double stopping: stopping two strings and producing two notes at the same time


transposition: (music) playing in a different key from the key intended; moving the pitch of a piece of music upwards or downwards


jam session: an impromptu jazz concert


automation: the act of implementing the control of equipment with advanced technology; usually involving electronic hardware


mechanization: the act of implementing the control of equipment with advanced technology; usually involving electronic hardware


mechanisation: the act of implementing the control of equipment with advanced technology; usually involving electronic hardware


computerization: the control of processes by computer


cybernation: the control of processes by computer


motorization: the act of motorizing (equiping with motors or with motor vehicles)


motorisation: the act of motorizing (equiping with motors or with motor vehicles)


launching: the act of propelling with force


launch: the act of propelling with force


launching: the act of moving a newly built vessel into the water for the first time


rocket firing: the launching of a rocket or missile under its own power


rocket launching: the launching of a rocket or missile under its own power


blastoff: the launching of a missile or spacecraft to a specified destination


shot: the launching of a missile or spacecraft to a specified destination


moon shot: the launching of a spacecraft to the moon


drive: the act of applying force to propel something


thrust: the act of applying force to propel something


driving force: the act of applying force to propel something


firewall: (colloquial) the application of maximum thrust


impulse: the act of applying force suddenly


impulsion: the act of applying force suddenly


impetus: the act of applying force suddenly


roll: the act of rolling something (as the ball in bowling)


bowl: the act of rolling something (as the ball in bowling)


throw: the act of throwing (propelling something with a rapid movement of the arm and wrist)


bowling: (cricket) the act of delivering a cricket ball to the batsman


fling: the act of flinging


heave: throwing something heavy (with great effort)


heaving: throwing something heavy (with great effort)


hurl: a violent throw


cast: a violent throw


leaner: (horseshoes) the throw of a horseshoe so as to lean against (but not encircle) the stake


pass: (sports) the act of throwing the ball to another member of your team


toss: (sports) the act of throwing the ball to another member of your team


flip: (sports) the act of throwing the ball to another member of your team


pitch: the action or manner of throwing something


pitch: (baseball) the act of throwing a baseball by a pitcher to a batter


delivery: (baseball) the act of throwing a baseball by a pitcher to a batter


ringer: (horseshoes) the successful throw of a horseshoe or quoit so as to encircle a stake or peg


shy: a quick throw


slinging: throwing with a wide motion (as if with a sling)


throw-in: (rugby) an act or instance of throwing a ball in to put it into play


balk: an illegal pitching motion while runners are on base


ball: a pitch that is not in the strike zone


beanball: a baseball deliberately thrown at the batter's head


beaner: a baseball deliberately thrown at the batter's head


change-up: a baseball thrown with little velocity when the batter is expecting a fastball


change-of-pace: a baseball thrown with little velocity when the batter is expecting a fastball


change-of-pace ball: a baseball thrown with little velocity when the batter is expecting a fastball


off-speed pitch: a baseball thrown with little velocity when the batter is expecting a fastball


curve: a pitch of a baseball that is thrown with spin so that its path curves as it approaches the batter


curve ball: a pitch of a baseball that is thrown with spin so that its path curves as it approaches the batter


breaking ball: a pitch of a baseball that is thrown with spin so that its path curves as it approaches the batter


bender: a pitch of a baseball that is thrown with spin so that its path curves as it approaches the batter


duster: a pitch thrown deliberately close to the batter


fastball: (baseball) a pitch thrown with maximum velocity


heater: (baseball) a pitch thrown with maximum velocity


smoke: (baseball) a pitch thrown with maximum velocity


hummer: (baseball) a pitch thrown with maximum velocity


bullet: (baseball) a pitch thrown with maximum velocity


knuckleball: a baseball pitch thrown with little speed or spin


knuckler: a baseball pitch thrown with little speed or spin


overhand pitch: a baseball pitch in which the hand moves above the shoulder


passed ball: a pitch that the catcher should have caught but did not; allows a base runner to advance a base


screwball: a pitch with reverse spin that curves toward the side of the plate from which it was thrown


sinker: a pitch that curves downward rapidly as it approaches the plate


slider: a fastball that curves slightly away from the side from which it was thrown


spitball: an illegal pitch in which a foreign substance (spit or Vaseline) is applied to the ball by the pitcher before he throws it


spitter: an illegal pitch in which a foreign substance (spit or Vaseline) is applied to the ball by the pitcher before he throws it


strike: (baseball) a pitch that the batter swings at and misses, or that the batter hits into foul territory, or that the batter does not swing at but the umpire judges to be in the area over home plate and between the batter's knees and shoulders


submarine ball: a pitch thrown sidearm instead of overhead


submarine pitch: a pitch thrown sidearm instead of overhead


wild pitch: an errant pitch that the catcher cannot be expected to catch and that allows a base runner to advance a base


basketball shot: throwing the basketball toward the hoop


bank shot: a basketball shot that bounces off of the backboard before passing through the hoop


dunk: a basketball shot in which the basketball is propelled downward into the basket


dunk shot: a basketball shot in which the basketball is propelled downward into the basket


stuff shot: a basketball shot in which the basketball is propelled downward into the basket


slam dunk: a forceful dunk


finger-roll: a basketball shot that rolls off the tips of the fingers into the basket


foul shot: an unhindered basketball shot from the foul line; given to penalize the other team for committing a foul


free throw: an unhindered basketball shot from the foul line; given to penalize the other team for committing a foul


penalty free throw: an unhindered basketball shot from the foul line; given to penalize the other team for committing a foul


charity toss: an unhindered basketball shot from the foul line; given to penalize the other team for committing a foul


charity throw: an unhindered basketball shot from the foul line; given to penalize the other team for committing a foul


charity shot: an unhindered basketball shot from the foul line; given to penalize the other team for committing a foul


one-and-one: a foul shot that must be made in order to earn the right to a second foul shot


hook shot: a basketball shot made over the head with the hand that is farther from the basket


hook: a basketball shot made over the head with the hand that is farther from the basket


jumper: (basketball) a player releases the basketball at the high point of a jump


jump shot: (basketball) a player releases the basketball at the high point of a jump


lay-up: a basketball shot made with one hand from a position under or beside the basket (and usually banked off the backboard)


layup: a basketball shot made with one hand from a position under or beside the basket (and usually banked off the backboard)


pivot shot: a one-handed basketball shot made while whirling on the pivot foot


set shot: a two-handed basketball shot from a stationary position


scoop shot: a basketball shot made with an underhand scooping motion


tip in: a basketball shot made by tapping the rebounding ball back into the basket


push: the act of applying force in order to move something away


pushing: the act of applying force in order to move something away


depression: pushing down


click: depression of a button on a computer mouse


mouse click: depression of a button on a computer mouse


nudge: a slight push or shake


jog: a slight push or shake


press: the act of pressing; the exertion of pressure


pressure: the act of pressing; the exertion of pressure


pressing: the act of pressing; the exertion of pressure


impression: the act of pressing one thing on or into the surface of another


shove: the act of shoving (giving a push to someone or something)


bundling: the act of shoving hastily


jostle: the act of jostling (forcing your way by pushing)


jostling: the act of jostling (forcing your way by pushing)


elbowing: jostling with the elbows


pull: the act of pulling; applying force to move something toward or with you


pulling: the act of pulling; applying force to move something toward or with you


drag: the act of dragging (pulling with force)


draw: the act of drawing or hauling something


haul: the act of drawing or hauling something


haulage: the act of drawing or hauling something


tow: the act of hauling something (as a vehicle) by means of a hitch or rope


towage: the act of hauling something (as a vehicle) by means of a hitch or rope


tug: a sudden abrupt pull


jerk: a sudden abrupt pull


draft: the act of moving a load by drawing or pulling


draught: the act of moving a load by drawing or pulling


drawing: the act of moving a load by drawing or pulling


extirpation: the act of pulling up or out; uprooting; cutting off from existence


excision: the act of pulling up or out; uprooting; cutting off from existence


deracination: the act of pulling up or out; uprooting; cutting off from existence


pluck: the act of pulling and releasing a taut cord


traction: (orthopedics) the act of pulling on a bone or limb (as in a fracture) to relieve pressure or align parts in a special way during healing


lift: the act of raising something


raise: the act of raising something


heave: the act of raising something


expulsion: the act of expelling or projecting or ejecting


projection: the act of expelling or projecting or ejecting


ejection: the act of expelling or projecting or ejecting


forcing out: the act of expelling or projecting or ejecting


defenestration: the act of throwing someone or something out of a window


accommodation reflex: reflex changes in the eyes that enable an object to be focused on the retina


Babinski: extension upward of the toes when the sole of the foot is stroked firmly on the outer side from the heel to the front; normal in infants under the age of two years but a sign of brain or spinal cord injury in older persons


Babinski reflex: extension upward of the toes when the sole of the foot is stroked firmly on the outer side from the heel to the front; normal in infants under the age of two years but a sign of brain or spinal cord injury in older persons


