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bra n an undergarment for covering and supporting the breastsbraaivleis (brye-flayss) (S African) n 1 a grill on which food is cooked over hot charcoal, usually outdoors 2 an outdoor party at which food like this is served ▸ vb 3 to cook (food) in this way. Also: braaibrace n 1 something that steadies, binds, or holds up another thing ◇ SYNONYMS: support, stay, prop, bolster, bracket, reinforcement, strut, truss 2 a beam or prop, used to stiffen a framework 3 a hand tool for drilling holes 4 a pair, esp. of game birds 5 either of a pair of characters, { }, used for connecting lines of printing or writing ▸ vb bracing, braced 6 to steady or prepare (oneself) before an impact ◇ SYNONYMS: steady, support, secure, stabilize 7 to provide, strengthen, or fit with a brace ◇ SYNONYMS: support, strengthen, steady, reinforce, bolster, fortify, buttressbracelet n an ornamental chain or band worn around the arm or wristbracing adj refreshing: the bracing climate ◇ SYNONYMS: refreshing, fresh, stimulating, crisp, brisk, exhilarating, invigoratingbracken n 1 a fern with large fronds 2 a clump of these fernsbracket n 1 a pair of characters, [ ], (), or { }, used to enclose a section of writing or printing 2 a group or category falling within certain defined limits: the lower income bracket 3 an L-shaped or other support fixed to a wall to hold a shelf, etc. ▸ vb -eting, -eted 4 to put (written or printed matter) in brackets 5 to group or class togetherbrackish adj (of water) slightly saltybract n a leaf, usually small and scaly, growing at the base of a flowerbrag vb bragging, bragged 1 to speak arrogantly and boastfully ▸ n 2 boastful talk or behaviour 3 a card game similar to pokerbraggart n a person who boasts loudly or exaggeratedlybraid vb 1 to interweave (hair, thread, etc.) 2 to decorate with an ornamental trim or border ▸ n 3 a length of hair that has been braided 4 narrow ornamental tape of woven silk, wool, etc. > braiding nBraille n a system of writing for blind people consisting of raised dots interpreted by touchbrain n 1 the soft mass of nervous tissue within the skull of vertebrates that controls and coordinates the nervous system 2 (often pl, informal) intellectual ability: he's got brains ◇ SYNONYMS: intelligence, understanding, sense, intellect 3 (informal) an intelligent person 4 on the brain (informal) constantly in mind: I had that song on the brain 5 the brains (informal) a person who plans and organizes something: the brains behind the bid ▸ vb 6 (slang) to hit (someone) hard on the headbrainchild n (informal) an idea or plan produced by creative thoughtbrainfood n any foodstuff containing nutrients thought to promote brain functionbrainless adj stupid or foolishbrainwash vb to cause (a person) to alter his or her beliefs, by methods based on isolation, sleeplessness, etc. > brainwashing nbrainwave n (informal) a sudden idea or inspirationbrainy adj brainier, brainiest (informal) clever; intelligentbraise vb braising, braised to cook (food) slowly in a closed pan with a small amount of liquidbrake n 1 a device for slowing or stopping a vehicle 2 something that slows down or stops progress: he put a brake on my enthusiasm ◇ SYNONYMS: control, check, curb, restraint, constraint, rein ▸ vb braking, braked 3 to slow down or cause to slow down, by or as if by using a brake ◇ SYNONYMS: slow, decelerate, reduce speedbramble n 1 a prickly plant or shrub such as the blackberry 2 (Scot & N English & NZ) a blackberry > brambly adjbran n husks of cereal grain separated from the flourbranch n 1 a secondary woody stem extending from the trunk or main branch of a tree ◇ SYNONYMS: bough, shoot, arm, spray, limb, sprig, offshoot 2 one of a number of shops, offices, or groups that belongs to a central organization: she was transferred to their Japanese branch ◇ SYNONYMS: office, department, unit, wing, chapter, bureau 3 a subdivision or subsidiary section of something larger or more complex: branches of learning ◇ SYNONYMS: division, part, section, subdivision, subsection ▸ vb 4 to divide, then develop in different directions > branchlike adjbranch out vb to expand or extend one's interestsbrand n 1 a particular product or a characteristic that identifies a particular producer ◇ SYNONYMS: trademark 2 a trade name or trademark 3 a particular kind or variety 4 an identifying mark made, usually by burning, on the skin of animals as a proof of ownership 5 an iron used for branding animals 6 a mark of disgrace 7 (archaic, or poetic) a flaming torch ▸ vb 8 to label, burn, or mark with or as if with a brand ◇ SYNONYMS: mark, burn, label, stamp, scar 9 to label (someone): he was branded a war criminal ◇ SYNONYMS: stigmatize, mark, expose, denounce, disgrace, discredit, censurebrandish vb to wave (a weapon, etc.) in a triumphant or threatening waybrand-new adj absolutely newbrandy n, pl -dies an alcoholic spirit distilled from winebrash adj 1 tastelessly or offensively loud, or showy: brash modernization 2 impudent or bold: I thought it was very brash of her