English word of the day

Definition: (verb) Prevent the occurrence of; prevent from happening. Synonyms: deflect, head off, avert, avoid, debar, obviate. Usage: Norman of Torn, if you are not the son of the old man you call father may God forfend that England ever guesses your true parentage.

Definition: (noun) The reversal of the normal order of words. Synonyms: inversion. Usage: Anastrophe, when used correctly, can give writing an impact that traditional sentence structures cannot always achieve.

Definition: (adjective) Having or exerting a malignant influence. Synonyms: malevolent, malign, evil. Usage: I would bet my life that Amelia's grades would improve if she stopped going out with those malefic hoodlums every night.