Vocabularies

useful for

STANAG 6001 level 3

1
 Contents

Crime ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1
The Environment ------------------------------------------------------------ 4
General ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7
Legal Terms ------------------------------------------------------------------- 26
Sequence of actions relating to crime and the legal response to it ---- 30
Military ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 31
Nature -------------------------------------------------------------------------- 39
Terrorism ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 45
Nouns that are always or nearly always singular --------------------------- 46

Note:
These vocabularies grew out of several years of courses aimed at providing students with language
skills to satisfy the requirements of STANAG 6001 level 3. They were compiled following the
recognition that the words herein came up time and time again in both conversing and reading on
selected topics.

STANAG 6001 tests proficiency in general English. Therefore, these vocabularies address general
needs. There is nothing here for the specialist.

At the same time, level 3 (SLP3) is described as the “minimum professional level.” And because
the student population comprises solely military personnel, there is some emphasis on vocabularies
that should be of interest to military professionals.

A person’s vocabulary is finally a personal matter, depending on what words one needs and what
words one likes to reflect his/her individuality. There are undoubtedly many words in these pages
that some will find useless, and by the same token, many others not here that some will see as an
omission.

The nature vocabulary is a case in point. In deciding what to include, it seemed fair to accept
generally (there are some exceptions) only those words that pertain to the students’ native
surroundings. If this list goes to another country – in the Middle East, for example – many of the
words will be unnecessary and many others will supplant them.

Knowing these words does not guarantee success on an SLP3 English exam. They are only, as the
title says, useful in attaining this level.

These vocabularies have not been checked word for word against those found in the American
Language Course Bk. 1-30, or in any other course book, but it is certain that the vast majority are
either not there, or that a broader or deeper definition is needed at level 3. Regarding those few
words that do appear in both sources, duplication of useful words is not a bad thing.

Crime

2
accomplice (noun) – one associated with another in committing a crime
arson (noun; person: arsonist) – the malicious burning of a house or property
assault (verb; noun; person: assailant) – a violent physical or verbal attack
assault with a deadly weapon – a formal charge, as described
atrocity – an extremely brutal or cruel act
blackmail (verb, noun) – to extort by threats, especially of public exposure or prosecution
breaking and entering – a formal charge involving the act of forcing one’s way into the house,
building, etc. belonging to another person
bribe (verb; noun: bribery) – money or favors given or promised to a person who is in a position
of trust in order to influence his judgment or conduct
burglary (noun; verb: burgle; person: burglar) – the act of breaking into a building especially
with intent to steal
child abuse (noun; person: child abuser) – a formal charge including any punishable mistreatment
of a child
child molesting (noun; person: child molester) – committing a sexual act with a child
coerce (verb; noun: coercion) – to enforce or bring about by force or threat
commit (verb) – to perform an act regarded as unlawful
counterfeit (verb, adj.; person: counterfeiter) – to imitate fraudulently
crackdown (noun; verb: crack down) – to enforce or discipline more severely than previously
crime against humanity – an atrocity that is directed especially against an entire population or
part of a population
deface (verb) – to mar or damage the external appearance of e.g. a wall, building, etc.
drug trafficking (person: drug trafficker) – the act of engaging in the illegal trade of drugs
embezzle (verb; noun: embezzlement; person: embezzler) – to appropriate money, property, etc.
fraudulently for one’s own use
extort (verb; noun: extortion) – to obtain something from a person by force, intimidation, or
undue or illegal power
falsify (verb) – to alter the information, etc. of a document for the purpose of misleading
felony (noun; person: felon) – a crime for which the punishment in federal law may be death or
imprisonment for more than one year
forgery (noun) – the crime of falsely and fraudulently making a document, money, a painting, etc.
fraud (noun, also person; adj.: fraudulent) – the act of deceiving or misrepresenting
genocide (noun) – the deliberate and systematic destruction of a racial, political, or cultural group
heist (noun, verb) – to take unlawfully, usually a large amount of money or something extremely
valuable, and by robbery or hold-up

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hold up (verb; noun: hold-up) – to rob at gunpoint
kidnap (verb; noun: kidnapping; person: kidnapper) – to seize and detain or carry away a person
by unlawful force or fraud and often with a demand or ransom
loitering (noun; verb: loiter; person: loiterer) – to remain in an area with no obvious reason
malpractice (noun) – the charge of a criminally unprofessional act
manslaughter (noun) – the unlawful killing of a human being without express or implied malice
misdemeanor (noun) – a crime less serious than a felony
m.o. (noun; method of operation) – the patterned way that someone goes about committing
crimes.
mug (verb; noun: mugging; person: mugger) – to assault, usually with the intent to rob and
usually in the street
murder (verb; noun; person: murderer) – to kill a person, especially with malice and forethought
non-violent crime – any crime not involving bodily harm to the victim
perpetrate (verb; noun: perpetrator) – to carry out or commit a crime
pick-pocket (verb; person; noun: pick-pocketing) – to steal from someone’s pocket or personal
belongings, especially in the street or in a public place
public intoxication – a formal charge for appearing in public under the influence of alcohol
racket (noun; person: racketeer) – a usually illegitimate enterprise made workable by bribery or
intimidation
rape (verb, noun; person: rapist) – to force another person to participate in a sex act
rob (verb; noun: robbery; person: robber) – to remove valuables from a place without
authorization
shoplift (verb; noun: shoplifting; person: shoplifter) – to take items from a store by concealing
them, and without paying for them
slander (noun, verb) – the utterance of false charges or misrepresentations which defame and
damage another’s reputation
smuggle (verb; noun: smuggling; person: smuggler) – to import or export secretly, contrary to the
law and especially without paying duties on them
squad (noun) – a group of police officers, especially one organized to deal with a particular area of
law enforcement
surveillance (noun) – a watch kept over a suspected person or group
theft (noun; person: thief) – the act of stealing
treason – the act of attempting by overt acts to overthrow the government of the state to which you
owe allegiance
trespass (verb; noun: trespassing; person: trespasser) – to enter unlawfully on the land of another
person

4
vagrancy (noun: person: vagrant) – living without lawful or visible means of support
victim (noun; verb: victimize) – a person who has been harmed, injured, killed, or sacrificed by
another agent
violent crime – any crime involving bodily harm to the victim
white collar crime – non-violent crimes committed typically by those in higher positions

5
 The Environment

acid rain – precipitation containing relatively high concentrations of acid-forming chemicals, such
as the pollutants from coal smoke, chemical manufacturing, and smelting, that have been
released into the atmosphere and combined with water vapor and, as such, are harmful to
the environment
alternative energy source – any form of energy that can be used in place of fossil fuels and is not
viewed as being harmful to the environment
balance of nature – population equilibrium among organisms and their environments resulting
from continuous interaction and interdependency
biodegradable – capable of decaying through the action of living organisms
carbon sink (noun) – an ecosystem, such as the oceans, forests, or soils, that removes and stores
carbons from the air
carcinogenic – causing cancer
chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) – any of the class of exceptionally stable compounds containing
carbon, fluorine, and chlorine, which have been used especially as refrigerants and aerosol
propellants
deforestation – the clearing of trees or forests, especially when viewed as a cause of damage to the
environment
drought – a period of dryness, especially when prolonged and causing extensive damage to crops
ecosystem – a system formed by the interaction of a community of organisms with their
environment such that none predominates and none is threatened with extinction
endangered species - a species at risk of extinction because of human activity, changes in climate,
changes in predator-prey ratios, etc. especially when officially designated by a
governmental agency.
environmentally friendly – anything that does not cause harm to the environment
erosion – the process by which the surface of the earth is worn away by the action of water,
glaciers, winds, waves, etc.
extinct – refers to any species that no longer exists
famine (noun) – extreme and general scarcity of food
fertilizer – any substance used to increase productivity of the soil
flood – a rising and overflow of a body of water onto normally dry land
fossil fuels – any combustible organic material, as oil, coal, or natural gas, derived from the
remains of former life
gas-guzzler (noun) – a vehicle that has low fuel efficiency

6
genetically altered crops – food plants having a modified genetic structure which increases their
yield and their resistance to pests and disease
global warming – an increase in the earth’s average atmospheric temperature that causes
corresponding changes in climate and that may result from the greenhouse effect
greenhouse effect – the heating of the surface and lower atmosphere of a planet due to the greater
transparency of the atmosphere to visible radiation from the sun than to infrared radiation
from the planet
greenhouse gas – any of the gases whose absorption of solar radiation is responsible for the
greenhouse effect, including carbon dioxide, methane, ozone, and the fluorocarbons
hybrid (adj., noun) – a vehicle that can run on more than one fuel type
meltdown (noun) – the melting of a significant portion of a nuclear reactor core due to inadequate
cooling of fuel elements, a condition that could lead to the escape of radiation
oil spill – the unintentional discharge of oil on the seas resulting from an accident involving an oil
tanker
ozone hole – any part of the ozone layer that has become depleted by atmospheric pollution,
resulting in excess ultraviolet radiation passing through the atmosphere
ozone layer – the layer of the upper atmosphere where most atmospheric ozone is concentrated,
from about 8 to 30 miles (12 to 48 km) above the earth, with the maximum ozone
concentration occurring at an altitude of about 12 miles (19 km)
planned obsolescence – a method of stimulating consumer demand by designing products that
wear out or become outmoded after limited use
pollution – the introduction of harmful substances into the environment
protected species – species of animals or plants which may not be harvested because they are in
danger of extinction
recycle – to treat or process used or waste materials so as to make them suitable for reuse
smog – fog intensified by smoke
solar energy – energy harnessed from the rays of the sun
tropical rain forest – the forests of tropical countries, the disappearance of which especially in
South America are of great concern to environmentalists because of their role in
maintaining the ecosystem
ultraviolet rays – narrow beams of light having wavelengths shorter than 4000 ångstrom units

