Collins Dictionaries - Collins English Dictionary and Thesaurus Essential

bra n an undergarment for covering and supporting the breastsbraaivleis ( brye-flayss) (S African) n 1a grill on which food is cooked over hot charcoal, usually outdoors 2an outdoor party at which food like this is served ▸ vb 3to cook (food) in this way. Also: braaibrace n 1something that steadies, binds, or holds up another thing ◇ SYNONYMS: support, stay, prop, bolster, bracket, reinforcement, strut, truss 2a beam or prop, used to stiffen a framework 3a hand tool for drilling holes 4a pair, esp. of game birds 5either of a pair of characters, { }, used for connecting lines of printing or writing ▸ vb bracing, braced 6to steady or prepare (oneself) before an impact ◇ SYNONYMS: steady, support, secure, stabilize 7to provide, strengthen, or fit with a brace ◇ SYNONYMS: support, strengthen, steady, reinforce, bolster, fortify, buttressbracelet n an ornamental chain or band worn around the arm or wristbracing adj refreshing: the bracing climate ◇ SYNONYMS: refreshing, fresh, stimulating, crisp, brisk, exhilarating, invigoratingbracken n 1a fern with large fronds 2a clump of these fernsbracket n 1a pair of characters, [ ], (), or { }, used to enclose a section of writing or printing 2a group or category falling within certain defined limits: the lower income bracket 3an L-shaped or other support fixed to a wall to hold a shelf, etc. ▸ vb -eting, -eted 4to put (written or printed matter) in brackets 5to group or class togetherbrackish adj (of water) slightly saltybract n a leaf, usually small and scaly, growing at the base of a flowerbrag vb bragging, bragged 1to speak arrogantly and boastfully ▸ n 2boastful talk or behaviour 3a card game similar to pokerbraggart n a person who boasts loudly or exaggeratedlybraid vb 1to interweave (hair, thread, etc.) 2to decorate with an ornamental trim or border ▸ n 3a length of hair that has been braided 4narrow ornamental tape of woven silk, wool, etc. > braiding nBraille n a system of writing for blind people consisting of raised dots interpreted by touchbrain n 1the soft mass of nervous tissue within the skull of vertebrates that controls and coordinates the nervous system 2(often pl, informal) intellectual ability: he's got brains ◇ SYNONYMS: intelligence, understanding, sense, intellect 3(informal) an intelligent person 4 on the brain(informal) constantly in mind: I had that song on the brain 5 the brains(informal) a person who plans and organizes something: the brains behind the bid ▸ vb 6(slang) to hit (someone) hard on the headbrainchild n (informal) an idea or plan produced by creative thoughtbrainfood n any foodstuff containing nutrients thought to promote brain functionbrainless adj stupid or foolishbrainwash vb to cause (a person) to alter his or her beliefs, by methods based on isolation, sleeplessness, etc. > brainwashing nbrainwave n (informal) a sudden idea or inspirationbrainy adj brainier, brainiest(informal) clever; intelligentbraise vb braising, braisedto cook (food) slowly in a closed pan with a small amount of liquidbrake n 1a device for slowing or stopping a vehicle 2something that slows down or stops progress: he put a brake on my enthusiasm ◇ SYNONYMS: control, check, curb, restraint, constraint, rein ▸ vb braking, braked 3to slow down or cause to slow down, by or as if by using a brake ◇ SYNONYMS: slow, decelerate, reduce speedbramble n 1a prickly plant or shrub such as the blackberry 2(Scot & N English & NZ) a blackberry > brambly adjbran n husks of cereal grain separated from the flourbranch n 1a secondary woody stem extending from the trunk or main branch of a tree ◇ SYNONYMS: bough, shoot, arm, spray, limb, sprig, offshoot 2one of a number of shops, offices, or groups that belongs to a central organization: she was transferred to their Japanese branch ◇ SYNONYMS: office, department, unit, wing, chapter, bureau 3a subdivision or subsidiary section of something larger or more complex: branches of learning ◇ SYNONYMS: division, part, section, subdivision, subsection ▸ vb 4to divide, then develop in different directions > branchlike adjbranch out vb to expand or extend one's interestsbrand n 1a particular product or a characteristic that identifies a particular producer ◇ SYNONYMS: trademark 2a trade name or trademark 3a particular kind or variety 4an identifying mark made, usually by burning, on the skin of animals as a proof of ownership 5an iron used for branding animals 6a mark of disgrace 7(archaic, or poetic) a flaming torch ▸ vb 8to label, burn, or mark with or as if with a brand ◇ SYNONYMS: mark, burn, label, stamp, scar 9to label (someone): he was branded a war criminal ◇ SYNONYMS: stigmatize, mark, expose, denounce, disgrace, discredit, censurebrandish vb to wave (a weapon, etc.) in a triumphant or threatening waybrand-new adj absolutely newbrandy n, pl -diesan alcoholic spirit distilled from winebrash adj 1tastelessly or offensively loud, or showy: brash modernization 2impudent or bold: I thought it