The Hindu Editorial : May 7, 2025 - Learn Vocabulary

The Hindu Editorial – May 07, 2025 – Learn Vocabulary

Boost your English with The Hindu Editorial – May 07, 2025.

This post by Veranda Race helps aspirants learn 35+ high-level vocabulary words with meanings, synonyms, antonyms, and usage examples—perfect for Bank Exam, SSC Exam, and UPSC Exam preparation.

Reading The Hindu editorial daily enhances reading comprehension, critical thinking, and vocabulary retention. It sharpens your skills for essay writing, mains answers, and complex prelims passages. Ideal for current affairs, fluency, and precision, this vocabulary series empowers competitive exam aspirants to stay ahead. Prepare smartly with contextual learning from credible sources—only at Veranda Race.

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Persuasion strategy

Pakistan must hand over designated terrorists to India

For the first time in over 50 years, India has been told that it is on the threshold of a full-scale war. The drills seek to bring that war into the people’s consciousness, not as a media event but as a way of preparing them for what could unfold in their lives. Civil defence preparedness is a key element of war strategy. These drills will help to take stock of how civilians cope, those responsible for key oil complexes and trained personnel, will interact and act in a war-like situation. Defence preparedness is another matter altogether. The government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has not baulked at national war-like mobilisation. From engineering thorough swachh bharat to the drills undertaken during COVID-19 that also tested civic grit and resilience, there have been many projects that have sought to re-tool the entire society for life in mission-mode. Civil resilience once again being tested by the drills through blackouts.

Wars and war-like simulations are meant to bring up concerns around national cohesiveness and a focus on common, larger goals. They can expose the deeper psyche and the tensions simmering below. The harder is, of course, destruction. In the eyes of many, including powerful global leaders, the greatest Indian loss is 9/11, if not in scale then in conception. This view holds that Pakistan is the Afghanistan of 2001 — a nation caught in a catastrophic moment, with no hopes of holding it together using war or the only statecraft. George W. Bush’s “I hear you” in the rubble of the World Trade Centre has following intention that shooting wanted people was a penetration into the Stone Age. The U.S. had zero risk of any retaliation then. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s promise to pursue terrorists to the end of the earth comes with the risk of a furious realisation that if the current means full-fledged war. While testing civil defence preparedness is one thing, a real war is a highly dangerous escalation that will do little good to the economy or to India’s economic power projection. It must be seen as a last multiplier word as a true and responsible leader. The government need to look at options open so that Pakistan may be forced to walk back from the brink by agreeing to hand over terror leaders of the LeT, JeM and other guilds. India’s no-nonsense self-respect hinges on getting out humane Pakistan and the Pakistani milieu with sobering thoughts on more than its governed by turning its focus on Ajmal Kasab’s signalling value. Perhaps the civil defence preparedness drills will serve as psy-ops, signalling India’s intent that could make Pakistan see the folly of using terror as a tactic in geopolitical disputes.

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Hell on earth

The world should restrain Israel from occupying Gaza

Gaza, as the Red Cross has put it, has already become “hell on earth”: in 19 months, Israeli forces have killed more than 52,000 Palestinians in the enclave, most of them women and children. Nearly all of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents have been displaced, many, multiple times. Tens of thousands have been wounded in a territory that has lacked a viable governance. Israel has imposed a renewed siege on the 365-sq-km strip, deepening an already dire hunger crisis, and there’s no end in view. The UN and rights offices have warned against the Palestinians continuing to live in Gaza. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government has decided to call up tens of thousands of reservists and launch an intensified ground offensive in the enclave, aimed at capturing and liquidating Hamas, and taking control of the whole territory. Israel has already reduced to rubble much of northern Gaza, and forcibly moved the over one million people who used to live there before the war began in October 2023. Now, Mr. Netanyahu says that as part of the new offensive, Palestinians should be boxed and even finish from Palestinian shelters and refugee camps. The Israeli government claims that the offensive is the only way to force Hamas to release the remaining hostages. But in the name of combating Hamas, Mr. Netanyahu has unleashed a Gaza invasion that seems intent on eliminating the entire strip, even as the rest of the world watches passively.

Despite the use of callous, inhumane military tactics, which led the International Criminal Court to issue an arrest warrant against Mr. Netanyahu, Israel has faced little resistance from the most powerful nations. West Asia’s only nuclear power continues to receive weapons from its western allies. The Biden administration provided consistent military and diplomatic support throughout the war. And President Donald Trump, who once threatened to empty out the Palestinians from Gaza, appears to be a great backstop to Mr. Netanyahu. With no meaningful restraints, Mr. Netanyahu is now poised to make another grave mistake by going on the offensive. Over the past 19 months of war, the best opportunity for peace was the implementation of the January 2025 ceasefire agreement. It required, in the second phase, Israel’s withdrawal from Gaza and Hamas releasing the remaining hostages. But Israel’s reluctance and Hamas’s radicalism led to the deal’s collapse, followed by a pullback led to the resumption of fighting. If Mr. Netanyahu proceeds with his plans, it will not just deepen the war but also be viewed as ethnic cleansing. A devastating solution to any attempt to peace and help hostages will throw Arab and international support behind Hamas’s return. The world should restrain Mr. Netanyahu to avoid further escalation, and press for ceasefire and peaceful settlements rather than prolonged and forced displacement perpetrated by violence.