7
 General

abandon (verb; noun: abandonment) – to leave with no intention of returning; to desert, e.g. a
plan, a baby
abuse (noun, verb) – unfair, cruel or violent treatment of somebody or something
accelerate (verb; noun: acceleration) – to start to go faster; to happen faster than usual or expected
accountable (adj.; noun: accountability) – responsible to somebody or for something; able to be
explained
acquaintance (noun) – somebody whom you do not know well
adapt (verb; noun: adaptation) – to change in order to deal successfully with new situations;
adaptable (adj.) – able to change to deal with new situations
addict (noun, verb) – a person who has a physiological dependency on drugs
addictive (adj.) – having properties that lead to a physiological need
addictive personality (adj. + noun) – having the psychological inclination to abuse drugs
adventurous (adj.) – a person willing to take risks and try new ideas
adverse (adj.) – negative and unpleasant, not likely to produce a good result
advocate (verb, noun) – to support something publicly, to recommend
affluent (adj.; noun: affluence) – having a lot of money and a good standard of living
airspace (noun) – the part of the sky where planes are designated to fly, usually the part above a
particular country that is legally controlled by that country
akin (adj.) – similar to, having some of the same qualities
alloy (noun) – a metal that is made by mixing two or more metals, or a metal and another
substance
allure (noun) – attraction, charm or excitement
aluminum (noun) – a light metallic element which is silver-gray in color and used especially for
making cooking equipment and aircraft parts
ambiguous (adj.) – unclear, confusing, or not certain because it can be understood in more than
one way
ambivalent (adj.) – having two opposing feelings at the same time, or being uncertain about how
you feel
ankle (noun) – the part of human body where the foot joins the leg
anonymous (adj.) – unknown by name; done, sent, or given by someone who does not want
her/his name to be known
appetizing (adj.) – food that smells or looks very good, making you want to eat it
apprehensive (adj.; noun: apprehension) – worried or nervous about something that you are
going to do, or about the future

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assemble (verb; noun: assembly) – 1) to put something together of component parts, e.g. a tent; 2)
to gather together a large number of people or things in one place, often for a particular
purpose;
assert (verb; noun: assertion) – to state firmly that something is true, to state very strongly your
right to something
assess (verb; noun: assessment) – to make a judgment or evaluation about a person or situation
after thinking carefully about it
attain (verb; noun: attainment) – to succeed in achieving something often after trying for a long
time
attribute (verb) – 1) to believe or say that a situation or event is caused by something; 2) to give
credit for something such as a work of art or a saying to a particular person; (noun) – a
quality or characteristic that someone or something has
avert (verb) – to prevent something unpleasant from happening
ax (noun; Br. axe) – a tool with a heavy metal blade on the end of a long handle, used to cut down
trees or split pieces of wood
ban (verb, noun) – to say that something must not be done, seen, used etc.; to prohibit; not allow
bankrupt ( adj., verb; noun: bankrupcy) – reduced to a state of financial ruin
bar (verb) – to place legal objection to an action; to forbid
barbed wire (noun phrase) – wire with short sharp points on the top of a wall or fence to keep
people from crossing from one side to the other
bargain (noun) – something for which is paid less money than its worth
bathe (verb) – to wash yourself or someone else in a bath; to swim in the sea, a river, or a lake
beg (verb) – to ask for something urgently and without pride because you want it very much;
beggar (noun) – a person who habitually asks for money or aid
bias (noun; adj.: biased) – a preference that prevents objective consideration of an issue or
situation
bill (noun) – 1) statement of money owed, amount owed, amount paid; 2) a proposal for a law
bit (noun) – the part of a drill that performs the function of drilling or boring a hole
blame (verb, noun) – to say or think that someone or something is responsible for something bad
bolt (noun) – a metal rod used for attaching two pieces, having threads and a head at one end, and
which is secured by a nut
botch (verb) – to spoil something by doing it badly
boycott (noun, verb) – a concerted refusal to have dealings with e.g. a person, store, organization,
company in order to express disapproval or to change the police of that person, etc. [see
also embargo, sanctions]
breach (verb, noun) – to break a law, rule, or agreement

9
breakthrough (noun) – an important new discovery, especially in science, medicine, or
technology, that has a dramatic and far-reaching effect [see also Military vocabulary]
brief (adj.) – short, concise
bring up (phrasal verb) – 1) to care for a child until it is an adult, often giving it particular beliefs;
2) to start to talk about a particular subject
bully (noun, verb) –one habitually cruel to others weaker than himself
buy on installments (verb function) – to make regular payments for something until you have paid
all the money you owe, usually with the understanding that you possess the object while
paying for it
bypass (verb, noun) – 1) to avoid a place by traveling around it; to avoid an obstacle, obstruction,
or problem by using an alternative route or method; (noun) – a heart operation
capable (adj.; noun: capability) – able to do things well [opp. incapable]
carrot (noun) – an incentive
collide (verb; noun: collision) – to hit something or someone that is moving in a different direction
from you
company (noun) – the state of being with somebody else, not alone [see also Military vocabulary
comprehensive (adj.) – including everything, so as to be complete, inclusive, thorough
comprise (verb) – to include, contain, consist, constitute
conceal (verb; noun: concealment) – to hide something or somebody so as not to be found
concede (verb; noun: concession) – 1) to admit, often unwillingly, that something is true; 2) to
admit defeat; 3) to allow someone to have something, even though you do not want to
condemn (verb; noun: condemnation) – 1) to express strong disapproval of an action, especially
because you think it is morally wrong; 2) to pronounce guilty
confirm (verb; noun: confirmation) – 1) to show that something is definitely true, especially by
providing more proof; 2) to make an arrangement or meeting certain, often by telephone or
writing
congestion (noun) – 1) excessive traffic or people; 2) excessive accumulation of fluid in an organ
or body part
consent (verb, noun) – to give permission for something or agree to do something
conspicuous (adj.) – very easy to notice, obvious [opp. inconspicuous]
consume (verb; noun: consumption) – to use time, energy, goods etc; to eat or drink something
contagious (adj.) – communicable by contact, e.g. a disease
contingency (noun) – 1) an event or situation that might happen in the future, especially one that
could cause problems; 2) provision made against future unforeseen events, e.g. an
allocation of funds in a budget

10
contradict (verb; adj.: contradictory; noun: contadiction) – to assert the opposite of what has
been said to be or is thought to be true
contribute (verb; noun: contribution) – 1) to donate money or time especially to a common fund
or for a specific purpose; 2) to be one of the factors that causes something
controversial (adj.; noun: controversy) – of or relating to something that many people strongly
disagree about, dissaprove of, or are shocked by
copper (noun) – a common, soft reddish metallic element used in cooking utensils, tubes, electric
wiring, etc.
cord (noun) – an electrical wire or wires with a protective covering, usually for connecting
electrical equipment to the supply of electricity
coup d‘état (French, noun) – the sudden violent overthrow of a government and seizure of
political power, especially by the military
cover-up (noun; verb: cover up) – an action carried out to prevent investigation or exposure
cronyism (noun) – the practice of favoring one’s close friends in making political appointments
cruel (adj.; noun: cruelty) – willing to cause pain; indifferent to suffering
crumble (verb) – 1) to break up into tiny bits; 2) to disintegrate or fall apart
curb (verb) – to control or limit something in order to prevent it from having a harmful effect
curfew (noun) – 1) an official restriction on people's movements, requiring them to remain indoors
after a specific time; 2) the time, decided by a parent, by which a child must be home or
asleep in the evening
curtail (verb) – to reduce or limit something
cut corners (verb function) – [negative] to do something in the easiest, cheapest or quickest way,
often by ignoring rules or leaving something out
cutbacks (noun, usually pl.; verb: cut back) – a reduction in something, e.g. money, aid
deceive (verb; noun: deception) – to make somebody believe something that is not true; to trick
defect (noun) – a fault or a lack of something that means that something or someone is not perfect
[see also Military vocabulary]
deflect (verb) – 1) to turn somebody or something in a different direction; 2) to do something to
stop people paying attention to you, criticizing you etc; 3) to take someone's attention away
from something
deliberate (verb) – to think about something very carefully; (adj.) – intended or planned;
intentional
demand (verb, noun) – to ask for something very firmly, especially because you think you have a
right to do this; often with the threat of action if no compliance
deny (verb; noun: denial) – 1) to say that something is not true, or that you do not believe
something; 2) to refuse to give or grant, e.g. permission, request, etc.

