used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading _Here's a fine, hard story of the inverted ethical system of the post-war world, where inhumanity is the norm and cruelty pays dividends._ Hardesty fondled the sight picture with his right eye, squinting shut his left eye, caressing the trigger of his rifle with the index finger of his right hand and waiting for the squad leader to issue his commands.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading _Here's a fine, hard story of the inverted ethical system of the post-war world, where inhumanity is the norm and cruelty pays dividends._ Hardesty fondled the sight picture with his right eye, squinting shut his left eye, caressing the trigger of his rifle with the index finger of his right hand and waiting for the squad leader to issue his commands.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading At times like this, Hardesty observed, time seemed suspended.
bombnounUS /bɑːm/
an explosive device fused to explode under specific conditions
From this reading The sun was just coming up over the rim of the bomb crater, splashing the rubble there with rose and gold.
past form of “call” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading "Ready," called the squad leader.
caressingnounUS /kərˈesɪŋ/
affectionate play (or foreplay without contact with the genital organs)
From this reading _Here's a fine, hard story of the inverted ethical system of the post-war world, where inhumanity is the norm and cruelty pays dividends._ Hardesty fondled the sight picture with his right eye, squinting shut his left eye, caressing the trigger of his rifle with the index finger of his right hand and waiting for the squad leader to issue his commands.
the act of drawing spatially closer to something
From this reading The sun was just coming up over the rim of the bomb crater, splashing the rubble there with rose and gold.
commandsnounUS /kəˈmændz/
plural of “command” — an authoritative direction or instruction to do something
From this reading _Here's a fine, hard story of the inverted ethical system of the post-war world, where inhumanity is the norm and cruelty pays dividends._ Hardesty fondled the sight picture with his right eye, squinting shut his left eye, caressing the trigger of his rifle with the index finger of his right hand and waiting for the squad leader to issue his commands.
condemnedverbUS /kənˈdemd/
past form of “condemn” — express strong disapproval of
From this reading He wondered if it worked that way for the condemned man, too.
craternounUS /ˈkreɪtər/
a bowl-shaped geological formation at the top of a volcano
From this reading The sun was just coming up over the rim of the bomb crater, splashing the rubble there with rose and gold.
crueltynounUS /ˈkruːlti/
a cruel act; a deliberate infliction of pain and suffering
From this reading _Here's a fine, hard story of the inverted ethical system of the post-war world, where inhumanity is the norm and cruelty pays dividends._ Hardesty fondled the sight picture with his right eye, squinting shut his left eye, caressing the trigger of his rifle with the index finger of his right hand and waiting for the squad leader to issue his commands.
dividendsnounUS /ˈdɪvədendz/
plural of “dividend” — that part of the earnings of a corporation that is distributed to its shareholders; usually paid quarterly
From this reading _Here's a fine, hard story of the inverted ethical system of the post-war world, where inhumanity is the norm and cruelty pays dividends._ Hardesty fondled the sight picture with his right eye, squinting shut his left eye, caressing the trigger of his rifle with the index finger of his right hand and waiting for the squad leader to issue his commands.
ethicaladjectiveUS /ˈeθɪkəl/
of or relating to the philosophical study of ethics
From this reading _Here's a fine, hard story of the inverted ethical system of the post-war world, where inhumanity is the norm and cruelty pays dividends._ Hardesty fondled the sight picture with his right eye, squinting shut his left eye, caressing the trigger of his rifle with the index finger of his right hand and waiting for the squad leader to issue his commands.
the organ of sight
From this reading _Here's a fine, hard story of the inverted ethical system of the post-war world, where inhumanity is the norm and cruelty pays dividends._ Hardesty fondled the sight picture with his right eye, squinting shut his left eye, caressing the trigger of his rifle with the index finger of his right hand and waiting for the squad leader to issue his commands.
being satisfactory or in satisfactory condition
From this reading _Here's a fine, hard story of the inverted ethical system of the post-war world, where inhumanity is the norm and cruelty pays dividends._ Hardesty fondled the sight picture with his right eye, squinting shut his left eye, caressing the trigger of his rifle with the index finger of his right hand and waiting for the squad leader to issue his commands.
feel or handle with the fingers
From this reading _Here's a fine, hard story of the inverted ethical system of the post-war world, where inhumanity is the norm and cruelty pays dividends._ Hardesty fondled the sight picture with his right eye, squinting shut his left eye, caressing the trigger of his rifle with the index finger of his right hand and waiting for the squad leader to issue his commands.