Babinski sign: extension upward of the toes when the sole of the foot is stroked firmly on the outer side from the heel to the front; normal in infants under the age of two years but a sign of brain or spinal cord injury in older persons


belch: a reflex that expels gas noisily from the stomach through the mouth


belching: a reflex that expels gas noisily from the stomach through the mouth


burp: a reflex that expels gas noisily from the stomach through the mouth


burping: a reflex that expels gas noisily from the stomach through the mouth


eructation: a reflex that expels gas noisily from the stomach through the mouth


belching: the forceful expulsion of something from inside


blink: a reflex that closes and opens the eyes rapidly


eye blink: a reflex that closes and opens the eyes rapidly


blinking: a reflex that closes and opens the eyes rapidly


wink: a reflex that closes and opens the eyes rapidly


winking: a reflex that closes and opens the eyes rapidly


nictitation: a reflex that closes and opens the eyes rapidly


nictation: a reflex that closes and opens the eyes rapidly


blush: sudden reddening of the face (as from embarrassment or guilt or shame or modesty)


flush: sudden reddening of the face (as from embarrassment or guilt or shame or modesty)


coughing up: the act of expelling (food or phlegm) by coughing


spit: the act of spitting (forcefully expelling saliva)


spitting: the act of spitting (forcefully expelling saliva)


expectoration: the act of spitting (forcefully expelling saliva)


vomit: the reflex act of ejecting the contents of the stomach through the mouth


vomiting: the reflex act of ejecting the contents of the stomach through the mouth


emesis: the reflex act of ejecting the contents of the stomach through the mouth


regurgitation: the reflex act of ejecting the contents of the stomach through the mouth


disgorgement: the reflex act of ejecting the contents of the stomach through the mouth


puking: the reflex act of ejecting the contents of the stomach through the mouth


rumination: regurgitation of small amounts of food; seen in some infants after feeding


hematemesis: vomiting blood


haematemesis: vomiting blood


hyperemesis: severe and excessive vomiting


hyperemesis gravidarum: hyperemesis during pregnancy; if severe it can result in damage to the brain and liver and kidney


jump: the act of jumping; propelling yourself off the ground


jumping: the act of jumping; propelling yourself off the ground


header: a headlong jump (or fall)


hop: the act of hopping; jumping upward or forward (especially on one foot)


leap: a light, self-propelled movement upwards or forwards


leaping: a light, self-propelled movement upwards or forwards


spring: a light, self-propelled movement upwards or forwards


saltation: a light, self-propelled movement upwards or forwards


bound: a light, self-propelled movement upwards or forwards


bounce: a light, self-propelled movement upwards or forwards


vault: the act of jumping over an obstacle


hurdle: the act of jumping over an obstacle


jumping up and down: jumping in one spot (as in excitement)


lob: the act of propelling something (as a ball or shell etc.) in a high arc


centering: (American football) putting the ball in play by passing it (between the legs) to a back


snap: (American football) putting the ball in play by passing it (between the legs) to a back


sending: the act of causing something to go (especially messages)


transmission: the act of sending a message; causing a message to be transmitted


transmittal: the act of sending a message; causing a message to be transmitted


transmitting: the act of sending a message; causing a message to be transmitted


forwarding: the act of sending on to another destination


referral: the act of referring (as forwarding an applicant for employment or referring a matter to an appropriate agency)


remission: (law) the act of remitting (especially the referral of a law case to another court)


remitment: (law) the act of remitting (especially the referral of a law case to another court)


remit: (law) the act of remitting (especially the referral of a law case to another court)


mailing: the transmission of a letter


posting: the transmission of a letter


wheeling: propelling something on wheels


rolling: propelling something on wheels


shooting: the act of firing a projectile


shot: the act of firing a projectile


shoot: the act of shooting at targets


countershot: a return shot; a retaliatory shot


discharge: the act of discharging a gun


firing: the act of discharging a gun


firing off: the act of discharging a gun


gun: the discharge of a firearm as signal or as a salute in military ceremonies


fire control: preparation for the delivery of shellfire on a target


gunfire: the act of shooting a gun


gunshot: the act of shooting a gun


enfilade: gunfire directed along the length rather than the breadth of a formation


enfilade fire: gunfire directed along the length rather than the breadth of a formation


snipe: a gunshot from a concealed location


headshot: a shot aimed at a person's head


skeet: the sport of shooting at clay pigeons that are hurled upward in such a way as to simulate the flight of a bird


skeet shooting: the sport of shooting at clay pigeons that are hurled upward in such a way as to simulate the flight of a bird


trapshooting: the sport of shooting at clay pigeons that are hurled upward in such a way as to simulate the flight of a bird


shellfire: shooting artillery shells


gunfight: a fight involving shooting small arms with the intent to kill or frighten


gunplay: a fight involving shooting small arms with the intent to kill or frighten


shootout: a fight involving shooting small arms with the intent to kill or frighten


potshot: a shot taken at an easy or casual target (as by a pothunter)


contact: the act of touching physically


physical contact: the act of touching physically


rub: the act of rubbing or wiping


wipe: the act of rubbing or wiping


scuff: the act of scuffing (scraping or dragging the feet)


tap: a light touch or stroke


pat: a light touch or stroke


dab: a light touch or stroke


hit: the act of contacting one thing with another


hitting: the act of contacting one thing with another


striking: the act of contacting one thing with another


contusion: the action of bruising


crash: the act of colliding with something


smash: the act of colliding with something


impingement: a sharp collision produced by striking or dashing against something


impaction: a sharp collision produced by striking or dashing against something


batting: (baseball) the batter's attempt to get on base


fielding: (baseball) handling the ball while playing in the field


catching: (baseball) playing the position of catcher on a baseball team


golfing: playing golf


pitching: (baseball) playing the position of pitcher on a baseball team


base on balls: (baseball) an advance to first base by a batter who receives four balls


walk: (baseball) an advance to first base by a batter who receives four balls


pass: (baseball) an advance to first base by a batter who receives four balls


best: the supreme effort one can make


worst: the weakest effort or poorest achievement one is capable of


fair ball: (baseball) a ball struck with the bat so that it stays between the lines (the foul lines) that define the width of the playing field


foul ball: (baseball) a ball struck with the bat so that it does not stay between the lines (the foul lines) that define the width of the playing field


snick: a glancing contact with the ball off the edge of the cricket bat


bunt: (baseball) the act of hitting a baseball lightly without swinging the bat


fly: (baseball) a hit that flies up in the air


fly ball: (baseball) a hit that flies up in the air


blast: a very long fly ball


pop fly: a short high fly ball


pop-fly: a short high fly ball


pop-up: a short high fly ball


grounder: (baseball) a hit that travels along the ground


ground ball: (baseball) a hit that travels along the ground


groundball: (baseball) a hit that travels along the ground


hopper: (baseball) a hit that travels along the ground


chop: a grounder that bounces high in the air


chopper: a grounder that bounces high in the air


roller: a grounder that rolls along the infield


out: (baseball) a failure by a batter or runner to reach a base safely in baseball


force out: a putout of a base runner who is required to run; the putout is accomplished by holding the ball while touching the base to which the runner must advance before the runner reaches that base


force-out: a putout of a base runner who is required to run; the putout is accomplished by holding the ball while touching the base to which the runner must advance before the runner reaches that base


force play: a putout of a base runner who is required to run; the putout is accomplished by holding the ball while touching the base to which the runner must advance before the runner reaches that base


force: a putout of a base runner who is required to run; the putout is accomplished by holding the ball while touching the base to which the runner must advance before the runner reaches that base


putout: an out resulting from a fielding play (not a strikeout)


strikeout: an out resulting from the batter getting three strikes


whiff: a strikeout resulting from the batter swinging at and missing the ball for the third strike


fielder's choice: a play made on a ground ball in which the fielder chooses to put out an advancing runner instead of the batter


sacrifice: (baseball) an out that advances the base runners


sacrifice fly: a sacrifice made by hitting a long fly ball


base hit: (baseball) the successful act of striking a baseball in such a way that the batter reaches base safely


safety: (baseball) the successful act of striking a baseball in such a way that the batter reaches base safely


daisy cutter: a batted or served ball that skims along close to the ground


header: (soccer) the act of hitting the ball with your head


liner: (baseball) a hit that flies straight out from the batter


line drive: (baseball) a hit that flies straight out from the batter


scorcher: a very hard hit ball


screamer: a very hard hit ball


line-drive single: a single resulting from a line drive


line single: a single resulting from a line drive


line-drive double: a double resulting from a line drive


line double: a double resulting from a line drive


line-drive triple: a triple resulting from a line drive


line triple: a triple resulting from a line drive


plunk: (baseball) hitting a baseball so that it drops suddenly


plunker: (baseball) hitting a baseball so that it drops suddenly


homer: a base hit on which the batter scores a run


home run: a base hit on which the batter scores a run


solo homer: a home run with no runners on base


solo blast: a home run with no runners on base


single: a base hit on which the batter stops safely at first base


bingle: a base hit on which the batter stops safely at first base


double: a base hit on which the batter stops safely at second base


two-base hit: a base hit on which the batter stops safely at second base


two-bagger: a base hit on which the batter stops safely at second base


two-baser: a base hit on which the batter stops safely at second base


triple: a base hit at which the batter stops safely at third base


three-base hit: a base hit at which the batter stops safely at third base


three-bagger: a base hit at which the batter stops safely at third base


backhander: a backhanded blow


clip: a sharp slanting blow


knock: the act of hitting vigorously


belt: the act of hitting vigorously


rap: the act of hitting vigorously


whack: the act of hitting vigorously


whang: the act of hitting vigorously


thwack: a hard blow with a flat object


smack: the act of smacking something; a blow delivered with an open hand


smacking: the act of smacking something; a blow delivered with an open hand


slap: the act of smacking something; a blow delivered with an open hand


smacker: a very powerful blow with the fist


knockdown: a blow that knocks the opponent off his feet


knockout: a blow that renders the opponent unconscious


KO: a blow that renders the opponent unconscious


kayo: a blow that renders the opponent unconscious


technical knockout: a knockout declared by the referee who judges one boxer unable to continue