11
depressant (noun) – an agent that reduces bodily functional activity
deprive (verb; noun: deprivation) – to prevent somebody from having something, especially
something that is needed
designer drug (noun function) – drugs with a chemical makeup that has not yet been made illegal
destitute (adj.) – lacking things that are needed for basic life
detain (verb; noun: detention) – 1) to prevent someone from leaving a place; 2) to keep under
restraint or in custody
deteriorate (verb) – to become worse in quality, character, or value, e.g. house, health,
relationship
determine (verb) – 1) to find out the facts about something; 2) [usually passive] to decide to do
something
detoxification (noun) – the process of removing poisons and the effects of poisons (as in drugs)
from the body
differentiate (verb) – to recognize or express the difference between things or people
dilute (verb) – to make a liquid weaker by adding water or another liquid, to make a quality, belief
etc. weaker or less effective
disband (intr. or tr. verb) – to stop existing as an organization; to cause a group or organization to
break up
disgust (verb, noun; verbal adjective: disgusting) – to provoke a strong negative reaction
discharge (verb) – 1) to allow officially someone to leave a place, especially the hospital or the
army; 2) to fire a gun; 3) to release energy, e.g. a battery
disillusion (verb) – to make someone realize that something thought to be true, good, or valuable is
not
disperse (intr. or tr. verb) – to go away or spread in different directions; to cause a group of
persons or things to go or spread in different directions
dissident (noun, adj.) – someone who publicly criticizes the government in a country where this is
punished
distinguish (verb) – to recognize and understand the difference between two or more things or
people; distinguished (adj.) – a person appearing or giving evidence of being excellent or
outstanding in a way that society views as admirable
divert (verb) – 1) to change the use of something such as time or money; 2) to change the direction
in which something travels, e.g. telephone calls, ones attention
division (noun) – 1) separating something into two or more different parts; 2) part of an
organization [see also Military vocabulary]
divisive (adj.) – causing strong disagreement between people
dose (noun: also dosage) – the amount of medicine or drug prescribed or to be taken

12
drag (verb) – 1) to pull something along the ground, often because it is too heavy to carry; 2) to
pull someone somewhere where they do not want to go, in a way that is not gentle; 3) to
move words, pictures etc. on a computer screen by pulling them along with the mouse
drawback (noun) – a disadvantage of a situation, plan, product etc
drug bust (noun function) – a police raid intended to arrest those involved in drug trafficking and
to confiscate drugs
drug ring (noun) – a group of people involved in drug trafficking
drug trafficking/smuggling (noun) – the act of transporting drugs illegally
dump (verb, noun) – 1) to get rid of something that you do not want, e.g. garbage; 2) to leave a
partner or spouse in a heartless way; (noun) – a place where unwanted waste is taken and
left
dysfunctional (adj.) – not working properly or normally, e.g. marriage, government
eager (adj.; noun: eagerness) – enthusiastic or excited about doing something
effective (adj.) – 1) successful, and working in the way that was intended; 2) to be valid at a
specific time, e.g. a law
efficient (adj.) – working well without wasting time, money, or energy
eligible (adj.; noun: eligibility) – meeting the requirements for, e.g. promotion, voting, etc.
embargo (noun) – an official order to stop trade with another country [see also boycott, sanctions]
enact (verb) – to approve formally a proposal (bill) so that it becomes law
enclave (noun) – a small area that is within a larger area where people of a different kind or
nationality live
end up (phrasal verb) – 1) to become something eventually, often unexpectedly; 2) to arrive
somewhere as a result or consequence, often unexpectedly
endurance (noun) – the ability to continue doing something difficult or painful (usually physical)
over a long period of time
erupt (verb; noun: eruption) – 1) to burst out suddenly and violently; 2) to eject material such as
gas, steam, ash or lava
evaluate (verb; noun: evaluation) – to consider or examine something in order to judge its value,
quality, importance, extent or condition; to assess
exaggerate (verb: noun: exaggeration) – to state that something is better, worse, larger, more
common or more important than is true
exempt (verb, adj.; noun: exemption) – to free somebody from something such as a duty, tax or
military service that is required of others
exile (verb, noun) – to force someone to leave her/his country, especially for political reasons

13
expel (verb; noun: expulsion) – to force someone to leave or give up membership in an institution
such as a school, political party or club, usually as a punishment; 2) to force air, water, gas
etc out of something;
expropriate (verb) – to take property or money from somebody, either legally for the public good
or illegally by theft or fraud
extinct (adj.; noun: extinction) – 1) no longer in existence, e.g. dinosaurs; 2) no longer active, e.g.
a volcano
extinguish (verb) – 1) to cause to cease burning; 2) to bring to an end, e.g. a life
extrovert (noun; adj.: extroverted) – someone who is active and confident, and who enjoys
spending time with other people [opp. introvert, introverted]
faction (noun) – a small group of people within a larger one whose members have some different
aims and beliefs from those of the larger group
faint (adj.) – 1) not bright, clear, or loud; 2) dizzy or weak, as if about to become unconscious;
(verb) – to lose consciousness for a short time
fare (noun) – the price paid to travel somewhere by bus, train, plane, taxi etc.
far-sighted (adj.) – able to anticipate the long term results of an action [opp. short-sighted]
fault (noun) – 1) responsibility for a mistake, failure, or act of wrongdoing; 2) character weakness
in a person; 3) something wrong with a machine, system, design etc, which prevents it from
working properly; (verb) – to criticize someone or something for a mistake
feedback (noun) – 1) advice, criticism etc. about how successful or useful something is or was
fire extinguisher (noun) – a metal container with water or chemicals in it, used for stopping small
fires
first-rate (adj.) – of the best quality or the highest standard; excellent
flee (verb) – to leave somewhere very quickly, in order to escape danger
flexible (adj.; noun: flexibility) – capable of responding or conforming to changing or new
situations
fool (verb) – to trick someone into believing something that is not true; (noun) – a stupid person
or someone who has done something stupid
found (verb) – 1) to start something such as an organization, company, school, or city, often by
providing the necessary money; to establish
fraction (noun) – 1) a very small amount of something; a part of a whole number in mathematics,
such as ½ or ¾
fragile (adj.; noun: fragility) – easily broken or destroyed
friction (noun) – 1) disagreement, angry feelings, or unfriendliness between people; 2) the rubbing
of two objects against each other when one or both are moving, producing heat

14
gear (noun) – 1) a toothed wheel in a vehicle that determines mechanical advantage, relative speed,
and direction of travel; 2) a set of equipment, tools, or clothing needed for a particular
activity
gentle (adj.) – 1) kind and careful in the way you behave or do things, so that you do not hurt or
damage anyone or anything [opp. rough]; 2) refering to a slope with a gradual incline [opp.
steep]
grateful (adj.; noun: gratitude) – thankful, appreciative [opp. ungrateful, ingratitude]
grow up (phrasal verb) – to develop from childhood to adulthood
hallucinogen (noun; adj.: hallucinogenic) – drugs causing the perception of objects not founded in
reality
hammer (noun, verb) – 1) a tool with a heavy metal part on a long handle, used for hitting nails
into wood; 2) the part of a gun that hits the explosive charge that fires a bullet
hang (verb) – 1) to put something in a position so that the top part is fixed or supported, and the
bottom part is free to move and does not touch the ground; 2) to kill someone by dropping
him/her with a rope around the neck
harbor (noun) – 1) a sheltered port where ships can take on or discharge cargo; 2) a place of
refuge and comfort and security; (verb) – to shelter fugitives or criminals secretly
hard drugs (adj. + noun) – drugs with properties that can cause addiction
hard liner (noun) – one who is unwilling to yield, especially in regard to ideas or ideology
harsh (adj.) – 1) unkind or cruel, e.g. punishment; 2) severe, e.g. winter
heal (verb) – 1) to become healthy again, especially by using natural powers; 2) to become
mentally or emotionally strong again after a bad experience, or to help someone to do this
heavy set (adj.) – having a large, wide, strong body
hidden agenda (noun function) – a plan, motive, or objective underlying somebody’s actions that
is kept secret from the others; an ulterior motive
hi-tech (adj.) – employing advanced technology
high (adj.; phrasal verb: get high) – to be under the influence of drugs
hoe (noun, verb) – a garden tool with a long handle, used for removing weeds from the surface of
the soil, for breaking up the soil, etc.
humid (adj.; noun: humidity) – containing or characterized by a great deal of water vapor in the
atmosphere
humiliate (verb; adj. humiliating, humiliated) – to make someone feel ashamed or stupid,
especially when other people are present
hygiene (noun; adj.: hygienic) – the science concerned with the prevention of illness and
maintenance of health
chemical dependency (noun function) – drug addiction

15
ideology (noun) – an orientation that characterizes the thinking of a group or nation
ignite (verb; noun: ignition) – 1) to cause to start burning; 2) to arouse or excite feelings and
passions
illiterate (adj.; noun: illiteracy) – not knowing how to read or write
implement (verb; noun: implementation) – to put something into effect or action
in time (adv., adj.) – arriving such that an activity can be accomplished; on time (adv., adj.)
arriving at the correct time or the time that was arranged
incentive (noun) – a positive motivational influence
incident (noun) – something that happens, especially something unusual or unpleasant
inevitable (adj.) – something that cannot be prevented from happening
inflammatory remark (noun function) – something said with the intention of provoking strong
feelings of anger
inject (verb; noun: injection) – to administer something intravenously
inoperative (adj.) – 1) something that is not working, that is broken down; 2) something that can
not be used in practice
intend (verb; noun: intention; adj.: intentional) – to have made a decision to do something, to
plan to do something
intermittent (adj.) – happening or occuring at irregular intervals
introvert (noun; adj.: introverted) – someone who doesn’t socialize much or tends to be quiet or
uncomfortable in a group [opp. extrovert, extroverted]
jealous (adj.; noun: jealousy) – 1) possessive, suscpicious and untrusting of one’s loved one; 2)
envious, feeling bitter or unhappy because of other people’s success, advantages or
possessions
jury-rig (verb) – make or do something in a makesift manner, improvise
kickback (noun) – a sum of money paid in return for a favor
kidnap (verb; noun: kidnapper) – take and keep someone by force until money is paid for her/his
release
knock (something) over (verb) – 1) cause something to fall down by hitting it, usually
accidentally
labor union (noun function) – an organization of workers which protects and promotes workers'
rights
laborious (adj., noun: laboriousness) – very difficult, needing a lot of unwelcome effort
lay (someone) off (verb) – to stop employing somebody when the employer no longer has work
for her/him
literate (adj.; noun: literacy) – 1) someone who knows how to read and write; 2) someone who
reads a lot; well read