was very brash of her to ask me ◇ SYNONYMS: bold, rude, cocky, pushy (informal), brazen, impertinent, insolent, impudent > brashness nbrass n 1an alloy of copper and zinc 2an object, ornament, or utensil made of brass 3 Athe large family of wind instruments including the trumpet, trombone, etc. made of brass Binstruments of this family forming a section in an orchestra 4same as top brass 5(N English dialect) money 6(Brit) an engraved brass memorial tablet in a church 7(informal) bold self-confidence; nervebrasserie n a bar or restaurant serving drinks and cheap mealsbrassiere n same as bra brassy adj brassier, brassiest 1brazen or flashy 2like brass, esp. in colour 3(of sound) harsh and stridentbrat n a child, esp. one who is unrulybravado n an outward display of self-confidencebrave adj 1having or displaying courage, resolution, or daring ◇ SYNONYMS: courageous, daring, bold, heroic, adventurous, fearless, resolute, audacious 2fine; splendid: a brave sight ▸ n 3(old-fashioned) a warrior of a Native American tribe of N America ▸ vb braving, braved 4to confront with resolution or courage: she braved the 21 miles of Lake Tahoe ◇ SYNONYMS: confront, face, suffer, tackle, endure, defy, withstand, stand up to > bravery nbravo interj 1well done! ▸ n 2pl -vosa cry of 'bravo' 3pl -voesor -vosa hired killer or assassinbrawl n 1a loud disagreement or fight ◇ SYNONYMS: fight, clash, fray, skirmish, scuffle, punch-up (Brit informal), fracas, altercation, biffo (Austral slang) ▸ vb 2to quarrel or fight noisily ◇ SYNONYMS: fight, scrap (informal), wrestle, tussle, scufflebrawn n 1strong well-developed muscles 2physical strength 3(Brit & NZ) a seasoned jellied loaf made from the head of a pig > brawny adjbray vb 1(of a donkey) to utter its characteristic loud harsh sound 2to utter something with a loud harsh sound ▸ n 3the loud harsh sound uttered by a donkey 4a similar loud soundbrazen adj 1shameless and bold 2made of or resembling brass 3having a ringing metallic sound ▸ vb 4 brazen it outto face and overcome a difficult or embarrassing situation boldly or shamelessly > brazenly advbrazier ( bray-zee-er) n a portable metal container for burning charcoal or coalbreach n 1a breaking of a promise, obligation, etc. ◇ SYNONYMS: nonobservance, abuse, violation, infringement, trespass, transgression, contravention, infraction 2any serious disagreement or separation 3a crack, break, or gap ◇ SYNONYMS: opening, crack, split, gap, rift, rupture, cleft, fissure ▸ vb 4to break (a promise, law, etc.) 5to break through or make an opening or hole inbread n 1a food made from a dough of flour or meal mixed with water or milk, usually raised with yeast and then baked 2necessary food ◇ SYNONYMS: food, fare, kai (NZ informal), nourishment, sustenance 3(slang) money ◇ SYNONYMS: money, cash, dough (slang) ▸ vb 4to cover (food) with breadcrumbs before cookingbreadth n 1the extent or measurement of something from side to side ◇ SYNONYMS: extent, range, scale, scope, compass, expanse 2openness and lack of restriction, esp. of viewpoint or interest; liberalitybreadwinner n a person supporting a family with his or her earningsbreak vb breaking, broke, broken 1to separate or become separated into two or more pieces ◇ SYNONYMS: shatter, separate, destroy, crack, snap, smash, crush, fragment 2to damage or become damaged so as not to work 3to burst or cut the surface of (skin) ◇ SYNONYMS: burst, tear, split 4to fracture (a bone) in (a limb, etc.) ◇ SYNONYMS: fracture, crack, smash 5to fail to observe (an agreement, promise, or law): they broke their promise ◇ SYNONYMS: disobey, breach, defy, violate, disregard, flout, infringe, contravene (formal) 6to reveal or be revealed: she broke the news gently ◇ SYNONYMS: reveal, tell, announce, declare, disclose, proclaim, make known 7(foll. by with) to separate oneself from 8to discontinue or become discontinued: to break a journey 9to bring or come to an end: the winter weather broke at last ◇ SYNONYMS: stop, cut, suspend, interrupt, cut short, discontinue 10to weaken or overwhelm or be weakened or overwhelmed, as in spirit: he felt his life was broken by his illness ◇ SYNONYMS: weaken, undermine, tame, subdue, demoralize, dispirit 11to cut through or penetrate: silence broken by shouts 12to improve on or surpass: she broke three world records ◇ SYNONYMS: beat, top, better, exceed, go beyond, excel, surpass, outstrip 13(often foll. by in) to accustom (a horse) to the bridle and saddle, to being ridden, etc. 14(foll. by of) to cause (a person) to give up (a habit): this cure will break you of smoking 15to weaken the impact or force of: this net will break his fall 16to decipher: to break a code 17to lose the order of: to break ranks 18to reduce to poverty or the state of bankruptcy 19to come into being: light broke over the mountains 20(foll. by into) Ato burst into (song, laughter, etc.) Bto change to (a faster pace) 21to open with explosives: to break a safe 22 A(of waves) to strike violently against B(of waves) to collapse into foam or