotels.
5 N‑COUNT Famous actors, musicians, and sports players are often referred to as stars . □ …Gemma, 41, star of the TV series Pennies From Heaven. □ By now Murphy is Hollywood's top male comedy star. □ Not all football stars are ill-behaved louts.
6 VERB If an actor or actress stars in a play or film, he or she has one of the most important parts in it. □ [V + in ] I starred in a pantomime called Puss in Boots.
7 VERB If a play or film stars a famous actor or actress, he or she has one of the most important parts in it. □ [V n] …a Hollywood film, The Secret of Santa Vittoria, directed by Stanley Kramer and starring Anthony Quinn.
8 N‑PLURAL Predictions about people's lives which are based on astrology and appear regularly in a newspaper or magazine are sometimes referred to as the stars . □ There was nothing in my stars to say I'd have travel problems!
star|board /stɑː r bə r d/ ADJ In sailing, the starboard side of a ship is the right side when you are on it and facing towards the front. [TECHNICAL ] □ He detected a ship moving down the starboard side of the submarine. ● N‑UNCOUNT [usu to N ] Starboard is also a noun. □ I could see the fishing boat to starboard.
star|burst /stɑː r bɜː r st/ (starbursts ) N‑COUNT A starburst is a bright light with rays coming from it, or a patch of bright colour with points extending from it. [LITERARY ] □ …a starburst of multi-coloured smoke.
starch /stɑː r tʃ/ (starches )
1 N‑VAR Starch is a substance that is found in foods such as bread, potatoes, pasta, and rice and gives you energy.
2 N‑UNCOUNT Starch is a substance that is used for making cloth stiffer, especially cotton and linen.
starched /stɑː r tʃt/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A starched garment or piece of cloth has been made stiffer using starch. □ …a starched white shirt. □ …starched napkins.
starchy /stɑː r tʃi/ (starchier , starchiest ) ADJ Starchy foods contain a lot of starch. □ …starchy and sticky glutinous rices.
sta r-crossed ADJ [usu ADJ n] If someone is star-crossed , they keep having bad luck. [LITERARY ] □ …star-crossed lovers parted by war and conflict.
star|dom /stɑː r dəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Stardom is the state of being very famous, usually as an actor, musician, or sports player. □ In 1929 she shot to stardom on Broadway in a Noel Coward play.
stare ◆◇◇ /steə r / (stares , staring , stared )
1 VERB If you stare at someone or something, you look at them for a long time. □ [V prep/adv] Tamara stared at him in disbelief, shaking her head. □ [V ] Mahoney tried not to stare. ● N‑COUNT Stare is also a noun. □ Hlasek gave him a long, cold stare.
2 PHRASE If a situation or the answer to a problem is staring you in the face , it is very obvious, although you may not be immediately aware of it. [INFORMAL ] □ Then the answer hit me. It had been staring me in the face ever since Lullington.
▸ stare out PHRASAL VERB If you stare someone out , you look steadily into their eyes for such a long time that they feel that they have to turn their eyes away from you. □ [V n P ] She stared him out with hard, pebble-like eyes. COLLOCATIONS stare NOUN 1
adjective + stare : blank, glassy, unblinking, unwavering; disapproving, icy, stony; curious, incredulous, wide-eyed
verb + stare : draw; meet, return VERB 1
stare + adverb : blankly, vacantly; fixedly, intently; dreamily, longingly
star|fish /stɑː r f I ʃ/ (starfish ) N‑COUNT A starfish is a flat, star-shaped creature with five arms that lives in the sea.
sta r-gazer (star-gazers ) also stargazer N‑COUNT A star-gazer is someone who studies the stars as an astronomer or astrologer. [INFORMAL ]
sta r-gazing also stargazing N‑UNCOUNT Star-gazing is the activity of studying the stars as an astronomer or astrologer. [INFORMAL ]
stark /stɑː r k/ (starker , starkest )
1 ADJ Stark choices or statements are harsh and unpleasant. □ U.K. companies face a stark choice if they want to stay competitive. □ The conviction should send out a stark warning to other motorists. ● stark|ly ADV [ADV with v, ADV adj] □ The point is a starkly simple one.
2 ADJ If two things are in stark contrast to one another, they are very different from each other in a way that is very obvious. □ …secret cooperation between London and Washington that was in stark contrast to official policy. ● stark|ly ADV [ADV with v, ADV adj] □ The outlook now is starkly different.