fondledverbUS /ˈfɔːndəld/
past form of “fondle” — touch or stroke lightly in a loving or endearing manner
From this reading _Here's a fine, hard story of the inverted ethical system of the post-war world, where inhumanity is the norm and cruelty pays dividends._ Hardesty fondled the sight picture with his right eye, squinting shut his left eye, caressing the trigger of his rifle with the index finger of his right hand and waiting for the squad leader to issue his commands.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading _Here's a fine, hard story of the inverted ethical system of the post-war world, where inhumanity is the norm and cruelty pays dividends._ Hardesty fondled the sight picture with his right eye, squinting shut his left eye, caressing the trigger of his rifle with the index finger of his right hand and waiting for the squad leader to issue his commands.
coins made of gold
From this reading The sun was just coming up over the rim of the bomb crater, splashing the rubble there with rose and gold.
the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb
From this reading _Here's a fine, hard story of the inverted ethical system of the post-war world, where inhumanity is the norm and cruelty pays dividends._ Hardesty fondled the sight picture with his right eye, squinting shut his left eye, caressing the trigger of his rifle with the index finger of his right hand and waiting for the squad leader to issue his commands.
not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure
From this reading _Here's a fine, hard story of the inverted ethical system of the post-war world, where inhumanity is the norm and cruelty pays dividends._ Hardesty fondled the sight picture with his right eye, squinting shut his left eye, caressing the trigger of his rifle with the index finger of his right hand and waiting for the squad leader to issue his commands.
Hardesty
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading _Here's a fine, hard story of the inverted ethical system of the post-war world, where inhumanity is the norm and cruelty pays dividends._ Hardesty fondled the sight picture with his right eye, squinting shut his left eye, caressing the trigger of his rifle with the index finger of his right hand and waiting for the squad leader to issue his commands.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He wondered if it worked that way for the condemned man, too.
Here's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading _Here's a fine, hard story of the inverted ethical system of the post-war world, where inhumanity is the norm and cruelty pays dividends._ Hardesty fondled the sight picture with his right eye, squinting shut his left eye, caressing the trigger of his rifle with the index finger of his right hand and waiting for the squad leader to issue his commands.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading _Here's a fine, hard story of the inverted ethical system of the post-war world, where inhumanity is the norm and cruelty pays dividends._ Hardesty fondled the sight picture with his right eye, squinting shut his left eye, caressing the trigger of his rifle with the index finger of his right hand and waiting for the squad leader to issue his commands.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading He wondered if it worked that way for the condemned man, too.
indexnounUS /ˈɪndeks/
a numerical scale used to compare variables with one another or with some reference number
From this reading _Here's a fine, hard story of the inverted ethical system of the post-war world, where inhumanity is the norm and cruelty pays dividends._ Hardesty fondled the sight picture with his right eye, squinting shut his left eye, caressing the trigger of his rifle with the index finger of his right hand and waiting for the squad leader to issue his commands.
inhumanitynounUS /ˌɪnhjuːˈmænəti/
the quality of lacking compassion or consideration for others
From this reading _Here's a fine, hard story of the inverted ethical system of the post-war world, where inhumanity is the norm and cruelty pays dividends._ Hardesty fondled the sight picture with his right eye, squinting shut his left eye, caressing the trigger of his rifle with the index finger of his right hand and waiting for the squad leader to issue his commands.
invertedadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈvɜːrtɪd/
being in such a position that top and bottom are reversed
From this reading _Here's a fine, hard story of the inverted ethical system of the post-war world, where inhumanity is the norm and cruelty pays dividends._ Hardesty fondled the sight picture with his right eye, squinting shut his left eye, caressing the trigger of his rifle with the index finger of his right hand and waiting for the squad leader to issue his commands.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading _Here's a fine, hard story of the inverted ethical system of the post-war world, where inhumanity is the norm and cruelty pays dividends._ Hardesty fondled the sight picture with his right eye, squinting shut his left eye, caressing the trigger of his rifle with the index finger of his right hand and waiting for the squad leader to issue his commands.
issueverbUS /ˈɪʃuː/
prepare and issue for public distribution or sale
From this reading _Here's a fine, hard story of the inverted ethical system of the post-war world, where inhumanity is the norm and cruelty pays dividends._ Hardesty fondled the sight picture with his right eye, squinting shut his left eye, caressing the trigger of his rifle with the index finger of his right hand and waiting for the squad leader to issue his commands.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading He wondered if it worked that way for the condemned man, too.
and nothing more
From this reading The sun was just coming up over the rim of the bomb crater, splashing the rubble there with rose and gold.
a person who rules or guides or inspires others
From this reading _Here's a fine, hard story of the inverted ethical system of the post-war world, where inhumanity is the norm and cruelty pays dividends._ Hardesty fondled the sight picture with his right eye, squinting shut his left eye, caressing the trigger of his rifle with the index finger of his right hand and waiting for the squad leader to issue his commands.