surf 23(snooker) to scatter the balls at the start of a game 24(boxing, wrestling) (of two fighters) to separate from a clinch 25(of the male voice) to undergo a change in register, quality, and range at puberty 26to interrupt the flow of current in (an electrical circuit) 27 break campto pack up and leave a camp 28 break evento make neither a profit nor a loss 29 break the mouldto make a change that breaks an established habit or pattern ▸ n 30the act or result of breaking; fracture ◇ SYNONYMS: fracture, opening, tear, hole, split, crack, gap, fissure 31a brief rest 32a sudden rush, esp. to escape: they made a sudden break for freedom 33any sudden interruption in a continuous action 34(Brit & NZ) a short period between classes at school 35a (short) holiday ◇ SYNONYMS: holiday, leave, vacation, time off, recess, awayday, schoolie (Austral), accumulated day off or ADO (Austral) 36(informal) a fortunate opportunity, esp. to prove oneself ◇ SYNONYMS: stroke of luck, chance, opportunity, advantage, fortune, opening 37(informal) a piece of good or bad luck 38(billiards, snooker) a series of successful shots during one turn 39(snooker) the opening shot that scatters the placed balls 40a discontinuity in an electrical circuit 41 break of daythe dawn ▸ See also break down etc > breakable adjbreakage n 1the act or result of breaking 2compensation or allowance for goods damaged while in use, transit, etc.break down vb 1to cease to function; become ineffective 2to give way to strong emotion or tears 3to crush or destroy 4to have a nervous breakdown 5to separate into component parts: with exercise the body breaks down fat to use as fuel 6to separate or cause to separate into simpler chemical elements; decompose 7to analyse or be subjected to analysis ▸ n breakdown 8an act or instance of breaking down; collapse 9same as nervous breakdown 10an analysis of something into its partsbreaker n 1a large sea wave with a white crest or one that breaks into foam on the shore 2a Citizens' Band radio operatorbreakfast n 1the first meal of the day ▸ vb 2to eat breakfastbreakneck adj (of speed or pace) excessively fast and dangerousbreak off vb 1to sever or detach ◇ SYNONYMS break something off: detach, separate, divide, cut off, pull off, sever, part, remove 2to end (a relationship or association) 3to stop abruptlybreak out vb 1to begin or arise suddenly: fighting broke out between the two factions ◇ SYNONYMS break out: begin, start, happen, occur, arise, set in, commence, spring up 2to make an escape, esp. from prison 3 break out into erupt in (a rash or spots) ▸ n break-out 4an escape, esp. from prisonbreak through vb 1to penetrate 2to achieve success after lengthy efforts ▸ n breakthrough 3a significant development or discovery ◇ SYNONYMS: development, advance, progress, discovery, find, invention, step forward, leap forwardsbreak up vb 1to separate or cause to separate 2to put an end to (a relationship) or (of a relationship) to come to an end ◇ SYNONYMS break up: split up, separate, part, divorce 3to dissolve or cause to dissolve: the meeting broke up at noon ◇ SYNONYMS break up: finish, be suspended, adjourn 4(Brit) (of a school) to close for the holidays ▸ n break-up 5a separation or disintegrationbreakwater n a massive wall built out into the sea to protect a shore or harbour from the force of wavesbream n, pl bream 1a freshwater fish covered with silvery scales 2a food fish of European seas 3a food fish of Australasian seasbreast n 1either of the two soft fleshy milk-secreting glands on a woman's chest ◇ SYNONYMS: bosom, boob (slang), booby (slang), tit (vulgar, slang) 2the front part of the body from the neck to the abdomen; chest 3the corresponding part in certain other mammals 4the source of human emotions 5the part of a garment that covers the breast 6 make a clean breast of somethingto divulge truths about oneself ▸ vb (literary) 7to reach the summit of: breasting the mountain top 8to confront boldly; face: breast the stormbreastbone n same as sternumbreaststroke n a swimming stroke in which the arms are extended in front of the head and swept back on either sidebreath n 1the taking in and letting out of air during breathing 2a single instance of this ◇ SYNONYMS: inhalation, breathing, pant, gasp, gulp, wheeze, exhalation, respiration 3the air taken in or let out during breathing 4the vapour, heat, or odour of air breathed out 5a slight gust of air 6a short pause or rest 7a suggestion or slight evidence; suspicion: trembling at the least breath of scandal 8a whisper or soft sound 9 catch one's breath Ato rest until breathing is normal Bto stop breathing momentarily from excitement, fear, etc. 10 out of breathgasping for air after exertion 11 save one's breathto avoid useless talk 12 take someone's breath awayto overwhelm someone with surprise, etc. 13 under one's breathin a quiet voice or whisperBreathalyser or -lyzer n (Brit, trademark) a device for estimating the amount of alcohol in the breath > breathalyse or -lyze vbbreathe vb breathing, breathed 