Extensive Reading-Book A Unit 26 (E)

catastrophe

a sudden disaster
The US experienced a huge catastrophe on 9/11.

decimate

destroy a great number of
The atomic bomb decimated the population of Japan during World War II.

detected

To discover or ascertain the existence
We detected other life forms in space.

devastating

lay waste
With modern physics and technology, we have invented some devastating weaponry.

displace

to put out of place
The car mechanic accidentally displaced the oil with the cleaner.

extent

the space or degree to which a thing extends
The extent of the damage was severe. It would take many years to rebuild.

fatalities

a disaster resulting in death
The number of soldier fatalities during the war was great.

formulate

put into definite words
The student formulated his reply in his head before he spoke.

induce

lead by persuasion or influence
The people were easily induced by the propaganda.

magnitude

physical greatness
The magnitude of the earthquake was so powerful it destroyed tall buildings.

prime

of highest quality
The man that was found with the bloody shirt was the police’s prime suspect.

pummeled

to beat or thrash with or as if with the fists
The man pummeled his opponent to the ground.

recorded

To set down for preservation in writing or other permanent form
The recorded message was from my mom.

reliable

reliable, trustworthy
My best friend is very reliable with even the menial tasks I ask him to do.

Richter scale

a scale, ranging from 1 to 10, for indicating the intensity of an earthquake
The horrific earthquake measured a 7.2 on the Richter scale.

scathed

to attack with severe criticism
The lawyer scathed the witness with all sorts of questions.

stress

importance or significance attached to a thing
I cannot stress to you how important this next objective is.

subterranean

existing, situated, or operating below the surface of the earth
They built subterranean tunnels, so the enemy wouldn’t see them in the air.

tidal

of or relating to or caused by tides
Surfers use small tidal waves to ride on their boards.

tsunami

a sea wave caused by a submarine earthquake
Tsunamis show the destructive power of water.