used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading For a moment silence tortured.
touching and pressing; in opposition to
From this reading Then sounded an imperative tapping against the locked door.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Then sounded an imperative tapping against the locked door.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Pape, standing within arm-reach of the handle, felt something hard and cold slipped into his grasp; realized that Jane had re-armed him; appreciated her mute suggestion that it would be better, were they known to be blocked within, to take his chance of overcoming a single enemy than to wait until reënforcements arrived.
appreciatedadjectiveUS /əˈpriːʃieɪtɪd/
fully understood or grasped
From this reading Pape, standing within arm-reach of the handle, felt something hard and cold slipped into his grasp; realized that Jane had re-armed him; appreciated her mute suggestion that it would be better, were they known to be blocked within, to take his chance of overcoming a single enemy than to wait until reënforcements arrived.
arm-reach
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Pape, standing within arm-reach of the handle, felt something hard and cold slipped into his grasp; realized that Jane had re-armed him; appreciated her mute suggestion that it would be better, were they known to be blocked within, to take his chance of overcoming a single enemy than to wait until reënforcements arrived.
weapons considered collectively
From this reading A second he considered the automatic, before placing it in his pocket ready for emergency in case his arms and fists could not decide the issue.
past form of “arrive” — reach a destination; arrive by movement or progress
From this reading Pape, standing within arm-reach of the handle, felt something hard and cold slipped into his grasp; realized that Jane had re-armed him; appreciated her mute suggestion that it would be better, were they known to be blocked within, to take his chance of overcoming a single enemy than to wait until reënforcements arrived.
automaticadjectiveUS /ˌɔːtəˈmætɪk/
operating with minimal human intervention; independent of external control
From this reading A second he considered the automatic, before placing it in his pocket ready for emergency in case his arms and fists could not decide the issue.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Pape, standing within arm-reach of the handle, felt something hard and cold slipped into his grasp; realized that Jane had re-armed him; appreciated her mute suggestion that it would be better, were they known to be blocked within, to take his chance of overcoming a single enemy than to wait until reënforcements arrived.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading A second he considered the automatic, before placing it in his pocket ready for emergency in case his arms and fists could not decide the issue.
the event consisting of the start of something
From this reading To throw open the door and drag inside the disturber would be the best beginning to fight’s finish.
the supreme effort one can make
From this reading To throw open the door and drag inside the disturber would be the best beginning to fight’s finish.
(comparative of “good”) superior to another (of the same class or set or kind) in excellence or quality or desirability or suitability; more highly skilled than another
From this reading Pape, standing within arm-reach of the handle, felt something hard and cold slipped into his grasp; realized that Jane had re-armed him; appreciated her mute suggestion that it would be better, were they known to be blocked within, to take his chance of overcoming a single enemy than to wait until reënforcements arrived.
blockedadjectiveUS /blɑːkt/
closed to traffic
From this reading Pape, standing within arm-reach of the handle, felt something hard and cold slipped into his grasp; realized that Jane had re-armed him; appreciated her mute suggestion that it would be better, were they known to be blocked within, to take his chance of overcoming a single enemy than to wait until reënforcements arrived.
an occurrence of something
From this reading A second he considered the automatic, before placing it in his pocket ready for emergency in case his arms and fists could not decide the issue.
a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances
From this reading Pape, standing within arm-reach of the handle, felt something hard and cold slipped into his grasp; realized that Jane had re-armed him; appreciated her mute suggestion that it would be better, were they known to be blocked within, to take his chance of overcoming a single enemy than to wait until reënforcements arrived.
having a low or inadequate temperature or feeling a sensation of coldness or having been made cold by e.g. ice or refrigeration
From this reading Pape, standing within arm-reach of the handle, felt something hard and cold slipped into his grasp; realized that Jane had re-armed him; appreciated her mute suggestion that it would be better, were they known to be blocked within, to take his chance of overcoming a single enemy than to wait until reënforcements arrived.
carefully weighed
From this reading A second he considered the automatic, before placing it in his pocket ready for emergency in case his arms and fists could not decide the issue.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading A second he considered the automatic, before placing it in his pocket ready for emergency in case his arms and fists could not decide the issue.
reach, make, or come to a decision about something
From this reading A second he considered the automatic, before placing it in his pocket ready for emergency in case his arms and fists could not decide the issue.
disturbernoun
a troubler who interrupts or interferes with peace and quiet; someone who causes disorder and commotion
From this reading To throw open the door and drag inside the disturber would be the best beginning to fight’s finish.