1to take in oxygen and give out carbon dioxide; respire ◇ SYNONYMS: inhale and exhale, pant, gasp, puff, gulp, wheeze, respire, draw in breath 2to exist; be alive 3to rest to regain breath or composure 4(esp. of air) to blow lightly 5to exhale or emit: the dragon breathed fire 6to impart; instil: a change that breathed new life into Polish industry 7to speak softly; whisper ◇ SYNONYMS: inhalation, breathing, pant, gasp, gulp, wheeze, exhalation, respiration 8 breathe again or freely or easilyto feel relief 9 breathe one's lastto diebreather n (informal) a short pause for restbreathing n 1the passage of air into and out of the lungs to supply the body with oxygen 2the sound this makesbreathless adj 1out of breath; gasping, etc. ◇ SYNONYMS: out of breath, panting, gasping, gulping, wheezing, short-winded 2holding one's breath or having it taken away by excitement, etc. ◇ SYNONYMS: excited, curious, eager, enthusiastic, impatient, on tenterhooks, in suspense 3(esp. of the atmosphere) motionless and stifling > breathlessness nbreathtaking adj causing awe or excitement ◇ SYNONYMS: amazing, exciting, stunning (informal), impressive, thrilling, magnificent, astonishing, sensationalbred vb the past of breed breech n 1the buttocks 2the part of a firearm behind the barrelbreeches pl n trousers extending to the knee or just below, worn for riding, etc.breed vb breeding, bred 1to produce new or improved strains of (domestic animals and plants) ◇ SYNONYMS: rear, tend, keep, raise, maintain, farm, look after, care for 2to produce or cause to produce by mating ◇ SYNONYMS: reproduce, multiply, propagate, procreate (formal), produce offspring, bear young, bring forth young 3to bear (offspring) ◇ SYNONYMS: reproduce, multiply, propagate, procreate (formal), produce offspring, bear young, bring forth young 4to bring up; raise: she was city bred 5to produce or be produced: the agreement bred confidence between the two ◇ SYNONYMS: produce, cause, create, generate, bring about, arouse, give rise to, stir up ▸ n 6a group of animals, esp. domestic animals, within a species, that have certain clearly defined characteristics ◇ SYNONYMS: variety, race, stock, type, species, strain, pedigree 7a kind, sort, or group: he was a gentleman, a breed not greatly admired ◇ SYNONYMS: kind, sort, type, variety, brand, stamp 8a lineage or race > breeder nbreeding n 1the process of producing plants or animals by controlled methods of reproduction 2the process of bearing offspring 3the result of good upbringing or training ◇ SYNONYMS: refinement, culture, taste, manners, polish, courtesy, sophistication, cultivationbreeze n 1a gentle or light wind ◇ SYNONYMS: light wind, air, draught, gust, waft, zephyr, breath of wind, current of air 2(informal) an easy task ▸ vb breezing, breezed 3to move quickly or casually: he breezed into the room ◇ SYNONYMS: sweep, move briskly, pass, sail, hurry, glide, flitbreezy adj breezier, breeziest 1fresh; windy 2casual or carefreebrethren pl n (archaic) a plural of brother Breton adj 1of Brittany ▸ n 2a person from Brittany 3the Celtic language of Brittanybrevity n 1a short duration; brief time 2lack of verbositybrew vb 1to make (beer, ale, etc.) from malt and other ingredients by steeping, boiling, and fermentation ◇ SYNONYMS: make, ferment 2to prepare (a drink, such as tea) by infusing ◇ SYNONYMS: boil, make, soak, steep, stew, infuse 3to devise or plan: to brew a plot 4to be in the process of being brewed 5to be about to happen or forming: a rebellion was brewing ◇ SYNONYMS: start, develop, gather, foment ▸ n 6a beverage produced by brewing, esp. tea or beer ◇ SYNONYMS: drink, preparation, mixture, blend, liquor, beverage, infusion, concoction 7an instance of brewing: last year's brew > brewer nbrewery n, pl -eriesa place where beer, ale, etc. is brewedBrexit n the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Unionbriar1 or brier1 n 1a shrub of S Europe, with a hard woody root (briarroot) 2a tobacco pipe made from this rootbriar2 n same as briar bribe vb bribing, bribed 1to promise, offer, or give something, often illegally, to (a person) to receive services or gain influence ◇ SYNONYMS: buy off, reward, pay off (informal), corrupt, suborn, grease the palm or hand of (slang) ▸ n 2a reward, such as money or favour, given or offered for this purpose ◇ SYNONYMS: inducement, pay-off (informal), sweetener (slang), kickback, backhander (slang), enticement, allurement > bribery nbric-a-brac n miscellaneous small ornamental objectsbrick n 1a rectangular block of baked or dried clay, used in building construction 2the material used to make such blocks 3any rectangular block: a brick of ice cream 4bricks collectively 5(informal) a reliable, trustworthy, or helpful person 6 drop a brick(Brit & NZ informal) to make a tactless or indiscreet remark ▸ vb 7(foll. by in or up or over) to construct, line, pave, fill, or wall up with bricks: they bricked up access to the historic pillarbricklayer n a person who builds with bricksbridal adj of a bride or a