The definition for curtail is "To make less." Used in a sentence: Doreen decided to curtail her spending after she bounced a check.

The definition for derelict is "Abandoned." Used in a sentence: The derelict house was condemned as a public hazard.

The definition for placebo is "An inactive substance used in medical testing." Used in a sentence: Tom, who had taken the placebo, found that his allergy symptoms did not go away.

The definition for preclude is "To rule out in advance." Used in a sentence: "Having cake now will preclude dessert later," said Amber's mother.

The definition for pretentious is "Making unjustified claims." Used in a sentence: The pretentious boy said that he was the fastest runner, but he finished last in the race.