decimate'to destroy a large part of something' Etymology: c. 1600, in reference to the practice of punishing mutinous military units by capital execution of one in every 10, by lot; from Latin decimatus, past participle of decimare "the removal or destruction of one-tenth," from decem "ten" (from PIE root *dekm- "ten"). The killing of one in ten, chosen by lots, from a rebellious city or a mutinous army was a common punishment in classical times. The word has been used (incorrectly, to the irritation of pedants) since 1660s for "destroy a large portion of." Examples: - However, upon the death of the Baron’s father, Dmitri Harkonnen, the old - Prevented from linking with the land forces waiting to invade England from the Low - The elders and the chiefs met to discuss what they could do about the |
dibscall dibs = claim / reserve something (mainly US usage) From: children's word to express a claim on something, 1915, originally U.S., apparently from earlier senses "a portion or share" and "money" (early 19c. colloquial), probably a contraction of dibstone "a knucklebone or jack in a children's game" (1690s), in which the first element is of unknown origin. Examples: - Seven hesitates to move, and since he’s hesitant, Sekani is too. But shoot, I want first dibs on a room. “Where are the bedrooms?” (Angie Thomas - The Hate U Give [recommended!]) - ‘Good idea!’ Tom exclaimed from his side of the table, where he was pushing - “If this turns out to be a pagan sacrifice,” Sam said, “dibs I not be the |
dingrecent usage: "make a dent in" , "harm" - In other words, it’s possible to float factually inaccurate statements and yet not ding your chances of confirmation,” Binder said. - In addition, he said that the carrier expects passengers will share their experiences on social media, even ones that may ding the company’s armor. |