Expressing Attempt and Prevention: English Vocabulary List

to make an effort to achieve a goal or complete a task

"We endeavor to provide excellent service."

"The organization will endeavor to provide clean drinking water to remote villages by drilling new wells."

to put in a lot of effort to achieve a particular outcome or goal

"The workers labor in the hot sun."

"The workers labored in the hot sun for hours without a break to finish the construction project on time."

to try to do or accomplish something, particularly something difficult

"You should make an effort."

"You need to make an effort if you want to improve your language skills quickly."

to leave a place quietly or without being noticed

"The children sneaked away from the party."

"The children tried to sneak away from the boring party without their parents noticing them leave."

to resist or hold back from doing or saying something

"Please refrain from smoking inside."

"Please refrain from using your mobile phone during the movie because it distracts other audience members."

to intentionally avoid an issue or responsibility

"He will dodge the question."

"The boxer managed to dodge his opponent's punches by moving his head quickly from side to side."

to depart quietly and without being noticed

"The thief slipped away in darkness."

"The thief slipped away into the crowded market before the police could catch him."

to take action to counter the effects of something

"The antidote will neutralize the poison."

"The antidote will neutralize the poison and prevent it from causing further damage to the patient's body."

to intentionally prevent someone or something from accomplishing a purpose or plan

"The security system thwarted the robbery attempt."

"The security system was designed to thwart any unauthorized entry into the building."