B216 words · Upper-intermediate

Common Actions vocabulary — B2

Common Actions vocabulary for forceful and precise handling verbs, including slam, shove, nudge and yank — the difference between touching something gently and forcing it, in one word each time.

16 questions

Words in this set

dash
/dæʃ/
To run somewhere very quickly, usually because you have little time.
Example: I had to dash to catch the last bus.
slam
/slæm/
To shut something with a loud bang and a lot of force.
Example: Don't slam the door; the baby has just gone to sleep.
shove
/ʃʌv/
To push someone or something roughly.
Example: He shoved past the crowd to get to the front.
tug
/tʌɡ/
To pull something suddenly and hard.
Example: The dog tugged at its lead.
nudge
/nʌdʒ/
To push someone gently, often with your elbow, to get their attention.
Example: She nudged him when the speaker mentioned his name.
tuck
/tʌk/
To push the edges of something into a small space to make it neat.
Example: He tucked his shirt into his trousers.
flick
/flɪk/
To move something quickly and sharply with your finger or wrist.
Example: She flicked a crumb off the table.
toss
/tɔs/
To throw something lightly or carelessly.
Example: He tossed the keys onto the table.
yank
/jæŋk/
To pull something suddenly and forcefully.
Example: She yanked the door open.
hurl
/hɜrl/
To throw something with great force.
Example: He hurled the ball across the field.
clasp
/klæsp/
To hold something tightly with your hand.
Example: He would clasp the rail with both hands on the stairs.
prop
/prɑp/
To support something by leaning it against something else.
Example: She had to prop the door open with a chair.
scoop
/skup/
To lift something up with a curved hand or tool.
Example: He bent down to scoop the coins off the pavement.
dab
/dæb/
To touch something lightly and repeatedly.
Example: She would dab the mark rather than rub it.
hook
/hʊk/
To catch or fasten something using a curved piece.
Example: You have to hook the strap through the loop first.
clench
/klɛntʃ/
To close your hand or teeth tightly.
Example: He would clench a fist whenever the subject came up.