a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle
From this reading Then sounded an imperative tapping against the locked door.
dragverbUS /dræɡ/
pull, as against a resistance
From this reading To throw open the door and drag inside the disturber would be the best beginning to fight’s finish.
emergencynounUS /ɪˈmɜːrdʒənsi/
a sudden unforeseen crisis (usually involving danger) that requires immediate action
From this reading A second he considered the automatic, before placing it in his pocket ready for emergency in case his arms and fists could not decide the issue.
an opposing military force
From this reading Pape, standing within arm-reach of the handle, felt something hard and cold slipped into his grasp; realized that Jane had re-armed him; appreciated her mute suggestion that it would be better, were they known to be blocked within, to take his chance of overcoming a single enemy than to wait until reënforcements arrived.
mat together and make felt-like
From this reading Pape, standing within arm-reach of the handle, felt something hard and cold slipped into his grasp; realized that Jane had re-armed him; appreciated her mute suggestion that it would be better, were they known to be blocked within, to take his chance of overcoming a single enemy than to wait until reënforcements arrived.
fight'snounUS /faɪtz/
possessive form of “fight” — a hostile meeting of opposing military forces in the course of a war
From this reading To throw open the door and drag inside the disturber would be the best beginning to fight’s finish.
come or bring to a finish or an end
From this reading To throw open the door and drag inside the disturber would be the best beginning to fight’s finish.
fistsnounUS /fɪsts/
plural of “fist” — a hand with the fingers clenched in the palm (as for hitting)
From this reading A second he considered the automatic, before placing it in his pocket ready for emergency in case his arms and fists could not decide the issue.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading For a moment silence tortured.
hold firmly
From this reading Pape, standing within arm-reach of the handle, felt something hard and cold slipped into his grasp; realized that Jane had re-armed him; appreciated her mute suggestion that it would be better, were they known to be blocked within, to take his chance of overcoming a single enemy than to wait until reënforcements arrived.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Pape, standing within arm-reach of the handle, felt something hard and cold slipped into his grasp; realized that Jane had re-armed him; appreciated her mute suggestion that it would be better, were they known to be blocked within, to take his chance of overcoming a single enemy than to wait until reënforcements arrived.
be in charge of, act on, or dispose of
From this reading Pape, standing within arm-reach of the handle, felt something hard and cold slipped into his grasp; realized that Jane had re-armed him; appreciated her mute suggestion that it would be better, were they known to be blocked within, to take his chance of overcoming a single enemy than to wait until reënforcements arrived.
not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure
From this reading Pape, standing within arm-reach of the handle, felt something hard and cold slipped into his grasp; realized that Jane had re-armed him; appreciated her mute suggestion that it would be better, were they known to be blocked within, to take his chance of overcoming a single enemy than to wait until reënforcements arrived.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading A second he considered the automatic, before placing it in his pocket ready for emergency in case his arms and fists could not decide the issue.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading Pape, standing within arm-reach of the handle, felt something hard and cold slipped into his grasp; realized that Jane had re-armed him; appreciated her mute suggestion that it would be better, were they known to be blocked within, to take his chance of overcoming a single enemy than to wait until reënforcements arrived.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Pape, standing within arm-reach of the handle, felt something hard and cold slipped into his grasp; realized that Jane had re-armed him; appreciated her mute suggestion that it would be better, were they known to be blocked within, to take his chance of overcoming a single enemy than to wait until reënforcements arrived.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Pape, standing within arm-reach of the handle, felt something hard and cold slipped into his grasp; realized that Jane had re-armed him; appreciated her mute suggestion that it would be better, were they known to be blocked within, to take his chance of overcoming a single enemy than to wait until reënforcements arrived.
imperativeadjectiveUS /ˌɪmˈperətɪv/
requiring attention or action
From this reading Then sounded an imperative tapping against the locked door.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading A second he considered the automatic, before placing it in his pocket ready for emergency in case his arms and fists could not decide the issue.
relating to or being on the side closer to the center or within a defined space
From this reading To throw open the door and drag inside the disturber would be the best beginning to fight’s finish.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading Pape, standing within arm-reach of the handle, felt something hard and cold slipped into his grasp; realized that Jane had re-armed him; appreciated her mute suggestion that it would be better, were they known to be blocked within, to take his chance of overcoming a single enemy than to wait until reënforcements arrived.
issueverbUS /ˈɪʃuː/
prepare and issue for public distribution or sale
From this reading A second he considered the automatic, before placing it in his pocket ready for emergency in case his arms and fists could not decide the issue.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Pape, standing within arm-reach of the handle, felt something hard and cold slipped into his grasp; realized that Jane had re-armed him; appreciated her mute suggestion that it would be better, were they known to be blocked within, to take his chance of overcoming a single enemy than to wait until reënforcements arrived.
