barrage The team received a barrage of criticism after losing to their #1 rivals. In order to withstand the overnight barrage, the soldiers hid behind the bunker. Every decade sees a barrage of rock bands that come and go. A barrage of camoflauge (n) A rapid, heavy attack

bedlam The unexpected traffic caused bedlam on the freeway. My bedroom is often in a state of utter bedlam. Our band’s first rehearsal sounded like unwanted bedlam. Bob created bedlam with his bell (n) condition of noise and confusion

clarity The instructions lacked clarity, and the students did not know what to do. Appropriate punctuation helps give clarity to your sentences. After speaking with her best friend, she gained clarity about what she needed to do. His clarity was a rarity (n) ability to be understood; clearness of mind

devastate Dalia’s disappearance devastated her entire home town. Dreyfus knew a joke that would temporarily devastate his sister. The eruption of Mt. St. Helens in 1980 devastated its hillsides. (v) to cause pain or destruction Devastating destruction

dispel Diana needed a plan to dispel her boyfriend. Part of Mom’s nightly ritual was to dispel my fears of monsters under my bed. At the end of the quarter, the teacher dispelled of all work in the “No Name” folder. He dispelled coins into the well (v) to get rid of

flail Standing in the intersection, the officer flailed in order to direct traffic. Francine flailed her arms to hail the taxi. Using a scythe requires flailing with the tool. Tripping on a pail Made her arms flail (v) to wave wildly

pensively He often bent pensively over the stove when trying a new recipe. Patricia often sat at the far table of the library, pensively studying her textbooks. She gazed pensively at her daughter, hoping she was telling the truth. Pensively purring pet (adv) thoughtfully

perpetual Paul grew tired of Phoebe’s perpetual requests to copy his homework. Many people live in perpetual fear of losing their jobs. She loved his perpetual compliments. Perpetual tick-tocking (adj) continual; unending; constant

torrent Crossing the river, they were almost swept away by the raging torrent. Tammy came at him with a torrent of insults. During the spring, huge torrents rush down the Deschutes Falls. (n) A violent, rushing stream Trapped in a torrent

unbridled She spoke with unbridled emotion. Many people blame the current financial crisis on unbridled greed of corporations. He often acted violently due to unbridled anger. Unbridled bride (adj) lacking restraint or control