Chapter XIX · Chapter 19

used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one

From this reading For the first time in Tom Slade's life a sensation of utter despair gripped him and it was not until several seconds had elapsed, while he was tossed at the mercy of the storm, that he was able to get a grip on himself.

(usually followed by “to”) having the necessary means or skill or know-how or authority to do something

From this reading For the first time in Tom Slade's life a sensation of utter despair gripped him and it was not until several seconds had elapsed, while he was tossed at the mercy of the storm, that he was able to get a grip on himself.

higher than, or over, something

From this reading In swimming, above all things, this is futile and dangerous, and presently Tom regained his mental poise and struck out calmly, swimming in the direction in which the wind bore him, for there was nothing else to do.

(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class

From this reading In swimming, above all things, this is futile and dangerous, and presently Tom regained his mental poise and struck out calmly, swimming in the direction in which the wind bore him, for there was nothing else to do.

used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together

From this reading For the first time in Tom Slade's life a sensation of utter despair gripped him and it was not until several seconds had elapsed, while he was tossed at the mercy of the storm, that he was able to get a grip on himself.

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading Not that his effort helped him much, but he knew the good rule that one should never be passive in a crisis, for inaction is as depressing to the spirit as frantic exertion is to the body.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading For the first time in Tom Slade's life a sensation of utter despair gripped him and it was not until several seconds had elapsed, while he was tossed at the mercy of the storm, that he was able to get a grip on himself.

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading Not that his effort helped him much, but he knew the good rule that one should never be passive in a crisis, for inaction is as depressing to the spirit as frantic exertion is to the body.

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading He struck out frantically and for just a brief minute was guilty of a failing which he had never yielded to--the perilous weakness of being rattled and hitting hard at nothing.

the entire physical structure of an organism (an animal, plant, or human being)

From this reading Not that his effort helped him much, but he knew the good rule that one should never be passive in a crisis, for inaction is as depressing to the spirit as frantic exertion is to the body.

cause to be bored

From this reading In swimming, above all things, this is futile and dangerous, and presently Tom regained his mental poise and struck out calmly, swimming in the direction in which the wind bore him, for there was nothing else to do.

of short duration or distance

From this reading He struck out frantically and for just a brief minute was guilty of a failing which he had never yielded to--the perilous weakness of being rattled and hitting hard at nothing.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Not that his effort helped him much, but he knew the good rule that one should never be passive in a crisis, for inaction is as depressing to the spirit as frantic exertion is to the body.

with self-possession (especially in times of stress)

From this reading In swimming, above all things, this is futile and dangerous, and presently Tom regained his mental poise and struck out calmly, swimming in the direction in which the wind bore him, for there was nothing else to do.

an open clash between two opposing groups (or individuals)

From this reading TOM LOSES HIS FIRST CONFLICT WITH THE ENEMY "Down!"

an unstable situation of extreme danger or difficulty

From this reading Not that his effort helped him much, but he knew the good rule that one should never be passive in a crisis, for inaction is as depressing to the spirit as frantic exertion is to the body.

involving or causing danger or risk; liable to hurt or harm

From this reading In swimming, above all things, this is futile and dangerous, and presently Tom regained his mental poise and struck out calmly, swimming in the direction in which the wind bore him, for there was nothing else to do.

causing sad feelings of gloom and inadequacy

From this reading Not that his effort helped him much, but he knew the good rule that one should never be passive in a crisis, for inaction is as depressing to the spirit as frantic exertion is to the body.

a state in which all hope is lost or absent

From this reading For the first time in Tom Slade's life a sensation of utter despair gripped him and it was not until several seconds had elapsed, while he was tossed at the mercy of the storm, that he was able to get a grip on himself.

a line leading to a place or point

From this reading In swimming, above all things, this is futile and dangerous, and presently Tom regained his mental poise and struck out calmly, swimming in the direction in which the wind bore him, for there was nothing else to do.

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading In swimming, above all things, this is futile and dangerous, and presently Tom regained his mental poise and struck out calmly, swimming in the direction in which the wind bore him, for there was nothing else to do.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading TOM LOSES HIS FIRST CONFLICT WITH THE ENEMY "Down!"

earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something

From this reading Not that his effort helped him much, but he knew the good rule that one should never be passive in a crisis, for inaction is as depressing to the spirit as frantic exertion is to the body.

