incite
(verb) to stir up or encourage (violent or unlawful behavior)
Max incited the other students to rebel against the teacher.
polarize
(verb) to divide or cause to divide into two sharply contrasting groups
The issue polarized the public.
precipitate
(verb) to cause to happen suddenly or sooner than expected
Extremely high gas prices precipitated the demise of the SUV.
sanction
(noun) official authorization, approval or ratification of a law
Max received the official sanction of the Federal Darts Association to hold a tournament in the school.
commemorate
(verb) to remember and show respect (in a ceremony)
Veterans' Day is a day to commemorate soldiers who have honorably served their country.
devastate
(verb) to ruin or destroy
The city was devastated by the bombs.
disarmament
(noun) the reduction of military or weapons
The protestors called for a complete disarmament.
distraught
(adjective) very agitated and upset from mental conflict
Mary became distraught when she found out that her son was being sent into war.
embark
(verb) to start, begin
Max embarked on a career as a plumber.
envision
(verb) to imagine as a future possibility
Max never envisioned being a plumber.
excerpt
(noun) an extract (from film, writing, music, or other type of work)
The excerpts of the story published in the newspaper were very interesting.
forsake
(verb) to abandon
The town was forsaken by its former inhabitants because the nearby volcano threatened to erupt.
temperance
(noun) abstinence from drinking alcohol
Max has become an advocate of complete temperance.
vow
(verb) to solemnly promise
Max vowed to never drink another drop of alcohol agai