| about this site | who we are | site map | reading tips | teaching tips | student tips | build vocab | | teaching vocab | hot links | visit Thai school | Bangkok Post | Post books | student weekly | home

February 8 & 9, 2003 disperse (dis PERS) The verb disperse means to (cause to) move away or to scatter or spread over a wide area. The noun form is dispersal. The US has information that the Iraqis are dispersing rockets armed with biological weapons in western Iraq, US Secretary of State Colin Powell told the Security Council late last night. Tear gas and armoured vehicles were used to disperse the demonstrators. For anthrax spores to be used as a weapon, they need to be dried and processed into a powder-like form that can be dispersed in the air. Neighbouring countries complained bitterly about the forced dispersal of tens of thousands of refugees. February 7, 2003 premeditated (pre MED a tated) The adjective premeditated means to be planned in advance, especially after careful thought. It is usually used to describe something bad, especially a crime. Police said the murder of the governor appeared to be premeditated. The lawyer said that his client was mentally deficient and incapable of committing a premeditated crime. Senator Lieberman had harsh criticism for the President saying his lying was intentional and premeditated. If the investigation shows the killing was premeditated, the police chief assured the public, charges would be filed against the policemen involved. February 6, 2003 hinge on The phrasal verb hinge on means to depend on completely. The progress in normalising ties would hinge on Cambodian's receptiveness to the Thai government's three-point demand. The company's hopes for recovery hinged on the success of its new generation of mobile phones. Many political analysts believe the outcome of the election will hinge on the upcoming nationally televised debates. Unless there is a huge turnaround in capital investment, inflows will again hinge on exports and income from tourism. February 5, 2003 sanction (SANK shun) The verb sanction means to officially approve something and allow it to be done. The noun form is also sanction. (Note: the plural form sanctions has a very different meaning. It refers to measures taken by countries to restrict trade with a country that has broken international law.) To sanction the use of deadly force would be to create a "kingdom of fear", a human rights commissioner said yesterday. The peacekeeping force was sanctioned by the UN. The shadowy group appears to function with the sanction of the local police. He is negotiating without the official sanction of his country. February 4, 2003 incite (in SAIT) The verb incite means to encourage someone to do something violent or illegal by making them excited or angry. Thai military intelligence says Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen is responsible for inciting the riot on Wednesday in Phnom Penh. Nelson Mandela was once imprisoned for inciting a strike. Soldiers had orders to shoot on sight anyone inciting rioting. The world's major powers must play a positive role in finding solutions to conflicts that are inciting hate and terrorism. February 3, 2003 rally (RAE li) As a noun, rally refers to a large public meeting in support of someone or something. As a verb, rally means to unite behind someone or something. Rally can also mean to improve or recover from a weak or difficult situation. Britain said yesterday Iraq had clearly ignored United Nations disarmament demands, rallying behind President George W. Bush as he prepared to set out his case for war to American voters and sceptical allies. The Prime Minister addressed a rally of about 3,000 Thai Rak Thai supporters at Wong Wian Yai last night. The government remains firmly committed to the insurance programme and analysts expect the public to eventually rally around the government as well. Dokic saved a set point in the first match and rallied from a 2-5 deficit in the second. Click here to see our words in the news for the previous week. Return to our home page | Comments to Terry F. at terryfrd@ksc15.th.com | |© The Post Publishing Public Co., Ltd. All rights reserved 2003 | Last modified: February 10, 2003