The definition for abate is "Become less in amount or intensity." Used in a sentence: Just when it seemed the rain would never stop, the storm suddenly began to abate.

The definition for distortion is "The act of twisting out of shape." Used in a sentence: The story about the actress in the gossip column was a distortion of the truth.

The definition for illuminate is "To make clear." Used in a sentence: Her excellent lecture illuminated the complicated subject of nuclear physics.

The definition for ploy is "A contrived plan." Used in a sentence: Sarah thought George's ploy of borrowing her notes was a cowardly way to ask her out.

The definition for repel is "To resist, reject." Used in a sentence: The soldiers made a massive charge to repel the invaders.