(of time) having passed or slipped by

From this reading For the first time in Tom Slade's life a sensation of utter despair gripped him and it was not until several seconds had elapsed, while he was tossed at the mercy of the storm, that he was able to get a grip on himself.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading In swimming, above all things, this is futile and dangerous, and presently Tom regained his mental poise and struck out calmly, swimming in the direction in which the wind bore him, for there was nothing else to do.

an opposing military force

From this reading TOM LOSES HIS FIRST CONFLICT WITH THE ENEMY "Down!"

use of physical or mental energy; hard work

From this reading Not that his effort helped him much, but he knew the good rule that one should never be passive in a crisis, for inaction is as depressing to the spirit as frantic exertion is to the body.

a flaw or weak point

From this reading He struck out frantically and for just a brief minute was guilty of a failing which he had never yielded to--the perilous weakness of being rattled and hitting hard at nothing.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading TOM LOSES HIS FIRST CONFLICT WITH THE ENEMY "Down!"

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading For the first time in Tom Slade's life a sensation of utter despair gripped him and it was not until several seconds had elapsed, while he was tossed at the mercy of the storm, that he was able to get a grip on himself.

excessively agitated; distraught with fear or other violent emotion

From this reading Not that his effort helped him much, but he knew the good rule that one should never be passive in a crisis, for inaction is as depressing to the spirit as frantic exertion is to the body.

in an uncontrolled manner

From this reading He struck out frantically and for just a brief minute was guilty of a failing which he had never yielded to--the perilous weakness of being rattled and hitting hard at nothing.

producing no result or effect

From this reading In swimming, above all things, this is futile and dangerous, and presently Tom regained his mental poise and struck out calmly, swimming in the direction in which the wind bore him, for there was nothing else to do.

come into the possession of something concrete or abstract

From this reading For the first time in Tom Slade's life a sensation of utter despair gripped him and it was not until several seconds had elapsed, while he was tossed at the mercy of the storm, that he was able to get a grip on himself.

having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified

From this reading Not that his effort helped him much, but he knew the good rule that one should never be passive in a crisis, for inaction is as depressing to the spirit as frantic exertion is to the body.

the act of grasping

From this reading For the first time in Tom Slade's life a sensation of utter despair gripped him and it was not until several seconds had elapsed, while he was tossed at the mercy of the storm, that he was able to get a grip on himself.

inflected form of “grip” — hold fast or firmly

From this reading For the first time in Tom Slade's life a sensation of utter despair gripped him and it was not until several seconds had elapsed, while he was tossed at the mercy of the storm, that he was able to get a grip on himself.

responsible for or chargeable with a reprehensible act

From this reading He struck out frantically and for just a brief minute was guilty of a failing which he had never yielded to--the perilous weakness of being rattled and hitting hard at nothing.

the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect

From this reading For the first time in Tom Slade's life a sensation of utter despair gripped him and it was not until several seconds had elapsed, while he was tossed at the mercy of the storm, that he was able to get a grip on himself.

not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure

From this reading He struck out frantically and for just a brief minute was guilty of a failing which he had never yielded to--the perilous weakness of being rattled and hitting hard at nothing.

a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading For the first time in Tom Slade's life a sensation of utter despair gripped him and it was not until several seconds had elapsed, while he was tossed at the mercy of the storm, that he was able to get a grip on himself.

past form of “help” — give help or assistance; be of service

From this reading Not that his effort helped him much, but he knew the good rule that one should never be passive in a crisis, for inaction is as depressing to the spirit as frantic exertion is to the body.

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading For the first time in Tom Slade's life a sensation of utter despair gripped him and it was not until several seconds had elapsed, while he was tossed at the mercy of the storm, that he was able to get a grip on himself.

used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object

From this reading For the first time in Tom Slade's life a sensation of utter despair gripped him and it was not until several seconds had elapsed, while he was tossed at the mercy of the storm, that he was able to get a grip on himself.

belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned

From this reading TOM LOSES HIS FIRST CONFLICT WITH THE ENEMY "Down!"

the act of contacting one thing with another

From this reading He struck out frantically and for just a brief minute was guilty of a failing which he had never yielded to--the perilous weakness of being rattled and hitting hard at nothing.

inside something, or within a place, period, or state

From this reading For the first time in Tom Slade's life a sensation of utter despair gripped him and it was not until several seconds had elapsed, while he was tossed at the mercy of the storm, that he was able to get a grip on himself.

the state of being inactive

From this reading Not that his effort helped him much, but he knew the good rule that one should never be passive in a crisis, for inaction is as depressing to the spirit as frantic exertion is to the body.

the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading In swimming, above all things, this is futile and dangerous, and presently Tom regained his mental poise and struck out calmly, swimming in the direction in which the wind bore him, for there was nothing else to do.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading For the first time in Tom Slade's life a sensation of utter despair gripped him and it was not until several seconds had elapsed, while he was tossed at the mercy of the storm, that he was able to get a grip on himself.

and nothing more

From this reading He struck out frantically and for just a brief minute was guilty of a failing which he had never yielded to--the perilous weakness of being rattled and hitting hard at nothing.

inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about

From this reading Not that his effort helped him much, but he knew the good rule that one should never be passive in a crisis, for inaction is as depressing to the spirit as frantic exertion is to the body.

