I Survived The Attacks of September 11, 2001 — Vocabulary
Lauren Tarshis
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Exemplary sample Uses ACT/SAT
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massivevery large
The entrance has massive brass doors.more
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There was a massive explosion.p.50.91 more
Show general definition very large in size, number, or effect
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personnelemployees
The company hired additional personnel to manage the increased workload during the holiday seasonmore
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All personnel, on duty and off, are to report.p.53.11 more
employees of an organization
Show general definition people employed by an organization or members of the military
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determinedfirmly planning
I'm determined to become a lawyer.more
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The guys had seen him running into Tower 1, determined to get to the burning floors, to get as many people out as he could.p.79.2
firm in purpose
Show general definition for determined (as in: is determined to succeed) firm in purpose
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laboratorya workplace where people do scientific or medical research
We've had success in the laboratory, but are a long way from treating patients.more
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They donated their brains to our lab, so we can study them.p.21.4
laboratory → lab:workplace for scientific or medical research
Show general definition a workplace where people do scientific or medical research, or produce drugs or chemicals

or (as an adjective): related to such a place
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hypnotizehypnotize → hypnotized:put into a trance-like state of focused concentration and heightened suggestibility (a state of hypnosis)
I want to be hypnotized and given the suggestion that I don't like to snack on fattening foods.more
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Lucas watched, almost hypnotized, as the plane careened through the sky.p.2.7more
hypnotize → hypnotized:in a trance-like state
Show general definition for hypnotize (as in: hypnotized to try to remember) to put someone into a state of hypnosis (a trance-like state of focused concentration and heightened suggestibility)
Show editor's word notes Hypnosis is a special, trance-like state of focused attention. A hypnotized person is often very relaxed and more willing than usual to accept and act on the hypnotist’s suggestions. Despite popular myths, hypnotized people don't lose control and won't do things against their core values.
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landmarkvery important
It was a landmark Supreme Court decision.more
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When he got out of the subway, he looked up and found his landmark: the two silver buildings jutting into the sky.p.27.1
something easily recognized
Show general definition an important event or achievement

or:

a well-known feature or structure used for navigation or recognition
1
sprainsprain → sprained:joint injury from twisting
She couldn’t play in the soccer game because of a sprained ankle from practice.more
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"We used to think concussions were like sprained ankles," Dr. Barrett said.†p.21.7
sprain → sprained:injured the ligaments of a joint by stretching them too far (ligaments are the tough, fibrous bands that connect bones across joints)
Show general definition injury to the ligaments of a joint caused by stretching them too far -- most commonly injuring the ankle

(ligaments are the tough, fibrous bands that connect bones across joints)
Show editor's word notes Note that a strain is a similar injury caused by stretching the muscle until it rips.