3 ADJ Something that is stark is very plain in appearance. □ …the stark white, characterless fireplace in the drawing room. ● stark|ly ADV [ADV adj, ADV with v] □ The desert was luminous, starkly beautiful.
sta rk na |ked ADJ [ADJ after v, v-link ADJ ] Someone who is stark naked is completely naked. [EMPHASIS ] □ All contestants were stark naked.
star|let /stɑː r l I t/ (starlets ) N‑COUNT A starlet is a young actress who is expected to become a film star in the future. [JOURNALISM ]
star|light /stɑː r la I t/ N‑UNCOUNT Starlight is the light that comes from the stars at night.
star|ling /stɑː r l I ŋ/ (starlings ) N‑COUNT A starling is a very common bird with greenish-black feathers covered in pale spots which is found in Europe and North America. Starlings often fly around in large groups.
star|lit /stɑː r l I t/ ADJ [ADJ n] Starlit means made lighter or brighter by the stars. □ …a clear starlit sky. □ …this cold, starlit night.
sta r pri ze (star prizes ) N‑COUNT The star prize in a competition is the most valuable prize.
star|ry /stɑː ri/ ADJ [ADJ n] A starry night or sky is one in which a lot of stars are visible. □ She stared up at the starry sky.
sta rry-eyed ADJ If you say that someone is starry-eyed , you mean that they have such a positive or hopeful view of a situation that they do not see what it is really like. □ I'm not starry-eyed about Europe. □ …a starry-eyed young couple.
Sta rs and Stri pes N‑PROPER The Stars and Stripes is the name of the national flag of the United States of America.
sta r sign (star signs ) N‑COUNT Your star sign is the sign of the zodiac under which you were born.
star|struck /stɑː r strʌk/ ADJ If you describe someone as starstruck , you mean that they are very interested in and impressed by famous performers, or that they want to be a performer themselves. □ …a starstruck teenager who auditions for a TV dance show.
sta r-studded ADJ [ADJ n] A star-studded show, event, or cast is one that includes a large number of famous performers. [JOURNALISM ] □ …a star-studded production of Hamlet.
start ◆◆◆ /stɑː r t/ (starts , starting , started )
1 VERB If you start to do something, you do something that you were not doing before and you continue doing it. □ [V to-inf] John then unlocked the front door and I started to follow him up the stairs. □ [V n/v-ing] It was 1956 when Susanna started the work on the garden. □ [V n/v-ing] She started cleaning the kitchen. [Also V ] ● N‑COUNT Start is also a noun. □ After several starts, she read the report properly.
2 VERB When something starts , or if someone starts it, it takes place from a particular time. □ [V prep] The fire is thought to have started in an upstairs room. □ [V prep] The Great War started in August of that year. □ [V n] All of the passengers started the day with a swim. ● N‑SING Start is also a noun. □ [+ of ] …1918, four years after the start of the Great War. □ She demanded to know why she had not been told from the start.
3 VERB If you start by doing something, or if you start with something, you do that thing first in a series of actions. □ [V + by ] I started by asking about day-care centers. □ [V + with ] He started with a good holiday in Key West, Florida.
4 VERB You use start to say what someone's first job was. For example, if their first job was that of a factory worker, you can say that they started as a factory worker. □ [V + as ] Betty started as a shipping clerk at the clothes factory. ● PHRASAL VERB Start off means the same as start . □ [V P + as ] Mr. Dambar had started off as an assistant to Mrs. Spear's husband.
5 VERB When someone starts something such as a new business, they create it or cause it to begin. □ [V n] Now is probably as good a time as any to start a business. ● PHRASAL VERB Start up means the same as start . □ [V P n] The cost of starting up a day care center for children ranges from $150,000 to $300,000. □ [V n P ] He said what a good idea it would be to start a community magazine up.
6 → see also start-up
7 VERB If you start an engine, car, or machine, or if it starts , it begins to work. □ [V n] He started the car, which hummed smoothly. □ [V ] We were just passing one of the parking bays when a car's engine started. ● PHRASAL VERB Start up means the same as start . □ [V P n] He waited until they went inside the building before starting up the car and driving off. □ [V n P ] Put the key in the ignition and turn it to start the car up. □ [V P ] The engine of the seaplane started up.
8 VERB If you start , your body suddenly moves slightly as a result of surprise or fear. □ [V ] She put the bottle on the table, banging it down hard. He started at the sound. ● N‑COUNT [usu sing] Start is also a noun. □ Sylvia woke with a start. □ He gave a start of surprise and astonishment.
9 → see also head start , false start
10 PHRASE You use for a start or to start with to introduce the first of a number of things or reasons that you want to mention or could mention. □ You must get her name and address, and that can be a problem for a start.
11 PHRASE If you get off to a good start , you are successful in the early stages of doing something. If you get off to a bad start , you are not successful in the early stages of doing something. □ The new Prime Minister has got off to a good start, but he still has to demonstrate what manner of leader he is going to be.
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