TKO: a knockout declared by the referee who judges one boxer unable to continue


swat: a sharp blow


spank: a slap with the flat of the hand


whip: a quick blow delivered with a whip or whiplike object


lash: a quick blow delivered with a whip or whiplike object


whiplash: a quick blow delivered with a whip or whiplike object


punch: (boxing) a blow with the fist


clout: (boxing) a blow with the fist


poke: (boxing) a blow with the fist


lick: (boxing) a blow with the fist


biff: (boxing) a blow with the fist


slug: (boxing) a blow with the fist


box: a blow with the hand (usually on the ear)


dig: the act of touching someone suddenly with your finger or elbow


jab: the act of touching someone suddenly with your finger or elbow


counterpunch: a return punch (especially by a boxer)


parry: a return punch (especially by a boxer)


counter: a return punch (especially by a boxer)


haymaker: a hard punch that renders the opponent unable to continue boxing


knockout punch: a hard punch that renders the opponent unable to continue boxing


KO punch: a hard punch that renders the opponent unable to continue boxing


Sunday punch: a hard punch that renders the opponent unable to continue boxing


hook: a short swinging punch delivered from the side with the elbow bent


jab: a quick short straight punch


rabbit punch: a short chopping blow to the back of the neck


sucker punch: an unexpected punch


roundhouse: a hook delivered with an exaggerated swing


kick: the act of delivering a blow with the foot


boot: the act of delivering a blow with the foot


kicking: the act of delivering a blow with the foot


goal-kick: (association football) a kick by the defending side after the attacking side sends the ball over the goal-line


goal-kick: (rugby) an attempt to kick a goal


punt: (football) a kick in which the football is dropped from the hands and kicked before it touches the ground


punting: (football) a kick in which the football is dropped from the hands and kicked before it touches the ground


place kick: (sports) a kick in which the ball is placed on the ground before kicking


place-kicking: (sports) a kick in which the ball is placed on the ground before kicking


free kick: (soccer) a place kick that is allowed for a foul or infringement by the other team


corner kick: a free kick from the corner awarded to the other side when a player has sent the ball behind his own goal line


dropkick: (football) kicking (as for a field goal) in which the football is dropped and kicked as it touches the ground


kiss: a light glancing touch


kiss: the act of caressing with the lips (or an instance thereof)


buss: the act of caressing with the lips (or an instance thereof)


osculation: the act of caressing with the lips (or an instance thereof)


laying on: the act of contacting something with your hand


smack: an enthusiastic kiss


smooch: an enthusiastic kiss


smacker: a loud kiss


soul kiss: an openmouthed kiss in which your tongue is inserted into the other's mouth


deep kiss: an openmouthed kiss in which your tongue is inserted into the other's mouth


French kiss: an openmouthed kiss in which your tongue is inserted into the other's mouth


catch: the act of catching an object with the hands


grab: the act of catching an object with the hands


snatch: the act of catching an object with the hands


snap: the act of catching an object with the hands


fair catch: (American football) a catch of a punt on the fly by a defensive player who has signalled that he will not run and so should not be tackled


interception: (American football) the act of catching a football by a player on the opposing team


reception: (American football) the act of catching a pass in football


rebound: the act of securing possession of the rebounding basketball after a missed shot


shoestring catch: (baseball) a running catch made near the ground


mesh: the act of interlocking or meshing


meshing: the act of interlocking or meshing


interlock: the act of interlocking or meshing


interlocking: the act of interlocking or meshing


handling: the action of touching with the hands (or the skillful use of the hands) or by the use of mechanical means


manipulation: the action of touching with the hands (or the skillful use of the hands) or by the use of mechanical means


fingering: touching something with the fingers


grope: the act of groping; and instance of groping


audit: a methodical examination or review of a condition or situation


autopsy: an examination and dissection of a dead body to determine cause of death or the changes produced by disease


necropsy: an examination and dissection of a dead body to determine cause of death or the changes produced by disease


postmortem: an examination and dissection of a dead body to determine cause of death or the changes produced by disease


post-mortem: an examination and dissection of a dead body to determine cause of death or the changes produced by disease


PM: an examination and dissection of a dead body to determine cause of death or the changes produced by disease


postmortem examination: an examination and dissection of a dead body to determine cause of death or the changes produced by disease


post-mortem examination: an examination and dissection of a dead body to determine cause of death or the changes produced by disease


check-in: the act of reporting your presence (as at an airport or a hotel)


check: the act of inspecting or verifying


checkout: the act of inspecting or verifying


check-out procedure: the act of inspecting or verifying


spot check: a check on work performance or product quality made at random times without warning


checkup: a thorough physical examination; includes a variety of tests depending on the age and sex and health of the person


medical checkup: a thorough physical examination; includes a variety of tests depending on the age and sex and health of the person


medical examination: a thorough physical examination; includes a variety of tests depending on the age and sex and health of the person


medical exam: a thorough physical examination; includes a variety of tests depending on the age and sex and health of the person


medical: a thorough physical examination; includes a variety of tests depending on the age and sex and health of the person


health check: a thorough physical examination; includes a variety of tests depending on the age and sex and health of the person


comparison: the act of examining resemblances


comparing: the act of examining resemblances


fine-tooth comb: a method of examining in minute detail


fine-toothed comb: a method of examining in minute detail


follow-up: a subsequent examination of a patient for the purpose of monitoring earlier treatment


followup: a subsequent examination of a patient for the purpose of monitoring earlier treatment


reexamination: a subsequent examination of a patient for the purpose of monitoring earlier treatment


review: a subsequent examination of a patient for the purpose of monitoring earlier treatment


going-over: a careful and thorough inspection


once-over: a swift cursory examination or inspection


look-over: a swift cursory examination or inspection


ophthalmoscopy: examination of the interior of an eye using an ophthalmoscope


palpation: a method of examination in which the examiner feels the size or shape or firmness or location of something (of body parts when the examiner is a health professional)


tactual exploration: a method of examination in which the examiner feels the size or shape or firmness or location of something (of body parts when the examiner is a health professional)


ballottement: a palpatory technique for feeling a floating object in the body (especially for determining the position of a fetus by feeling the rebound of the fetus after a quick digital tap on the wall of the uterus)


tickle: the act of tickling


tickling: the act of tickling


titillation: the act of tickling


stroke: a light touch with the hands


stroking: a light touch with the hands


caress: a gentle affectionate stroking (or something resembling it)


tag: (sports) the act of touching a player in a game (which changes their status in the game)


joining: the act of bringing two things into contact (especially for communication)


connection: the act of bringing two things into contact (especially for communication)


connexion: the act of bringing two things into contact (especially for communication)


hit: a connection made via the internet to another website


interconnection: (computer science) the act of interconnecting (wires or computers or theories etc.)


intersection: the act of intersecting (as joining by causing your path to intersect your target's path)


approximation: the act of bringing near or bringing together especially the cut edges of tissue


bringing close together: the act of bringing near or bringing together especially the cut edges of tissue


concatenation: the act of linking together as in a series or chain


convergence: the act of converging (coming closer)


converging: the act of converging (coming closer)


convergency: the act of converging (coming closer)


merging: the act of joining together as one


meeting: the act of joining together as one


coming together: the act of joining together as one


concourse: a coming together of people


confluence: a coming together of people


encounter: a casual meeting with a person or thing


coming upon: a casual meeting with a person or thing


articulation: the act of joining things in such a way that motion is possible


junction: an act of joining or adjoining things


adjunction: an act of joining or adjoining things


fastening: the act of fastening things together


attachment: the act of fastening things together


loosening: the act of making something less tight


laxation: the act of making something less tight


tightening: the act of making something tighter


ligation: (surgery) tying a duct or blood vessel with a ligature (as to prevent bleeding during surgery)


tubal ligation: a sterilization procedure with women; both Fallopian tubes are tied in two places and the tubes removed in between the ligations


bonding: fastening firmly together


soldering: fastening firmly together


doweling: fastening by dowels


grounding: fastening electrical equipment to earth


earthing: fastening electrical equipment to earth


linkage: the act of linking things together


tying: the act of tying or binding things together


ligature: the act of tying or binding things together


untying: loosening the ties that fasten something


undoing: loosening the ties that fasten something


unfastening: loosening the ties that fasten something


welding: fastening two pieces of metal together by softening with heat and applying pressure


butt welding: creating a butt joint by welding


butt-welding: creating a butt joint by welding


spot welding: creating an overlapping joint by welding at small points


spot-welding: creating an overlapping joint by welding at small points


flare: (baseball) a fly ball hit a short distance into the outfield


Texas leaguer: (baseball) a fly ball that falls between and infielder and an outfielder


flash welding: butt welding by creating an electric arc between the two pieces which melts and joins them; used for joining segments of metal pipe


flash butt welding: butt welding by creating an electric arc between the two pieces which melts and joins them; used for joining segments of metal pipe


lick: touching with the tongue


lap: touching with the tongue


grazing: the act of brushing against while passing


shaving: the act of brushing against while passing


skimming: the act of brushing against while passing


tracing: the discovery and description of the course of development of something


detection: the act of detecting something; catching sight of something


catching: the act of detecting something; catching sight of something


espial: the act of detecting something; catching sight of something


spying: the act of detecting something; catching sight of something


spotting: the act of detecting something; catching sight of something


self-discovery: discovering your own individuality


breakthrough: making an important discovery


determination: the act of determining the properties of something, usually by research or calculation


finding: the act of determining the properties of something, usually by research or calculation


rediscovery: the act of discovering again


designation: the act of designating or identifying something


identification: the act of designating or identifying something


Bertillon system: a system or procedure for identifying persons


fingerprinting: the procedure of taking inked impressions of a person's fingerprints for the purpose of identification


genetic profiling: the procedure of analyzing the DNA in samples of a person's body tissue or body fluid for the purpose of identification


genetic fingerprinting: the procedure of analyzing the DNA in samples of a person's body tissue or body fluid for the purpose of identification


diagnosis: identifying the nature or cause of some phenomenon


diagnosing: identifying the nature or cause of some phenomenon


blood typing: determining a person's blood type by serological methods


medical diagnosis: identification of a disease from its symptoms


prenatal diagnosis: any of the diagnostic procedures used to determine whether a fetus has a genetic abnormality


differential diagnosis: a systematic method of diagnosing a disorder (e.g., headache) that lacks unique symptoms or signs


prognosis: a prediction of the course of a disease


prospect: a prediction of the course of a disease


medical prognosis: a prediction of the course of a disease


resolution: finding a solution to a problem


solving: finding a solution to a problem


validation: the act of validating; finding or testing the truth of something


proof: the act of validating; finding or testing the truth of something


substantiation: the act of validating; finding or testing the truth of something


authentication: validating the authenticity of something or someone


certification: validating the authenticity of something or someone


documentation: documentary validation


support: documentary validation


monetization: establishing something (e.g. gold or silver) as the legal tender of a country


monetisation: establishing something (e.g. gold or silver) as the legal tender of a country


probate: the act of proving that an instrument purporting to be a will was signed and executed in accord with legal requirements


demonetization: ending something (e.g. gold or silver) as no longer the legal tender of a country


demonetisation: ending something (e.g. gold or silver) as no longer the legal tender of a country


falsification: the act of determining that something is false


falsifying: the act of determining that something is false


disproof: the act of determining that something is false


refutation: the act of determining that something is false


refutal: the act of determining that something is false


localization: a determination of the place where something is


localisation: a determination of the place where something is


location: a determination of the place where something is


locating: a determination of the place where something is


fix: a determination of the place where something is


echolocation: determining the location of something by measuring the time it takes for an echo to return from it


echo sounding: determining the location of something by measuring the time it takes for an echo to return from it


predetermination: the act of determining or ordaining in advance what is to take place


rectification: determination of the length of a curve; finding a straight line equal in length to a given curve


redetermination: determining again


trigger: an act that sets in motion some course of events


induction: an act that sets in motion some course of events


initiation: an act that sets in motion some course of events


fomentation: deliberate and intentional triggering (of trouble or discord)


instigation: deliberate and intentional triggering (of trouble or discord)


compulsion: using force to cause something to occur


coercion: using force to cause something to occur


influence: causing something without any direct or apparent effort


cross-pollination: stimulating influence among diverse elements


exposure: the act of subjecting someone to an influencing experience


overexposure: the act of exposing someone excessively to an influencing experience


underexposure: inadequate publicity


impingement: influencing strongly


encroachment: influencing strongly


impact: influencing strongly


manipulation: exerting shrewd or devious influence especially for one's own advantage


use: exerting shrewd or devious influence especially for one's own advantage


mind game: deliberate actions of calculated psychological manipulation intended to intimidate or confuse (usually for competitive advantage)


autosuggestion: a system for self-improvement developed by Emile Coue which was popular in the 1920s and 1930s


auto-suggestion: a system for self-improvement developed by Emile Coue which was popular in the 1920s and 1930s


self-suggestion: a system for self-improvement developed by Emile Coue which was popular in the 1920s and 1930s


hypnotism: the act of inducing hypnosis


mesmerism: the act of inducing hypnosis


suggestion: the act of inducing hypnosis


inducement: act of bringing about a desired result


inducing: act of bringing about a desired result


corruption: inducement (as of a public official) by improper means (as bribery) to violate duty (as by commiting a felony)


enticement: the act of influencing by exciting hope or desire


temptation: the act of influencing by exciting hope or desire


blandishment: the act of urging by means of teasing or flattery


wheedling: the act of urging by means of teasing or flattery


ingratiation: the act of gaining acceptance or affection for yourself by persuasive and subtle blandishments


insinuation: the act of gaining acceptance or affection for yourself by persuasive and subtle blandishments


leading astray: the act of enticing others into sinful ways


leading off: the act of enticing others into sinful ways


seduction: enticing someone astray from right behavior


seduction: an act of winning the love or sexual favor of someone


conquest: an act of winning the love or sexual favor of someone


sexual conquest: a seduction culminating in sexual intercourse


score: a seduction culminating in sexual intercourse


cuckoldry: the practice of making cuckolds; sexual conquests of married women


solicitation: the act of enticing a person to do something wrong (as an offer of sex in return for money)


allurement: the act of enticing a person to do something wrong (as an offer of sex in return for money)


choice: the act of choosing or selecting


selection: the act of choosing or selecting


option: the act of choosing or selecting


pick: the act of choosing or selecting


casting: the choice of actors to play particular roles in a play or movie


coloration: choice and use of colors (as by an artist)


colouration: choice and use of colors (as by an artist)


sampling: (statistics) the selection of a suitable sample for study


random sampling: the selection of a random sample; each element of the population has an equal chance of been selected


lucky dip: a selection or decision purely at random


stratified sampling: the population is divided into subpopulations (strata) and random samples are taken of each stratum


representative sampling: the population is divided into subpopulations (strata) and random samples are taken of each stratum


proportional sampling: the population is divided into subpopulations (strata) and random samples are taken of each stratum


decision: the act of making up your mind about something


determination: the act of making up your mind about something


conclusion: the act of making up your mind about something


volition: the act of making a choice


willing: the act of making a choice


intention: an act of intending; a volition that you intend to carry out


about-face: a major change in attitude or principle or point of view


volte-face: a major change in attitude or principle or point of view


reversal: a major change in attitude or principle or point of view


policy change: a major change in attitude or principle or point of view


adulteration: the act of adulterating (especially the illicit substitution of one substance for another)


appointment: the act of putting a person into a non-elective position


assignment: the act of putting a person into a non-elective position


designation: the act of putting a person into a non-elective position


naming: the act of putting a person into a non-elective position


nomination: the act of officially naming a candidate


assignment: the act of distributing something to designated places or persons


assigning: the act of distributing something to designated places or persons


allocation: (computer science) the assignment of particular areas of a magnetic disk to particular data or instructions


storage allocation: (computer science) the assignment of particular areas of a magnetic disk to particular data or instructions


call: (sports) the decision made by an umpire or referee


co-option: the act of appointing summarily (with or without the appointee's consent)


co-optation: the act of appointing summarily (with or without the appointee's consent)


delegacy: the appointment of a delegate


ordination: the act of ordaining; the act of conferring (or receiving) holy orders


ordinance: the act of ordaining; the act of conferring (or receiving) holy orders


recognition: designation by the chair granting a person the right to speak in a deliberative body


laying on of hands: laying hands on a person's head to invoke spiritual blessing in Christian ordination


move: the act of deciding to do something


move: (game) a player's turn to take some action permitted by the rules of the game


chess move: the act of moving a chess piece


castle: interchanging the positions of the king and a rook


castling: interchanging the positions of the king and a rook


capture: the removal of an opponent's piece from the chess board


en passant: (chess) a chess pawn that is moved two squares can be captured by an opponent's pawn commanding the square that was passed


exchange: (chess) the capture by both players (usually on consecutive moves) of pieces of equal value


exchange: (chess) gaining (or losing) a rook in return for a knight or bishop


check: (chess) a direct attack on an opponent's king


discovered check: a check on the opponent's king that is delivered by moving a piece out of the line of attack by a queen or rook or bishop


checkmate: a chess move constituting an inescapable and indefensible attack on the opponent's king


mate: a chess move constituting an inescapable and indefensible attack on the opponent's king


gambit: a chess move early in the game in which the player sacrifices minor pieces in order to obtain an advantageous position


demarche: a move or step or maneuver in political or diplomatic affairs


maneuver: a move made to gain a tactical end


manoeuvre: a move made to gain a tactical end


tactical maneuver: a move made to gain a tactical end


tactical manoeuvre: a move made to gain a tactical end


parking: the act of maneuvering a vehicle into a location where it can be left temporarily


move: the act of changing your residence or place of business


relocation: the act of changing your residence or place of business


flit: a secret move (to avoid paying debts)


downshift: a change to a lower gear in a car or bicycle


downshift: a change from a financially rewarding but stressful career to a less well paid but more fulfilling one


bank: a flight maneuver; aircraft tips laterally about its longitudinal axis (especially in turning)


vertical bank: a bank so steep that the plane's lateral axis approaches the vertical


chandelle: a flight maneuver consisting of a steep climbing turn executed to gain altitude while changing direction


loop: a flight maneuver; aircraft flies a complete circle in the vertical plane


loop-the-loop: a flight maneuver; aircraft flies a complete circle in the vertical plane


inside loop: a loop consisting of a climb followed by inverted flight followed by a dive that returns to horizontal flight


outside loop: a loop consisting of a dive followed by inverted flight followed by a climb that returns to horizontal flight


roll: a flight maneuver; aircraft rotates about its longitudinal axis without changing direction or losing altitude


barrel roll: a roll in which the plane follows a spiral course


snap roll: a fast roll


slip: a flight maneuver; aircraft slides sideways in the air


sideslip: a flight maneuver; aircraft slides sideways in the air


flight maneuver: a maneuver executed by an aircraft


airplane maneuver: a maneuver executed by an aircraft


straight-arm: (American football) the act of warding off a tackler by holding the arm fully extended with the hand against the opponent


