used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading He noticed that the rifle barrel did not hold quite steady, and he was aware that the inexperienced youth might fire in nervous excitement at any second, without giving him a chance.
agonizedadjectiveUS /ˈæɡənaɪzd/
expressing pain or agony
From this reading "Archie!" the girl cried in an agonized tone.
Alison
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Before he could make up his mind what to do, however, a voice screamed out behind him, and Alison stumbled forward, apparently with some wild notion of intervening.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading THE FALTERING FAITH It was disconcerting to meet an armed and hostile man at the place where he supposed his friend was waiting, yet Dexter did not for an instant lose his self-possession.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading THE FALTERING FAITH It was disconcerting to meet an armed and hostile man at the place where he supposed his friend was waiting, yet Dexter did not for an instant lose his self-possession.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading He noticed that the rifle barrel did not hold quite steady, and he was aware that the inexperienced youth might fire in nervous excitement at any second, without giving him a chance.
from appearances alone
From this reading Before he could make up his mind what to do, however, a voice screamed out behind him, and Alison stumbled forward, apparently with some wild notion of intervening.
Archie
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Archie!" the girl cried in an agonized tone.
a human limb; technically the part of the superior limb between the shoulder and the elbow but commonly used to refer to the whole superior limb
From this reading The corporal flung out his arm as a barrier, and thrust her back.
(used of persons or the military) characterized by having or bearing arms
From this reading THE FALTERING FAITH It was disconcerting to meet an armed and hostile man at the place where he supposed his friend was waiting, yet Dexter did not for an instant lose his self-possession.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading The corporal flung out his arm as a barrier, and thrust her back.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading THE FALTERING FAITH It was disconcerting to meet an armed and hostile man at the place where he supposed his friend was waiting, yet Dexter did not for an instant lose his self-possession.
(sometimes followed by “of”) having or showing knowledge or understanding or realization or perception
From this reading He noticed that the rifle barrel did not hold quite steady, and he was aware that the inexperienced youth might fire in nervous excitement at any second, without giving him a chance.
in or to or toward a former location
From this reading The corporal flung out his arm as a barrier, and thrust her back.
barrelnounUS /ˈbærəl/
a tube through which a bullet travels when a gun is fired
From this reading He noticed that the rifle barrel did not hold quite steady, and he was aware that the inexperienced youth might fire in nervous excitement at any second, without giving him a chance.
barriernounUS /ˈbæriər/
a structure or object that impedes free movement
From this reading The corporal flung out his arm as a barrier, and thrust her back.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading Before he could make up his mind what to do, however, a voice screamed out behind him, and Alison stumbled forward, apparently with some wild notion of intervening.
behindprepositionUS /bɪˈhaɪnd/
at or toward the back of something
From this reading Before he could make up his mind what to do, however, a voice screamed out behind him, and Alison stumbled forward, apparently with some wild notion of intervening.
a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances
From this reading He noticed that the rifle barrel did not hold quite steady, and he was aware that the inexperienced youth might fire in nervous excitement at any second, without giving him a chance.
corporalnounUS /ˈkɔːrpərəl/
a noncommissioned officer in the Army or Air Force or Marines
From this reading The corporal flung out his arm as a barrier, and thrust her back.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading Before he could make up his mind what to do, however, a voice screamed out behind him, and Alison stumbled forward, apparently with some wild notion of intervening.
inflected form of “cry” — utter a sudden loud cry
From this reading "Archie!" the girl cried in an agonized tone.
DexteradjectiveUS /ˈdekstər/
on or starting from the wearer's right
From this reading THE FALTERING FAITH It was disconcerting to meet an armed and hostile man at the place where he supposed his friend was waiting, yet Dexter did not for an instant lose his self-possession.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading THE FALTERING FAITH It was disconcerting to meet an armed and hostile man at the place where he supposed his friend was waiting, yet Dexter did not for an instant lose his self-possession.
disconcertingadjectiveUS /ˌdɪskənˈsɜːrtɪŋ/
causing an emotional disturbance
From this reading THE FALTERING FAITH It was disconcerting to meet an armed and hostile man at the place where he supposed his friend was waiting, yet Dexter did not for an instant lose his self-possession.
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading Before he could make up his mind what to do, however, a voice screamed out behind him, and Alison stumbled forward, apparently with some wild notion of intervening.
the feeling of lively and cheerful joy
From this reading He noticed that the rifle barrel did not hold quite steady, and he was aware that the inexperienced youth might fire in nervous excitement at any second, without giving him a chance.
a strong belief in a supernatural power or powers that control human destiny
From this reading THE FALTERING FAITH It was disconcerting to meet an armed and hostile man at the place where he supposed his friend was waiting, yet Dexter did not for an instant lose his self-possession.