16
look over (verb) – to examine, inspect something or somebody, either quickly or carefully
lure (verb) – to persuade somebody to go somewhere or do something by offering something
tempting
luxurious (adj.; noun: luxury) – of the finest and richest kind; expensive and comfortable
maintain (verb; noun: maintenance) – to take care of a place or a machine and try to keep it in
good condition
make demands (verb + noun) – to set or define criteria or tasks that must be fulfilled, often with
the threat of consequences if they are not
make do (verb) – to accomplish something while have only limited resources
makeshift (adj.) – providing an improvised, often inferior substitute
malfunction (verb) – to not function properly or normally, usually because of a fault or bad design
mandate (noun) – 1) an official command or instruction from an authority; 2) the authority given
to a government or other organization by an electoral victory
mason (noun) – someone who works with stone or brick, especially in the building trade
meet demands (verb + noun) – to fulfill criteria or needs
memorial (noun) – a monument, speech or ceremony that reminds people of someone who has
died or an event in which people died
metals
 aluminum
 brass
 bronze
 copper
 lead
 nickel
 steel
 tin
 zinc
minor / serious injury (adj. + noun) – the two normal classifications
misleading (adj.) – something that confuses people or gives them a false idea of something
momentum (noun) – 1) the power to increase or develop at an ever-growing pace; 2) the speed or
force of forward movement of an object
moral (adj.; noun: morality) – 1) good or right, when judged by the standards of the average
person or society in general; 2) able to tell right from wrong and to make decisions based
on that knowledge [opp. immoral, immorality]; 3) (noun) – a conclusion about how to
behave or proceed drawn from a story or event
morale (noun) – the level of confidence or optimism a person or a group feels, especially
connected with discipline and motivation

17
mortar (noun) – 1) mixture of sand, water, and cement or lime that becomes hard like stone and is
used in building to hold bricks and stones together [see also Military vocabulary]
motivate (verb; noun: motivation) – to make somebody feel enthusiastic, interested, and
committed to something
narcotic (noun) – a drug that in moderate doses dulls the senses, relieves pain, and induces sleep
but in excessive doses causes stupor, coma, or convulsions
needle (noun) – (medicine) hypodermic needle [see also Nature vocabulary]
negligent (adj.; noun: negligence) – 1) habitually careless or irresponsible; 2) guilty of failing to
provide a proper or reasonable level of care
nepotism (noun) – favoritism shown to a relative, as by giving an official job
nut (noun) – a piece of metal, usually square or hexagonal, with a hole in the middle, screwed on
the end of a bolt as a fastening for it
on purpose (adv.) – intentionally, deliberately, with a goal or a plan
open-ended (adj.) – 1) with no planned or defined end; 2) not definite and easily changed; 3)
offering many possibilities or choices; 4) requiring or allowing an answer that is fuller than
a simple yes or no
opiate (noun) – any drug derived from the opium poppy, such as codeine, morphine, heroin
outbreak (noun; verb: break out) – a sudden occurrence, usually of something unpleasant or
dangerous such as illness or fighting
overdose (verb, noun) – to take too much of a drug so as to induce extreme symptoms including
coma and death
overlook (verb) – to miss or to fail to notice something as a result of inattention, preoccupation, or
haste
oversee (verb) – to watch over, manage, and direct somebody or a task done by somebody
oversight (noun) – 1) a mistake, especially as a result of missing or not noticing something; 2) the
responsibility of supervising something
overthrow (verb, noun) – to remove a person or group of people from a position of power by force
overview (noun) – a general or comprehensive outline of something; a short description of things
to follow
partisan (noun, adj.) – 1) a firm adherent to a political party, faction, or cause [see also Military
vocabulary]
pass out (verb) – 1) to lose consciousness, 2) to distribute things among a number of people
pension (noun) – a fixed amount of money paid regularly to somebody during retirement by the
government, a former employer, or an insurance company
persist (verb; adj. : persistent) – to continue steadily or obstinately despite problems, difficulties,
or obstacles

18
pervasive (adj.; verb: pervade) – something that spreads widely or is present throughout
something else
petition (noun, verb) – a written request signed by many people demanding a specific action from
an authority or government, the act of making a petition
petty (adj.) – minor; not very important or influential
phase in/out (verb) – to introduce/remove something in stages over a period of time
pick (noun) – a tool used for breaking up hard surfaces, consisting of a long handle and a curved
metal head that is pointed at one end and either pointed or like a chisel at the other
plausible (adj.) – believable and appearing likely to be true, usually in the absence of proof
plead (verb) – to ask for something in a very emotional or earnest manner [see also Legal
vocabulary]
pliers (noun) – a hand tool with two hinged arms ending in jaws that are closed by hand pressure
to grip something
plot (noun, verb) – 1) a secret plan to cause an illegal or subversive act; (noun) – the story or
sequence of events in something such as a novel, play, or movie
poverty (noun) – not having enough money or material possessions to live well; impoverish
(verb) – to bring someone to a state of poverty
precautionary measures (adj. + noun) – steps taken to make sure something wrong or unwanted
doesn’t happen
prejudice (noun) – an opinion, usually negative, formed before or without checking facts, and
based on insufficient knowledge, irrational feelings, or inaccurate stereotypes
prevent (verb; adj.: preventive) – to stop something from happening
proclaim (verb; noun: proclamation) – to announce something publicly or formally
provoke (verb; noun: provocation) – to make somebody feel so angry or indignant that they
respond; provocative (adj.) – tending to excite or stimulate
purge (verb, noun) – to get rid of something undesirable, impure, or imperfect
pursue (verb; noun: pursuit) – 1) to follow somebody, sometimes for a long time, in order to
catch or capture him or her; 2) to work at something often for a long time
put together (verb) – make, create, assemble out of a lot of pieces of information or parts
quota (noun) – the number or quantity that is permitted or needed
raise (verb) – 1) to lift, to move something or somebody to a higher level or position; 2) to look
after somebody as or like a parent; 3) to grow vegetables or breed and care for animals
raise rates (verb + noun) – to increase charges for a service
rake (noun, verb) – a tool with a long handle and a head with long teeth, used for gathering leaves
or cut grass, or for making the surface of the soil smooth and loose

19
rebel (noun, verb) – 1) somebody who belongs to a group of people who want to overthrow the
government; 2) somebody who goes against the conventions and rules of a society
receipt (noun) – a written confirmation that things such as sums of money have been given to the
person or company that gives the confirmation
reconcile (verb; noun: reconciliation) – to bring two or more people or countries back into a
friendly relationship with each other after a dispute
regress (verb; noun: regression; adj. regressive) – movement backward, especially from a more
advanced or better state to a less advanced or worse one
regret (verb, noun; adj.: regrettable (act, situation), regretful (person)) – to feel sorry and sad
about something previously done or said that now appears wrong, mistaken, or hurtful to
others
reimburse (verb; noun: reimbursement) – to pay somebody back money spent for an official or
approved reason, or to give somebody money as compensation for loss or damage
reinstate (verb; noun: reinstatement) – 1) to give somebody back a job or position of influence
that he or she once had and from which he or she was dismissed or deposed; 2) to bring
something back into use or force again after it has been out of use, e.g. a law
reluctant (adj.) – feeling or showing no willingness or enthusiasm to do something
repel (verb) – to drive or force back or away; repellent (noun) – something used to drive, e.g.
insects away
repulsive (adj.) – causing strong dislike or aversion; disgusting
resist (verb, noun: resistance) – 1) to oppose and stand firm against somebody or something; 2) to
refuse to accept or comply with something
resolve (verb; noun: resolution) – to bring a disagreement or a problem to an acceptable end
responsible for (adj.) – being the cause of something, often something wrong or disapproved of;
responsible to – (adj.) accountable to somebody for an action or for the successful carrying
out of a duty
restrict (verb; noun: restriction; adj.: restrictive) – to keep something within fixed limits
rig (verb) – to affect the outcome of something, as an election, by intervening dishonestly or
unfairly
rough (adj.) – 1) having a bumpy or uneven surface rather than being smooth, flat, and regular 2)
characterized by or done with force or violence [opp. gentle]
rumor (noun) – a generally circulated story, report, or statement without facts to confirm its truth
sacred (adj.) – 1) dedicated to a deity or religious purpose; 2) relating to or used in religious
worship; 3) worthy of or regarded with religious veneration, worship, and respect