weddingbride n a woman who has just been or is about to be marriedbridegroom n a man who has just been or is about to be marriedbridesmaid n a girl or woman who attends a bride at her weddingbridge1 n 1a structure that provides a way over a railway, river, etc. ◇ SYNONYMS: arch, span, viaduct, flyover, overpass, fixed link (Canad) 2a platform from which a ship is piloted and navigated 3the hard ridge at the upper part of the nose 4a dental plate containing artificial teeth that is secured to natural teeth 5a piece of wood supporting the strings of a violin, guitar, etc. ▸ vb bridging, bridged 6to build or provide a bridge over (something) ◇ SYNONYMS: span, cross 7to connect or reduce the distance between: talks aimed at bridging the gap between the two sides ◇ SYNONYMS: reconcile, resolvebridge2 n a card game for four players, based on whist, in which the trump suit is decided by bidding between the playersbridgehead n (military) a fortified or defensive position at the end of a bridge nearest to the enemybridle n 1headgear for controlling a horse, consisting of straps and a bit and reins 2something that curbs or restrains ▸ vb -dling, -dled 3to show anger or indignation: he bridled at the suggestion that he should resign 4to put a bridle on (a horse) 5to restrain; curbbridle path n a path suitable for riding or leading horsesBrie ( bree) n a soft creamy white cheesebrief adj 1short in duration ◇ SYNONYMS: short, quick, fleeting, swift, short-lived, momentary, ephemeral, transitory 2short in length or extent; scanty: a brief bikini 3terse or concise ▸ n 4a condensed statement or written synopsis ◇ SYNONYMS: summary, résumé, outline, sketch, abstract, digest, epitome, rundown 5(law) a document containing all the facts and points of law of a case by which a solicitor instructs a barrister to represent a client 6(RC Church) a papal letter that is less formal than a bull 7Also called: briefinginstructions 8 hold a brief forto argue for; champion 9 in briefin short; to sum up ▸ vb 10to prepare or instruct (someone) by giving a summary of relevant facts ◇ SYNONYMS: inform, prime, prepare, advise, fill in (informal), instruct, put in the picture (informal), keep (someone) posted 11(English law) Ato instruct (a barrister) by brief Bto retain (a barrister) as counsel > briefly advbriefcase n a flat portable case for carrying papers, books, etc.brier1 or briar1 n any of various thorny shrubs or other plants, such as the sweetbrierbrier2 n same as briar brig n (naut) a two-masted square-rigged shipbrigade n 1a military formation smaller than a division and usually commanded by a brigadier ◇ SYNONYMS: corps, company, force, unit, division, troop, squad, team 2a group of people organized for a certain task: a rescue brigade ◇ SYNONYMS: group, band, squad, organizationbrigadier n a senior officer in an army, usually commanding a brigadebrigalow n (Austral) a type of acacia treebrigand n a bandit, esp. a member of a gang operating in mountainous areasbrigantine n a two-masted sailing shipbright adj 1emitting or reflecting much light; shining ◇ SYNONYMS: shining, glowing, dazzling, gleaming, shimmering, radiant, luminous, lustrous 2(of colours) intense or vivid ◇ SYNONYMS: vivid, rich, brilliant, glowing, colourful 3full of promise: a bright future 4lively or cheerful 5quick-witted or clever ◇ SYNONYMS: clever, smart, ingenious ▸ adv 6brightly: the light burned bright in his office > brightly adv > brightness nbrighten vb 1to make or become bright or brighter ◇ SYNONYMS: light up, shine, glow, gleam, lighten 2to make or become cheerfulbrilliance or brilliancy n 1great brightness ◇ SYNONYMS: brightness, intensity, sparkle, dazzle, lustre, radiance, luminosity, vividness 2excellence in physical or mental ability ◇ SYNONYMS: cleverness, talent, wisdom, distinction, genius, excellence, greatness, inventiveness 3splendour ◇ SYNONYMS: splendour, glamour, grandeur, magnificence, éclat, illustriousnessbrilliant adj 1shining with light; sparkling ◇ SYNONYMS: bright, shining, intense, sparkling, glittering, dazzling, vivid, radiant 2(of a colour) vivid 3splendid; magnificent: a brilliant show ◇ SYNONYMS: splendid, famous, celebrated, outstanding, superb, magnificent, glorious, notable 4of outstanding intelligence or intellect ◇ SYNONYMS: intelligent, sharp, intellectual, clever, profound, penetrating, inventive, perspicacious (formal) ▸ n 5a diamond cut with many facets to increase its sparklebrim n 1the upper rim of a cup, bowl, etc. ◇ SYNONYMS: rim, edge, border, lip, margin, verge (Brit), brink 2a projecting edge of a hat ▸ vb brimming, brimmed 3to be full to the brim: he saw the tears that brimmed in her eyes ◇ SYNONYMS: be full, spill, well over, run over > brimless adjbrimstone n (obsolete) sulphurbrine n 1a strong solution of salt and water, used for pickling 2(literary) the sea or its waterbring vb bringing, brought 1to carry, convey, or take (something or someone) to a designated place or person ◇ SYNONYMS: take, guide, conduct, escort 2to cause to happen: responsibility brings maturity ◇ SYNONYMS: cause, produce, create, effect, occasion (formal), result in, contribute to, inflict 3to cause to come to mind: it brought back memories 4to cause to be in a certain state, position, etc.: the punch brought him to his knees ◇ SYNONYMS: cause, produce, create, effect, occasion (formal), result in, contribute to, inflict 5to make (oneself): she couldn't bring herself to do it 6to sell for: the painting brought a large sum 7(law) Ato institute (proceedings, charges, etc.) Bto put (evidence, etc.) before a tribunal ▸ See also bring about bring about vb to cause to happen: a late harvest brought about by bad weather ◇ SYNONYMS bring something about: cause, produce, create, effect, achieve, generate, accomplish, give rise tobring off vb to succeed in achieving (something difficult) ◇ SYNONYMS bring something off: accomplish, achieve, perform, succeed, execute, pull off, carry offbring out vb 1to produce, publish, or have (a book) published 2to expose, reveal, or cause to be seen: he brought out the best in me 3(foll. by in) to cause (a person) to become covered with (a rash, spots, etc.)bring up vb 1to care for and train (a child); rear ◇ SYNONYMS bring someone up: rear, raise, support, train, develop, teach, breed, foster 2to raise (a subject) for discussion; mention ◇ SYNONYMS bring something up: mention, raise, introduce, point out, refer to, allude to, broach 3to vomit (food)brinjal n (S African & Indian) a dark purple tropical fruit, cooked and eaten as a vegetablebrink n 1the edge or border of a steep place ◇ SYNONYMS: edge, limit, border, lip, margin, boundary, skirt, frontier 2the land at the edge of a body of water ◇ SYNONYMS: edge, limit, border, lip, margin, boundary, skirt, frontier 3 on the brink ofvery near; on the point of: on the brink of disasterbriny adj brinier, briniest 1of or like brine; salty ▸ n 2 the briny(informal) the seabrisk adj 1lively and quick; vigorous: brisk trade ◇ SYNONYMS: quick, lively, energetic, active, vigorous, bustling, sprightly, spry 2invigorating or sharp: brisk weather ◇ SYNONYMS: short, brief, blunt, abrupt, terse, gruff, brusque, monosyllabic 3practical and businesslike: his manner was brisk > briskly advbrisket n beef from the breast of a cowbristle n 1any short stiff hair, such as on a pig's back ◇ SYNONYMS: hair, spine, thorn, whisker, barb, stubble, prickle 2something resembling these hairs: toothbrush bristle ▸ vb -tling, -tled 3to stand up or cause to stand up like bristles ◇ SYNONYMS: stand up, rise, stand on end 4to show anger or indignation: she bristled at the suggestion ◇ SYNONYMS: be angry, rage, seethe, flare up, bridle, see red 5to be thickly covered or set: the hedges bristled with blossom > bristly adjBrit n (informal) a British personBritish adj 1of Britain or the British Commonwealth 2denoting the English language as spoken and written in Britain ▸ pl n 3 the Britishthe people of BritainBriton n 1a native or inhabitant of Britain 2(history) any of the early Celtic inhabitants of S Britainbrittle adj 1easily cracked or broken; fragile ◇ SYNONYMS: fragile, delicate, crisp, crumbling, frail, crumbly, breakable, friable 2curt or irritable: a brittle reply 3hard or sharp in quality: a brittle laugh > brittly advbroach vb 1to initiate or introduce (a topic) for discussion 2to tap or pierce (a container) to draw off (a liquid) 3to open in order to begin to use ▸ n 4a spit for roasting meatbroad adj 1having great breadth or width ◇ SYNONYMS: wide, large, ample, generous, expansive 2of vast extent: broad plains ◇ SYNONYMS: large, huge, vast, extensive, ample, spacious, expansive, roomy 3not detailed; general ◇ SYNONYMS: general, loose, vague, approximate, indefinite, ill-defined, inexact, unspecific 4clear and open: broad daylight 5obvious: broad hints 6tolerant: a broad view 7extensive: broad support ◇ SYNONYMS: full, general, comprehensive, complete, wide, sweeping, wide-ranging, thorough 8vulgar or coarse 9strongly marked: he spoke broad Australian English ▸ n 10(chiefly US & Canad slang, sometimes offensive) a woman 11 the Broadsin East Anglia, a group of shallow lakes connected by a network of rivers > broadly advbroadband n a telecommunications technique that uses a wide range of frequencies to allow messages to be sent simultaneouslybroad bean n the large edible flattened seed of a Eurasian bean plantbroadcast n 1a transmission or programme on radio or television ◇ SYNONYMS: transmission, show, programme, telecast, podcast, webcast, vodcast, mobcast ▸ vb -casting, -castor -casted 2to transmit (announcements or programmes) on radio or television ◇ SYNONYMS: transmit, show, air, radio, cable, beam, send out, relay, stream, podcast, open-line (Canad) 3to take part in a radio or television programme 4to make widely known throughout an area: to broadcast news ◇ SYNONYMS: make public, report, announce, publish, spread, advertise, proclaim, circulate 5to scatter (seed, etc.) > broadcaster n > broadcasting nbroaden vb to make or become broad or