device: any clever maneuver


gimmick: any clever maneuver


twist: any clever maneuver


mnemonic: a device (such as a rhyme or acronym) used to aid recall


trick: a cunning or deceitful action or device


fast one: a cunning or deceitful action or device


shtik: (Yiddish) a devious trick; a bit of cheating


schtik: (Yiddish) a devious trick; a bit of cheating


shtick: (Yiddish) a devious trick; a bit of cheating


schtick: (Yiddish) a devious trick; a bit of cheating


feint: any distracting or deceptive maneuver (as a mock attack)


juke: (football) a deceptive move made by a football player


fake: (football) a deceptive move made by a football player


footwork: skillful maneuvering or dealing


ploy: a maneuver in a game or conversation


gambit: a maneuver in a game or conversation


stratagem: a maneuver in a game or conversation


ruse: a deceptive maneuver (especially to avoid capture)


artifice: a deceptive maneuver (especially to avoid capture)


means: how a result is obtained or an end is achieved


agency: how a result is obtained or an end is achieved


way: how a result is obtained or an end is achieved


dint: interchangeable with `means' in the expression `by means of'


escape: a means or way of escaping


fast track: a rapid means of achieving a goal


instrument: the means whereby some act is accomplished


tool: the means whereby some act is accomplished


road: a way or means to achieve something


royal road: an auspicious way or means to achieve something


stepping stone: any means of advancement


measure: any maneuver made as part of progress toward a goal


step: any maneuver made as part of progress toward a goal


countermeasure: an action taken to offset another action


bear hug: a takeover bid so attractive that the directors of the target company must approve it or risk shareholder protest


proxy fight: a measure used by an acquirer to gain control of a takeover target; acquirer tries to persuade other shareholders that the management of the target should be replaced


leveraged buyout: a buyout using borrowed money; the target company's assets are usually security for the loan


bust-up takeover: a leveraged buyout in which the target company's assets are sold to repay the loan that financed the takeover


shark repellent: a measure undertaken by a corporation to discourage unwanted takeover attempts


porcupine provision: a measure undertaken by a corporation to discourage unwanted takeover attempts


golden parachute: giving top executives lucrative benefits that must be paid by the acquirer if they are discharged after a takeover


greenmail: (corporation) the practice of purchasing enough shares in a firm to threaten a takeover and thereby forcing the owners to buy those shares back at a premium in order to stay in business


pac-man strategy: the target company defends itself by threatening to take over its acquirer


poison pill: the target company defends itself by making its stock less attractive to an acquirer


suicide pill: a poison pill with potentially catastrophic implications for the company it is intended to protect


safe harbor: the target company defends itself by acquiring a company so onerously regulated that it makes the target less attractive


scorched-earth policy: the target company defends itself by selling off its crown jewels


diagnostic procedure: a procedure followed in making a medical diagnosis


diagnostic technique: a procedure followed in making a medical diagnosis


expedient: a means to an end; not necessarily a principled or ethical one


backstop: a precaution in case of an emergency


emergency procedure: (medicine) a procedure adopted to meet an emergency (especially a medical emergency)


experimental procedure: the specific techniques used in conducting a particular experiment


double-blind procedure: an experimental procedure in which neither the subjects of the experiment nor the persons administering the experiment know the critical aspects of the experiment


double-blind experiment: an experimental procedure in which neither the subjects of the experiment nor the persons administering the experiment know the critical aspects of the experiment


double-blind study: an experimental procedure in which neither the subjects of the experiment nor the persons administering the experiment know the critical aspects of the experiment


makeshift: something contrived to meet an urgent need or emergency


stopgap: something contrived to meet an urgent need or emergency


make-do: something contrived to meet an urgent need or emergency


crutch: anything that serves as an expedient


improvisation: an unplanned expedient


temporary expedient: an unplanned expedient


pis aller: an expedient adopted only in desperation


last resort: an expedient adopted only in desperation


desperate measure: desperate actions taken as a means to an end


open sesame: any very successful means of achieving a result


salvation: a means of preserving from harm or unpleasantness


tooth: a means of enforcement


voice: a means or agency by which something is expressed or communicated


wings: a means of flight or ascent


casting lots: making a chance decision by using lots (straws or pebbles etc.) that are thrown or drawn


drawing lots: making a chance decision by using lots (straws or pebbles etc.) that are thrown or drawn


sortition: making a chance decision by using lots (straws or pebbles etc.) that are thrown or drawn


resolution: a decision to do something or to behave in a certain manner


adoption: the act of accepting with approval; favorable reception


acceptance: the act of accepting with approval; favorable reception


acceptation: the act of accepting with approval; favorable reception


espousal: the act of accepting with approval; favorable reception


embrace: a close affectionate and protective acceptance


bosom: a close affectionate and protective acceptance


election: the act of selecting someone or something; the exercise of deliberate choice


co-option: the selection of a new member (usually by a vote of the existing membership)


co-optation: the selection of a new member (usually by a vote of the existing membership)


reelection: election again


plebiscite: a vote by the electorate determining public opinion on a question of national importance


referendum: a legislative act is referred for final approval to a popular vote by the electorate


election: a vote to select the winner of a position or political office


vote: the opinion of a group as determined by voting


general election: a national or state election; candidates are chosen in all constituencies


primary: a preliminary election where delegates or nominees are chosen


primary election: a preliminary election where delegates or nominees are chosen


direct primary: a primary where voters directly select the candidates who will run for office


closed primary: a primary in which only registered members of a particular political party can vote


open primary: a primary in which any registered voter can vote (but must vote for candidates of only one party)


by-election: a special election between regular elections


bye-election: a special election between regular elections


runoff: a final election to resolve an earlier election that did not produce a winner


vote: a choice that is made by counting the number of people in favor of each alternative


ballot: a choice that is made by counting the number of people in favor of each alternative


voting: a choice that is made by counting the number of people in favor of each alternative


balloting: a choice that is made by counting the number of people in favor of each alternative


block vote: a vote proportional in magnitude to the number of people that a delegate represents


cumulative vote: an election in which each person has as many votes as there are positions to be filled and they can all be cast for one candidate or can be distributed in any manner


secret ballot: a vote in which each person's choice is secret but the totaled votes are public


split ticket: a ballot cast by a voter who votes for candidates from more than one party


straight ticket: a ballot cast by a voter who votes for all the candidates of one party


multiple voting: the act of voting in more than one place by the same person at the same election (illegal in U.S.)


casting vote: the deciding vote cast by the presiding officer to resolve a tie


reconciliation: getting two things to correspond


balancing: getting two things to correspond


equation: the act of regarding as equal


equating: the act of regarding as equal


breech delivery: delivery of an infant whose feet or buttocks appear first


breech birth: delivery of an infant whose feet or buttocks appear first


breech presentation: delivery of an infant whose feet or buttocks appear first


frank breech: position of a fetus in which the buttocks are present at the maternal pelvic outlet


frank breech delivery: position of a fetus in which the buttocks are present at the maternal pelvic outlet


cesarean delivery: the delivery of a fetus by surgical incision through the abdominal wall and uterus (from the belief that Julius Caesar was born that way)


caesarean delivery: the delivery of a fetus by surgical incision through the abdominal wall and uterus (from the belief that Julius Caesar was born that way)


caesarian delivery: the delivery of a fetus by surgical incision through the abdominal wall and uterus (from the belief that Julius Caesar was born that way)


cesarean section: the delivery of a fetus by surgical incision through the abdominal wall and uterus (from the belief that Julius Caesar was born that way)


cesarian section: the delivery of a fetus by surgical incision through the abdominal wall and uterus (from the belief that Julius Caesar was born that way)


caesarean section: the delivery of a fetus by surgical incision through the abdominal wall and uterus (from the belief that Julius Caesar was born that way)


caesarian section: the delivery of a fetus by surgical incision through the abdominal wall and uterus (from the belief that Julius Caesar was born that way)


C-section: the delivery of a fetus by surgical incision through the abdominal wall and uterus (from the belief that Julius Caesar was born that way)


cesarean: the delivery of a fetus by surgical incision through the abdominal wall and uterus (from the belief that Julius Caesar was born that way)


cesarian: the delivery of a fetus by surgical incision through the abdominal wall and uterus (from the belief that Julius Caesar was born that way)


caesarean: the delivery of a fetus by surgical incision through the abdominal wall and uterus (from the belief that Julius Caesar was born that way)


caesarian: the delivery of a fetus by surgical incision through the abdominal wall and uterus (from the belief that Julius Caesar was born that way)


abdominal delivery: the delivery of a fetus by surgical incision through the abdominal wall and uterus (from the belief that Julius Caesar was born that way)


forceps delivery: delivery in which forceps are inserted through the vagina and used to grasp the head of the fetus and pull it through the birth canal; since the forceps can injure the fetus this procedure has generally given way to cesarean deliveries


midwifery: assisting women at childbirth


score: the act of scoring in a game or sport


bowling score: the score in a bowling match


bull's eye: in target shooting: a score made by hitting the center of the target


goal: a successful attempt at scoring


own goal: (soccer) a goal that results when a player inadvertently knocks the ball into the goal he is defending


strike: a score in tenpins: knocking down all ten with the first ball


ten-strike: a score in tenpins: knocking down all ten with the first ball


spare: a score in tenpins; knocking down all ten after rolling two balls


open frame: any frame in which a bowler fails to make a strike or spare


break: any frame in which a bowler fails to make a strike or spare


audible: a football play is changed orally after both teams have assumed their positions at the line of scrimmage


football score: the score in a football game


touchback: (American football) a play in which the opposing team has kicked the football into your end zone


safety: a score in American football; a player is tackled behind his own goal line


touchdown: a score in American football; being in possession of the ball across the opponents' goal line


field goal: a score in American football; a score made by kicking the ball between the opponents' goal posts


conversion: a successful free throw or try for point after a touchdown


point after: in American football a point awarded for a successful place kick following a touchdown


point after touchdown: in American football a point awarded for a successful place kick following a touchdown


extra point: in American football a point awarded for a successful place kick following a touchdown


baseball score: the score of a baseball game


run: a score in baseball made by a runner touching all four bases safely


tally: a score in baseball made by a runner touching all four bases safely


earned run: a run that was not scored as the result of an error by the other team


unearned run: a run that was scored as a result of an error by the other team


run batted in: a run that is the result of the batter's performance


rbi: a run that is the result of the batter's performance


basketball score: the score in a basketball game


basket: a score in basketball made by throwing the ball through the hoop


field goal: a score in basketball made by throwing the ball through the hoop


hat trick: (sports) three consecutive scores by one player or three scores in one game (as in cricket or ice hockey etc.)