to ask me ◇ SYNONYMS: bold, rude, cocky, pushy (informal), brazen, impertinent, insolent, impudent > brashness nbrass n 1 an alloy of copper and zinc 2 an object, ornament, or utensil made of brass 3 A the large family of wind instruments including the trumpet, trombone, etc. made of brass B instruments of this family forming a section in an orchestra 4 same as top brass 5 (N English dialect) money 6 (Brit) an engraved brass memorial tablet in a church 7 (informal) bold self-confidence; nervebrasserie n a bar or restaurant serving drinks and cheap mealsbrassiere n same as brabrassy adj brassier, brassiest 1 brazen or flashy 2 like brass, esp. in colour 3 (of sound) harsh and stridentbrat n a child, esp. one who is unrulybravado n an outward display of self-confidencebrave adj 1 having or displaying courage, resolution, or daring ◇ SYNONYMS: courageous, daring, bold, heroic, adventurous, fearless, resolute, audacious 2 fine; splendid: a brave sight ▸ n 3 (old-fashioned) a warrior of a Native American tribe of N America ▸ vb braving, braved 4 to confront with resolution or courage: she braved the 21 miles of Lake Tahoe ◇ SYNONYMS: confront, face, suffer, tackle, endure, defy, withstand, stand up to > bravery nbravo interj 1 well done! ▸ n 2 pl -vos a cry of 'bravo' 3 pl -voes or -vos a hired killer or assassinbrawl n 1 a loud disagreement or fight ◇ SYNONYMS: fight, clash, fray, skirmish, scuffle, punch-up (Brit informal), fracas, altercation, biffo (Austral slang) ▸ vb 2 to quarrel or fight noisily ◇ SYNONYMS: fight, scrap (informal), wrestle, tussle, scufflebrawn n 1 strong well-developed muscles 2 physical strength 3 (Brit & NZ) a seasoned jellied loaf made from the head of a pig > brawny adjbray vb 1 (of a donkey) to utter its characteristic loud harsh sound 2 to utter something with a loud harsh sound ▸ n 3 the loud harsh sound uttered by a donkey 4 a similar loud soundbrazen adj 1 shameless and bold 2 made of or resembling brass 3 having a ringing metallic sound ▸ vb 4 brazen it out to face and overcome a difficult or embarrassing situation boldly or shamelessly > brazenly advbrazier (bray-zee-er) n a portable metal container for burning charcoal or coalbreach n 1 a breaking of a promise, obligation, etc. ◇ SYNONYMS: nonobservance, abuse, violation, infringement, trespass, transgression, contravention, infraction 2 any serious disagreement or separation 3 a crack, break, or gap ◇ SYNONYMS: opening, crack, split, gap, rift, rupture, cleft, fissure ▸ vb 4 to break (a promise, law, etc.) 5 to break through or make an opening or hole inbread n 1 a food made from a dough of flour or meal mixed with water or milk, usually raised with yeast and then baked 2 necessary food ◇ SYNONYMS: food, fare, kai (NZ informal), nourishment, sustenance 3 (slang) money ◇ SYNONYMS: money, cash, dough (slang) ▸ vb 4 to cover (food) with breadcrumbs before cookingbreadth n 1 the extent or measurement of something from side to side ◇ SYNONYMS: extent, range, scale, scope, compass, expanse 2 openness and lack of restriction, esp. of viewpoint or interest; liberalitybreadwinner n a person supporting a family with his or her earningsbreak vb breaking, broke, broken 1 to separate or become separated into two or more pieces ◇ SYNONYMS: shatter, separate, destroy, crack, snap, smash, crush, fragment 2 to damage or become damaged so as not to work 3 to burst or cut the surface of (skin) ◇ SYNONYMS: burst, tear, split 4 to fracture (a bone) in (a limb, etc.) ◇ SYNONYMS: fracture, crack, smash 5 to fail to observe (an agreement, promise, or law): they broke their promise ◇ SYNONYMS: disobey, breach, defy, violate, disregard, flout, infringe, contravene (formal) 6 to reveal or be revealed: she broke the news gently ◇ SYNONYMS: reveal, tell, announce, declare, disclose, proclaim, make known 7 (foll. by with) to separate oneself from 8 to discontinue or become discontinued: to break a journey 9 to bring or come to an end: the winter weather broke at last ◇ SYNONYMS: stop, cut, suspend, interrupt, cut short, discontinue 10 to weaken or overwhelm or be weakened or overwhelmed, as in spirit: he felt his life was broken by his illness ◇ SYNONYMS: weaken, undermine, tame, subdue, demoralize, dispirit 11 to cut through or penetrate: silence broken by shouts 12 to improve on or surpass: she broke three world records ◇ SYNONYMS: beat, top, better, exceed, go beyond, excel, surpass, outstrip 13 (often foll. by in) to accustom (a horse) to the bridle and saddle, to being ridden, etc. 14 (foll. by of) to cause (a person) to give up (a habit): this cure will break you of smoking 15 to weaken the impact or force of: this net will break his fall 16 to decipher: to break a code 17 to lose the order of: to break ranks 18 to reduce to poverty or the state of bankruptcy 19 to come into being: light broke over the mountains 20 (foll. by into) A to burst into (song, laughter, etc.) B to change to (a faster pace) 21 to open with explosives: to break a safe 22 A (of waves) to strike violently against B (of waves) to collapse into foam or surf 23 (snooker) to scatter the balls at the start of a game 24 (boxing, wrestling) (of two fighters) to separate from a clinch 25 (of the male voice) to undergo a change in register, quality, and range at puberty 26 to interrupt the flow of current in (an electrical circuit) 27 break camp to pack up and leave a camp 28 break even to make neither a profit nor a loss 29 break the mould to make a change that breaks an established habit or pattern ▸ n 30 the act or result of breaking; fracture ◇ SYNONYMS: fracture, opening, tear, hole, split, crack, gap, fissure 31 a brief rest 32 a sudden rush, esp. to escape: they made a sudden break for freedom 33 any sudden interruption in a continuous action 34 (Brit & NZ) a short period between classes at school 35 a (short) holiday ◇ SYNONYMS: holiday, leave, vacation, time off, recess, awayday, schoolie (Austral), accumulated day off or ADO (Austral) 36 (informal) a fortunate opportunity, esp. to prove oneself ◇ SYNONYMS: stroke of luck, chance, opportunity, advantage, fortune, opening 37 (informal) a piece of good or bad luck 38 (billiards, snooker) a series of successful shots during one turn 39 (snooker) the opening shot that scatters the placed balls 40 a discontinuity in an electrical circuit 41 break of day the dawn ▸ See also break down etc > breakable adjbreakage n 1 the act or result of breaking 2 compensation or allowance for goods damaged while in use, transit, etc.break down vb 1 to cease to function; become ineffective 2 to give way to strong emotion or tears 3 to crush or destroy 4 to have a nervous breakdown 5 to separate into component parts: with exercise the body breaks down fat to use as fuel 6 to separate or cause to separate into simpler chemical elements; decompose 7 to analyse or be subjected to analysis ▸ n breakdown 8 an act or instance of breaking down; collapse 9 same as nervous breakdown 10 an analysis of something into its partsbreaker n 1 a large sea wave with a white crest or one that breaks into foam on the shore 2 a Citizens' Band radio operatorbreakfast n 1 the first meal of the day ▸ vb 2 to eat breakfastbreakneck adj (of speed or pace) excessively fast and dangerousbreak off vb 1 to sever or detach ◇ SYNONYMS break something off: detach, separate, divide, cut off, pull off, sever, part, remove 2 to end (a relationship or association) 3 to stop abruptlybreak out vb 1 to begin or arise suddenly: fighting broke out between the two factions ◇ SYNONYMS break out: begin, start, happen, occur, arise, set in, commence, spring up 2 to make an escape, esp. from prison 3 break out in to erupt in (a rash or spots) ▸ n break-out 4 an escape, esp. from prisonbreak through vb 1 to penetrate 2 to achieve success after lengthy efforts ▸ n breakthrough 3 a significant development or discovery ◇ SYNONYMS: development, advance, progress, discovery, find, invention, step forward, leap forwardsbreak up vb 1 to separate or cause to separate 2 to put an end to (a relationship) or (of a relationship) to come to an end ◇ SYNONYMS break up: split up, separate, part, divorce 3 to dissolve or cause to dissolve: the meeting broke up at noon ◇ SYNONYMS break up: finish, be suspended, adjourn 4 (Brit) (of a school) to close for the holidays ▸ n break-up 5 a separation or disintegrationbreakwater n a massive wall built out into the sea to protect a shore or harbour from the force of wavesbream n, pl bream 1 a freshwater fish covered with silvery scales 2 a food fish of European seas 3 a food fish of Australasian seasbreast n 1 either of the two soft fleshy milk-secreting glands on a woman's chest ◇ SYNONYMS: bosom, boob (slang), booby (slang), tit (vulgar, slang) 2 the front part of the body from the neck to the abdomen; chest 3 the corresponding part in certain other mammals 4 the source of human emotions 5 the part of a garment that covers the breast 6 make a clean breast of something to divulge truths about oneself ▸ vb (literary) 7 to reach the summit of: breasting the mountain top 8 to confront boldly; face: breast the stormbreastbone n same as sternumbreaststroke n a swimming stroke in which the arms are extended in front of the head and swept back on either sidebreath n 1 the taking in and letting out of air during breathing 2 a single instance of this ◇ SYNONYMS: inhalation, breathing, pant, gasp, gulp, wheeze, exhalation, respiration 3 the air taken in or let out during breathing 4 the vapour, heat, or odour of air breathed out 5 a slight gust of air 6 a short pause or rest 7 a suggestion or slight evidence; suspicion: trembling at the least breath of scandal 8 a whisper or soft sound 9 catch one's breath A to rest until breathing is normal B to stop breathing momentarily from excitement, fear, etc. 10 out of breath gasping for air after exertion 11 save one's breath to avoid useless talk 12 take someone's breath away to overwhelm someone with surprise, etc. 13 under one's breath in a quiet voice or whisperBreathalyser or -lyzer n (Brit, trademark) a device for estimating the amount of alcohol in the breath > breathalyse or -lyze vbbreathe vb