Churchill's Iron Curtain Speech — Vocabulary
Winston Churchill
1946
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Exemplary sample Uses Broad Use
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communisma form of government with collective state ownership
Under communism, the state owns factories and distributes goods to all citizens equally.more
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I do not believe we should all have slept so soundly had the positions been reversed and if some Communist or neo-Fascist State monopolized for the time being these dread agencies.†10 more
communismcommunist:someone who supports an economic system that abolishes private ownership of property with the goal of a classless society
Show general definition an economic system that abolishes private ownership of property with the goal of a classless society
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democracya system of government in which citizens have power with equal votes
The United States has a representative democracy.more
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It is a solemn moment for the American Democracy.†6 more
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tyrannya form of government where some people control others in a harsh, unfair manner
The U.S. constitution was designed with checks and balances and limited government to protect Americans from tyranny.more
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To give security to these countless homes, they must be shielded from the two giant marauders, war and tyranny.†3 more
harsh and unjust rule
Show general definition harsh and unjust rule
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neverthelessdespite that (used to connect contrasting ideas)
The class was hard. Nevertheless, it was my favorite.more
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It would nevertheless be wrong and imprudent to entrust the secret knowledge or experience of the atomic bomb, which the United States, Great Britain, and Canada now share, to the world organization, while it is still in its infancy.†1 more
Show general definition despite that
Show editor's word notes Based on idea 1 we might not expect idea 2, but this is a way of saying that even though idea 1 was just stated, we still have idea 2.  Synonyms include in spite of that, despite that, nevertheless, nonetheless, on the other hand, in contrast and but.
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doctrineprinciple
She argues that the action is protected under the separation-of-powers doctrine that is fundamental to the US Constitution.more
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What they desire is the fruits of war and the indefinite expansion of their power and doctrines.†1 more
doctrinedoctrines:a belief (or system of beliefs or principles) accepted as authoritative by some …
Show general definition a belief (or system of beliefs or principles) accepted as authoritative by some group
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collaboratework together
Scientists from many countries collaborate to study climate change.more
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We British have our twenty years Treaty of Collaboration and Mutual Assistance with Soviet Russia.†1 more
collaboratecollaboration:the act of working together
Show general definition work together on a common enterprise or project

or more rarely and especially in the form collaborator:  cooperate with the enemy as a traitor
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perilperilperils:dangers
The mountaineers faced many perils on their ascent to the summit, including treacherous icefalls and avalanches.more
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Except in the British Commonwealth and in the United States where Communism is in its infancy, the Communist parties or fifth columns constitute a growing challenge and peril to Christian civilization.†1 more
danger
Show general definition danger
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implyimplyimplied:hinted or suggested
She wouldn't make a direct statement, but she implied that she supported our position.more
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If the population of the English-speaking Commonwealths be added to that of the United States with all that such co-operation implies in the air, on the sea, all over the globe and in science and in industry, and in moral force, there will be no quivering, precarious balance of power to offer its temptation to ambition or adventure.†
implyimplies:suggests (says indirectly)
Show general definition to suggest or say indirectly -- possibly as a logical consequence
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allianceassociation formed to support common interests
The Islamic governments formed an alliance to defeat Israel.more
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This Agreement is more effective than many of those which have often been made under formal alliances.†1 more
alliancealliances:associations formed to support common interests
Show general definition an association formed to support common interests
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eminentrespected and well-known
She studied under an eminent scientist who had won multiple international awards.more
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The Communist parties, which were very small in all these Eastern States of Europe, have been raised to pre-eminence and power far beyond their numbers and are seeking everywhere to obtain totalitarian control.†
eminenteminence:famous, respected, or important within a particular field or profession
Show general definition famous, respected, or important within a particular field or profession
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prudentsensible and careful
She was promoted to manager because she is so prudent.more
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It would nevertheless be wrong and imprudent to entrust the secret knowledge or experience of the atomic bomb, which the United States, Great Britain, and Canada now share, to the world organization, while it is still in its infancy.†
prudentimprudent:unwise
Show context notes The prefix "im-" in imprudent means not and reverses the meaning of prudent. This prefix is sometimes used before words beginning with "M" or "P" as seen in words like immoral, immature, and impossible.
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agitateagitateagitating:stirring up emotions to increase unrest
We are agitating public unrest, so there will be a cry for change.more
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It would be criminal madness to cast it adrift in this still agitated and un-united world.†
agitateagitated:not calm; or stirred up (often emotionally)
Show general definition to stir up or shake -- emotionally (as when people are angered or upset) or physically (as when a washing machine cleans clothes)
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confideconfideconfided:placed trust (in someone) by talking about private things
She confided in me. I won't repeat what was said.more
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Ultimately, when the essential brotherhood of man is truly embodied and expressed in a world organization with all the necessary practical safeguards to make it effective, these powers would naturally be confided to that world organization.†
Show general definition to place trust (in someone) by talking about private things or telling secrets
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arbitrarybased on chance or impulse
It was an arbitrary decision.more
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If we adhere faithfully to the Charter of the United Nations and walk forward in sedate and sober strength seeking no one's land or treasure, seeking to lay no arbitrary control upon the thoughts of men; if all British moral and material forces and convictions are joined with your own in fraternal association, the high-roads of the future will be clear, not only for us but for all, not only for our time, but for a century to come.†
Show general definition based on chance or impulse (rather than upon reasoning, consistent rules, or a proper sense of fairness)
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kindredsimilar in quality or character
We are kindred spirits.more
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In fact we have both been educated at the same, or similar, or, at any rate, kindred establishments.†2 more
similar in quality or character; OR closely related
Show general definition similar in quality or character

or:

closely related -- such as family or things with shared origin
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perseverepush on despite hardship
Despite many setbacks, the scientist continued to persevere in her research.more
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Anyone can see with his eyes open that our path will be difficult and also long, but if we persevere together as we did in the two world wars — though not, alas, in the interval between them — I cannot doubt that we shall achieve our common purpose in the end.†1 more
keep working at something despite difficulties
Show general definition to keep working at something -- especially despite difficulties
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inconsistentnot the same at different times
Her play is inconsistent. Sometimes she's unbeatable and other times she beats herself.more
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Would a special relationship between the United States and the British Commonwealth be inconsistent with our over-riding loyalties to the World Organization?†
not the same in different parts or at different times…
Show general definition not the same in different parts or at different times

or:

not in agreement [with something else]
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cruxmost important part
I see the crux as whether you trust people to make those kinds of decisions for themselves.more
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Now, while still pursuing the method of realizing our overall strategic concept, I come to the crux of what I have traveled here to say.†
the most important or difficult part of a problem, argument, or situation
Show general definition the most important or difficult part of a problem, argument, or situation
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pinnaclehighest point
She wrote the book at the pinnacle of her popularity.more
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The United States stands at this time at the pinnacle of world power.
top (highest point)
Show general definition the highest point -- either literally, like the top of a mountain, or figuratively, like the peak of success or achievement
1
deterrentsomething that discourages something not wanted
How effective is the death penalty as an additional deterrent?more
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God has willed that this shall not be and we have at least a breathing space to set our house in order before this peril has to be encountered: and even then, if no effort is spared, we should still possess so formidable a superiority as to impose effective deterrents upon its employment, or threat of employment, by others.†
deterrentdeterrents:things that discourage things not wanted