The definition for stern is "Harsh, severe." Used in a sentence: The stern principal canceled the prom after the seniors played a silly prank. The definition for entangle is "to involve in trouble.", the definition for buffer is "Protective barrier.", and the definition for aerate is "To supply with air."

The definition for gruff is "Rough or stern in manner or speech." Used in a sentence: Heidi's grandfather was gruff, barking stern orders and hardly smiling. The definition for illuminate is "to make clear.", the definition for recrimination is "A retaliatory accusation.", and the definition for inflammatory is "Tending to excite anger."

The definition for proximity is "Closeness." Used in a sentence: The proximity of Tia's house to school meant that she could walk there in five minutes. The definition for preclude is "to rule out in advance.", the definition for prune is "To reduce by removing excess.", and the definition for surplus is "Excess."

The definition for parity is "Equality." Used in a sentence: Hilda, to avoid squabbles, aimed for parity in the slices of birthday cake. The definition for epitaph is "brief statement honoring a dead person.", the definition for inviolable is "Secure from assault of trespass.", and the definition for buffoonery is "Foolish behavior."

The definition for obnoxious is "Highly offensive." Used in a sentence: The manager asked the obnoxious diner to leave the restaurant. The definition for mandate is "an official order or commission to do something.", the definition for polarize is "To break up into opposing groups.", and the definition for extol is "To praise highly."