broader; widen ◇ SYNONYMS: expand, increase, develop, spread, extend, stretch, swell, supplementbroad-minded adj 1tolerant of opposing viewpoints; liberal 2not easily shockedbroadside n 1a strong or abusive verbal or written attack 2(naval) the simultaneous firing of all the guns on one side of a ship 3(naut) the entire side of a ship ▸ adv 4with a broader side facing an objectbrocade n 1a rich fabric woven with a raised design ▸ vb -cading, -caded 2to weave with such a designbroccoli n a variety of cabbage with greenish flower headsbrochure n a pamphlet or booklet, esp. one containing introductory information or advertising ◇ SYNONYMS: booklet, advertisement, leaflet, hand-out, circular, pamphlet, folder, mailshotbroekies ( brook-eez) pl n (S African informal) underpants ◇ SYNONYMS: underpants, pants (Brit), briefs, drawers, knickers, panties, boxer shorts, Y-fronts (trademark), underdaks (Austral slang)brogue1 n a sturdy walking shoe, often with ornamental perforationsbrogue2 n a broad gentle-sounding dialectal accent, esp. that used by the Irish in speaking Englishbroil vb same as grillbroke vb 1the past tense of break ▸ adj 2(informal) having no money ◇ SYNONYMS: penniless, short, ruined, bust (informal), bankrupt, impoverished, in the red, insolventbroken vb 1the past participle of break ▸ adj 2fractured, smashed, or splintered ◇ SYNONYMS: smashed, burst, shattered, fragmented, fractured, severed, ruptured, separated 3interrupted; disturbed: broken sleep ◇ SYNONYMS: interrupted, incomplete, erratic, intermittent, fragmentary, spasmodic, discontinuous 4not functioning ◇ SYNONYMS: defective, not working, imperfect, out of order, on the blink (slang), kaput (informal) 5(of a promise or contract) violated; infringed 6(of the speech of a foreigner) imperfectly spoken: broken English ◇ SYNONYMS: imperfect, halting, hesitating, stammering, disjointed 7Also: broken-inmade tame by training 8exhausted or weakened, as through ill-health or misfortunebrokenhearted adj overwhelmed by grief or disappointmentbroker n 1an agent who buys or sells goods, securities, etc.: an insurance broker ◇ SYNONYMS: dealer, agent, trader, supplier, merchant, negotiator, mediator, intermediary 2a person who deals in second-hand goods ◇ SYNONYMS: dealer, agent, trader, supplier, merchant, negotiator, mediator, intermediarybrolga n a large grey Australian crane with a trumpeting call. Also called: native companionbrolly n, pl -lies(Brit & Austral & NZ informal) an umbrellabromance n (informal) a close, non-sexual friendship between two menbromide n 1(chem) any compound of bromine with another element or radical 2a dose of sodium or potassium bromide given as a sedative 3a boring, meaningless, or obvious remarkbromine n (chem) a dark red liquid chemical element that gives off a pungent vapour. SYMBOL: Brbronchial adj of or relating to both of the bronchi or the smaller tubes into which they dividebronchitis n inflammation of the bronchial tubes, causing coughing and difficulty in breathingbronchus ( bronk-uss) n, pl bronchi( bronk-eye) either of the two main branches of the windpipebronco n, pl -cos(in the US and Canada) a wild or partially tamed horsebrontosaurus n a former name for apatosaurus bronze n 1an alloy of copper and smaller proportions of tin 2a statue, medal, or other object made of bronze ▸ adj 3made of or resembling bronze 4yellowish-brown ◇ SYNONYMS: yellowish-brown, reddish-brown, copper, tan, rust, chestnut, brownish ▸ vb bronzing, bronzed 5(esp. of the skin) to make or become brown; tanBronze Age n a phase of human culture, lasting in Britain from about 2000 to 500 BC during which weapons and tools were made of bronzebrooch n an ornament with a hinged pin and catch, worn fastened to clothingbrood n 1a number of young animals, esp. birds, produced at one hatching ◇ SYNONYMS: offspring, issue, clutch, litter, progeny 2all the children in a family: often used jokingly ◇ SYNONYMS: children, family, nearest and dearest, flesh and blood, ainga (NZ) ▸ vb 3(of a bird) to sit on or hatch eggs 4to think long and unhappily about something: he brooded on his failure to avert the confrontation ◇ SYNONYMS: think, obsess, muse, ponder, agonize, mull over, mope, ruminate > brooding n, adjbroody adj broodier, broodiest 1moody; introspective 2(of poultry) wishing to sit on or hatch eggs 3(informal) (of a woman) wishing to have a babybrook1 n a natural freshwater stream ◇ SYNONYMS: stream, burn (Scot & N English), rivulet, beck, watercourse, rillbrook2 vb to bear; tolerate: she would brook no oppositionbroom n 1a type of long-handled sweeping brush 2a yellow-flowered shrub 3 a new brooma newly appointed official, etc., eager to make radical changesbroomstick n the long handle of a broombroth n a soup made by boiling meat, vegetables, etc. in waterbrothel n a house where men pay to have sexual intercourse with prostitutesbrother n 1a man or boy with the same parents as another person. RELATED ADJECTIVE: fraternal◇ SYNONYMS: male sibling 2a man belonging to the same group, trade