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading For the first time in Tom Slade's life a sensation of utter despair gripped him and it was not until several seconds had elapsed, while he was tossed at the mercy of the storm, that he was able to get a grip on himself.

third-person singular of “lose” — fail to keep or to maintain; cease to have, either physically or in an abstract sense

From this reading TOM LOSES HIS FIRST CONFLICT WITH THE ENEMY "Down!"

involving the mind or an intellectual process

From this reading In swimming, above all things, this is futile and dangerous, and presently Tom regained his mental poise and struck out calmly, swimming in the direction in which the wind bore him, for there was nothing else to do.

leniency and compassion shown toward offenders by a person or agency charged with administering justice

From this reading For the first time in Tom Slade's life a sensation of utter despair gripped him and it was not until several seconds had elapsed, while he was tossed at the mercy of the storm, that he was able to get a grip on himself.

a unit of time equal to 60 seconds or 1/60th of an hour

From this reading He struck out frantically and for just a brief minute was guilty of a failing which he had never yielded to--the perilous weakness of being rattled and hitting hard at nothing.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading Not that his effort helped him much, but he knew the good rule that one should never be passive in a crisis, for inaction is as depressing to the spirit as frantic exertion is to the body.

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading He struck out frantically and for just a brief minute was guilty of a failing which he had never yielded to--the perilous weakness of being rattled and hitting hard at nothing.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading For the first time in Tom Slade's life a sensation of utter despair gripped him and it was not until several seconds had elapsed, while he was tossed at the mercy of the storm, that he was able to get a grip on himself.

not one thing; not anything

From this reading He struck out frantically and for just a brief minute was guilty of a failing which he had never yielded to--the perilous weakness of being rattled and hitting hard at nothing.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading For the first time in Tom Slade's life a sensation of utter despair gripped him and it was not until several seconds had elapsed, while he was tossed at the mercy of the storm, that he was able to get a grip on himself.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading For the first time in Tom Slade's life a sensation of utter despair gripped him and it was not until several seconds had elapsed, while he was tossed at the mercy of the storm, that he was able to get a grip on himself.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading Not that his effort helped him much, but he knew the good rule that one should never be passive in a crisis, for inaction is as depressing to the spirit as frantic exertion is to the body.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading He struck out frantically and for just a brief minute was guilty of a failing which he had never yielded to--the perilous weakness of being rattled and hitting hard at nothing.

lacking in energy or will

From this reading Not that his effort helped him much, but he knew the good rule that one should never be passive in a crisis, for inaction is as depressing to the spirit as frantic exertion is to the body.

fraught with danger

From this reading He struck out frantically and for just a brief minute was guilty of a failing which he had never yielded to--the perilous weakness of being rattled and hitting hard at nothing.

be motionless, in suspension

From this reading In swimming, above all things, this is futile and dangerous, and presently Tom regained his mental poise and struck out calmly, swimming in the direction in which the wind bore him, for there was nothing else to do.

in the near future

From this reading In swimming, above all things, this is futile and dangerous, and presently Tom regained his mental poise and struck out calmly, swimming in the direction in which the wind bore him, for there was nothing else to do.

thrown into a state of agitated confusion; (“rattled” is an informal term)

From this reading He struck out frantically and for just a brief minute was guilty of a failing which he had never yielded to--the perilous weakness of being rattled and hitting hard at nothing.

past form of “regain” — get or find back; recover the use of

From this reading In swimming, above all things, this is futile and dangerous, and presently Tom regained his mental poise and struck out calmly, swimming in the direction in which the wind bore him, for there was nothing else to do.

a principle or condition that customarily governs behavior

From this reading Not that his effort helped him much, but he knew the good rule that one should never be passive in a crisis, for inaction is as depressing to the spirit as frantic exertion is to the body.

plural of “second” — 1/60 of a minute; the basic unit of time adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites

From this reading For the first time in Tom Slade's life a sensation of utter despair gripped him and it was not until several seconds had elapsed, while he was tossed at the mercy of the storm, that he was able to get a grip on himself.

an unelaborated elementary awareness of stimulation

From this reading For the first time in Tom Slade's life a sensation of utter despair gripped him and it was not until several seconds had elapsed, while he was tossed at the mercy of the storm, that he was able to get a grip on himself.

