DECLINE

1. The number of people buying their own homes has declined.

2. Industry in Britain has been in decline since the 1970s.

HARNESS

1. They are attempting to harness the power of the sun.

2. All climbers must wear safety harnesses and helmets.

BOAST

1. He’s always boasting of his great sporting achievements.
2. Ireland boasts beautiful beaches, great restaurants, and friendly locals.

3. Despite his boasts that his children were brilliant, neither of them went to college.

PLEDGE
/pledʒ/

He pledged his support to Mandela.

He made a solemn pledge to the American people.

make a pledge
keep a pledge
break a pledge

SPIKE

The US dollar spiked to a three-month high

a row of iron spikes on a wall

FROLIC

children frolicking on the beach

The days of fun and frolic were gone for ever.

SCURRY

1. The mouse scurried across the floor.

1. a scurry of animals running for safety

2. That remark went undetected in the scurry of the radio studio.

THAW
/θɔː/
verb: 1. The sun came out and thawed the ice.
It's beginning to thaw (= the weather is warm enough for snow and ice to melt).
2. The report shows that relations between the two enemies may be thawing.

noun: 1. With the spring thaw, the rivers and lakes swelled.
2. There are signs of a thaw in relations between the two countries.

noun: