used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading TAKEN CAPTIVE So great was the force of the fall that when Joe brought up at the foot of the stairs the breath was knocked out of him, and before he could get to his feet the crowd of rough men were on him like dogs on a wounded wolf.
in actual fact
From this reading At one time Joe actually had his hand on the knob of the street door, but he was dragged back, fighting like a madman.
adversariesnounUS /ˈædvərseriz/
plural of “adversary” — someone who offers opposition
From this reading His adversaries were hampered by their own numbers, and in the narrow hall only one or two could get at Joe at once.
happening at a time subsequent to a reference time
From this reading Stunned though he was, Joe would not submit to overpowering numbers without a struggle, and more than one of the crowd bore marks of the fight for many a day afterward.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading TAKEN CAPTIVE So great was the force of the fall that when Joe brought up at the foot of the stairs the breath was knocked out of him, and before he could get to his feet the crowd of rough men were on him like dogs on a wounded wolf.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Joe was in the very finest physical condition, and as he fought the effects of the fall wore off somewhat, and he struck out with a force and power that sent his opponents reeling back.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading TAKEN CAPTIVE So great was the force of the fall that when Joe brought up at the foot of the stairs the breath was knocked out of him, and before he could get to his feet the crowd of rough men were on him like dogs on a wounded wolf.
in or to or toward a former location
From this reading Joe was in the very finest physical condition, and as he fought the effects of the fall wore off somewhat, and he struck out with a force and power that sent his opponents reeling back.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading TAKEN CAPTIVE So great was the force of the fall that when Joe brought up at the foot of the stairs the breath was knocked out of him, and before he could get to his feet the crowd of rough men were on him like dogs on a wounded wolf.
cause to be bored
From this reading Stunned though he was, Joe would not submit to overpowering numbers without a struggle, and more than one of the crowd bore marks of the fight for many a day afterward.
the process of taking in and expelling air during breathing
From this reading TAKEN CAPTIVE So great was the force of the fall that when Joe brought up at the foot of the stairs the breath was knocked out of him, and before he could get to his feet the crowd of rough men were on him like dogs on a wounded wolf.
inflected form of “bring” — take something or somebody with oneself somewhere
From this reading TAKEN CAPTIVE So great was the force of the fall that when Joe brought up at the foot of the stairs the breath was knocked out of him, and before he could get to his feet the crowd of rough men were on him like dogs on a wounded wolf.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading At one time Joe actually had his hand on the knob of the street door, but he was dragged back, fighting like a madman.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading His adversaries were hampered by their own numbers, and in the narrow hall only one or two could get at Joe at once.
CAPTIVEnounUS /ˈkæptɪv/
a person who is confined; especially a prisoner of war
From this reading TAKEN CAPTIVE So great was the force of the fall that when Joe brought up at the foot of the stairs the breath was knocked out of him, and before he could get to his feet the crowd of rough men were on him like dogs on a wounded wolf.
a state at a particular time
From this reading Joe was in the very finest physical condition, and as he fought the effects of the fall wore off somewhat, and he struck out with a force and power that sent his opponents reeling back.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading TAKEN CAPTIVE So great was the force of the fall that when Joe brought up at the foot of the stairs the breath was knocked out of him, and before he could get to his feet the crowd of rough men were on him like dogs on a wounded wolf.
cause to herd, drive, or crowd together
From this reading TAKEN CAPTIVE So great was the force of the fall that when Joe brought up at the foot of the stairs the breath was knocked out of him, and before he could get to his feet the crowd of rough men were on him like dogs on a wounded wolf.
time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading Stunned though he was, Joe would not submit to overpowering numbers without a struggle, and more than one of the crowd bore marks of the fight for many a day afterward.
plural of “dog” — a member of the genus Canis (probably descended from the common wolf) that has been domesticated by man since prehistoric times; occurs in many breeds
From this reading TAKEN CAPTIVE So great was the force of the fall that when Joe brought up at the foot of the stairs the breath was knocked out of him, and before he could get to his feet the crowd of rough men were on him like dogs on a wounded wolf.
a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle
From this reading At one time Joe actually had his hand on the knob of the street door, but he was dragged back, fighting like a madman.
inflected form of “drag” — pull, as against a resistance
From this reading At one time Joe actually had his hand on the knob of the street door, but he was dragged back, fighting like a madman.
effectsnounUS /ɪˈfekts/
property of a personal character that is portable but not used in business
From this reading Joe was in the very finest physical condition, and as he fought the effects of the fall wore off somewhat, and he struck out with a force and power that sent his opponents reeling back.
descend in free fall under the influence of gravity
From this reading TAKEN CAPTIVE So great was the force of the fall that when Joe brought up at the foot of the stairs the breath was knocked out of him, and before he could get to his feet the crowd of rough men were on him like dogs on a wounded wolf.