solution: the successful action of solving a problem


Russian roulette: a stunt in which you spin the cylinder of a revolver that is loaded with only one bullet and then point the muzzle at your head and pull the trigger


change: the action of changing something


filtration: the act of changing a fluid by passing it through a filter


percolation: the filtration of a liquid for extraction or purification


reduction: the act of reducing complexity


simplification: the act of reducing complexity


schematization: the act of reducing to a scheme or formula


schematisation: the act of reducing to a scheme or formula


economy: an act of economizing; reduction in cost


saving: an act of economizing; reduction in cost


retrenchment: the reduction of expenditures in order to become financially stable


curtailment: the reduction of expenditures in order to become financially stable


downsizing: the reduction of expenditures in order to become financially stable


economy of scale: the saving in cost of production that is due to mass production


accommodation: (physiology) the automatic adjustment in focal length of the natural lens of the eye


adaptation: (physiology) the responsive adjustment of a sense organ (as the eye) to varying conditions (as of light)


dark adaptation: the process of adjusting the eyes to low levels of illumination; cones adapt first; rods continue to adapt for up to four hours


light adaptation: the process of adjusting the eyes to relatively high levels of illumination; the pupil constricts and the cones system is operative


take-up: the action of taking up as by tightening or absorption or reeling in


readjustment: the act of adjusting again (to changed circumstances)


domestication: accommodation to domestic life


decimalization: the act of changing to a decimal system


decimalisation: the act of changing to a decimal system


metrification: the act of changing from imperial units of measurement to metric units: meters, grams, seconds


metrication: the act of changing from imperial units of measurement to metric units: meters, grams, seconds


habituation: a general accommodation to unchanging environmental conditions


variation: an activity that varies from a norm or standard


variance: an activity that varies from a norm or standard


variation: the act of changing or altering something slightly but noticeably from the norm or standard


turning: act of changing in practice or custom


diversification: the act of introducing variety (especially in investments or in the variety of goods and services offered)


variegation: the act of introducing variety (especially in investments or in the variety of goods and services offered)


flux: in constant change


switch: the act of changing one thing or position for another


switching: the act of changing one thing or position for another


shift: the act of changing one thing or position for another


switcheroo: a sudden unexpected switch


substitution: the act of putting one thing or person in the place of another:


exchange: the act of putting one thing or person in the place of another:


commutation: the act of putting one thing or person in the place of another:


novation: (law) the replacement of one obligation by another by mutual agreement of both parties; usually the replacement of one of the original parties to a contract with the consent of the remaining party


pitching change: replacing a pitcher in baseball


superannuation: the act of discharging someone because of age (especially to cause someone to retire from service on a pension)


supersedure: act of replacing one person or thing by another especially one held to be superior


supersession: act of replacing one person or thing by another especially one held to be superior


supplanting: act of taking the place of another especially using underhanded tactics


displacement: act of taking the place of another especially using underhanded tactics


replacement: the act of furnishing an equivalent person or thing in the place of another


replacing: the act of furnishing an equivalent person or thing in the place of another


subrogation: (law) the act of substituting of one creditor for another


weaning: the act of substituting other food for the mother's milk in the diet of a child or young mammal


ablactation: the act of substituting other food for the mother's milk in the diet of a child or young mammal


promotion: act of raising in rank or position


preferment: the act of preferring


demotion: act of lowering in rank or position


investment: the ceremonial act of clothing someone in the insignia of an office; the formal promotion of a person to an office or rank


investiture: the ceremonial act of clothing someone in the insignia of an office; the formal promotion of a person to an office or rank


change of state: the act of changing something into something different in essential characteristics


alteration: the act of making something different (as e.g. the size of a garment)


modification: the act of making something different (as e.g. the size of a garment)


adjustment: the act of making something different (as e.g. the size of a garment)


distraction: the act of distracting; drawing someone's attention away from something


misdirection: the act of distracting; drawing someone's attention away from something


aeration: the act of charging a liquid with a gas making it effervescent


modulation: the act of modifying or adjusting according to due measure and proportion (as with regard to artistic effect)


qualification: the act of modifying or changing the strength of some idea


reorganization: an extensive alteration of the structure of a corporation or government


passage: the act of passing from one state or place to the next


transition: the act of passing from one state or place to the next


fossilization: becoming inflexible or out of date


fossilisation: becoming inflexible or out of date


segue: the act of changing smoothly from one state or situation to another


meddling: the act of altering something secretly or improperly


tampering: the act of altering something secretly or improperly


transfer: the act of transfering something from one form to another


transference: the act of transfering something from one form to another


prohibition: the action of prohibiting or inhibiting or forbidding (or an instance thereof)


inhibition: the action of prohibiting or inhibiting or forbidding (or an instance thereof)


forbiddance: the action of prohibiting or inhibiting or forbidding (or an instance thereof)


resistance: the action of opposing something that you disapprove or disagree with


opposition: the action of opposing something that you disapprove or disagree with


lockout: a management action resisting employee's demands; employees are barred from entering the workplace until they agree to terms


reaction: doing something in opposition to another way of doing it that you don't like


backlash: an adverse reaction to some political or social occurrence


whitelash: backlash by white racists against black civil rights advances


white backlash: backlash by white racists against black civil rights advances


rejection: the act of rejecting something


brush-off: a curt or disdainful rejection


avoidance: deliberately avoiding; keeping away from or preventing from happening


turning away: deliberately avoiding; keeping away from or preventing from happening


shunning: deliberately avoiding; keeping away from or preventing from happening


dodging: deliberately avoiding; keeping away from or preventing from happening


aversion: the act of turning yourself (or your gaze) away


averting: the act of turning yourself (or your gaze) away


escape: an avoidance of danger or difficulty


near thing: something that barely avoids failure or disaster


abandonment: the act of giving something up


forsaking: the act of giving something up


desertion: the act of giving something up


exposure: abandoning without shelter or protection (as by leaving as infant out in the open)


apostasy: the act of abandoning a party for cause


tergiversation: the act of abandoning a party for cause


bolt: a sudden abandonment (as from a political party)


renunciation: the act of renouncing; sacrificing or giving up or surrendering (a possession or right or title or privilege etc.)


forgoing: the act of renouncing; sacrificing or giving up or surrendering (a possession or right or title or privilege etc.)


forswearing: the act of renouncing; sacrificing or giving up or surrendering (a possession or right or title or privilege etc.)


nonacceptance: the act of refusing an offer


turndown: the act of refusing an offer


forsaking: the act of forsaking


giving up: the act of forsaking


abnegation: renunciation of your own interests in favor of the interests of others


self-abnegation: renunciation of your own interests in favor of the interests of others


denial: renunciation of your own interests in favor of the interests of others


self-denial: renunciation of your own interests in favor of the interests of others


self-renunciation: renunciation of your own interests in favor of the interests of others


forfeit: the act of losing or surrendering something as a penalty for a mistake or fault or failure to perform etc.


forfeiture: the act of losing or surrendering something as a penalty for a mistake or fault or failure to perform etc.


sacrifice: the act of losing or surrendering something as a penalty for a mistake or fault or failure to perform etc.


