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DEFINITION: (verb) To hinder or impede the action or performance of. SYNONYMS: constrain, cumber, restrain. USAGE: The union representatives spoke out against the new restrictions that they believed would encumber police work and allow criminals to remain free. Discuss

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ill-usage

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DEFINITION: (noun) Cruel or inhumane treatment. SYNONYMS: abuse, ill-treatment, maltreatment. USAGE: The poor creature often bore about her marks of ill-usage and violence which she could not wholly conceal.

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expiate

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DEFINITION: (verb) To make amends or reparation for. SYNONYMS: aby, atone. USAGE: I felt I had to expiate my sins by performing acts of penance.

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