1. Vocabulary Unit 11
Quarter 3: Week 1

2. autonomy
Definition: independence; the condition of having self-government
Example sentences:
Most teenagers desire a greater level of autonomy in their lives.
The U.S.A. achieved autonomy from England in 1776.
Synonyms: self-determination, self-rule, sovereignty
Antonyms: dependence
Related words: autonomous (adj)

3. Besiege
Definition: to enclose with armed forces; to crowd around in order to ask for favors; to overwhelm
Example sentences:
The Persian army besieged the city of Athens.
The students besieged the teacher requesting their marks.
Synonyms: blockade, encircle, trap
Antonyms: leave alone
Related words: siege(n)

4. devastation Definition: destruction; desolation Example sentences:
The result of the war was total devastation.
The student felt a sense of devastation after failing his exam.
Synonyms: ruin, demolition, havoc
Antonyms: construction, creation
Related words: devastate (v), devastated (adj)

5. Inclement Definition: without mercy; rough or stormy; harsh
Example sentences:
All flights from the airport were canceled due to inclement weather.
Synonyms: brutal, harsh, intemperate
Antonyms: clear, mild
Related words: clement (adj), clemency (n); DiClementi

6. latitude Definition: freedom; scope Example sentences:
I’m not a slave! Give me a little latitude here!
While SFS teachers have to follow a unified yearly plan, they have latitude in terms of how to teach their classes.
Synonyms: elbow room, independence
Antonyms: limitation, restriction
Related words:

7. Perseverance
Definition: the act or habit of holding to a course of action or belief; persistence; steadfastness
Example sentences:
I was impressed by the athlete’s perseverance. He never gave up.
Synonyms: dedication, persistence, tenacity
Antonyms: apathy, indifference
Related words: persevere (v), perseverant (adj)

8. Precarious Definition: unsafe; insecure; uncertain; dangerous
Example sentences:
The man who knew a dangerous secret about the president found himself in a very precarious position.
Synonyms: dangerous, problematic, risky
Antonyms: stable, certain
Related words: precariousness (n)

9. vulnerable
Definition: easily injured or hurt physically or emotionally; open to criticism or attack
Example sentences:
The student who cried in front of his classmates felt vulnerable.
Quick! Attack them now while they are vulnerable!
Synonyms: defenseless, exposed, sensitive
Antonyms: guarded, protected, secure, invulnerable
Related words: vulnerability (n)

10. Wane
Definition: to decrease gradually; to decline in power, importance, or size
Example sentences:
The power of the government is waning as the number of protesters increases.
The moon waxes and wanes throughout the year.
Synonyms: dwindle, ebb, subside, weaken
Antonyms: enlarge, expand, grow
Related words: waning (v) (adj)

11. Wreak
Definition: to inflict (as vengeance or punishment); to express (as anger or hatred)
Example sentences:
Nuclear weapons wreak destruction on the world.
Some people believe that constant protests wreak havoc on a country.
Synonyms: unleash, bring about, wreck
Antonyms:
Related words: