Unit 3B

Word

Definition

Example

execute

to start a program on a computer

The program was set to execute every night at midnight.

blow up

explode

It looks as if there's a storm blowing up.

troops

forces

The president has decided to send in more troops

capture

to catch a person and keep them as a prisoner

Government troops have succeeded in capturing the rebel leader.

loot

to obtain goods or money illegally

During the riot, many shops were looted

casualties

people injured or killed in a serious accident or war

The rebels suffered heavy casualties.

coup

a sudden, violent, and illegal seizure of power from a government

He seized power in a military coup

overthrow

remove forcibly from power

The rebels are trying to overthrow the government

wound

injury

His head wound was bleeding

wartime

a period of time during which a war is being fought

In wartime, food is often scarce.

injury

a wound or damage to part of your body caused by an accident or attack

He was taken to hospital, his injuries were serious.

rebellion

an act of violent or open resistance to an established government or ruler

After years of dramatic cuts in spending, part of the population rose in rebellion

refugee

someone who leaves their country, especially during a war or other threatening event

More than a million refugees are trying to escape the fighting.

survive

continue to live or exist, especially in spite of danger or hardship

Everyone except Shackleton survived the trip.

ally

a friendly nation

They were loyal allies during the war

siege

the action of an armed force that surrounds a fortified place

The siege finally ended after two months

ceasefire

a temporary suspension of fighting

The armies agreed on a temporary ceasefire

treaty

a written agreement between two states or sovereigns

They signed a peace treaty at the end of the war

retreat

to withdraw

The army was forced to retreat

surrender

cease resistance to an enemy or opponent and submit to their authority

After months of fighting the rebels surrendered

shell

the hard protective outer case of a mollusc or crustacean

Snail shells break easily, so don't tread on them

besiege

To surround with hostile forces

Cypriots were expected to besiege lenders on Thursday at midday

captive

(of a prisoner) held by the enemy during a war

The government handed him over to rebels in return for captive soldiers.

succeed

to achieve something that you have been aiming for

It takes a lot of hard work to succeed in this business.

gripping

a gripping film, story etc is very exciting and interesting

Collins's gripping detective novel became a bestseller.

stir

a feeling of excitement or annoyance

Plans for the motorway created quite a stir among locals.

servant

someone, especially in the past, who was paid to clean someone's house, cook for them, answer the door etc, and who often lived in the house

In the past, servants did all the cleaning and cooking