breathing, breathed 1 to take in oxygen and give out carbon dioxide; respire ◇ SYNONYMS: inhale and exhale, pant, gasp, puff, gulp, wheeze, respire, draw in breath 2 to exist; be alive 3 to rest to regain breath or composure 4 (esp. of air) to blow lightly 5 to exhale or emit: the dragon breathed fire 6 to impart; instil: a change that breathed new life into Polish industry 7 to speak softly; whisper ◇ SYNONYMS: inhalation, breathing, pant, gasp, gulp, wheeze, exhalation, respiration 8 breathe again or freely or easily to feel relief 9 breathe one's last to diebreather n (informal) a short pause for restbreathing n 1 the passage of air into and out of the lungs to supply the body with oxygen 2 the sound this makesbreathless adj 1 out of breath; gasping, etc. ◇ SYNONYMS: out of breath, panting, gasping, gulping, wheezing, short-winded 2 holding one's breath or having it taken away by excitement, etc. ◇ SYNONYMS: excited, curious, eager, enthusiastic, impatient, on tenterhooks, in suspense 3 (esp. of the atmosphere) motionless and stifling > breathlessness nbreathtaking adj causing awe or excitement ◇ SYNONYMS: amazing, exciting, stunning (informal), impressive, thrilling, magnificent, astonishing, sensationalbred vb the past of breedbreech n 1 the buttocks 2 the part of a firearm behind the barrelbreeches pl n trousers extending to the knee or just below, worn for riding, etc.breed vb breeding, bred 1 to produce new or improved strains of (domestic animals and plants) ◇ SYNONYMS: rear, tend, keep, raise, maintain, farm, look after, care for 2 to produce or cause to produce by mating ◇ SYNONYMS: reproduce, multiply, propagate, procreate (formal), produce offspring, bear young, bring forth young 3 to bear (offspring) ◇ SYNONYMS: reproduce, multiply, propagate, procreate (formal), produce offspring, bear young, bring forth young 4 to bring up; raise: she was city bred 5 to produce or be produced: the agreement bred confidence between the two ◇ SYNONYMS: produce, cause, create, generate, bring about, arouse, give rise to, stir up ▸ n 6 a group of animals, esp. domestic animals, within a species, that have certain clearly defined characteristics ◇ SYNONYMS: variety, race, stock, type, species, strain, pedigree 7 a kind, sort, or group: he was a gentleman, a breed not greatly admired ◇ SYNONYMS: kind, sort, type, variety, brand, stamp 8 a lineage or race > breeder nbreeding n 1 the process of producing plants or animals by controlled methods of reproduction 2 the process of bearing offspring 3 the result of good upbringing or training ◇ SYNONYMS: refinement, culture, taste, manners, polish, courtesy, sophistication, cultivationbreeze n 1 a gentle or light wind ◇ SYNONYMS: light wind, air, draught, gust, waft, zephyr, breath of wind, current of air 2 (informal) an easy task ▸ vb breezing, breezed 3 to move quickly or casually: he breezed into the room ◇ SYNONYMS: sweep, move briskly, pass, sail, hurry, glide, flitbreezy adj breezier, breeziest 1 fresh; windy 2 casual or carefreebrethren pl n (archaic) a plural of brotherBreton adj 1 of Brittany ▸ n 2 a person from Brittany 3 the Celtic language of Brittanybrevity n 1 a short duration; brief time 2 lack of verbositybrew vb 1 to make (beer, ale, etc.) from malt and other ingredients by steeping, boiling, and fermentation ◇ SYNONYMS: make, ferment 2 to prepare (a drink, such as tea) by infusing ◇ SYNONYMS: boil, make, soak, steep, stew, infuse 3 to devise or plan: to brew a plot 4 to be in the process of being brewed 5 to be about to happen or forming: a rebellion was brewing ◇ SYNONYMS: start, develop, gather, foment ▸ n 6 a beverage produced by brewing, esp. tea or beer ◇ SYNONYMS: drink, preparation, mixture, blend, liquor, beverage, infusion, concoction 7 an instance of brewing: last year's brew > brewer nbrewery n, pl -eries a place where beer, ale, etc. is brewedBrexit n the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Unionbriar1 or brier1 n 1 a shrub of S Europe, with a hard woody root (briarroot) 2 a tobacco pipe made from this rootbriar2 n same as briarbribe vb bribing, bribed 1 to promise, offer, or give something, often illegally, to (a person) to receive services or gain influence ◇ SYNONYMS: buy off, reward, pay off (informal), corrupt, suborn, grease the palm or hand of (slang) ▸ n 2 a reward, such as money or favour, given or offered for this purpose ◇ SYNONYMS: inducement, pay-off (informal), sweetener (slang), kickback, backhander (slang), enticement, allurement > bribery nbric-a-brac n miscellaneous small ornamental objectsbrick n 1 a rectangular block of baked or dried clay, used in building construction 2 the material used to make such blocks 3 any rectangular block: a brick of ice cream 4 bricks collectively 5 (informal) a reliable, trustworthy, or helpful person 6 drop a brick (Brit & NZ informal) to make a tactless or indiscreet remark ▸ vb 7 (foll. by in or up or over) to construct, line, pave, fill, or wall up with bricks: they bricked up access to the historic pillarbricklayer n a person who builds with bricksbridal adj of