Descriptionary

galvanize vb. (GAL vuh niyz) to stimulate, spur, or jolt into action. That at least one polluted river in the city could actually be set on fire helped to galvanize the drive for cleaner water.

gauche adj. (GOHSH) tactless; unrefined socially. Whispering dirty jokes to the queen would probably be considered gauche.

gauntlet, run the any multidirectional punishment, criticism, or ordeal. Originating from an archaic form of punishment in which a soldier would run between two lines of men being struck with clubs, ropes, etc. Facing censure, the president will have to run the gauntlet against some formidable detractors.

gauntlet, throw down the historically, to challenge another to a fight. Today, to challenge another to a debate or contest. The two politicians will throw down the gauntlet and debate the issues next Tuesday before live TV.

genie out of the bottle a metaphor alluding to the reality that once an important action has been taken, it may be extremely difficult to reverse it, as in putting the genie back in the bottle from which it sprung. Sci­entists let the nuclear genie out of the bottle decades ago; ever since, many activists have worked tirelessly to try and put it back in.

genocide n. (JEN uh SIYD) the extermination or partial extermination of an ethnic group. The Nazis committed genocide against the Jews in World War II.

genre n. (ZHON ruh) a category or kind, as in an art form. Stephen King has long specialized in the horror genre.

genteel adj. (jen TEEL) refined; polite. The finishing school prided itself on churning out genteel students.

germane adj. (jur MAYN) relevant; pertinent. When we're discussing politics, I would appreciate it if you wouldn't bring up unrelated issues; try to keep your comments germane.

glasnost n. (GLASS nohst) a Russian policy advo­cating freedom of expression and increased openness concerning social problems. The spirit of glasnost is alive and well in Russia, where citizens now feel free to criticize their government.

glib adj. (GLIB) without much thought, as an off­hand or superficial comment or piece of advice. The critic's glib remarks only served to illustrate how little he cared or knew about our art.

grandiloquent adj. (gran DIL uh kwent) using big words to make an impression; bombastic. The pol­itician's grandiloquent speech backfired; instead of impressing us with his knowledge, he impressed us with his pomposity.

grassroots adj. (GRAS ROOTS) of the common people or citizenry. The neighborhood's housewives began a grassroots campaign to stamp out local cor­ruption.

gratuitous adj. (gruh TOO i tus) unnecessary or uncalled for. Many movies today are filled with gra­tuitous violence.

gregarious adj. (gri GAIR ee us) friendly and outgo­ing. Most people in sales are gregarious by nature.