location near or direction toward the left side; i.e. the side to the north when a person or object faces east
From this reading _Here's a fine, hard story of the inverted ethical system of the post-war world, where inhumanity is the norm and cruelty pays dividends._ Hardesty fondled the sight picture with his right eye, squinting shut his left eye, caressing the trigger of his rifle with the index finger of his right hand and waiting for the squad leader to issue his commands.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading At times like this, Hardesty observed, time seemed suspended.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading He wondered if it worked that way for the condemned man, too.
normnounUS /nɔːrm/
a standard or model or pattern regarded as typical
From this reading _Here's a fine, hard story of the inverted ethical system of the post-war world, where inhumanity is the norm and cruelty pays dividends._ Hardesty fondled the sight picture with his right eye, squinting shut his left eye, caressing the trigger of his rifle with the index finger of his right hand and waiting for the squad leader to issue his commands.
discovered or determined by scientific observation
From this reading At times like this, Hardesty observed, time seemed suspended.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading _Here's a fine, hard story of the inverted ethical system of the post-war world, where inhumanity is the norm and cruelty pays dividends._ Hardesty fondled the sight picture with his right eye, squinting shut his left eye, caressing the trigger of his rifle with the index finger of his right hand and waiting for the squad leader to issue his commands.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading The sun was just coming up over the rim of the bomb crater, splashing the rubble there with rose and gold.
paysnounUS /peɪz/
plural of “pay” — something that remunerates
From this reading _Here's a fine, hard story of the inverted ethical system of the post-war world, where inhumanity is the norm and cruelty pays dividends._ Hardesty fondled the sight picture with his right eye, squinting shut his left eye, caressing the trigger of his rifle with the index finger of his right hand and waiting for the squad leader to issue his commands.
a visual representation (of an object or scene or person or abstraction) produced on a surface
From this reading _Here's a fine, hard story of the inverted ethical system of the post-war world, where inhumanity is the norm and cruelty pays dividends._ Hardesty fondled the sight picture with his right eye, squinting shut his left eye, caressing the trigger of his rifle with the index finger of his right hand and waiting for the squad leader to issue his commands.
post-war
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading _Here's a fine, hard story of the inverted ethical system of the post-war world, where inhumanity is the norm and cruelty pays dividends._ Hardesty fondled the sight picture with his right eye, squinting shut his left eye, caressing the trigger of his rifle with the index finger of his right hand and waiting for the squad leader to issue his commands.
completely prepared or in condition for immediate action or use or progress
From this reading "Ready," called the squad leader.
steal goods; take as spoils
From this reading _Here's a fine, hard story of the inverted ethical system of the post-war world, where inhumanity is the norm and cruelty pays dividends._ Hardesty fondled the sight picture with his right eye, squinting shut his left eye, caressing the trigger of his rifle with the index finger of his right hand and waiting for the squad leader to issue his commands.
precisely, exactly
From this reading _Here's a fine, hard story of the inverted ethical system of the post-war world, where inhumanity is the norm and cruelty pays dividends._ Hardesty fondled the sight picture with his right eye, squinting shut his left eye, caressing the trigger of his rifle with the index finger of his right hand and waiting for the squad leader to issue his commands.
rimnounUS /rɪm/
the shape of a raised edge of a more or less circular object
From this reading The sun was just coming up over the rim of the bomb crater, splashing the rubble there with rose and gold.
any of many shrubs of the genus Rosa that bear roses
From this reading The sun was just coming up over the rim of the bomb crater, splashing the rubble there with rose and gold.
rubblenounUS /ˈrʌbəl/
the remains of something that has been destroyed or broken up
From this reading The sun was just coming up over the rim of the bomb crater, splashing the rubble there with rose and gold.
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading At times like this, Hardesty observed, time seemed suspended.
move so that an opening or passage is obstructed; make shut
From this reading _Here's a fine, hard story of the inverted ethical system of the post-war world, where inhumanity is the norm and cruelty pays dividends._ Hardesty fondled the sight picture with his right eye, squinting shut his left eye, caressing the trigger of his rifle with the index finger of his right hand and waiting for the squad leader to issue his commands.
an instance of visual perception
From this reading _Here's a fine, hard story of the inverted ethical system of the post-war world, where inhumanity is the norm and cruelty pays dividends._ Hardesty fondled the sight picture with his right eye, squinting shut his left eye, caressing the trigger of his rifle with the index finger of his right hand and waiting for the squad leader to issue his commands.
splashingnounUS /ˈsplæʃɪŋ/
the act of splashing a (liquid) substance on a surface
From this reading The sun was just coming up over the rim of the bomb crater, splashing the rubble there with rose and gold.
squadnounUS /skwɑːd/
a smallest army unit
From this reading _Here's a fine, hard story of the inverted ethical system of the post-war world, where inhumanity is the norm and cruelty pays dividends._ Hardesty fondled the sight picture with his right eye, squinting shut his left eye, caressing the trigger of his rifle with the index finger of his right hand and waiting for the squad leader to issue his commands.