FALTERINGnounUS /ˈfɔːltərɪŋ/
the act of pausing uncertainly
From this reading THE FALTERING FAITH It was disconcerting to meet an armed and hostile man at the place where he supposed his friend was waiting, yet Dexter did not for an instant lose his self-possession.
start firing a weapon
From this reading He noticed that the rifle barrel did not hold quite steady, and he was aware that the inexperienced youth might fire in nervous excitement at any second, without giving him a chance.
inflected form of “fling” — throw with force or recklessness
From this reading The corporal flung out his arm as a barrier, and thrust her back.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading THE FALTERING FAITH It was disconcerting to meet an armed and hostile man at the place where he supposed his friend was waiting, yet Dexter did not for an instant lose his self-possession.
at or to or toward the front
From this reading Before he could make up his mind what to do, however, a voice screamed out behind him, and Alison stumbled forward, apparently with some wild notion of intervening.
a person you know well and regard with affection and trust
From this reading THE FALTERING FAITH It was disconcerting to meet an armed and hostile man at the place where he supposed his friend was waiting, yet Dexter did not for an instant lose his self-possession.
a young female
From this reading "Archie!" the girl cried in an agonized tone.
the act of giving
From this reading He noticed that the rifle barrel did not hold quite steady, and he was aware that the inexperienced youth might fire in nervous excitement at any second, without giving him a chance.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading THE FALTERING FAITH It was disconcerting to meet an armed and hostile man at the place where he supposed his friend was waiting, yet Dexter did not for an instant lose his self-possession.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading The corporal flung out his arm as a barrier, and thrust her back.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading He noticed that the rifle barrel did not hold quite steady, and he was aware that the inexperienced youth might fire in nervous excitement at any second, without giving him a chance.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading THE FALTERING FAITH It was disconcerting to meet an armed and hostile man at the place where he supposed his friend was waiting, yet Dexter did not for an instant lose his self-possession.
cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”
From this reading He noticed that the rifle barrel did not hold quite steady, and he was aware that the inexperienced youth might fire in nervous excitement at any second, without giving him a chance.
hostileadjectiveUS /ˈhɑːstəl/
characterized by enmity or ill will
From this reading THE FALTERING FAITH It was disconcerting to meet an armed and hostile man at the place where he supposed his friend was waiting, yet Dexter did not for an instant lose his self-possession.
used to add a contrasting statement
From this reading Before he could make up his mind what to do, however, a voice screamed out behind him, and Alison stumbled forward, apparently with some wild notion of intervening.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading He noticed that the rifle barrel did not hold quite steady, and he was aware that the inexperienced youth might fire in nervous excitement at any second, without giving him a chance.
inexperiencedadjectiveUS /ɪnɪkˈspɪriənst/
lacking practical experience or training
From this reading He noticed that the rifle barrel did not hold quite steady, and he was aware that the inexperienced youth might fire in nervous excitement at any second, without giving him a chance.
a very short time (as the time it takes the eye to blink or the heart to beat)
From this reading THE FALTERING FAITH It was disconcerting to meet an armed and hostile man at the place where he supposed his friend was waiting, yet Dexter did not for an instant lose his self-possession.
interveningadjectiveUS /ˌɪntərˈviːnɪŋ/
occurring or falling between events or points in time
From this reading Before he could make up his mind what to do, however, a voice screamed out behind him, and Alison stumbled forward, apparently with some wild notion of intervening.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading THE FALTERING FAITH It was disconcerting to meet an armed and hostile man at the place where he supposed his friend was waiting, yet Dexter did not for an instant lose his self-possession.
fail to keep or to maintain; cease to have, either physically or in an abstract sense
From this reading THE FALTERING FAITH It was disconcerting to meet an armed and hostile man at the place where he supposed his friend was waiting, yet Dexter did not for an instant lose his self-possession.
engage in
From this reading Before he could make up his mind what to do, however, a voice screamed out behind him, and Alison stumbled forward, apparently with some wild notion of intervening.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading THE FALTERING FAITH It was disconcerting to meet an armed and hostile man at the place where he supposed his friend was waiting, yet Dexter did not for an instant lose his self-possession.
come together
From this reading THE FALTERING FAITH It was disconcerting to meet an armed and hostile man at the place where he supposed his friend was waiting, yet Dexter did not for an instant lose his self-possession.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading He noticed that the rifle barrel did not hold quite steady, and he was aware that the inexperienced youth might fire in nervous excitement at any second, without giving him a chance.
The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.