boycott: a group's refusal to have commercial dealings with some organization in protest against its policies


banishment: rejection by means of an act of banishing or proscribing someone


proscription: rejection by means of an act of banishing or proscribing someone


anathematization: the formal act of pronouncing (someone or something) accursed


anathematisation: the formal act of pronouncing (someone or something) accursed


disbarment: the act of expelling a lawyer from the practice of law


ejection: the act of forcing out someone or something


exclusion: the act of forcing out someone or something


expulsion: the act of forcing out someone or something


riddance: the act of forcing out someone or something


deportation: the expulsion from a country of an undesirable alien


ostracism: the act of excluding someone from society by general consent


barring: the act of excluding someone by a negative vote or veto


blackball: the act of excluding someone by a negative vote or veto


exile: the act of expelling a person from their native land


deportation: the act of expelling a person from their native land


expatriation: the act of expelling a person from their native land


transportation: the act of expelling a person from their native land


Babylonian Captivity: the deportation of the Jews to Babylonia by Nebuchadnezzar in 586 BC


excommunication: the act of banishing a member of a church from the communion of believers and the privileges of the church; cutting a person off from a religious society


excision: the act of banishing a member of a church from the communion of believers and the privileges of the church; cutting a person off from a religious society


relegation: mild banishment; consignment to an inferior position


rustication: banishment into the country


ouster: the act of ejecting someone or forcing them out


ousting: the act of ejecting someone or forcing them out


deposition: the act of deposing someone; removing a powerful person from a position or office


dethronement: the act of deposing someone; removing a powerful person from a position or office


suspension: a temporary debarment (from a privilege or position etc)


temporary removal: a temporary debarment (from a privilege or position etc)


rustication: temporary dismissal of a student from a university


displacement: act of removing from office or employment


veto: a vote that blocks a decision


pocket veto: indirect veto of legislation by refusing to sign it


write-in: a vote cast by writing in the name of a candidate who is not listed on the ballot


termination: the act of ending something


ending: the act of ending something


conclusion: the act of ending something


finish: the act of finishing


finishing: the act of finishing


finale: the concluding part of any performance


close: the concluding part of any performance


closing curtain: the concluding part of any performance


finis: the concluding part of any performance


release: (music) the act or manner of terminating a musical phrase or tone


tone ending: (music) the act or manner of terminating a musical phrase or tone


completion: a concluding action


culmination: a concluding action


closing: a concluding action


windup: a concluding action


mop up: a concluding action


finalization: the act of finalizing


finalisation: the act of finalizing


follow-through: carrying some project or intention to full completion


follow-through: the act of carrying a stroke to its natural completion


graduation: the successful completion of a program of study


retirement: withdrawal from your position or occupation


hibernation: the act of retiring into inactivity


rustication: the action of retiring to and living in the country


swan song: a final performance or effort (especially before retirement)


last hurrah: a final performance or effort (especially before retirement)


relinquishment: the act of giving up and abandoning a struggle or task etc.


relinquishing: the act of giving up and abandoning a struggle or task etc.


cession: the act of ceding


ceding: the act of ceding


handover: act of relinquishing property or authority etc


surrender: the delivery of a principal into lawful custody


extradition: the surrender of an accused or convicted person by one state or country to another (usually under the provisions of a statute or treaty)


release: a formal written statement of relinquishment


waiver: a formal written statement of relinquishment


discharge: a formal written statement of relinquishment


exemption: an act exempting someone


immunity: an act exempting someone


granting immunity: an act exempting someone


fix: an exemption granted after influence (e.g., money) is brought to bear


official immunity: personal immunity accorded to a public official from liability to anyone injured by actions that are the consequence of exerting official authority


sovereign immunity: an exemption that precludes bringing a suit against the sovereign government without the government's consent


transactional immunity: a broader form of use immunity that also protects the witness from any prosecution brought about relating to transactions to which they gave testimony


use immunity: an exemption that displaces the privilege against self-incrimination; neither compelled testimony or any fruits of it can be used against the witness who therefore can no longer fear self-incrimination


testimonial immunity: an exemption that displaces the privilege against self-incrimination; neither compelled testimony or any fruits of it can be used against the witness who therefore can no longer fear self-incrimination


dissolution: the termination or disintegration of a relationship (between persons or nations)


breakup: the termination or disintegration of a relationship (between persons or nations)


splitsville: separation or breakup or divorce


overthrow: the termination of a ruler or institution (especially by force)


subversion: the act of subverting; as overthrowing or destroying a legally constituted government


subversive activity: the act of subverting; as overthrowing or destroying a legally constituted government


adjournment: the termination of a meeting


dissolution: the termination of a meeting


dismissal: the termination of someone's employment (leaving them free to depart)


dismission: the termination of someone's employment (leaving them free to depart)


discharge: the termination of someone's employment (leaving them free to depart)


firing: the termination of someone's employment (leaving them free to depart)


liberation: the termination of someone's employment (leaving them free to depart)


release: the termination of someone's employment (leaving them free to depart)


sack: the termination of someone's employment (leaving them free to depart)


sacking: the termination of someone's employment (leaving them free to depart)


conge: an abrupt and unceremonious dismissal


congee: an abrupt and unceremonious dismissal


removal: dismissal from office


purge: an abrupt or sudden removal of a person or group from an organization or place


destruction: the termination of something by causing so much damage to it that it cannot be repaired or no longer exists


devastation: the termination of something by causing so much damage to it that it cannot be repaired or no longer exists


disaster: an act that has disastrous consequences


kill: the destruction of an enemy plane or ship or tank or missile


laying waste: destruction achieved by causing something to be wrecked or ruined


ruin: destruction achieved by causing something to be wrecked or ruined


ruining: destruction achieved by causing something to be wrecked or ruined


ruination: destruction achieved by causing something to be wrecked or ruined


wrecking: destruction achieved by causing something to be wrecked or ruined


razing: complete destruction of a building


leveling: complete destruction of a building


tearing down: complete destruction of a building


demolishing: complete destruction of a building


annihilation: destruction by annihilating something


obliteration: destruction by annihilating something


decimation: destroying or killing a large part of the population (literally every tenth person as chosen by lot)


atomization: annihilation by reducing something to atoms


atomisation: annihilation by reducing something to atoms


pulverization: annihilation by pulverizing something


pulverisation: annihilation by pulverizing something


vaporization: annihilation by vaporizing something


vaporisation: annihilation by vaporizing something


killing: the act of terminating a life


kill: the act of terminating a life


putting to death: the act of terminating a life


deathblow: the blow that kills (usually mercifully)


coup de grace: the blow that kills (usually mercifully)


death: the act of killing


drive-by killing: homicide committed by shooting from a moving automobile


euthanasia: the act of killing someone painlessly (especially someone suffering from an incurable illness)


mercy killing: the act of killing someone painlessly (especially someone suffering from an incurable illness)


homicide: the killing of a human being by another human being


honor killing: an ancient tradition still sometimes observed; a male member of the family kills a female relative for tarnishing the family image


manslaughter: homicide without malice aforethought


murder: unlawful premeditated killing of a human being by a human being


slaying: unlawful premeditated killing of a human being by a human being


execution: unlawful premeditated killing of a human being by a human being


assassination: murder of a public figure by surprise attack


bloodshed: the shedding of blood resulting in murder


gore: the shedding of blood resulting in murder


chance-medley: an unpremeditated killing of a human being in self defense


contract killing: a murder carried out on agreement with a hired killer


parricide: the murder of your own father or mother


mariticide: the murder of a husband by his wife


matricide: the murder of your mother


patricide: the murder of your father


fratricide: the murder of your sibling


uxoricide: the murder of a wife by her husband


filicide: the murder of your own son or daughter


dispatch: killing a person or animal


despatch: killing a person or animal


fell: the act of felling something (as a tree)


suicide: the act of killing yourself


self-destruction: the act of killing yourself


self-annihilation: the act of killing yourself


self-destruction: the act of destroying yourself


assisted suicide: suicide of a terminally ill person that involves an assistant who serves to make dying as painless and dignified as possible


physician-assisted suicide: assisted suicide where the assistant is a physician


felo-de-se: an act of deliberate self destruction


harakiri: ritual suicide by self-disembowelment on a sword; practiced by samurai in the traditional Japanese society


hara-kiri: ritual suicide by self-disembowelment on a sword; practiced by samurai in the traditional Japanese society


harikari: ritual suicide by self-disembowelment on a sword; practiced by samurai in the traditional Japanese society


seppuku: ritual suicide by self-disembowelment on a sword; practiced by samurai in the traditional Japanese society


suttee: the act of a Hindu widow willingly cremating herself on the funeral pyre of her dead husband


elimination: the murder of a competitor


liquidation: the murder of a competitor


slaughter: the killing of animals (as for food)


slaughter: the savage and excessive killing of many people


massacre: the savage and excessive killing of many people


mass murder: the savage and excessive killing of many people


carnage: the savage and excessive killing of many people


butchery: the savage and excessive killing of many people


bloodbath: indiscriminate slaughter


bloodletting: indiscriminate slaughter


bloodshed: indiscriminate slaughter


battue: indiscriminate slaughter


lynching: putting a person to death by mob action without due process of law


poisoning: the act of giving poison to a person or animal with the intent to kill


gassing: the deliberate act of poisoning some person or animal with gas


regicide: the act of killing a king


shooting: killing someone by gunfire


drive-by shooting: shooting someone from a car as it is driven past the victim


wing shooting: shooting game birds that are flying (on the wing)


suffocation: killing by depriving of oxygen


asphyxiation: killing by depriving of oxygen


choking: the act of suffocating (someone) by constricting the windpipe


strangling: the act of suffocating (someone) by constricting the windpipe


strangulation: the act of suffocating (someone) by constricting the windpipe


throttling: the act of suffocating (someone) by constricting the windpipe


spasm: (pathology) sudden constriction of a hollow organ (as a blood vessel)


squeeze: the act of forcing yourself (or being forced) into or through a restricted space


bronchospasm: a spasm of the bronchi that makes exhalation difficult and noisy; associated with asthma and bronchitis


cardiospasm: a spasm of the cardiac sphincter (between the esophagus and the stomach); if the cardiac sphincter does not relax during swallowing the passage of food into the stomach is obstructed


heave: an involuntary spasm of ineffectual vomiting


retch: an involuntary spasm of ineffectual vomiting


laryngismus: laryngeal spasm caused by the sudden contraction of laryngeal muscles


strangulation: (pathology) constriction of a body part so as to cut off the flow of blood or other fluid


carjacking: the violent theft of an occupied car


sacrifice: the act of killing (an animal or person) in order to propitiate a deity


ritual killing: the act of killing (an animal or person) in order to propitiate a deity


hecatomb: a great sacrifice; an ancient Greek or Roman sacrifice of 100 oxen


immolation: killing or offering as a sacrifice


electrocution: killing by electric shock


decapitation: killing by cutting off the head


beheading: killing by cutting off the head


abolition: the act of abolishing a system or practice or institution (especially abolishing slavery)