20
sanctions (noun) – economic or military coercive measures adopted usually by several nations to
force a nation into a position or action acceptable to international law [see also boycott,
embargo]
savage (adj.) – fierce and violent; causing great harm
scapegoat (noun) – somebody who is made to take the blame for others
scar (noun, verb, usually passive) – a permanent mark that is left on your skin after you have had a
cut or wound
scatter (verb) – 1) to throw things around so that they land with an irregular distribution over a
relatively wide area; 2) to disperse, e.g. a crowd of people
screw (verb, noun) – to fasten one thing to another or make something tight with a screw;
screwdriver (noun) – a tool for driving screws that consists of a handle or power tool with
a metal rod shaped at the tip to fit into the head of a screw
seek asylum (verb + noun; person: asylum seeker) – to attempt to escape persecution by entering
a country whose policy permits
seize (verb) – 1) to take somebody or something in your hand suddenly and using force; to grab; 2)
to take control of a place or situation; 3) to capture a person
self-centered (adj.; noun: self-centeredness) – paying so much attention to yourself that you do
not notice what is happening to other people
self-righteous (adj.; noun: self-righteousness) – sure of the moral superiority of one’s personal
beliefs and actions, usually to a degree annoying to others
setback (noun) – something that reverses or delays the progress of somebody or something
shoot (verb) – to inject drugs
shrewd (adj.; noun: shrewdness) – showing or possessing intelligence, insight, and sound
judgment, especially in business or politics; often neg.
slick (adj.) – 1) done or made in a way that is clever and efficient but often does not seem to be
sincere or lacks important ideas; 2) slippery
slippery (adj.) – difficult to hold, or to stand or move on because it is smooth, wet, or polished
snort (verb) – to ingest drugs through the nose
sober (adj.; noun: sobriety) – 1) not under the influence of drugs or alcohol; 2) marked by a
serious or thoughtful character
socket (noun) – an electrical device receiving a plug or light bulb to make a connection
soft drugs (adj. + noun) – drugs that do not lead to addiction
solve (verb; noun: solution) – to find an answer to, explanation for, or way of dealing with, e.g. a
problem or mystery, in which the cause of the problem is a lack of information
spade (noun) – a tool with a rectangular metal blade and a long handle, used for digging

21
span (noun, verb) – 1) the full extent of something from end to end, e.g. wingspan; 2) the length of
time that something lasts
spanner (noun, Brit.) – a wrench
spatter (verb) – 1) to cover with drops or spots irregularly and usually unintentionally; 2) to splash
or be splashed over a surface
splash (verb) – to throw water on something or someone
splatter (verb) – to splash with a sticky or thick liquid
stabilize (verb; noun: stabilization) – to make or become fixed or not likely to change [opp.
destabilize]
stable (adj.; noun: stability) – 1) firmly fixed or not likely to move or change 2) someone who is
mentally healthy and well balanced [opp. unstable, instability]
stagnate (verb, noun: stagnation) – to stay the same and not grow or develop
stale (adj.) – no longer new or fresh, usually as a result of being kept for too long or being out of
date
stall (verb) – 1) to hold off, divert, or delay an action by evasion or deception; 2) to cause an
engine to stop as a malfunction
stash (verb, noun) – to store or hide something, especially a large amount and often illegally
state-of-the-art (adj.) – representing the latest technological developments
steel (noun) – a strong metal which is a mixture of iron and carbon, and which is used for making
things which need a strong structure, especially vehicles and buildings
steer (verb) – to control the direction of a vehicle
stimulant (noun) – an agent that produces a temporary increase in the functional activity of an
organism
strenuous (adj.) – requiring or using a lot of physical or mental effort or energy
struggle (verb, noun) – 1) to experience difficulty and make a very great effort in order to do
something 2) to fight, especially with your hands
stubborn (adj.; noun: stubbornness) – determined not to change an opinion or attitude
superstition (noun; adj.: superstitious) – a belief which is not based on human reason or scientific
knowledge, but is connected with old ideas about magic, etc
surge (noun, verb) – a sudden and great increase
surpass (verb) – to exceed, go beyond
surplus (noun, adj.) – an amount that is more than needed
synthetic drugs (adj. + noun) – drugs designed in the laboratory rather than from a natural
substance
syringe (noun) – apparatus for injecting a liquid substance
take apart – (verb) – to divide into pieces, to disconnect the pieces of; to disassemble

22
take measures (verb + plural noun) – to act upon a perceived problem or situation in order to
resolve it
tarp (noun, abbrev. tarpaulin) – a waterproofed canvas
terminally ill (adj.) – having an incurable condition that will lead to death
thaw (verb, noun) – to become or make liquid or soft after being frozen
thread (noun) – 1) a long, thin strand of cotton, nylon, or other fiber used in sewing or weaving; 2)
a projecting rib by which parts can be screwed together as on a bolt or screw
throw away (phrasal verb) – to discard
throw out (phrasal verb) – to discard, to throw away
thwart (verb) – to prevent an action, usually human, from happening
tin (noun) – 1) a soft silver-white metal and chemical element that is often used to cover and
protect iron and steel; 2) (Brit.) a can
tolerate (verb; noun: tolerance; adj. tolerant) – to allow people to do, say, or believe what they
want without criticizing or punishing them; [opp. noun intolerance; adj. intolerant]
tour guide – (noun) a person who leads others and provides information at a place of interest
transparency (noun; adj.: transparent) – openness in dealings
trauma (noun; verb: traumatize; adj.: traumatic) – 1) an unpleasant and upsetting experience that
affects a person for a long time; 2) a mental state of extreme shock caused by a very
frightening or unpleasant experience
turbulent (adj.; noun: turbulence) – characterized by sudden change, confusion, disagreement, or
violence; (noun) – a series of sudden and violent changes in the direction that air or water
moves
turmoil (noun) – a state of confusion, excitement, or anxiety
ulterior motive (noun function) – an underlying or second motive, usually selfish or dishonorable;
a hidden agenda
unanimous (adj.) – shared as a view, decision, etc. by all of the people concerned, with nobody
disagreeing
union (noun; Brit. trade union, Am. labor union) – an organization formed by workers to protect
their rights
urge (verb) – to suggest strongly that one do something; (noun) – a strong or basic desire
urgent (adj.; noun: urgency) – very important and needing to be dealt with immediately
vague (adj.) – unclear because of a lack of information or because not well expressed
verify (verb; noun: verification) – 1) to learn whether something is correct or true; 2) to state that
something is true
vicious (adj.) – brutal, violent, cruel
vulnerable (adj.; noun: vulnerability) – 1) in a position to be easily harmed or hurt; 2) easy to
attack or criticize
watch over (verb) – to be cautiously observant of, to inspect, superintend, guard
whistle (verb) – to make a high or musical sound by blowing air out through your lips; (noun) – an
instrument for making this sound
wiretap (verb; noun) – to attach secretly a device to a telephone or telegraph wire in order to get
information
withdraw (verb; noun: withdrawal) – the discontinuance of administration of a drug, and the
symptoms associated with it [see also Military vocabulary]

23
worsen (verb) – to become worse or make something worse
worthless (adj.) – having no value, importance, or use
worthwhile (adj.) – deserving of time or effort spent
wrench (noun, verb) – a tool with a shaped opening or jaws for gripping and turning a nut or bolt
wrestle (verb) – to fight by holding, pulling. or pushing an opponent, but not by hitting
wrist (noun) – the part of the human body where the hand joins the arm
Legal Terms

abolish (verb; noun: abolition) – to invalidate, nullify, make void; to do away with a practice or
law
accuse (verb; noun: accusation) – to say that someone has done something morally wrong, illegal,
or unkind
acquit (verb; noun: acquittal) – to decide officially that someone is not guilty of a crime
allege (verb; noun: allegation) – to assert without proof
appeal (verb, noun) – to take proceedings in order to have a case reheard in a higher court because
the verdict is felt to be unfair
apprehend (verb) – to take into custody; arrest by legal warrant or authority
arrest (verb, noun) – to use lawful authority to seize someone and bring him to a place where he is
to be charged
bail (noun) – property or money given as security that a person released from custody will return at
an appointed time
barrister (noun, British and Australian) – a type of lawyer who is qualified to argue a case in
higher as well as lower courts
bond (noun) – 1) a sum of money paid to promise formally that someone who is facing trial will
appear; 2) a written promise of surety
bug (verb, noun) – to plant a concealed listening device
capital punishment (noun) – legal execution of a person
case (noun) – a situation requiring investigation or action by the police or other agency
charge (verb, noun) – to state formally and officially an accusation
condemn (verb) – to pronounce to be guilty; sentence to punishment
confess (verb; noun: confession) – to admit having committed a crime
convict (verb) – to decide officially in a court of law that someone is guilty of a crime; (noun) – a
person who is serving time in a prison.
custody (noun) – imprisonment; legal restraint
decision (noun) – a judgment formally pronounced by a court
defendant (noun) – a person, company, etc. against whom a charge is brought in a court
defense (noun) – the defendant and his or her team of representatives
detain (verb; noun: detention) – to keep under restraint or in custody
due process of law (noun function) – a course of legal proceedings carried out in accordance with
established rules and principles to ensure fairness
enter a plea of guilty/innocent (verb: plead) – to make an initial official statement regarding your
involvement in a criminal act [see also plead General vocabulary]
evidence (noun) – data presented to a court or jury in proof of the facts being considered and
which may include the testimony of witnesses, records, documents, or objects