From this reading Before he could make up his mind what to do, however, a voice screamed out behind him, and Alison stumbled forward, apparently with some wild notion of intervening.
easily agitated
From this reading He noticed that the rifle barrel did not hold quite steady, and he was aware that the inexperienced youth might fire in nervous excitement at any second, without giving him a chance.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading THE FALTERING FAITH It was disconcerting to meet an armed and hostile man at the place where he supposed his friend was waiting, yet Dexter did not for an instant lose his self-possession.
being perceived or observed
From this reading He noticed that the rifle barrel did not hold quite steady, and he was aware that the inexperienced youth might fire in nervous excitement at any second, without giving him a chance.
a vague idea in which some confidence is placed
From this reading Before he could make up his mind what to do, however, a voice screamed out behind him, and Alison stumbled forward, apparently with some wild notion of intervening.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Before he could make up his mind what to do, however, a voice screamed out behind him, and Alison stumbled forward, apparently with some wild notion of intervening.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading Before he could make up his mind what to do, however, a voice screamed out behind him, and Alison stumbled forward, apparently with some wild notion of intervening.
a point located with respect to surface features of some region
From this reading THE FALTERING FAITH It was disconcerting to meet an armed and hostile man at the place where he supposed his friend was waiting, yet Dexter did not for an instant lose his self-possession.
to a degree (not used with a negative)
From this reading He noticed that the rifle barrel did not hold quite steady, and he was aware that the inexperienced youth might fire in nervous excitement at any second, without giving him a chance.
steal goods; take as spoils
From this reading He noticed that the rifle barrel did not hold quite steady, and he was aware that the inexperienced youth might fire in nervous excitement at any second, without giving him a chance.
screamedverbUS /skriːmd/
past form of “scream” — utter a sudden loud cry
From this reading Before he could make up his mind what to do, however, a voice screamed out behind him, and Alison stumbled forward, apparently with some wild notion of intervening.
1/60 of a minute; the basic unit of time adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites
From this reading He noticed that the rifle barrel did not hold quite steady, and he was aware that the inexperienced youth might fire in nervous excitement at any second, without giving him a chance.
self-possessionnoun
the trait of resolutely controlling your own behavior
From this reading THE FALTERING FAITH It was disconcerting to meet an armed and hostile man at the place where he supposed his friend was waiting, yet Dexter did not for an instant lose his self-possession.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading Before he could make up his mind what to do, however, a voice screamed out behind him, and Alison stumbled forward, apparently with some wild notion of intervening.
make steady
From this reading He noticed that the rifle barrel did not hold quite steady, and he was aware that the inexperienced youth might fire in nervous excitement at any second, without giving him a chance.
stumbledverbUS /ˈstʌmbəld/
past form of “stumble” — walk unsteadily
From this reading Before he could make up his mind what to do, however, a voice screamed out behind him, and Alison stumbled forward, apparently with some wild notion of intervening.
required or under orders
From this reading THE FALTERING FAITH It was disconcerting to meet an armed and hostile man at the place where he supposed his friend was waiting, yet Dexter did not for an instant lose his self-possession.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading He noticed that the rifle barrel did not hold quite steady, and he was aware that the inexperienced youth might fire in nervous excitement at any second, without giving him a chance.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE FALTERING FAITH It was disconcerting to meet an armed and hostile man at the place where he supposed his friend was waiting, yet Dexter did not for an instant lose his self-possession.
push forcefully
From this reading The corporal flung out his arm as a barrier, and thrust her back.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading THE FALTERING FAITH It was disconcerting to meet an armed and hostile man at the place where he supposed his friend was waiting, yet Dexter did not for an instant lose his self-possession.
the quality of a person's voice
From this reading "Archie!" the girl cried in an agonized tone.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading Before he could make up his mind what to do, however, a voice screamed out behind him, and Alison stumbled forward, apparently with some wild notion of intervening.
the distinctive quality or pitch or condition of a person's speech
From this reading Before he could make up his mind what to do, however, a voice screamed out behind him, and Alison stumbled forward, apparently with some wild notion of intervening.
the act of waiting (remaining inactive in one place while expecting something)
From this reading THE FALTERING FAITH It was disconcerting to meet an armed and hostile man at the place where he supposed his friend was waiting, yet Dexter did not for an instant lose his self-possession.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading THE FALTERING FAITH It was disconcerting to meet an armed and hostile man at the place where he supposed his friend was waiting, yet Dexter did not for an instant lose his self-possession.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading Before he could make up his mind what to do, however, a voice screamed out behind him, and Alison stumbled forward, apparently with some wild notion of intervening.
in or at the place that
From this reading THE FALTERING FAITH It was disconcerting to meet an armed and hostile man at the place where he supposed his friend was waiting, yet Dexter did not for an instant lose his self-possession.
marked by extreme lack of restraint or control
From this reading Before he could make up his mind what to do, however, a voice screamed out behind him, and Alison stumbled forward, apparently with some wild notion of intervening.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Before he could make up his mind what to do, however, a voice screamed out behind him, and Alison stumbled forward, apparently with some wild notion of intervening.
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading He noticed that the rifle barrel did not hold quite steady, and he was aware that the inexperienced youth might fire in nervous excitement at any second, without giving him a chance.
but in spite of that
From this reading THE FALTERING FAITH It was disconcerting to meet an armed and hostile man at the place where he supposed his friend was waiting, yet Dexter did not for an instant lose his self-possession.
a young person (especially a young man or boy)
From this reading He noticed that the rifle barrel did not hold quite steady, and he was aware that the inexperienced youth might fire in nervous excitement at any second, without giving him a chance.