union, etc. as another or others; fellow member 3comrade; friend 4(Christianity) a member of a male religious order ◇ SYNONYMS: monk, cleric, friar, religiousbrotherhood n 1fellowship 2an association, such as a trade union 3the state of being a brotherbrother-in-law n, pl brothers-in-law 1the brother of one's wife or husband 2the husband of one's siblingbrotherly adj of or like a brother, esp. in showing loyalty and affection ◇ SYNONYMS: fraternal, friendly, neighbourly, sympathetic, affectionate, benevolent, kind, amicablebrought vb the past of bring brow n 1the part of the face from the eyes to the hairline; forehead 2same as eyebrow 3the jutting top of a hillbrowbeat vb -beating, -beat, -beatento frighten (someone) with threatsbrown adj 1of the colour of wood or the earth ◇ SYNONYMS: brunette, bay, coffee, chocolate, chestnut, hazel, dun, auburn 2(of bread) made from wheatmeal or wholemeal flour 3deeply tanned ◇ SYNONYMS: tanned, bronze, tan, sunburnt ▸ n 4the colour of wood or the earth 5anything brown, such as brown paint or brown clothing: clad in brown ▸ vb 6to make or become brown or browner, for example as a result of cooking ◇ SYNONYMS: fry, cook, grill, sear, sauté > brownish adjbrowned-off adj (informal, chiefly Brit) thoroughly bored and depressedBrownie Guide or Brownie n a member of the junior branch of the Guidesbrowse vb browsing, browsed 1to look through (a book or articles for sale) in a casual leisurely manner ◇ SYNONYMS: skim, scan, glance at, survey, look through, look round, dip into, leaf through 2(computers) to read hypertext, esp. on the internet 3(of deer, goats, etc.) to feed upon vegetation by continual nibbling ◇ SYNONYMS: graze, eat, feed, nibble ▸ n 4an instance of browsingbrowser n (computers) a software package that enables a user to read hypertext, esp. on the internetbruise vb bruising, bruised 1to injure (body tissue) without breaking the skin, usually with discoloration, or (of body tissue) to be injured in this way ◇ SYNONYMS: hurt, injure, mark 2to hurt (someone's feelings) 3to damage (fruit) ◇ SYNONYMS: damage, mark, mar, discolour ▸ n 4a bodily injury without a break in the skin, usually with discoloration ◇ SYNONYMS: discoloration, mark, injury, blemish, contusion (formal)bruiser n (informal) a strong tough person, esp. a boxer or a bullybrumby n, pl -bies(Austral) 1a wild horse 2an unruly personbrunch n a meal eaten late in the morning, combining breakfast with lunchbrunette n a woman with dark brown hairbrunt n the main force or shock of a blow, attack, etc.: the town bore the brunt of the earthquakebrush1 n 1a device made of bristles, hairs, wires, etc. set into a firm back or handle: used to apply paint, groom the hair, etc. ◇ SYNONYMS: broom, sweeper, besom 2the act of brushing 3a brief encounter, esp. an unfriendly one ◇ SYNONYMS: encounter, meeting, confrontation, rendezvous 4the bushy tail of a fox 5an electric conductor, esp. one made of carbon, that conveys current between stationary and rotating parts of a generator, motor, etc. ▸ vb 6to clean, scrub, or paint with a brush ◇ SYNONYMS: clean, wash, polish, buff 7to apply or remove with a brush or brushing movement 8to touch lightly and briefly ◇ SYNONYMS: touch, sweep, kiss, stroke, glance, flick, scrape, graze ▸ See also brush off , brush up brush2 n a thick growth of shrubs and small trees; scrub ◇ SYNONYMS: shrubs, bushes, scrub, undergrowth, thicket, copse, brushwoodbrush off (slang) vb 1to dismiss and ignore (a person), esp. curtly ◇ SYNONYMS brush someone off: ignore, reject, dismiss, snub, disregard, scorn, disdain, spurn ▸ n brushoff 2 give someone the brushoffto reject someonebrush turkey n a bird of New Guinea and Australia resembling the domestic fowl, with black plumagebrush up vb 1(often foll. by on) to refresh one's knowledge or memory of (a subject) ◇ SYNONYMS brush something up or brush up on something: revise, study, go over, cram, polish up, read up on, relearn, bone up on (informal) ▸ n brush-up 2(Brit) the act of tidying one's appearance: have a wash and brush-upbrusque adj blunt or curt in manner or speech > brusquely adv > brusqueness nBrussels sprout n a vegetable like a tiny cabbagebrutal adj 1cruel; vicious; savage ◇ SYNONYMS: cruel, savage, vicious, ruthless, callous, sadistic, heartless, inhuman 2harsh or severe ◇ SYNONYMS: harsh, tough, severe, rough, rude, indifferent, insensitive, callous 3extremely honest or frank in speech or manner > brutality n > brutally advbrutalize or -ise vb -izing, -izedor -ising, -ised 1to make or become brutal 2to treat (someone) brutally > brutalization or -isation nbrute n 1a brutal person 2any animal that is not a human; beast ▸ adj 3wholly instinctive or physical, like that of an animal: cricket is not a game of brute force 4without reason or intelligence 5coarse and grossly sensualbrutish adj 1of or resembling a brute; animal 2coarse; cruel; stupidBSc Bachelor of ScienceBSE bovine spongiform encephalopathy: a fatal virus disease of cattleBST British Summer TimeBTW by the way