plural of “foot” — the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint
From this reading TAKEN CAPTIVE So great was the force of the fall that when Joe brought up at the foot of the stairs the breath was knocked out of him, and before he could get to his feet the crowd of rough men were on him like dogs on a wounded wolf.
be engaged in a fight; carry on a fight
From this reading Stunned though he was, Joe would not submit to overpowering numbers without a struggle, and more than one of the crowd bore marks of the fight for many a day afterward.
the act of fighting; any contest or struggle
From this reading At one time Joe actually had his hand on the knob of the street door, but he was dragged back, fighting like a madman.
finestadjectiveUS /ˈfaɪnəst/
superlative of “fine” — being satisfactory or in satisfactory condition
From this reading Joe was in the very finest physical condition, and as he fought the effects of the fall wore off somewhat, and he struck out with a force and power that sent his opponents reeling back.
the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint
From this reading TAKEN CAPTIVE So great was the force of the fall that when Joe brought up at the foot of the stairs the breath was knocked out of him, and before he could get to his feet the crowd of rough men were on him like dogs on a wounded wolf.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Stunned though he was, Joe would not submit to overpowering numbers without a struggle, and more than one of the crowd bore marks of the fight for many a day afterward.
a powerful effect or influence
From this reading TAKEN CAPTIVE So great was the force of the fall that when Joe brought up at the foot of the stairs the breath was knocked out of him, and before he could get to his feet the crowd of rough men were on him like dogs on a wounded wolf.
inflected form of “fight” — be engaged in a fight; carry on a fight
From this reading Joe was in the very finest physical condition, and as he fought the effects of the fall wore off somewhat, and he struck out with a force and power that sent his opponents reeling back.
come into the possession of something concrete or abstract
From this reading TAKEN CAPTIVE So great was the force of the fall that when Joe brought up at the foot of the stairs the breath was knocked out of him, and before he could get to his feet the crowd of rough men were on him like dogs on a wounded wolf.
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading TAKEN CAPTIVE So great was the force of the fall that when Joe brought up at the foot of the stairs the breath was knocked out of him, and before he could get to his feet the crowd of rough men were on him like dogs on a wounded wolf.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading At one time Joe actually had his hand on the knob of the street door, but he was dragged back, fighting like a madman.
an interior passage or corridor onto which rooms open
From this reading His adversaries were hampered by their own numbers, and in the narrow hall only one or two could get at Joe at once.
hamperedverbUS /ˈhæmpərd/
past form of “hamper” — prevent the progress or free movement of
From this reading His adversaries were hampered by their own numbers, and in the narrow hall only one or two could get at Joe at once.
the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb
From this reading At one time Joe actually had his hand on the knob of the street door, but he was dragged back, fighting like a madman.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading TAKEN CAPTIVE So great was the force of the fall that when Joe brought up at the foot of the stairs the breath was knocked out of him, and before he could get to his feet the crowd of rough men were on him like dogs on a wounded wolf.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading TAKEN CAPTIVE So great was the force of the fall that when Joe brought up at the foot of the stairs the breath was knocked out of him, and before he could get to his feet the crowd of rough men were on him like dogs on a wounded wolf.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading TAKEN CAPTIVE So great was the force of the fall that when Joe brought up at the foot of the stairs the breath was knocked out of him, and before he could get to his feet the crowd of rough men were on him like dogs on a wounded wolf.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Joe was in the very finest physical condition, and as he fought the effects of the fall wore off somewhat, and he struck out with a force and power that sent his opponents reeling back.
Joe
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading TAKEN CAPTIVE So great was the force of the fall that when Joe brought up at the foot of the stairs the breath was knocked out of him, and before he could get to his feet the crowd of rough men were on him like dogs on a wounded wolf.
knobnounUS /nɑːb/
a circular rounded projection or protuberance
From this reading At one time Joe actually had his hand on the knob of the street door, but he was dragged back, fighting like a madman.
past form of “knock” — deliver a sharp blow or push
From this reading TAKEN CAPTIVE So great was the force of the fall that when Joe brought up at the foot of the stairs the breath was knocked out of him, and before he could get to his feet the crowd of rough men were on him like dogs on a wounded wolf.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading TAKEN CAPTIVE So great was the force of the fall that when Joe brought up at the foot of the stairs the breath was knocked out of him, and before he could get to his feet the crowd of rough men were on him like dogs on a wounded wolf.
madmannounUS /ˈmædmæn/
an insane person
From this reading At one time Joe actually had his hand on the knob of the street door, but he was dragged back, fighting like a madman.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number
From this reading Stunned though he was, Joe would not submit to overpowering numbers without a struggle, and more than one of the crowd bore marks of the fight for many a day afterward.