a bride or a weddingbride n a woman who has just been or is about to be marriedbridegroom n a man who has just been or is about to be marriedbridesmaid n a girl or woman who attends a bride at her weddingbridge1 n 1 a structure that provides a way over a railway, river, etc. ◇ SYNONYMS: arch, span, viaduct, flyover, overpass, fixed link (Canad) 2 a platform from which a ship is piloted and navigated 3 the hard ridge at the upper part of the nose 4 a dental plate containing artificial teeth that is secured to natural teeth 5 a piece of wood supporting the strings of a violin, guitar, etc. ▸ vb bridging, bridged 6 to build or provide a bridge over (something) ◇ SYNONYMS: span, cross 7 to connect or reduce the distance between: talks aimed at bridging the gap between the two sides ◇ SYNONYMS: reconcile, resolvebridge2 n a card game for four players, based on whist, in which the trump suit is decided by bidding between the playersbridgehead n (military) a fortified or defensive position at the end of a bridge nearest to the enemybridle n 1 headgear for controlling a horse, consisting of straps and a bit and reins 2 something that curbs or restrains ▸ vb -dling, -dled 3 to show anger or indignation: he bridled at the suggestion that he should resign 4 to put a bridle on (a horse) 5 to restrain; curbbridle path n a path suitable for riding or leading horsesBrie (bree) n a soft creamy white cheesebrief adj 1 short in duration ◇ SYNONYMS: short, quick, fleeting, swift, short-lived, momentary, ephemeral, transitory 2 short in length or extent; scanty: a brief bikini 3 terse or concise ▸ n 4 a condensed statement or written synopsis ◇ SYNONYMS: summary, résumé, outline, sketch, abstract, digest, epitome, rundown 5 (law) a document containing all the facts and points of law of a case by which a solicitor instructs a barrister to represent a client 6 (RC Church) a papal letter that is less formal than a bull 7 Also called: briefing instructions 8 hold a brief for to argue for; champion 9 in brief in short; to sum up ▸ vb 10 to prepare or instruct (someone) by giving a summary of relevant facts ◇ SYNONYMS: inform, prime, prepare, advise, fill in (informal), instruct, put in the picture (informal), keep (someone) posted 11 (English law) A to instruct (a barrister) by brief B to retain (a barrister) as counsel > briefly advbriefcase n a flat portable case for carrying papers, books, etc.brier1 or briar1 n any of various thorny shrubs or other plants, such as the sweetbrierbrier2 n same as briarbrig n (naut) a two-masted square-rigged shipbrigade n 1 a military formation smaller than a division and usually commanded by a brigadier ◇ SYNONYMS: corps, company, force, unit, division, troop, squad, team 2 a group of people organized for a certain task: a rescue brigade ◇ SYNONYMS: group, band, squad, organizationbrigadier n a senior officer in an army, usually commanding a brigadebrigalow n (Austral) a type of acacia treebrigand n a bandit, esp. a member of a gang operating in mountainous areasbrigantine n a two-masted sailing shipbright adj 1 emitting or reflecting much light; shining ◇ SYNONYMS: shining, glowing, dazzling, gleaming, shimmering, radiant, luminous, lustrous 2 (of colours) intense or vivid ◇ SYNONYMS: vivid, rich, brilliant, glowing, colourful 3 full of promise: a bright future 4 lively or cheerful 5 quick-witted or clever ◇ SYNONYMS: clever, smart, ingenious ▸ adv 6 brightly: the light burned bright in his office > brightly adv > brightness nbrighten vb 1 to make or become bright or brighter ◇ SYNONYMS: light up, shine, glow, gleam, lighten 2 to make or become cheerfulbrilliance or brilliancy n 1 great brightness ◇ SYNONYMS: brightness, intensity, sparkle, dazzle, lustre, radiance, luminosity, vividness 2 excellence in physical or mental ability ◇ SYNONYMS: cleverness, talent, wisdom, distinction, genius, excellence, greatness, inventiveness 3 splendour ◇ SYNONYMS: splendour, glamour, grandeur, magnificence, éclat, illustriousnessbrilliant adj 1 shining with light; sparkling ◇ SYNONYMS: bright, shining, intense, sparkling, glittering, dazzling, vivid, radiant 2 (of a colour) vivid 3 splendid; magnificent: a brilliant show ◇ SYNONYMS: splendid, famous, celebrated, outstanding, superb, magnificent, glorious, notable 4 of outstanding intelligence or intellect ◇ SYNONYMS: intelligent, sharp, intellectual, clever, profound, penetrating, inventive, perspicacious (formal) ▸ n 5 a diamond cut with many facets to increase its sparklebrim n 1 the upper rim of a cup, bowl, etc. ◇ SYNONYMS: rim, edge, border, lip, margin, verge (Brit), brink 2 a projecting edge of a hat ▸ vb brimming, brimmed 3 to be full to the brim: he saw the tears that brimmed in her eyes ◇ SYNONYMS: be full, spill, well over, run over > brimless adjbrimstone n (obsolete) sulphurbrine n 1 a strong solution of salt and water, used for pickling 2 (literary) the sea or its waterbring vb bringing, brought 1 to carry, convey, or take (something or someone) to a designated place or person ◇ SYNONYMS: take, guide, conduct, escort 2 to cause to