English

The principal of our rival school threw down the gauntlet, and we had no choice but to accept the challenge.

1. gauntlet [ˋgɔntlɪt](n.) a thick heavy glove that you wear to protect your hand and lower arm

    run the gauntlet to experience a difficult situation, for example a lot of questions, criticisms, or attacks

    Example: It's either get a job or run the gauntlet of unemployment officials.

    throw down the gauntlet to make it clear that you want to argue or fight with someone about something  

The irate 80-year-old manager pressed charges against K.O. Mullins, suing him for assault.

2. assault (n.) a physical attack on someone, or the crime of physically attacking someone

    Example: an assault on a young student

    Example: He was charged with assault.

    (v.) to attack someone violently

    Example: An elderly woman was robbed and sexually assaulted.

Vigilant censors protect the public from listening to scurrilous language on television.

3. censor (n.) someone whose job is to remove any parts of books, films etc that they consider unsuitable for moral, religious, or political reasons

Her parents are absolutely frantic with worry.

4. frantic (adj.) done in a very urgent way

    Example: frantic attempts to dig out survivors of the earthquake

    Example: If I look a bit frantic, it's because I'm running late.

    frantically (adv.)

Special instruments record the speed and motion of the atoms.

5. motion (n.) the process or action of moving

    (n.) a movement that someone or something makes

    Example: Rub the horse's coat in a circle motion

    Example: She made a little fluttering motion with her hands.

    (n.) a formal proposal that people discuss and then vote on in a meeting or debate

    go through the motions to do things in the usual way but without much effort or enthusiasm because you do not expect to succeed

    Example: The leaders are going through the motions of peace talks.

    (v.) to move your hand or head in a particular direction, for example to point somewhere or to get someone's attention

    Example: Sam motioned them away.

    motion ( for ) sb to do sth

    Example: He motioned for the waiter to bring the bill.