squintingadjectiveUS /ˈskwɪntɪŋ/
having eyes half closed in order to see better
From this reading _Here's a fine, hard story of the inverted ethical system of the post-war world, where inhumanity is the norm and cruelty pays dividends._ Hardesty fondled the sight picture with his right eye, squinting shut his left eye, caressing the trigger of his rifle with the index finger of his right hand and waiting for the squad leader to issue his commands.
a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program
From this reading _Here's a fine, hard story of the inverted ethical system of the post-war world, where inhumanity is the norm and cruelty pays dividends._ Hardesty fondled the sight picture with his right eye, squinting shut his left eye, caressing the trigger of his rifle with the index finger of his right hand and waiting for the squad leader to issue his commands.
the star that is the source of light and heat for the planets in the solar system
From this reading The sun was just coming up over the rim of the bomb crater, splashing the rubble there with rose and gold.
suspendedadjectiveUS /səˈspendɪd/
(of undissolved particles in a fluid) supported or kept from sinking or falling by buoyancy and without apparent attachment
From this reading At times like this, Hardesty observed, time seemed suspended.
instrumentality that combines interrelated interacting artifacts designed to work as a coherent entity
From this reading _Here's a fine, hard story of the inverted ethical system of the post-war world, where inhumanity is the norm and cruelty pays dividends._ Hardesty fondled the sight picture with his right eye, squinting shut his left eye, caressing the trigger of his rifle with the index finger of his right hand and waiting for the squad leader to issue his commands.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading He wondered if it worked that way for the condemned man, too.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading _Here's a fine, hard story of the inverted ethical system of the post-war world, where inhumanity is the norm and cruelty pays dividends._ Hardesty fondled the sight picture with his right eye, squinting shut his left eye, caressing the trigger of his rifle with the index finger of his right hand and waiting for the squad leader to issue his commands.
in or at that place or location
From this reading The sun was just coming up over the rim of the bomb crater, splashing the rubble there with rose and gold.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading At times like this, Hardesty observed, time seemed suspended.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading At times like this, Hardesty observed, time seemed suspended.
a more or less definite period of time now or previously present
From this reading At times like this, Hardesty observed, time seemed suspended.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading _Here's a fine, hard story of the inverted ethical system of the post-war world, where inhumanity is the norm and cruelty pays dividends._ Hardesty fondled the sight picture with his right eye, squinting shut his left eye, caressing the trigger of his rifle with the index finger of his right hand and waiting for the squad leader to issue his commands.
to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits
From this reading He wondered if it worked that way for the condemned man, too.
triggerverbUS /ˈtrɪɡər/
put in motion or move to act
From this reading _Here's a fine, hard story of the inverted ethical system of the post-war world, where inhumanity is the norm and cruelty pays dividends._ Hardesty fondled the sight picture with his right eye, squinting shut his left eye, caressing the trigger of his rifle with the index finger of his right hand and waiting for the squad leader to issue his commands.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading The sun was just coming up over the rim of the bomb crater, splashing the rubble there with rose and gold.
the act of waiting (remaining inactive in one place while expecting something)
From this reading _Here's a fine, hard story of the inverted ethical system of the post-war world, where inhumanity is the norm and cruelty pays dividends._ Hardesty fondled the sight picture with his right eye, squinting shut his left eye, caressing the trigger of his rifle with the index finger of his right hand and waiting for the squad leader to issue his commands.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The sun was just coming up over the rim of the bomb crater, splashing the rubble there with rose and gold.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading He wondered if it worked that way for the condemned man, too.
in or at the place that
From this reading _Here's a fine, hard story of the inverted ethical system of the post-war world, where inhumanity is the norm and cruelty pays dividends._ Hardesty fondled the sight picture with his right eye, squinting shut his left eye, caressing the trigger of his rifle with the index finger of his right hand and waiting for the squad leader to issue his commands.
in the company of; together with
From this reading _Here's a fine, hard story of the inverted ethical system of the post-war world, where inhumanity is the norm and cruelty pays dividends._ Hardesty fondled the sight picture with his right eye, squinting shut his left eye, caressing the trigger of his rifle with the index finger of his right hand and waiting for the squad leader to issue his commands.
past form of “wonder” — have a wish or desire to know something
From this reading He wondered if it worked that way for the condemned man, too.
past form of “work” — exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity
From this reading He wondered if it worked that way for the condemned man, too.
everything that exists anywhere
From this reading _Here's a fine, hard story of the inverted ethical system of the post-war world, where inhumanity is the norm and cruelty pays dividends._ Hardesty fondled the sight picture with his right eye, squinting shut his left eye, caressing the trigger of his rifle with the index finger of his right hand and waiting for the squad leader to issue his commands.