happen: responsibility brings maturity ◇ SYNONYMS: cause, produce, create, effect, occasion (formal), result in, contribute to, inflict 3 to cause to come to mind: it brought back memories 4 to cause to be in a certain state, position, etc.: the punch brought him to his knees ◇ SYNONYMS: cause, produce, create, effect, occasion (formal), result in, contribute to, inflict 5 to make (oneself): she couldn't bring herself to do it 6 to sell for: the painting brought a large sum 7 (law) A to institute (proceedings, charges, etc.) B to put (evidence, etc.) before a tribunal ▸ See also bring aboutbring about vb to cause to happen: a late harvest brought about by bad weather ◇ SYNONYMS bring something about: cause, produce, create, effect, achieve, generate, accomplish, give rise tobring off vb to succeed in achieving (something difficult) ◇ SYNONYMS bring something off: accomplish, achieve, perform, succeed, execute, pull off, carry offbring out vb 1 to produce, publish, or have (a book) published 2 to expose, reveal, or cause to be seen: he brought out the best in me 3 (foll. by in) to cause (a person) to become covered with (a rash, spots, etc.)bring up vb 1 to care for and train (a child); rear ◇ SYNONYMS bring someone up: rear, raise, support, train, develop, teach, breed, foster 2 to raise (a subject) for discussion; mention ◇ SYNONYMS bring something up: mention, raise, introduce, point out, refer to, allude to, broach 3 to vomit (food)brinjal n (S African & Indian) a dark purple tropical fruit, cooked and eaten as a vegetablebrink n 1 the edge or border of a steep place ◇ SYNONYMS: edge, limit, border, lip, margin, boundary, skirt, frontier 2 the land at the edge of a body of water ◇ SYNONYMS: edge, limit, border, lip, margin, boundary, skirt, frontier 3 on the brink of very near; on the point of: on the brink of disasterbriny adj brinier, briniest 1 of or like brine; salty ▸ n 2 the briny (informal) the seabrisk adj 1 lively and quick; vigorous: brisk trade ◇ SYNONYMS: quick, lively, energetic, active, vigorous, bustling, sprightly, spry 2 invigorating or sharp: brisk weather ◇ SYNONYMS: short, brief, blunt, abrupt, terse, gruff, brusque, monosyllabic 3 practical and businesslike: his manner was brisk > briskly advbrisket n beef from the breast of a cowbristle n 1 any short stiff hair, such as on a pig's back ◇ SYNONYMS: hair, spine, thorn, whisker, barb, stubble, prickle 2 something resembling these hairs: toothbrush bristle ▸ vb -tling, -tled 3 to stand up or cause to stand up like bristles ◇ SYNONYMS: stand up, rise, stand on end 4 to show anger or indignation: she bristled at the suggestion ◇ SYNONYMS: be angry, rage, seethe, flare up, bridle, see red 5 to be thickly covered or set: the hedges bristled with blossom > bristly adjBrit n (informal) a British personBritish adj 1 of Britain or the British Commonwealth 2 denoting the English language as spoken and written in Britain ▸ pl n 3 the British the people of BritainBriton n 1 a native or inhabitant of Britain 2 (history) any of the early Celtic inhabitants of S Britainbrittle adj 1 easily cracked or broken; fragile ◇ SYNONYMS: fragile, delicate, crisp, crumbling, frail, crumbly, breakable, friable 2 curt or irritable: a brittle reply 3 hard or sharp in quality: a brittle laugh > brittly advbroach vb 1 to initiate or introduce (a topic) for discussion 2 to tap or pierce (a container) to draw off (a liquid) 3 to open in order to begin to use ▸ n 4 a spit for roasting meatbroad adj 1 having great breadth or width ◇ SYNONYMS: wide, large, ample, generous, expansive 2 of vast extent: broad plains ◇ SYNONYMS: large, huge, vast, extensive, ample, spacious, expansive, roomy 3 not detailed; general ◇ SYNONYMS: general, loose, vague, approximate, indefinite, ill-defined, inexact, unspecific 4 clear and open: broad daylight 5 obvious: broad hints 6 tolerant: a broad view 7 extensive: broad support ◇ SYNONYMS: full, general, comprehensive, complete, wide, sweeping, wide-ranging, thorough 8 vulgar or coarse 9 strongly marked: he spoke broad Australian English ▸ n 10 (chiefly US & Canad slang, sometimes offensive) a woman 11 the Broads in East Anglia, a group of shallow lakes connected by a network of rivers > broadly advbroadband n a telecommunications technique that uses a wide range of frequencies to allow messages to be sent simultaneouslybroad bean n the large edible flattened seed of a Eurasian bean plantbroadcast n 1 a transmission or programme on radio or television ◇ SYNONYMS: transmission, show, programme, telecast, podcast, webcast, vodcast, mobcast ▸ vb -casting, -cast or -casted 2 to transmit (announcements or programmes) on radio or television ◇ SYNONYMS: transmit, show, air, radio, cable, beam, send out, relay, stream, podcast, open-line (Canad) 3 to take part in a radio or television programme 4 to make widely known throughout an area: to broadcast news ◇ SYNONYMS: make public, report, announce, publish, spread, advertise, proclaim, circulate 5 to scatter (seed, etc.) > broadcaster n > broadcasting nbroaden vb to make or become