24
exonerate (verb) – to show or state that someone does not have blame
felon (noun) – a person convicted of a felony
felony – (noun) an offense more serious than a misdemeanor, especially those commonly punished
in the U.S. by imprisonment for more than a year
grand jury – (noun) a jury of 12 to 23 persons designated to inquire into alleged violations of the
law in order to ascertain whether the evidence is sufficient to warrant trial
guilty (adj.) – deserving of a penalty for a wrongful or an illegal act
hearing (noun) – a preliminary examination of the basic evidence and charges by a magistrate to
determine whether criminal procedures, a trial, etc. are justified
human rights (noun or adj. function) – fundamental rights, especially those believed to belong to
an individual and in whose exercise a government may not interfere
hung jury (noun function) – a jury that cannot agree on a verdict
imprison (verb; noun: imprisonment) – to confine in a prison
incite (verb) – to urge or encourage to an (often violent) action
indict (verb; noun: indictment) – to bring a formal accusation against, as a means of bringing to
trial (action of grand jury)
innocent (adj.) – free from legal guilt or fault
instigate (verb; noun: instigator) – to urge, provoke, or incite to some (often violent or criminal)
action
interrogate (verb; noun: interrogation) – to question formally and systematically
jail (noun, verb) – a prison, especially one for the detention of persons awaiting trial or convicted
of minor offenses
judge (noun, verb) – a public officer authorized to hear and decide cases in a court of law
lawyer (noun, American: attorney; British: solicitor) – a person whose profession is to represent
clients in a court of law or to advise or act for clients in other legal matters
legalese (noun, slang) – the complicated, difficult language of law
liable (adj.; noun: liability) – responsible before the law for something, especially costs and
damages
litigate (verb) – to carry on a legal contest by judicial process
magistrate (noun) – a minor judicial officer such as a justice of the peace or the judge of a police
court, having jurisdiction to try minor criminal cases and to conduct preliminary
examinations of persons charged with serious crimes
misdemeanor (noun) – a criminal offense defined as less serious than a felony
mistrial (noun) – a trial terminated without conclusion because of some error in the proceedings
parole (noun, verb) – the release of a prisoner either temporarily or before his prison sentence is
finished with the stipulation that he act in accordance with the law
penitentiary (noun) – a place of imprisonment; esp. such a place in the U.S. maintained by state or
federal government for serious offenders; a prison
perjury (noun; verb: perjure) – the willful giving of false testimony in a court of law on a point
relevant to a legal inquiry
plaintiff (noun) – a person who brings suit in a court
plea bargaining (noun function) – an agreement between a prosecutor and a defendant, whereby
the defendant is allowed to plead guilty to a lesser charge rather than risk conviction for a
more serious crime
press charges (verb) – to initiate a legal action against a person

25
prison (noun) – a building for the confinement of persons while awaiting trial, persons sentenced
after conviction, etc.
probation (noun) – a method of dealing with offenders, especially young persons guilty of minor
crimes or first offenses, by allowing them to go at large under supervision of a probation
officer
prosecute (verb) – to institute legal proceedings against a person, company, etc.
prosecution (noun) – 1) the institution and carrying on of legal proceedings against a person; 2)
the body of officials by whom such proceedings are instituted and carried on
search warrant (noun) – a court order authorizing the examination of a dwelling or other private
premises by police officials
sentence (verb, noun) – the determination of punishment to be inflicted on a convicted criminal
serve time (verb) – to be imprisoned
stand trial (verb) – to be tried in a court of law
subpoena (verb, noun) – to order someone to serve as a witness, or something to serve as evidence
in a court of law
summons (noun) – a written notification demanding that one appear in a court of law
sue (verb; noun: suit, lawsuit) – to institute a process in law against a person, company, etc.
suspect (verb) – to have reason to believe that a person is guilty of wrong doing; noun – a person
who is thought to be guilty of a criminal offense
testify (verb) – to give testimony under oath, usually in court
testimony (noun) – the statement or declaration of a witness under oath, usually in court
trial (noun) – the determination of a person’s guilt or innocence by due process of law
tribunal (noun) – a court of justice
try (verb, usually used passively: to be tried) – to undergo a trial
under oath (adv. function) – the obligation to tell the truth in a court of law after having sworn to
do so
unlawful (adj.) – illegal
verdict (noun) – the finding or answer of a jury given to the court concerning a matter submitted to
their judgment
warrant (noun) – an instrument issued by a magistrate, authorizing an officer to make an arrest,
seize property, make a search, or execute a judgment
witness (noun) – a person who gives testimony in a court of law; (verb) – to see an act of
wrongdoing

26
 Sequence of Actions Relating to Crime and the Legal Response to Crime

1. A crime is committed.
2. The crime is discovered.
3. The crime is reported.
4. The crime (now a case) is investigated.
5. Someone is suspected (= under suspicion).
6. The suspect may be detained (= held).
7. The suspect is questioned (similar to interrogated).
8. The suspect is arrested or freed (= exonerated).
9. The suspect is charged.
10. The defendant pleads innocent or guilty.
11. Lawyers are hired (= retained, or appointed, if the defendant cannot pay).
12. A hearing is held.
13. The case is tried.
14. A decision (= verdict) is reached. The defendant is found (= declared) innocent or guilty (= The
defendant is acquitted or convicted.).
15. If the defendant is convicted, the decision may be appealed. The appeal is either upheld or
overturned. If the decision is overturned, the case will be retried.
16. The convict is sentenced.
17. The convict serves his sentence.

27
 Military

advance (verb, noun) – to move forward in the direction of or into enemy territory
air strike (noun) – an air attack on a single object
air to air (adj.) – referring to missiles fired from the air and with a target in the air
ally (verb, noun) – to unite or form a connection between
ambush (verb, noun) – an attack in which concealed persons wait to attack by surprise
ammunition (noun) – explosives projectiles with their fuses, charges and primers fired from guns
anti-aircraft (adj.) – designed for or concerned with the defense against aircraft
armed (adj.) – possessing a dangerous weapon
armor (noun) – a usually metallic protective covering
arms control (noun) – an agreement between nations to limit the manufacture, purchase, and
stockpiling of weapons
army (noun) – 1) the complete military organization of a nation for land warfare; 2) a unit capable
of independent action and consisting usually of a headquarters, two or more corps, and
auxilliary troops
artillery (noun) – weapons for discharging missiles
asymetrical warfare (adj. + noun) – a war in which the capabilities of one side far outweigh those
of the other, often resulting in the weaker side’s resorting to unconventional tactics.
atrocity (noun) – an extremely wicked, brutal, or cruel act
A.W.O.L. (abbrev.) – absent without leave
battalion (noun) – a military unit composed of a headquarters and two or more companies,
batteries, or similar units
besiege (verb; noun: siege) – to surround with armed forces and attack, usually for an extended
period
bomber (noun) – a plane designed for bombing
boot camp (noun) – a camp for training military recruits
break through (verb) – to advance through and beyond an enemy's line of defense
brigade (noun) – a military unit composed of a headquarters and one or more units of infantry or
armor and supporting units
bunker (noun) – a fortified chamber mostly below ground and often built of reinforced concrete
and provided with embrasures
capture (verb; noun: capturer, captive) – the act of catching or gaining control by force or
strategem
casualty (noun) – a military person lost to service through injury, death, sickness, wounds, or
through being missing in action
cease fire (verb, noun) – a military order to stop firing weapons
clash (verb, noun) – a hostile encounter; a skirmish
coalition (noun) – a temporary alliance for joint action
Cold War era (noun) – the period of standoff between the U. S. with its allies and the Soviet
Union with Warsaw Pact countries and characterized by hostilities using means short of
sustained overt military actions
collateral damage (noun) – the unintended but not easily avoidable destruction, casualties, etc.
resulting from the carrying out of a military objective

28
company (noun) – a military unit composed of a headquarters and two or more platoons
compatible (verb; noun: compatibility) – having the capacity to function together
comply (verb; noun: compliance) – to conform or adapt one’s actions to another’s wishes, to a
rule, or to a necessity
conscript (verb, noun) – to enroll a person into service by compulsion
convoy (noun) – any group of military vehicles, ships, etc. traveling together under the same orders
corps (noun) – 1) a military organization consisting of officers and enlisted personnel or of officers
alone; 2) a military unit of ground combat forces consisting of two or more divisions and
other troops
coup (= coup d’etat; noun) – the violent overthrow or alteration of an existing government by a
small group
cover fire (noun) – 1) the repeated firing from a secure position with the purpose of protecting a
soldier, force, or military position from hostile fire; 2) the protection offered by airplanes in
tactical support of a military operation
covert (adj.) – conducted or carried out in secret
crisis (noun; plural: crises) – an unstable or crucial time or state of affairs
cross fire (noun) – lines of fire from two or more positions crossing one another
curfew (noun) – a regulation ordering the withdrawal of usually specified persons from the streets,
etc. at a stated hour.
declare war (verb + noun) – a formal statement by a head of state announcing a state of war and
all the conditions that attend it (military action, etc.)
defeat (verb, noun) – to win victory over
defect (verb; noun: defector) – to leave a political party, country, group etc. to join another that is
considered to be an enemy [see also General vocabulary]
demote (verb; noun: demotion) – to reduce in rank
denounce (verb; noun: denouncement) – to proclaim, especially publicly, something as
blameworthy or evil
deploy (verb; noun: deployment) – to place in battle formation or appropriate positions; to spread
out, utilize, or arrange, especially strategically
desert (verb; noun: deserter) – to abandon military service without leave and with the intent of not
returning
deter (verb; noun: deterrent) – to discourage or prevent from acting
disarm (verb; noun: disarmament) – to divest of weapons
discharge (verb) – 1) to separate completely from military service; (noun) – honorable /
dishonorable discharge; 2) to fire a weapon
dismantle (verb) – to disassemble or pull down; to take apart
dispatch (verb) – to send off or away with promptness or speed
dove (noun) – a person who advocates negotiation and compromise rather than military action
down (verb) – to shoot a plane out of the air
downsize (verb) – to reduce the number of personnel in an organization by means of discharge
draft (verb, noun) – the selecting of individuals for compulsory military service
drone (noun) – an unmanned plane
enlist (verb; nouns: enlistee, enlistment) – to enroll oneself in the armed forces
escalate (verb; noun: escalation) – to increase in extent, volume, or scope