Jane
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Pape, standing within arm-reach of the handle, felt something hard and cold slipped into his grasp; realized that Jane had re-armed him; appreciated her mute suggestion that it would be better, were they known to be blocked within, to take his chance of overcoming a single enemy than to wait until reënforcements arrived.
apprehended with certainty
From this reading Pape, standing within arm-reach of the handle, felt something hard and cold slipped into his grasp; realized that Jane had re-armed him; appreciated her mute suggestion that it would be better, were they known to be blocked within, to take his chance of overcoming a single enemy than to wait until reënforcements arrived.
past form of “lock” — fasten with a lock
From this reading Then sounded an imperative tapping against the locked door.
a particular point in time
From this reading For a moment silence tortured.
muteadjectiveUS /mjuːt/
expressed without speech
From this reading Pape, standing within arm-reach of the handle, felt something hard and cold slipped into his grasp; realized that Jane had re-armed him; appreciated her mute suggestion that it would be better, were they known to be blocked within, to take his chance of overcoming a single enemy than to wait until reënforcements arrived.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading A second he considered the automatic, before placing it in his pocket ready for emergency in case his arms and fists could not decide the issue.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Pape, standing within arm-reach of the handle, felt something hard and cold slipped into his grasp; realized that Jane had re-armed him; appreciated her mute suggestion that it would be better, were they known to be blocked within, to take his chance of overcoming a single enemy than to wait until reënforcements arrived.
To move from a closed position.
From this reading To throw open the door and drag inside the disturber would be the best beginning to fight’s finish.
overcomingverbUS /ˈoʊvərkʌmɪŋ/
-ing form of “overcome” — win a victory over
From this reading Pape, standing within arm-reach of the handle, felt something hard and cold slipped into his grasp; realized that Jane had re-armed him; appreciated her mute suggestion that it would be better, were they known to be blocked within, to take his chance of overcoming a single enemy than to wait until reënforcements arrived.
Pape
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Pape, standing within arm-reach of the handle, felt something hard and cold slipped into his grasp; realized that Jane had re-armed him; appreciated her mute suggestion that it would be better, were they known to be blocked within, to take his chance of overcoming a single enemy than to wait until reënforcements arrived.
placingverbUS /ˈpleɪsɪŋ/
-ing form of “place” — put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading A second he considered the automatic, before placing it in his pocket ready for emergency in case his arms and fists could not decide the issue.
a small pouch inside a garment for carrying small articles
From this reading A second he considered the automatic, before placing it in his pocket ready for emergency in case his arms and fists could not decide the issue.
re-armed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Pape, standing within arm-reach of the handle, felt something hard and cold slipped into his grasp; realized that Jane had re-armed him; appreciated her mute suggestion that it would be better, were they known to be blocked within, to take his chance of overcoming a single enemy than to wait until reënforcements arrived.
completely prepared or in condition for immediate action or use or progress
From this reading A second he considered the automatic, before placing it in his pocket ready for emergency in case his arms and fists could not decide the issue.
successfully completed or brought to an end
From this reading Pape, standing within arm-reach of the handle, felt something hard and cold slipped into his grasp; realized that Jane had re-armed him; appreciated her mute suggestion that it would be better, were they known to be blocked within, to take his chance of overcoming a single enemy than to wait until reënforcements arrived.
reënforcements
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Pape, standing within arm-reach of the handle, felt something hard and cold slipped into his grasp; realized that Jane had re-armed him; appreciated her mute suggestion that it would be better, were they known to be blocked within, to take his chance of overcoming a single enemy than to wait until reënforcements arrived.
1/60 of a minute; the basic unit of time adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites
From this reading A second he considered the automatic, before placing it in his pocket ready for emergency in case his arms and fists could not decide the issue.
Complete absence of sound; a state of quietness and stillness.
