Barron's 1100 Words You Need to Know » Week 8 - Day 2

Word List
  • malnutrition [mal´ nü trish´ ən]
    faulty or inadequate diet
    → “The children of the Albanian refugees are suffering from malnutrition, and they need our help.” Red Cross Appeal for Funds
  • afflict [ə flikt´]
    to trouble greatly, to distress
    → “It afflicted the neighborhood with the stench of slime that was now laid bare.” Edmund Wilson, “The Man Who Shot Snapping Turtles”
  • besiege [bi sēj´]
    to surround, hem in
    → “He felt unable to carry the Confederate lines and settled down to besiege their fortifications.” David Herbert Donald, Lincoln
  • privation [prī vā´ shən]
    lack of necessities
    → “It aroused a strong response in our hearts when he told about their sufferings and privations.” Selma Lagerlöf, Harvest
  • sinister [sin´ ə stər]
    evil, ominous
    → “The man had a cordially sinister air.” Hernando Tellez, “Ashes for the Wind”

Aboard the refugee ship, Dooley’s destiny took shape. He became painfully cognizant* of the malnutrition, disease, ignorance, and fear that afflicted the natives. In addition, he discerned* how active the Communists had been in spreading their anti-American propaganda. Tom Dooley pitched in to build shelters in Haiphong, and to comfort the poor Vietnamese there before that besieged city fell to the powerful Viet Minh forces. He was seemingly unconcerned by the many privations he had to endure. For his services, Dooley received the U.S. Navy’s Legion of Merit. He told the story of this exciting experience in Deliver Us from Evil, a best seller that alerted America to the plight of the Vietnamese as well as to the sinister menace of communism.

Sample Sentences Use the new words in the following sentences.

  1. The stool pigeon, the detective’s confidant,* told him about the __________ plot.
  2. By running up a white flag, the __________ troops indicated their desire to withdraw from the fray.*
  3. Citizens of several Kentucky mountain communities are __________ by the worst poverty in the nation.
  4. The emaciated* prisoners were obviously suffering from advanced __________ .
  5. Albert Schweitzer endured considerable __________ as a jungle doctor.

Definitions Match the new words with their meanings.

  1. a. lack of necessities
  2. b. faulty or inadequate diet
  3. c. evil, ominous
  4. d. to surround, hem in
  5. e. to trouble greatly, to distress
  1. malnutrition __________
  2. afflict __________
  3. besiege __________
  4. privation __________
  5. sinister __________

Answer Key
to swap horses in midstream—to vote against a candidate running for reelection, to change one’s mind
The mayor asked for our support, pointing out how foolish it would be to swap horses in midstream.

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