29
espionage (noun) – the practice of spying to obtain information about the plans and activities of a
foreign government
ethnic cleansing (noun) – the large scale, systematic elimination of members of an ethnic group
from an area by means of expulsion or killing
faction (noun) – an offshoot group with views somewhat differing from those of the main group
fighter plane (noun) – a plane of high speed and maneuverability with armament
flight hours (noun) – the amount of time that a pilot spends flying a plane, usually figured in hours
per year
flush out (verb) – to rouse or cause to leave or flee a place
foxhole (noun) – a pit dug for individual cover from enemy fire
friendly fire (noun) – explosive charges not from the enemy
Geneva Convention (noun) – one of a series of agreements concerning the treatment of prisoners
of war and of the sick, wounded, and dead in battle first made at Geneva, Switzerland, in
1864
grenade (noun) – a missile consisting of a container fitted with priming and bursting charges and
filled with a destructive agent
ground (verb) – not to allow planes to fly because of bad weather, suspected problems, etc.
ground troops (noun) – soldiers operating on land
hawk (noun) – a person who advocates military action rather than negotiation and compromise
hostage (noun) – a person kept as a pledge pending the fulfillment of an agreement
hostile (adj.; noun: hostility) – antagonistic, unfriendly
I.E.D. (abbrev.) – improvised explosive device
infantry (noun) – soldiers trained, armed, and equipped to fight on foot
insurgent (noun; verb: insurgency) – a person who engages in armed resistance to a government
or to the execution of its laws
intercept (verb; noun: interception) – to stop or interrupt the progress or course of, e.g. a missile
interoperable (adj.; noun: interoperability) – in military terms, the state of operation in which
armies of two or more nations can function together
intervene (verb; noun: intervention) – to interfere usually by force or threat of force in another
nation’s internal affairs especially to compel or prevent an action or to maintain or alter a
condition
intimidate (verb; noun: intimidation) – to compel or deter by threat
jam (verb) – 1) to malfunction such that operation is prevented because of the failure of a movable
part, as with a gun; 2) to make unintelligible by sending out interfering signals or messages;
to make (as a radar apparatus) ineffective by interfering with signals
joint (adj.) – undertaken or produced by two or more together
K.I.A. (abbrev.) – killed in action
launch (verb, noun) – to send something forth forcefully
lethal weapon (adj. + noun) – any device or instrument capable of causing death
light / medium / heavy artillery (adj. + noun) – guns and howitzers of calibre up to and including
105 m.m. (light), between 105 and 155 m.m. (medium), 155 m.m. or more (heavy)
logistics (noun; adj.: logistical) – the branch of military science and operations dealing with the
procurement, supply and maintenance of equipment, with the movement, evacuation, and
hospitalization of personnel, with the provision of facilities and services, and with related
matters

30
machine gun (noun) – a small arm able to deliver rapid and continuous fire for as long as the
trigger is pressed
matériel (noun, plural) – ammunition or military equipment in general
M.I.A. (abbrev.) – missing in action
mine (noun, verb) – a device containing an charge of explosive placed so as to be inconspicuous
and designed to blow up if struck by an object such as a person, tank, etc.; a similar device
used in the water
missile (noun) – an object or weapon for throwing or shooting as a stone, bullet, arrow, etc.
mission (noun) – an operational task
mobile (adj.) – permanently equipped with vehicles for transport
mobilize (verb; noun: mobilization) to assemble and make ready for war duty
mortar (noun) – 1) a cannon with a relatively short and wide barrel, used for firing shells at a high
angle over a short distance; 2) a gun for firing something other than a bullet, e.g. rope to
somebody in need of rescue [see also General vocabulary]
munitions (noun) – materials used in war, especially weapons and ammunition
NBC (adj., abbrev.) – nuclear, biological, chemical weapons
non-combatant (noun) – a person in time of war who is either a civilian or connected with the
military in some capacity other than that of a fighter
on alert (adj. function) – a formally heightened state of attention
open fire (verb) – to commence shooting at the enemy
paratrooper (noun) – a member of an army infantry unit trained to land in combat areas by
parachuting from planes
partisan (noun) – 1) a guerrilla [see also General vocabulary]
peacekeeping (noun) – an objective or action with the goal of preventing escalation of hostilities
and maintaining an existent fragile peace, carried out usually by military personnel as an
agreement between an international organization such as OSCE, NATO, the UN, etc. and
the host country.
peacemaking (noun) – an objective or action with the goal of stopping hostilities, carried out
usually by military personnel as an agreement between an international organization;
personnel are more heavily armed than on a peacekeeping mission
persecute (verb; noun: persecution) – to cause suffering because of belief, race, etc.
pin down (verb) – to trap the enemy, or otherwise to render him in a position from which escape is
difficult or impossible
platoon (noun) – a military unit composed of two or more squads or sections and a headquarters
pre-emptive strike (noun) – an attack justified by the likelihood of being attacked at a later time
proliferate (verb; noun: proliferation) – to spread excessively and rapidly
provoke (verb; noun: provocation) – to arouse feelings of anger or hostility in another, often
knowingly
psyops (noun; full form: psychological operations) anything (propaganda, information,
misinformation, etc.) intended to aid a military operation by influencing the enemy’s
perception
radar (noun) – a device for determining the presence and location of an object by measuring the
time for the echo of a radio wave to return from it and the direction from which it returns
raid (verb, noun) – to attack an enemy suddenly by air or by a small land force
random check (adj. + noun) – an inspection that samples only a few, or some of the available
sources; a spot check

31
rapid deployment (adj. + noun; = rapid reaction) – a state of readiness of a unit between quick
deployment and normal deployment
readiness (noun) – the degree of preparation maintained for the purpose of reacting to a crisis
reconnaissance (noun) – a search made for useful military information
recruit (verb, noun) – to enlist men and women in the armed forces voluntarily
refugee (noun) – a person who flees a foreign country to escape danger or persecution
reinforcements (noun) – an additional supply of personnel, etc. for a military force
regiment (noun) – a military unit composed of two or more battalions or battle groups, a
headquarters, and supporting units
reserves (noun) – the part of a country’s fighting force not in active service
retaliate (verb; noun: retaliation) – to return a wrong, an injury, an attack, etc. with something
similar
retreat (verb, noun) – to withdraw forcibly or strategically an armed force usually because of the
enemies superiority
revenge (verb, noun) – to inflict punishment for a wrong or perceived wrong of a perpetrator
rifle (noun) – a shoulder firearm with spiral grooves cut in the interior surface of the barrel to
increase its accuracy
rogue (noun, adj.) – a country whose leader refuses to abide by rules set up by the international
community and is seen as a threat to other countries
root out (verb) – to eradicate something with difficulty because it is scattered, hard to identify,
well protected, etc.
sanctions (noun; plural form only) – economic or military measures adopted usually by several
countries for forcing a nation to comply with international law
seize (verb) – to take possession by force
short / medium / long range (adj.) – the comparable distance that a weapon retains accuracy and
force
shrapnel (noun) – 1) a projectile that consists of a case provided with a powder charge and a large
number of usually lead balls and is exploded in flight; 2) bomb, mine, or shell fragments
siege (noun) – a military blockade of a city or fortified place to compel it to surrender; a persistent
attack
skirmish (noun, verb) – a minor fight in war
sonar (noun) – an apparatus that detects the presence and location of a submerged object by means
of sonic and supersonic waves reflected back from or produced by that object
sortie (noun) – one mission or attack by a single plane
special operations (noun) – forces engaged in missions requiring rapid response, unique skills,
and a low profile
spy (verb, noun) – to watch secretly, usually for hostile purposes
squad (noun) – a small number of soldiers, commonly ten privates, a staff sergeant, and a corporal;
the smallest military unit [See also Crime vocabulary]
squadron (noun) – a unit of the air force higher than a flight and lower than a group
stalemate (noun) - a state of counterbalance such that neither of two opposing sides is able to
improve its position
standoff (noun) – a stalemate
surface to air (adj.) – referring to defense weapons operating from the ground with targets in the
air

32
surface to surface (adj.) – referring to defense weapons operating from the ground with targets on
the ground
surrender (verb, noun) – to give up completely or agree to forego, especially in favor of another
surround (verb) – to enclose on all sides; to encompass
surveillance (noun) – close watch kept over a person, group, or area
take over (verb; noun: takeover) – to occupy, usually by demonstration of superior force
target (noun, verb) – something fired at
task (verb) – to give a subordinate an assignment
tension (noun; adj.: tense) – a state of latent hostility or opposition between groups
topple (verb) – to overthrow a leader or government
toxic (adj.) – poisonous
transport plane (noun) – a plane designed to carry cargo or people
undeclared war (adj. + noun) – a situation in which the conditions of war exist without a formal
statement announcing those conditions
unilateral / bilateral / multilateral (adj.) – to act by oneself (unilateral), with one other partner
(bilateral), or with more than one partner (multilateral)
unmanned (adj.) – refers usually to a plane operated without the presence of a flight crew
uprising (noun) – a rebellion of the people against the government
volatile (adj.) – easily capable of becoming violent
weapons of mass destruction (abbrev.: W.M.D.) – weapons capable of destroying large areas,
killing many people, etc.
withdraw (tr. or int. verb; noun: withdrawal) – 1) to leave an area of conflict; 2) to pull troops out
of an area of conflict [see also General vocabulary]
wound (verb, noun) – an injury usually by a hard or sharp instrument forcefully driven or applied