(used with count nouns) of an indefinite number more than 2 or 3 but not many

From this reading For the first time in Tom Slade's life a sensation of utter despair gripped him and it was not until several seconds had elapsed, while he was tossed at the mercy of the storm, that he was able to get a grip on himself.

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading Not that his effort helped him much, but he knew the good rule that one should never be passive in a crisis, for inaction is as depressing to the spirit as frantic exertion is to the body.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading For the first time in Tom Slade's life a sensation of utter despair gripped him and it was not until several seconds had elapsed, while he was tossed at the mercy of the storm, that he was able to get a grip on himself.

the vital principle or animating force within living things

From this reading Not that his effort helped him much, but he knew the good rule that one should never be passive in a crisis, for inaction is as depressing to the spirit as frantic exertion is to the body.

behave violently, as if in state of a great anger

From this reading For the first time in Tom Slade's life a sensation of utter despair gripped him and it was not until several seconds had elapsed, while he was tossed at the mercy of the storm, that he was able to get a grip on himself.

(used in combination) affected by something overwhelming

From this reading He struck out frantically and for just a brief minute was guilty of a failing which he had never yielded to--the perilous weakness of being rattled and hitting hard at nothing.

the act of swimming

From this reading In swimming, above all things, this is futile and dangerous, and presently Tom regained his mental poise and struck out calmly, swimming in the direction in which the wind bore him, for there was nothing else to do.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading For the first time in Tom Slade's life a sensation of utter despair gripped him and it was not until several seconds had elapsed, while he was tossed at the mercy of the storm, that he was able to get a grip on himself.

used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind

From this reading TOM LOSES HIS FIRST CONFLICT WITH THE ENEMY "Down!"

in or at that place or location

From this reading In swimming, above all things, this is futile and dangerous, and presently Tom regained his mental poise and struck out calmly, swimming in the direction in which the wind bore him, for there was nothing else to do.

any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)

From this reading In swimming, above all things, this is futile and dangerous, and presently Tom regained his mental poise and struck out calmly, swimming in the direction in which the wind bore him, for there was nothing else to do.

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading In swimming, above all things, this is futile and dangerous, and presently Tom regained his mental poise and struck out calmly, swimming in the direction in which the wind bore him, for there was nothing else to do.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading For the first time in Tom Slade's life a sensation of utter despair gripped him and it was not until several seconds had elapsed, while he was tossed at the mercy of the storm, that he was able to get a grip on himself.

used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive

From this reading For the first time in Tom Slade's life a sensation of utter despair gripped him and it was not until several seconds had elapsed, while he was tossed at the mercy of the storm, that he was able to get a grip on himself.

male cat

From this reading TOM LOSES HIS FIRST CONFLICT WITH THE ENEMY "Down!"

past form of “toss” — throw or toss with a light motion

From this reading For the first time in Tom Slade's life a sensation of utter despair gripped him and it was not until several seconds had elapsed, while he was tossed at the mercy of the storm, that he was able to get a grip on himself.

up to a particular time

From this reading For the first time in Tom Slade's life a sensation of utter despair gripped him and it was not until several seconds had elapsed, while he was tossed at the mercy of the storm, that he was able to get a grip on himself.

articulate; either verbally or with a cry, shout, or noise

From this reading For the first time in Tom Slade's life a sensation of utter despair gripped him and it was not until several seconds had elapsed, while he was tossed at the mercy of the storm, that he was able to get a grip on himself.

the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading For the first time in Tom Slade's life a sensation of utter despair gripped him and it was not until several seconds had elapsed, while he was tossed at the mercy of the storm, that he was able to get a grip on himself.

a flaw or weak point

From this reading He struck out frantically and for just a brief minute was guilty of a failing which he had never yielded to--the perilous weakness of being rattled and hitting hard at nothing.

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading He struck out frantically and for just a brief minute was guilty of a failing which he had never yielded to--the perilous weakness of being rattled and hitting hard at nothing.

during the time that

From this reading For the first time in Tom Slade's life a sensation of utter despair gripped him and it was not until several seconds had elapsed, while he was tossed at the mercy of the storm, that he was able to get a grip on himself.

air moving (sometimes with considerable force) from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure

From this reading In swimming, above all things, this is futile and dangerous, and presently Tom regained his mental poise and struck out calmly, swimming in the direction in which the wind bore him, for there was nothing else to do.

in the company of; together with

From this reading TOM LOSES HIS FIRST CONFLICT WITH THE ENEMY "Down!"

past form of “yield” — be the cause or source of

From this reading He struck out frantically and for just a brief minute was guilty of a failing which he had never yielded to--the perilous weakness of being rattled and hitting hard at nothing.