(formal) to spend a lot of time thinking or learning about something

They spent a month ___ing themselves in Chinese culture.

(informal) used to say that you are surprised or annoyed about something

__ What are you doing here?

​(informal) used to say that you think somebody is stupid if they believe that something is true: ‘He promised not to do it again.’ ‘Sure, and __.’

__ something to make something worse, especially a disease or problem_SYNONYM aggravate

His aggressive reaction only __d the situation.

(formal): ​__ on/upon something based on a particular idea or belief that is considered to be true: Traditional economic analysis is __ on the assumption that more is better.

(of a slope, hill, etc.) rising or falling quickly, not gradually: a __ hill/slope// [usually before noun] (of a rise or fall in an amount) sudden and very big_SYNONYM sharp: a __ decline in the birth rate// (informal) (of a price or demand) too much; unreasonable_SYNONYM expensive: £4 for a cup of coffee seems a little __ to me.// ​if you __ food in a liquid or leave it to __, you put it in the liquid and leave it for some time so that it becomes soft and takes in the taste of the liquid: __ something (in something) __ the fruit in brandy overnight.

​(formal) to have a lot of a particular quality: a city __ (steeped in) history

(US English caliber): ​[uncountable] the quality of something, especially a person’s ability_SYNONYM standard: He was impressed by the high __ of applicants for the job.// ​[countable] the measurement from one side of the inside of a tube or gun to the other; the measurement from one side of a bullet to the other: a high __ weapon: a .22 __ bullet

full of life and energy_SYNONYM exciting: a __city// (of colours) very bright and strong_SYNONYM brilliant: The room was decorated in __ reds and yellows.// (of music, sounds, etc.) loud and powerful: __ rhythms

__ something a special liking for something_SYNONYM fondness

She has a __ champagne.

(formal): ​lasting or used for only a short period of time_SYNONYM short-lived: __ pleasures: leaflets, handouts and other __ material: It is a critic’s job to follow every __ fashion.