33
 Nature

acorn (noun) – the inedible nut of an oak tree

bank (noun) – the rising ground bordering on a lake, river, or sea
bare (adj.) – having no leaves (e.g. tree or bush) or vegetation (e.g. mountain)
bark (noun) – the tough exterior covering of a tree or bush
barren (adj.) – producing little or no vegetation
bay (noun) – an inlet of the sea or other body of water usually smaller than a gulf
berry (noun) – a pulpy and often edible fruit of small size
birds
 buzzard
 crow
 eagle
 hawk
 jackdaw
 magpie
 owl
 sparrow
 vulture
blossom (verb, noun) – to produce or yeild flowers
bottom (noun) – the surface on which a body of water lies
bough (noun) – a branch, esp. a main branch, of a tree
boulder (noun) – a detached and rounded or much worn mass of rock
branch (noun) – a secondary stem arising from the main axis of a tree
brook (noun) – a creek
brush (noun) – 1) stunted trees or shrubs, collectively; 2) land covered with stunted trees or shrubs
bud (noun, verb) – a small growth on the stem of a plant that may develop into a leaf, flower, or
shoot
bush (noun) – a low, densely branched shrub
canyon (noun) – a deep narrow valley with steep sides and often with a stream flowing through it
carnivore (noun; adj.: carnivorous) – a flesh-eating animal
cave (noun) – a natural underground chamber or series of chambers
clay (noun) – an earthy material that is plastic when moist but hard when fired, and is used for
brick, tile, and pottery
cliff (noun) – a very steep, vertical, or overhanging face of rock, earth, or ice
coast (noun) – the land near a large body of water
cone (noun) – the multiple fruit of the pine, fir, etc. consisting of overlapping scales and often in
the shape of a cone
confluence (noun) – the place where two rivers or streams join
continent (noun) – one of the seven great divisions of land on earth
creek (noun) – a stream
current (noun) – the flow of water or electricity

34
cyclone (noun) – a storm or system of winds that rotates about a center
dense (adj.) – thickly covered with trees or other vegetation
ditch (noun) – a long, narrow excavation dug in the earth, usually for drainage
downstream (adj.) – in the direction of the current of a stream or river
earth (noun) – soil
edible (adj.) – any substance that may be consumed by humans without causing damage
eel (noun) – a snake-like fish
erupt (verb; noun: eruption) – to force out or release suddenly and violently
evergreen (noun) – any tree that retains its foliage during the entire year
fault (noun) – a fracture in the earth’s crust accompanied by a displacement of one side of the
fracture with respect to the other
fauna (noun) – the animal life characteristic of a region, time, etc.
fertile (adj.) – capable of sustaining abundant plant growth
fish
 dace
 eel
 pike
 trout
 carp
 salmon
 shark
 tuna
flood (noun, verb) – a rising and overflowing of a body of water
flora (noun) – the plant life characteristic of a region, time, etc.
foliage (noun) – collectively, leaves, flowers, branches produced by a plant
foothills (noun) – a hilly region at the base of a mountain range
fresh water (noun) – opposite of salt water
game (noun) – wild animals hunted for sport or food
gentle (adj.) – having a relatively low gradient (as a slope) [opp. steep]
glacier (noun) – a large body of ice moving slowly down a slope or spreading outward on a land
surface
gravel (noun) – small, loose, rounded fragments of rock
gulf (noun) – a part of an ocean or sea extending into land
gully (noun) – a trench worn in the earth by water after heavy rain
hurricane (noun) – a tropical cyclone with wind at least 74 mph, usually accompanied by rain,
thunder, and lightning
inlet (noun) – a bay or recess in the shore of a sea, lake, or river
island (noun) – a tract of land surrounded by water and smaller than a continent
isthmus (noun) – a narrow strip of land connecting two larger land areas
knoll (noun) – a small round hill
leaf (noun) – an outgrowth from the stem of a plant

35
lichen (noun) – plants made up of an alga and a fungus growing in symbiotic association on a solid
surface, such as a rock
limb (noun) – a large, primary branch of a tree
log (noun) – the trunk or branch of a tree when cut but before milling
marsh (noun) – an area of soft, wet land
meadow (noun) – an area of moist, low-lying, level grassland
melt (verb) – to change from a solid to a liquid state due to increased heat
moss (noun) – any tiny, leafy-stemmed, flowerless plant reproducing by spores and growing on
moist ground, tree trunks, etc.
mountain range (noun) – a series of mountains, brought about by a common geological activity
mud (noun) – wet soil
natural disaster (adj. + noun) – any action not caused by man and resulting in widespread
destruction, loss of life, etc.
natural resources (adj. + noun) – any material occuring in nature (water, trees, soil, minerals, etc.)
that adds to the quality and sustainability of life or can be used for commercial purposes
needle (noun) – 1) the leaf of certain trees, so called because of its shape [see also General
vocabulary]
opium poppy (noun) – a type of plant cultivated as a source of opium
overlook (noun) – a natural formation from which one may look down on a scene below
path (noun) – a course or route formed by repeated steps
peak (noun) – the highest point of a mountain
pebble (noun) – a small, usually rounded stone, especially when worn by the action of water
peninsula (noun) – an area of land nearly surrounded by water
plain (noun) – an extensive area of level or rolling treeless land
plateau (noun) – a usually extensive land area having a relatively level surface higher than
adjacent land
pond (noun) – a body of water usually smaller than a lake
puddle (noun) – a very small pool of usually dirty or muddy water and often occurring after a rain
ravine (noun) – a small, narrow, steep-sided vally larger than a gully and smaller than a canyon,
and usually worn by running water
ridge (noun) – the long and narrow upper edge, angle, or crest of a hill or mountain
riverbed (noun) – the bottom of a river
rock (noun) – 1) a large mass of stone, forming a hill, cliff, etc.; 2) a large stone (British); a small
stone (American)
root (noun) – the usually underground part of a seed plant
salt water (noun) – opposite of fresh water
sand (noun) – the loose, granular material that results from the disintegration of rocks
sapling (noun) – a young tree
shore (noun) – the land bordering a large body of water
slope (noun) – the upward or downward incline of a hill
soil (noun) – the upper layer of earth, in which plants grow
source (noun) – the place where a river or stream originates
sparse (adj.) – thinly covered with trees or other vegetation

36
splinter (noun) – a small, sharp piece of wood, bone, or other material split off the main body
spring (noun) – an issue of water from the earth taking the form of a small stream or pool
steep (adj.) – having a relatively high gradient (as a slope) [opp. gentle]
stalk (noun) – stem
stem (noun) – the main axis of a plant
stick (noun) – a branch or shoot of a tree or shrub that has been broken off
stone
 granite
 limestone
 marble
 sandstone
 slate
stream (noun) – a flowing body of water generally smaller than a river
stump (noun) – the lower end of a tree left after the main part falls off or is cut off
swamp (noun) – wet land saturated and sometimes partially or intermittently covered by water
thaw (verb, noun) – to restore a frozen substance to its normal state by raising its temperature
tide (noun) – the periodic rise and fall of the waters of the ocean
timberline (noun) – the elevation at which trees can no longer grow
topsoil (noun) – the first, organic layer of earth in which plants have most of their roots
tornado (noun) – a violent, destructive whirling wind accompanied by a funnel-shaped cloud
trail (noun) – a course or route made by passage, especially through a wilderness
trees
 acacia  oak
 birch  pine
 chestnut  poplar
 elm  spruce
 fir  walnut
 maple  willow
twig (noun) – a small branch without its leaves, broken or cut from a tree
upstream (adj.) – in the direction opposite the current of a stream or river
valley (noun) – the low area between two hills or mountains
viper (noun) – a common European venomous snake
volcano (noun) – a vent in the crust of the earth from which molten rock and steam issue
weed (noun, verb) – a plant that is not valued where it is growing
wildlife (excluding birds)
 bat
 raccoon
 shark
 skunk
 squirrel
 viper
 weasel
 whale
woods (noun) – a small forest

37
 Terrorism

abduct (verb; noun: abductor) – to steal or carry off by force or fraud; to kidnap
Al Qaeda (noun, Arabic) – the base
crack (verb) – to decode an encrypted message or code; to decrypt
cyberterrorism (noun) – terrrorist acts aimed at destroying or disabling an enemy’s electronic
communication systems
decrypt (verb) – to decode or decipher
dirty bomb (noun) – a crude nuclear device usually made by wrapping nuclear material around a
conventional bomb or explosive material; dirty bombs do not meet the safety standards of
most state weapons programs
encrypt (verb; noun: encryption) – to convert e.g. a message, information, a picture into code
hijack (verb; noun: hijacking) – to seize a vehicle by force or threat of force
insurgency (noun; person: insurgent) – armed resistance to a government
jihad (noun, Arabic) – holy war for Muslims
kidnap (verb; noun: kidnapper) – to steal, carry off or abduct by force or fraud especially for use
as a hostage or to extract ransom
martyr (person; verb: martyr oneself; noun: martyrdom) – a person who undergoes death or
great suffering for the sake of any religious or other cause
scramble (verb) – to make a telephone conversation or broadcast transmission unintelligible
without an appropriate decoding device by altering the transmitted frequencies in a
particular way
sleeper cell (noun) – a small group of terrorists usually established in a foreign environment and
inactive, but which may be called on to act at any time
soft target (noun) – a place or area thought to lack defensive or other capabilities (usually a
civilian area), and therefore easy to attack
suicide bomber (noun) – someone who carries a bomb on his person or who controls a vehicle,
plane etc. that carries a bomb, and who intends to die in the explosion
terrorism (noun; person: terrorist) - the use of violence or threats to intimidate or coerce,
especially for political purpose
warlord (noun) – a military leader who has seized power, especially in one section of a country

38
Nouns that are always or nearly always singular

advice
aircraft
ammunition
co-operation
education
equipment (British sometimes form plural with –s)
evidence
fish (and most species of fish)
furniture
gossip
hardware
information
knowledge
percent (but not percentage)
proof (not photography or publishing term)
research
slang
software
speculation
stuff (but formally: foodstuffs, etc.)
wisdom

39