abolishment: the act of abolishing a system or practice or institution (especially abolishing slavery)


liquidation: termination of a business operation by using its assets to discharge its liabilities


settlement: termination of a business operation by using its assets to discharge its liabilities


viatical settlement: sale of an insurance policy by a terminally ill policy holder


viaticus settlement: sale of an insurance policy by a terminally ill policy holder


withdrawal: the termination of drug taking


drug withdrawal: the termination of drug taking


cold turkey: complete and abrupt withdrawal of all addictive drugs or anything else on which you have become dependent


closure: termination of operations


closedown: termination of operations


closing: termination of operations


shutdown: termination of operations


plant closing: act of shutting down operation of a plant


bank closing: act of closing down a bank because of a fiscal emergency or failure


layoff: the act of laying off an employee or a work force


extinction: the act of extinguishing; causing to stop burning


extinguishing: the act of extinguishing; causing to stop burning


quenching: the act of extinguishing; causing to stop burning


fade: gradually ceasing to be visible


disappearance: gradually ceasing to be visible


abortion: termination of pregnancy


spontaneous abortion: a natural loss of the products of conception


miscarriage: a natural loss of the products of conception


stillbirth: a natural loss of the products of conception


habitual abortion: repeated spontaneous abortion (often for no known reason)


imminent abortion: the appearance of symptoms that signal the impending loss of the products of conception


threatened abortion: the appearance of symptoms that signal the impending loss of the products of conception


incomplete abortion: termination of pregnancy without expulsion of all of the products of conception


partial abortion: termination of pregnancy without expulsion of all of the products of conception


induced abortion: a deliberate termination of pregnancy


aborticide: the act of destroying a fetus


feticide: the act of destroying a fetus


therapeutic abortion: a legally induced abortion for medical reasons (as when the mother's life is threatened)


nullification: the act of nullifying; making null and void; counteracting or overriding the effect or force of something


override: the act of nullifying; making null and void; counteracting or overriding the effect or force of something


abrogation: the act of abrogating; an official or legal cancellation


repeal: the act of abrogating; an official or legal cancellation


annulment: the act of abrogating; an official or legal cancellation


derogation: (law) the partial taking away of the effectiveness of a law; a partial repeal or abolition of a law


cancellation: the act of cancelling; calling off some arrangement


write-off: the act of cancelling from an account a bad debt or a worthless asset


attainder: cancellation of civil rights


civil death: cancellation of civil rights


recission: (law) the act of rescinding; the cancellation of a contract and the return of the parties to the positions they would have had if the contract had not been made


rescission: (law) the act of rescinding; the cancellation of a contract and the return of the parties to the positions they would have had if the contract had not been made


vitiation: nullification by the destruction of the legal force; rendering null


neutralization: action intended to nullify the effects of some previous action


neutralisation: action intended to nullify the effects of some previous action


counteraction: action intended to nullify the effects of some previous action


deactivation: the act of deactivating or making ineffective (as a bomb)


defusing: the act of deactivating or making ineffective (as a bomb)


deactivation: breaking up a military unit (by transfers or discharges)


inactivation: breaking up a military unit (by transfers or discharges)


honorable discharge: a discharge from the armed forces with a commendable record


dishonorable discharge: a discharge from the armed forces for a grave offense (as sabotage or espionage or cowardice or murder)


Section Eight: a discharge from the US Army based on unfitness or character traits deemed undesirable


neutralization: action intended to keep a country politically neutral or exclude it from a possible war


neutralisation: action intended to keep a country politically neutral or exclude it from a possible war


neutralization: (euphemism) the removal of a threat by killing or destroying it (especially in a covert operation or military operation)


neutralisation: (euphemism) the removal of a threat by killing or destroying it (especially in a covert operation or military operation)


reversal: a change from one state to the opposite state


undoing: an act that makes a previous act of no effect (as if not done)


regression: returning to a former state


regress: returning to a former state


reversion: returning to a former state


retrogression: returning to a former state


retroversion: returning to a former state


beginning: the act of starting something


start: the act of starting something


commencement: the act of starting something


springboard: a beginning from which an enterprise is launched


jumping-off point: a beginning from which an enterprise is launched


point of departure: a beginning from which an enterprise is launched


accession: the act of attaining or gaining access to a new office or right or position (especially the throne)


rise to power: the act of attaining or gaining access to a new office or right or position (especially the throne)


activation: making active and effective (as a bomb)


attack: a decisive manner of beginning a musical tone or phrase


tone-beginning: a decisive manner of beginning a musical tone or phrase


constitution: the act of forming or establishing something


establishment: the act of forming or establishing something


formation: the act of forming or establishing something


organization: the act of forming or establishing something


organisation: the act of forming or establishing something


re-establishment: restoration to a previous state


Creation: (theology) God's act of bringing the universe into existence


introduction: the act of beginning something new


debut: the act of beginning something new


first appearance: the act of beginning something new


launching: the act of beginning something new


unveiling: the act of beginning something new


entry: the act of beginning something new


induction of labor: (obstetrics) inducing the childbirth process artificially by administering oxytocin or by puncturing the amniotic sac


induction: the act of bringing about something (especially at an early time)


hypnogenesis: the induction of sleep or hypnosis


product introduction: the introduction (usually by an advertising campaign) of a new product or product line


face-off: (ice hockey) the method of starting play; a referee drops the puck between two opposing players


first step: the first of a series of actions


initiative: the first of a series of actions


opening move: the first of a series of actions


opening: the first of a series of actions


groundbreaking: the ceremonial breaking of the ground to formally begin a construction project


groundbreaking ceremony: the ceremonial breaking of the ground to formally begin a construction project


housing start: the act of starting to construct a house


icebreaker: a beginning that relaxes a tense or formal atmosphere


inauguration: the act of starting a new operation or practice


startup: the act of starting a new operation or practice


initiation: the act of starting something for the first time; introducing something new


founding: the act of starting something for the first time; introducing something new


foundation: the act of starting something for the first time; introducing something new


institution: the act of starting something for the first time; introducing something new


origination: the act of starting something for the first time; introducing something new


creation: the act of starting something for the first time; introducing something new


innovation: the act of starting something for the first time; introducing something new


introduction: the act of starting something for the first time; introducing something new


instauration: the act of starting something for the first time; introducing something new


authorship: the act of initiating a new idea or theory or writing


paternity: the act of initiating a new idea or theory or writing


installation: the act of installing something (as equipment)


installing: the act of installing something (as equipment)


installment: the act of installing something (as equipment)


instalment: the act of installing something (as equipment)


jump ball: (basketball) the way play begins or resumes when possession is disputed; an official tosses the ball up between two players who jump in an effort to tap it to a teammate


kickoff: (football) a kick from the center of the field to start a football game or to resume it after a score


start: a turn to be a starter (in a game at the beginning)


starting: a turn to be a starter (in a game at the beginning)


resumption: beginning again


recommencement: beginning again


scrum: (rugby) the method of beginning play in which the forwards of each team crouch side by side with locked arms; play starts when the ball is thrown in between them and the two sides compete for possession


scrummage: (rugby) the method of beginning play in which the forwards of each team crouch side by side with locked arms; play starts when the ball is thrown in between them and the two sides compete for possession


startup: the act of setting in operation


unionization: act of forming labor unions


unionisation: act of forming labor unions


arousal: the act of arousing


rousing: the act of arousing


reveille: a signal to get up in the morning; in the military it is a bugle call at sunrise


ushering in: the introduction of something new


inauguration: the ceremonial induction into a position


inaugural: the ceremonial induction into a position


curtain raiser: any preliminary activity


first base: the initial stage in accomplishing something


peace initiative: opening move in negotiating a peace treaty


cooking: the act of preparing something (as food) by the application of heat


cookery: the act of preparing something (as food) by the application of heat


preparation: the act of preparing something (as food) by the application of heat


baking: cooking by dry heat in an oven


shirring: baking shelled eggs


toasting: cooking to a brown crispiness over a fire or on a grill


browning: cooking to a brown crispiness over a fire or on a grill


broil: cooking by direct exposure to radiant heat (as over a fire or under a grill)


broiling: cooking by direct exposure to radiant heat (as over a fire or under a grill)


grilling: cooking by direct exposure to radiant heat (as over a fire or under a grill)


frying: cooking in fat or oil in a pan or griddle


sauteing: cooking in fat or oil in a pan or griddle


fusion cooking: cooking that combines ingredients and techniques and seasonings from different cuisines


braising: cooking slowly in fat in a closed pot with little moisture


poaching: cooking in simmering liquid


roasting: cooking (meat) by dry heat in an oven (usually with fat added)


barbecuing: roasting a large piece of meat on a revolving spit out of doors over an open fire


boiling: cooking in a liquid that has been brought to a boil


stewing: cooking in a liquid that has been brought to a boil


simmering: cooking in a liquid that has been brought to a boil


basting: moistening a roast as it is cooking


tenderization: the act of making meat tender by pounding or marinating it


tenderisation: the act of making meat tender by pounding or marinating it


percolation: the act of making coffee in a percolator


seasoning: the act of adding a seasoning to food


salting: the act of adding salt to food


sweetening: the act of adding a sweetener to food


infusion: the act of infusing or introducing a certain modifying element or quality


improvement: the act of improving something


advancement: gradual improvement or growth or development


progress: gradual improvement or growth or development


forwarding: the advancement of some enterprise


furtherance: the advancement of some enterprise


promotion: the advancement of some enterprise


stride: significant progress (especially in the phrase )