From this reading For a moment silence tortured.
being or characteristic of a single thing or person
From this reading Pape, standing within arm-reach of the handle, felt something hard and cold slipped into his grasp; realized that Jane had re-armed him; appreciated her mute suggestion that it would be better, were they known to be blocked within, to take his chance of overcoming a single enemy than to wait until reënforcements arrived.
inflected form of “slip” — move stealthily
From this reading Pape, standing within arm-reach of the handle, felt something hard and cold slipped into his grasp; realized that Jane had re-armed him; appreciated her mute suggestion that it would be better, were they known to be blocked within, to take his chance of overcoming a single enemy than to wait until reënforcements arrived.
a thing, without saying which
From this reading Pape, standing within arm-reach of the handle, felt something hard and cold slipped into his grasp; realized that Jane had re-armed him; appreciated her mute suggestion that it would be better, were they known to be blocked within, to take his chance of overcoming a single enemy than to wait until reënforcements arrived.
past form of “sound” — appear in a certain way
From this reading Then sounded an imperative tapping against the locked door.
having a supporting base
From this reading Pape, standing within arm-reach of the handle, felt something hard and cold slipped into his grasp; realized that Jane had re-armed him; appreciated her mute suggestion that it would be better, were they known to be blocked within, to take his chance of overcoming a single enemy than to wait until reënforcements arrived.
an idea that is suggested
From this reading Pape, standing within arm-reach of the handle, felt something hard and cold slipped into his grasp; realized that Jane had re-armed him; appreciated her mute suggestion that it would be better, were they known to be blocked within, to take his chance of overcoming a single enemy than to wait until reënforcements arrived.
carry out
From this reading Pape, standing within arm-reach of the handle, felt something hard and cold slipped into his grasp; realized that Jane had re-armed him; appreciated her mute suggestion that it would be better, were they known to be blocked within, to take his chance of overcoming a single enemy than to wait until reënforcements arrived.
tappingnounUS /ˈtæpɪŋ/
the sound of light blow or knock
From this reading Then sounded an imperative tapping against the locked door.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading Pape, standing within arm-reach of the handle, felt something hard and cold slipped into his grasp; realized that Jane had re-armed him; appreciated her mute suggestion that it would be better, were they known to be blocked within, to take his chance of overcoming a single enemy than to wait until reënforcements arrived.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Pape, standing within arm-reach of the handle, felt something hard and cold slipped into his grasp; realized that Jane had re-armed him; appreciated her mute suggestion that it would be better, were they known to be blocked within, to take his chance of overcoming a single enemy than to wait until reënforcements arrived.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Then sounded an imperative tapping against the locked door.
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading Then sounded an imperative tapping against the locked door.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Pape, standing within arm-reach of the handle, felt something hard and cold slipped into his grasp; realized that Jane had re-armed him; appreciated her mute suggestion that it would be better, were they known to be blocked within, to take his chance of overcoming a single enemy than to wait until reënforcements arrived.
propel through the air
From this reading To throw open the door and drag inside the disturber would be the best beginning to fight’s finish.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Pape, standing within arm-reach of the handle, felt something hard and cold slipped into his grasp; realized that Jane had re-armed him; appreciated her mute suggestion that it would be better, were they known to be blocked within, to take his chance of overcoming a single enemy than to wait until reënforcements arrived.
torturedadjectiveUS /ˈtɔːrtʃərd/
experiencing intense pain especially mental pain
From this reading For a moment silence tortured.
untilprepositionUS /ənˈtɪl/
up to a particular time
From this reading Pape, standing within arm-reach of the handle, felt something hard and cold slipped into his grasp; realized that Jane had re-armed him; appreciated her mute suggestion that it would be better, were they known to be blocked within, to take his chance of overcoming a single enemy than to wait until reënforcements arrived.
stay in one place and anticipate or expect something
From this reading Pape, standing within arm-reach of the handle, felt something hard and cold slipped into his grasp; realized that Jane had re-armed him; appreciated her mute suggestion that it would be better, were they known to be blocked within, to take his chance of overcoming a single enemy than to wait until reënforcements arrived.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Pape, standing within arm-reach of the handle, felt something hard and cold slipped into his grasp; realized that Jane had re-armed him; appreciated her mute suggestion that it would be better, were they known to be blocked within, to take his chance of overcoming a single enemy than to wait until reënforcements arrived.
inside; before a period of time has passed
From this reading Pape, standing within arm-reach of the handle, felt something hard and cold slipped into his grasp; realized that Jane had re-armed him; appreciated her mute suggestion that it would be better, were they known to be blocked within, to take his chance of overcoming a single enemy than to wait until reënforcements arrived.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading Pape, standing within arm-reach of the handle, felt something hard and cold slipped into his grasp; realized that Jane had re-armed him; appreciated her mute suggestion that it would be better, were they known to be blocked within, to take his chance of overcoming a single enemy than to wait until reënforcements arrived.
