Conflict & Resolution: English Vocabulary List

to create uncertainty or skepticism by questioning the truth or validity of something

"His story cast doubt on the truth."

"The new evidence cast doubt on the main witness's testimony and the jury had to reconsider."

to establish the necessary foundation or preparation for a future project, plan, or idea

"We lay the groundwork first."

"Before launching the new product, the company spent months laying the groundwork through careful market research and planning."

to intentionally provoke or initiate a conflict or argument with someone

"He tried to pick a fight with me."

"The drunk man tried to pick a fight with anyone who walked past him on the street."

to announce one's innocence in response to accusations, charges, or suspicions

"The man protested his innocence loudly."

"The accused man continued to protest his innocence even after the jury found him guilty of the crime."

to use physical force or aggressive actions as a means of achieving a goal or resolving a dispute

"Do not resort to violence to solve your problems."

"The frustrated man resorted to violence when he could not solve the problem by talking calmly."

to trick someone into saying or doing something, often to make them reveal information without realizing it

"They sprang a trap."

"The hunter set some food to spring a trap on the wild animal that was eating his crops."

to discharge a weapon, such as a gun, in response to an enemy's attack or incoming gunfire

"The soldiers returned fire."

"The soldiers took cover behind the wall and began to return fire at the enemy positions."

to actively participate in a disagreement or conflict with someone

"They engage in a dispute."

"The two companies decided to engage in a dispute over the ownership of the patent."

to be less impressive, important, or remarkable when compared to something else

"Her performance pales in comparison to yours."

"My small car pales in comparison to my neighbour's huge luxury vehicle with all the fancy features."

to become so unimportant or minor that it is hardly worth considering in comparison to something else

"My problems paled into insignificance beside his."

"All my problems paled into insignificance when I heard about the terrible accident that happened to my best friend."

to cause someone to make a poor decision by providing them with incorrect guidance or misleading information

"Bad friends can lead you astray."

"The older children tried to lead the younger ones astray but the teacher stopped them immediately."

to devise or create a scheme, often one that is secretive or mischievous

"The thieves hatched a clever plan."

"The two friends hatched a plan to surprise their teacher on her birthday with a party."