English businessman who created a retail chain (1888-1964)
From this reading Stunned though he was, Joe would not submit to overpowering numbers without a struggle, and more than one of the crowd bore marks of the fight for many a day afterward.
the force of workers available
From this reading TAKEN CAPTIVE So great was the force of the fall that when Joe brought up at the foot of the stairs the breath was knocked out of him, and before he could get to his feet the crowd of rough men were on him like dogs on a wounded wolf.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading Stunned though he was, Joe would not submit to overpowering numbers without a struggle, and more than one of the crowd bore marks of the fight for many a day afterward.
make or become more narrow or restricted
From this reading His adversaries were hampered by their own numbers, and in the narrow hall only one or two could get at Joe at once.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Stunned though he was, Joe would not submit to overpowering numbers without a struggle, and more than one of the crowd bore marks of the fight for many a day afterward.
the fourth book of the Old Testament; contains a record of the number of Israelites who followed Moses out of Egypt
From this reading Stunned though he was, Joe would not submit to overpowering numbers without a struggle, and more than one of the crowd bore marks of the fight for many a day afterward.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading TAKEN CAPTIVE So great was the force of the fall that when Joe brought up at the foot of the stairs the breath was knocked out of him, and before he could get to his feet the crowd of rough men were on him like dogs on a wounded wolf.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading Joe was in the very finest physical condition, and as he fought the effects of the fall wore off somewhat, and he struck out with a force and power that sent his opponents reeling back.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading TAKEN CAPTIVE So great was the force of the fall that when Joe brought up at the foot of the stairs the breath was knocked out of him, and before he could get to his feet the crowd of rough men were on him like dogs on a wounded wolf.
on one occasion
From this reading His adversaries were hampered by their own numbers, and in the narrow hall only one or two could get at Joe at once.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading Stunned though he was, Joe would not submit to overpowering numbers without a struggle, and more than one of the crowd bore marks of the fight for many a day afterward.
and nothing more
From this reading His adversaries were hampered by their own numbers, and in the narrow hall only one or two could get at Joe at once.
opponentsnounUS /əˈpoʊnənts/
plural of “opponent” — a contestant that you are matched against
From this reading Joe was in the very finest physical condition, and as he fought the effects of the fall wore off somewhat, and he struck out with a force and power that sent his opponents reeling back.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading His adversaries were hampered by their own numbers, and in the narrow hall only one or two could get at Joe at once.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading TAKEN CAPTIVE So great was the force of the fall that when Joe brought up at the foot of the stairs the breath was knocked out of him, and before he could get to his feet the crowd of rough men were on him like dogs on a wounded wolf.
overpoweringadjectiveUS /ˈoʊvərˈpaʊrɪŋ/
so strong as to be irresistible
From this reading Stunned though he was, Joe would not submit to overpowering numbers without a struggle, and more than one of the crowd bore marks of the fight for many a day afterward.
have ownership or possession of
From this reading His adversaries were hampered by their own numbers, and in the narrow hall only one or two could get at Joe at once.
involving the body as distinguished from the mind or spirit
From this reading Joe was in the very finest physical condition, and as he fought the effects of the fall wore off somewhat, and he struck out with a force and power that sent his opponents reeling back.
possession of controlling influence
From this reading Joe was in the very finest physical condition, and as he fought the effects of the fall wore off somewhat, and he struck out with a force and power that sent his opponents reeling back.
reelingverbUS /ˈriːlɪŋ/
-ing form of “reel” — walk as if unable to control one's movements
From this reading Joe was in the very finest physical condition, and as he fought the effects of the fall wore off somewhat, and he struck out with a force and power that sent his opponents reeling back.
having or caused by an irregular surface
From this reading TAKEN CAPTIVE So great was the force of the fall that when Joe brought up at the foot of the stairs the breath was knocked out of him, and before he could get to his feet the crowd of rough men were on him like dogs on a wounded wolf.
100 senti equal 1 kroon in Estonia
From this reading Joe was in the very finest physical condition, and as he fought the effects of the fall wore off somewhat, and he struck out with a force and power that sent his opponents reeling back.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading TAKEN CAPTIVE So great was the force of the fall that when Joe brought up at the foot of the stairs the breath was knocked out of him, and before he could get to his feet the crowd of rough men were on him like dogs on a wounded wolf.
to a small degree or extent
From this reading Joe was in the very finest physical condition, and as he fought the effects of the fall wore off somewhat, and he struck out with a force and power that sent his opponents reeling back.
a flight of stairs or a flight of steps
From this reading TAKEN CAPTIVE So great was the force of the fall that when Joe brought up at the foot of the stairs the breath was knocked out of him, and before he could get to his feet the crowd of rough men were on him like dogs on a wounded wolf.
a thoroughfare (usually including sidewalks) that is lined with buildings
From this reading At one time Joe actually had his hand on the knob of the street door, but he was dragged back, fighting like a madman.
