Intermediate Vocabulary Words

Having a jagged or toothed edge, like the blade of a saw.

The state of being enslaved or under the control of another; forced labor.

The place and time in which a story or event occurs.

Extremely serious, intense, or strict.

An underground conduit carrying off wastewater and refuse.

The system of carrying sewage, including the pipes, pumps, and treatment works.

Worn out or poor in quality; also, morally reprehensible or unfair.

A level or degree in a range of color; also, shelter from light or heat.

A long, vertical or horizontal passage, especially in a mine; also, a rod forming part of a machine.

Not deep; lacking depth in quality or understanding.

A thing that is not what it appears to be; a fraud or pretense.

To make something, especially a tool or blade, sharper or more pointed.

In a sudden, abrupt, or intense manner; in a way that is clearly defined or harsh.

To break suddenly into many small pieces; to destroy completely.

A rectangular or triangular piece of fabric worn over the shoulders or head for warmth or decoration...

To cut the wool off a sheep or to cut with shears.

A protective case or covering for a blade or tool.

To cast off or get rid of something, such as light, tears, or skin; or to lose hair or leaves.

Very thin and transparent; also means absolute or steep.

The hard outer layer of some animals like turtles or mollusks, or the outer structure of something.

Aquatic animals with shells, such as crabs, clams, and lobsters, often used as food.

A structure or place that provides protection from weather or danger; also refers to the act of prov...

Protected from harsh or dangerous conditions, such as weather, danger, or difficult experiences.

A person who tends and guards sheep; also used metaphorically to guide or lead people.

An official in charge of maintaining law and order, especially in rural areas of the United States.

A broad piece of protective armor carried on the arm or held in the hand to deflect blows, arrows, o...

To move or cause to move from one place to another, often with effort; also refers to a change in po...

The act of moving or changing position, direction, or opinion; ongoing adjustment.

To shine with a soft, flickering light; to slightly vibrate or shake due to heat or light reflection...

To emit or reflect bright light; to be radiant or conspicuous.

A small, flat piece of wood, asphalt, or slate used to cover roofs; also refers to a signboard hung ...

Emitting or reflecting bright light; outstanding or excellent in quality.

Having a smooth, lustrous surface that reflects light; polished or glossy.

A quantity of goods or cargo sufficient to fill or be transported by one ship.

A quantity of goods sent by sea, air, or land; the act of sending such goods.

The destruction or severe damage of a ship at sea, typically caused by sinking or collision; a wreck...

A person who builds or repairs ships, especially wooden ones.

An involuntary tremble or shake, often due to cold or fear; a small piece or splinter.

A sudden and violent jolt or disturbance; a strong emotional or physical reaction to something unexp...

Causing sudden dismay, outrage, or surprise due to being disturbing or offensive.

A retail store where goods are sold; a place where repairs or manufacturing occur.

Operating or effective over a limited distance; usually applied to weapons, forecasts, or communicat...

A quicker or shorter way to reach a destination or achieve a goal.

The act of firing a weapon or an attempt at something.

A tool with a broad blade used for digging or moving loose material.

To tear something into small pieces or reduce it to fragments.

Having sharp judgment and keen insight, especially in business or politics.

A loud, high-pitched cry, often from fear or excitement.

High-pitched and piercing, especially in tone.

A sacred place dedicated to a specific deity or person, often used for worship or veneration.

To become or make something become smaller in size or amount.

The process or amount of something shrinking, especially fabric or inventory.

To wither or contract, often due to heat or dehydration.

A woody plant smaller than a tree, typically with multiple stems.

To raise and lower one's shoulders briefly, often to express doubt or indifference.

To walk by dragging one's feet or to mix cards by sliding them together.

To deliberately avoid or ignore someone or something.

A hinged or sliding panel used to close a window, or a mechanism in a camera that controls exposure ...

A vehicle or service that travels regularly between two places, or a device used in weaving.

Reluctant to meet or talk to people; easily frightened or embarrassed in social situations.