broad or broader; widen ◇ SYNONYMS: expand, increase, develop, spread, extend, stretch, swell, supplementbroad-minded adj 1 tolerant of opposing viewpoints; liberal 2 not easily shockedbroadside n 1 a strong or abusive verbal or written attack 2 (naval) the simultaneous firing of all the guns on one side of a ship 3 (naut) the entire side of a ship ▸ adv 4 with a broader side facing an objectbrocade n 1 a rich fabric woven with a raised design ▸ vb -cading, -caded 2 to weave with such a designbroccoli n a variety of cabbage with greenish flower headsbrochure n a pamphlet or booklet, esp. one containing introductory information or advertising ◇ SYNONYMS: booklet, advertisement, leaflet, hand-out, circular, pamphlet, folder, mailshotbroekies (brook-eez) pl n (S African informal) underpants ◇ SYNONYMS: underpants, pants (Brit), briefs, drawers, knickers, panties, boxer shorts, Y-fronts (trademark), underdaks (Austral slang)brogue1 n a sturdy walking shoe, often with ornamental perforationsbrogue2 n a broad gentle-sounding dialectal accent, esp. that used by the Irish in speaking Englishbroil vb same as grillbroke vb 1 the past tense of break ▸ adj 2 (informal) having no money ◇ SYNONYMS: penniless, short, ruined, bust (informal), bankrupt, impoverished, in the red, insolventbroken vb 1 the past participle of break ▸ adj 2 fractured, smashed, or splintered ◇ SYNONYMS: smashed, burst, shattered, fragmented, fractured, severed, ruptured, separated 3 interrupted; disturbed: broken sleep ◇ SYNONYMS: interrupted, incomplete, erratic, intermittent, fragmentary, spasmodic, discontinuous 4 not functioning ◇ SYNONYMS: defective, not working, imperfect, out of order, on the blink (slang), kaput (informal) 5 (of a promise or contract) violated; infringed 6 (of the speech of a foreigner) imperfectly spoken: broken English ◇ SYNONYMS: imperfect, halting, hesitating, stammering, disjointed 7 Also: broken-in made tame by training 8 exhausted or weakened, as through ill-health or misfortunebrokenhearted adj overwhelmed by grief or disappointmentbroker n 1 an agent who buys or sells goods, securities, etc.: an insurance broker ◇ SYNONYMS: dealer, agent, trader, supplier, merchant, negotiator, mediator, intermediary 2 a person who deals in second-hand goods ◇ SYNONYMS: dealer, agent, trader, supplier, merchant, negotiator, mediator, intermediarybrolga n a large grey Australian crane with a trumpeting call. Also called: native companionbrolly n, pl -lies (Brit & Austral & NZ informal) an umbrellabromance n (informal) a close, non-sexual friendship between two menbromide n 1 (chem) any compound of bromine with another element or radical 2 a dose of sodium or potassium bromide given as a sedative 3 a boring, meaningless, or obvious remarkbromine n (chem) a dark red liquid chemical element that gives off a pungent vapour. SYMBOL: Brbronchial adj of or relating to both of the bronchi or the smaller tubes into which they dividebronchitis n inflammation of the bronchial tubes, causing coughing and difficulty in breathingbronchus (bronk-uss) n, pl bronchi (bronk-eye) either of the two main branches of the windpipebronco n, pl -cos (in the US and Canada) a wild or partially tamed horsebrontosaurus n a former name for apatosaurusbronze n 1 an alloy of copper and smaller proportions of tin 2 a statue, medal, or other object made of bronze ▸ adj 3 made of or resembling bronze 4 yellowish-brown ◇ SYNONYMS: yellowish-brown, reddish-brown, copper, tan, rust, chestnut, brownish ▸ vb bronzing, bronzed 5 (esp. of the skin) to make or become brown; tanBronze Age n a phase of human culture, lasting in Britain from about 2000 to 500 BC during which weapons and tools were made of bronzebrooch n an ornament with a hinged pin and catch, worn fastened to clothingbrood n 1 a number of young animals, esp. birds, produced at one hatching ◇ SYNONYMS: offspring, issue, clutch, litter, progeny 2 all the children in a family: often used jokingly ◇ SYNONYMS: children, family, nearest and dearest, flesh and blood, ainga (NZ) ▸ vb 3 (of a bird) to sit on or hatch eggs 4 to think long and unhappily about something: he brooded on his failure to avert the confrontation ◇ SYNONYMS: think, obsess, muse, ponder, agonize, mull over, mope, ruminate > brooding n, adjbroody adj broodier, broodiest 1 moody; introspective 2 (of poultry) wishing to sit on or hatch eggs 3 (informal) (of a woman) wishing to have a babybrook1 n a natural freshwater stream ◇ SYNONYMS: stream, burn (Scot & N English), rivulet, beck, watercourse, rillbrook2 vb to bear; tolerate: she would brook no oppositionbroom n 1 a type of long-handled sweeping brush 2 a yellow-flowered shrub 3 a new broom a newly appointed official, etc., eager to make radical changesbroomstick n the long handle of a broombroth n a soup made by boiling meat, vegetables, etc. in waterbrothel n a house where men pay to have sexual intercourse with prostitutesbrother n 1 a man or boy with the same parents as another person. RELATED ADJECTIVE: fraternal ◇ SYNONYMS: male sibling 2 a man belonging to the same group, trade