(used in combination) affected by something overwhelming
From this reading Joe was in the very finest physical condition, and as he fought the effects of the fall wore off somewhat, and he struck out with a force and power that sent his opponents reeling back.
make a strenuous or labored effort
From this reading Stunned though he was, Joe would not submit to overpowering numbers without a struggle, and more than one of the crowd bore marks of the fight for many a day afterward.
StunnedadjectiveUS /stʌnd/
filled with the emotional impact of overwhelming surprise or shock
From this reading Stunned though he was, Joe would not submit to overpowering numbers without a struggle, and more than one of the crowd bore marks of the fight for many a day afterward.
submitverbUS /səbˈmɪt/
refer for judgment or consideration
From this reading Stunned though he was, Joe would not submit to overpowering numbers without a struggle, and more than one of the crowd bore marks of the fight for many a day afterward.
TAKENadjectiveUS /ˈteɪkən/
understood in a certain way; made sense of
From this reading TAKEN CAPTIVE So great was the force of the fall that when Joe brought up at the foot of the stairs the breath was knocked out of him, and before he could get to his feet the crowd of rough men were on him like dogs on a wounded wolf.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading Stunned though he was, Joe would not submit to overpowering numbers without a struggle, and more than one of the crowd bore marks of the fight for many a day afterward.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading TAKEN CAPTIVE So great was the force of the fall that when Joe brought up at the foot of the stairs the breath was knocked out of him, and before he could get to his feet the crowd of rough men were on him like dogs on a wounded wolf.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading TAKEN CAPTIVE So great was the force of the fall that when Joe brought up at the foot of the stairs the breath was knocked out of him, and before he could get to his feet the crowd of rough men were on him like dogs on a wounded wolf.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading His adversaries were hampered by their own numbers, and in the narrow hall only one or two could get at Joe at once.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading Stunned though he was, Joe would not submit to overpowering numbers without a struggle, and more than one of the crowd bore marks of the fight for many a day afterward.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading At one time Joe actually had his hand on the knob of the street door, but he was dragged back, fighting like a madman.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading TAKEN CAPTIVE So great was the force of the fall that when Joe brought up at the foot of the stairs the breath was knocked out of him, and before he could get to his feet the crowd of rough men were on him like dogs on a wounded wolf.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading His adversaries were hampered by their own numbers, and in the narrow hall only one or two could get at Joe at once.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading TAKEN CAPTIVE So great was the force of the fall that when Joe brought up at the foot of the stairs the breath was knocked out of him, and before he could get to his feet the crowd of rough men were on him like dogs on a wounded wolf.
precisely as stated
From this reading Joe was in the very finest physical condition, and as he fought the effects of the fall wore off somewhat, and he struck out with a force and power that sent his opponents reeling back.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading TAKEN CAPTIVE So great was the force of the fall that when Joe brought up at the foot of the stairs the breath was knocked out of him, and before he could get to his feet the crowd of rough men were on him like dogs on a wounded wolf.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading TAKEN CAPTIVE So great was the force of the fall that when Joe brought up at the foot of the stairs the breath was knocked out of him, and before he could get to his feet the crowd of rough men were on him like dogs on a wounded wolf.
at the time that
From this reading TAKEN CAPTIVE So great was the force of the fall that when Joe brought up at the foot of the stairs the breath was knocked out of him, and before he could get to his feet the crowd of rough men were on him like dogs on a wounded wolf.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Joe was in the very finest physical condition, and as he fought the effects of the fall wore off somewhat, and he struck out with a force and power that sent his opponents reeling back.
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading Stunned though he was, Joe would not submit to overpowering numbers without a struggle, and more than one of the crowd bore marks of the fight for many a day afterward.
any of various predatory carnivorous canine mammals of North America and Eurasia that usually hunt in packs
From this reading TAKEN CAPTIVE So great was the force of the fall that when Joe brought up at the foot of the stairs the breath was knocked out of him, and before he could get to his feet the crowd of rough men were on him like dogs on a wounded wolf.
inflected form of “wear” — be dressed in
From this reading Joe was in the very finest physical condition, and as he fought the effects of the fall wore off somewhat, and he struck out with a force and power that sent his opponents reeling back.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading Stunned though he was, Joe would not submit to overpowering numbers without a struggle, and more than one of the crowd bore marks of the fight for many a day afterward.
people who are wounded
From this reading TAKEN CAPTIVE So great was the force of the fall that when Joe brought up at the foot of the stairs the breath was knocked out of him, and before he could get to his feet the crowd of rough men were on him like dogs on a wounded wolf.
