Contentious:
describes something that causes disagreement. In this case, the effect of bio-fuels on
food prices has caused disagreement.
Example:
I avoid talking about politics at work because the subject is too
contentious.
Doubt: a
state of uncertainty. In this
case, many are uncertain that the second round of voting will be free or
fair.
Example:
Look at those black clouds. I doubt
we will be able to get home before it rains.
Ban: to
make something illegal, to forbid something. In this case, the government will no
longer allow CARE to operate in the country.
Example:
A lot of countries are now banning cigarette smoking in public
areas.
Violate:
to act in a way that goes against something such as a law or contract. In this example, the government claims
that Tsvangirai’s public speeches were acting against the laws concerning public
safety.
Example:
They violated the contract by secretly hiding some of their
profits.
Diplomat:
a representative of a foreign government (they usually work at embassies or
consulates.
Detain: to
hold somebody or something in detention (such as police custody). In this case, the diplomats were held by
the police.
Example:
Anyone who tried to cross the border without a visa was detained by the
authorities.
Withdraw:
to take something back, or in this case to remove yourself from a consideration.
He withdrew his candidacy for governor after the scandal.
I withdrew my
application when I realized I wouldn't have time to do the
job.
Unseat:
to remove someone from power. In this case, Rudd and the Liberals won the
election, thus removing Howard and the conservatives from
power.
Nomination: In this context,
it is the selection by the party to be the candidate for
president.
wave: in
this context, a sudden large increase in activity. In this case, a lot of super-delegates
announced their support of Obama last week.
Example:
Our street is usually quiet, but during rush hour there is a short wave of
increased traffic.
Super
delegate: influential people in the democratic party who are given
their own vote in the nomination process.
Running
Mate: In the American presidential election, each candidate chooses a
vice-presidential candidate who will appear on the ballot with him or her. The vice-president is the person who
would take over the presidency in the case of the president dying in
office.
Debate: In
this case, an organized meeting between the two candidates where they discuss
and argue their differences on political issues.
Incite: to
provoke feelings or actions from a person or group. In this case, Ms. Bardot was accused of
creating feelings of hatred toward Muslims.
Example:
The protestors incited a riot after the rumor spread that the election was
rigged.
Junkie: a
slang term for a person addicted to drugs.
Example:
I don’t like going to that bar. Too
many junkies hang out there.