union, etc. as another or others; fellow member 3 comrade; friend 4 (Christianity) a member of a male religious order ◇ SYNONYMS: monk, cleric, friar, religiousbrotherhood n 1 fellowship 2 an association, such as a trade union 3 the state of being a brotherbrother-in-law n, pl brothers-in-law 1 the brother of one's wife or husband 2 the husband of one's siblingbrotherly adj of or like a brother, esp. in showing loyalty and affection ◇ SYNONYMS: fraternal, friendly, neighbourly, sympathetic, affectionate, benevolent, kind, amicablebrought vb the past of bringbrow n 1 the part of the face from the eyes to the hairline; forehead 2 same as eyebrow 3 the jutting top of a hillbrowbeat vb -beating, -beat, -beaten to frighten (someone) with threatsbrown adj 1 of the colour of wood or the earth ◇ SYNONYMS: brunette, bay, coffee, chocolate, chestnut, hazel, dun, auburn 2 (of bread) made from wheatmeal or wholemeal flour 3 deeply tanned ◇ SYNONYMS: tanned, bronze, tan, sunburnt ▸ n 4 the colour of wood or the earth 5 anything brown, such as brown paint or brown clothing: clad in brown ▸ vb 6 to make or become brown or browner, for example as a result of cooking ◇ SYNONYMS: fry, cook, grill, sear, sauté > brownish adjbrowned-off adj (informal, chiefly Brit) thoroughly bored and depressedBrownie Guide or Brownie n a member of the junior branch of the Guidesbrowse vb browsing, browsed 1 to look through (a book or articles for sale) in a casual leisurely manner ◇ SYNONYMS: skim, scan, glance at, survey, look through, look round, dip into, leaf through 2 (computers) to read hypertext, esp. on the internet 3 (of deer, goats, etc.) to feed upon vegetation by continual nibbling ◇ SYNONYMS: graze, eat, feed, nibble ▸ n 4 an instance of browsingbrowser n (computers) a software package that enables a user to read hypertext, esp. on the internetbruise vb bruising, bruised 1 to injure (body tissue) without breaking the skin, usually with discoloration, or (of body tissue) to be injured in this way ◇ SYNONYMS: hurt, injure, mark 2 to hurt (someone's feelings) 3 to damage (fruit) ◇ SYNONYMS: damage, mark, mar, discolour ▸ n 4 a bodily injury without a break in the skin, usually with discoloration ◇ SYNONYMS: discoloration, mark, injury, blemish, contusion (formal)bruiser n (informal) a strong tough person, esp. a boxer or a bullybrumby n, pl -bies (Austral) 1 a wild horse 2 an unruly personbrunch n a meal eaten late in the morning, combining breakfast with lunchbrunette n a woman with dark brown hairbrunt n the main force or shock of a blow, attack, etc.: the town bore the brunt of the earthquakebrush1 n 1 a device made of bristles, hairs, wires, etc. set into a firm back or handle: used to apply paint, groom the hair, etc. ◇ SYNONYMS: broom, sweeper, besom 2 the act of brushing 3 a brief encounter, esp. an unfriendly one ◇ SYNONYMS: encounter, meeting, confrontation, rendezvous 4 the bushy tail of a fox 5 an electric conductor, esp. one made of carbon, that conveys current between stationary and rotating parts of a generator, motor, etc. ▸ vb 6 to clean, scrub, or paint with a brush ◇ SYNONYMS: clean, wash, polish, buff 7 to apply or remove with a brush or brushing movement 8 to touch lightly and briefly ◇ SYNONYMS: touch, sweep, kiss, stroke, glance, flick, scrape, graze ▸ See also brush off, brush upbrush2 n a thick growth of shrubs and small trees; scrub ◇ SYNONYMS: shrubs, bushes, scrub, undergrowth, thicket, copse, brushwoodbrush off (slang) vb 1 to dismiss and ignore (a person), esp. curtly ◇ SYNONYMS brush someone off: ignore, reject, dismiss, snub, disregard, scorn, disdain, spurn ▸ n brushoff 2 give someone the brushoff to reject someonebrush turkey n a bird of New Guinea and Australia resembling the domestic fowl, with black plumagebrush up vb 1 (often foll. by on) to refresh one's knowledge or memory of (a subject) ◇ SYNONYMS brush something up or brush up on something: revise, study, go over, cram, polish up, read up on, relearn, bone up on (informal) ▸ n brush-up 2 (Brit) the act of tidying one's appearance: have a wash and brush-upbrusque adj blunt or curt in manner or speech > brusquely adv > brusqueness nBrussels sprout n a vegetable like a tiny cabbagebrutal adj 1 cruel; vicious; savage ◇ SYNONYMS: cruel, savage, vicious, ruthless, callous, sadistic, heartless, inhuman 2 harsh or severe ◇ SYNONYMS: harsh, tough, severe, rough, rude, indifferent, insensitive, callous 3 extremely honest or frank in speech or manner > brutality n > brutally advbrutalize or -ise vb -izing, -ized or -ising, -ised 1 to make or become brutal 2 to treat (someone) brutally > brutalization or -isation nbrute n 1 a brutal person 2 any animal that is not a human; beast ▸ adj 3 wholly instinctive or physical, like that of an animal: cricket is not a game of brute force 4 without reason or intelligence 5 coarse and grossly sensualbrutish adj 1 of or resembling a brute; animal 2 coarse; cruel; stupidBSc Bachelor of ScienceBSE bovine spongiform encephalopathy: a fatal virus disease of cattleBST British Summer TimeBTW by the way