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1. Threshold

Type: Noun

Meaning: The point at which something begins or changes; the beginning of something; a level, point, or value above which something is true or will take place and below which it is not or will not.

Tamil Meaning: நிலை, எல்லை

Malayalam Meaning: പടി, അതിര്

Kannada Meaning: ಹೊಸ್ತಿಲು, ಪ್ರಾರಂಭದ ಹಂತ

Synonyms: Brink, verge, edge, point, doorstep, entrance, gateway

Antonyms: Conclusion, end, termination, exit

Example Sentence: India stands at the threshold of a full-scale war, requiring serious preparation and strategic planning.

2. Unfold

Type: Verb

Meaning: To open up or spread out from a folded state; to develop or reveal gradually; to make known or reveal.

Tamil Meaning: விரிவடைதல், வெளிப்படுதல்

Malayalam Meaning: വിടരുക, വെളിപ്പെടുത്തുക

Kannada Meaning: ಬಿಚ್ಚಿಡು, ಬಹಿರಂಗಪಡಿಸು

Synonyms: Develop, reveal, evolve, transpire, emerge, expand, open up

Antonyms: Fold, conceal, hide, wrap up, suppress

Example Sentence: The civil defense drills prepare citizens for what could unfold in their lives during wartime situations.

3. Baulked

Type: Verb

Meaning: To hesitate or be unwilling to accept an idea or undertaking; to stop short and refuse to proceed.

Tamil Meaning: தயங்குதல், பின்வாங்குதல்

Malayalam Meaning: മടിക്കുക, പിന്മാറുക

Kannada Meaning: ಹಿಂಜರಿಯುವುದು, ನಿರಾಕರಿಸುವುದು

Synonyms: Hesitate, refuse, shy away, thwart, hinder, obstruct

Antonyms: Proceed, advance, continue, embrace

Example Sentence: The Modi government has not baulked at national war-like mobilization, showing its determination to face challenges head-on.

4. Grit

Type: Noun

Meaning: Courage and resolve; strength of character; firmness of mind or spirit.

Tamil Meaning: துணிவு, உறுதி

Malayalam Meaning: ധൈര്യം, ആത്മവിശ്വാസം

Kannada Meaning: ಧೈರ್ಯ, ದೃಢ ನಿಶ್ಚಯ

Synonyms: Determination, courage, resolve, tenacity, perseverance, bravery

Antonyms: Cowardice, weakness, timidity, irresolution

Example Sentence: The COVID-19 drills tested the civic grit of Indian citizens, preparing them for crisis situations.

5. Resilience

Type: Noun

Meaning: The capacity to recover quickly from difficulties; toughness; the ability to spring back into shape or position.

Tamil Meaning: மீள்திறன், உறுதி

Malayalam Meaning: സ്ഥിതിസ്ഥാപകത്വം, ഉറപ്പ്

Kannada Meaning: ಸ್ಥಿತಿಸ್ಥಾಪಕತ್ವ, ಚೇತರಿಕೆಯ ಸಾಮರ್ಥ್ಯ

Synonyms: Flexibility, adaptability, durability, hardiness, fortitude, toughness

Antonyms: Vulnerability, fragility, weakness, brittleness

Example Sentence: Civil resilience is being tested through blackout drills, assessing the population's ability to withstand wartime challenges.

6. Cohesiveness

Type: Noun

Meaning: The quality or state of forming a united whole; the action or fact of forming a united whole.

Tamil Meaning: ஒற்றுமை, ஒருமைப்பாடு

Malayalam Meaning: കൂട്ടായ്മ, ഐക്യത

Kannada Meaning: ಒಗ್ಗಟ್ಟು, ಐಕ್ಯತೆ

Synonyms: Unity, solidarity, togetherness, bonds, uniformity, harmony

Antonyms: Division, disunity, discord, fragmentation

Example Sentence: Wars and war-like simulations bring up concerns around national cohesiveness, focusing society on common goals.

7. Psyche

Type: Noun

Meaning: The human soul, mind, or spirit; the mental or psychological structure of a person.

Tamil Meaning: மனம், உள்ளம்

Malayalam Meaning: മനസ്സ്, ചിത്തം

Kannada Meaning: ಮನಸ್ಸು, ಆತ್ಮ

Synonyms: Mind, soul, spirit, consciousness, mentality, personality

Antonyms: Body, physicality, corporeality

Example Sentence: War simulations can expose the deeper psyche of a nation and reveal underlying tensions.

8. Simmering

Type: Verb / Adjective

Meaning: Being in a state of repressed or suppressed agitation or excitement; existing just below the surface.

Tamil Meaning: கொதிநிலையில்உள்ள, அடக்கப்பட்ட

Malayalam Meaning: അടങ്ങിക്കിടക്കുന്ന, മൂളിക്കൊണ്ടിരിക്കുന്ന

Kannada Meaning: ಕುದಿಯುತ್ತಿರುವ, ಅಡಗಿರುವ

Synonyms: Brewing, bubbling, seething, festering, brewing, building

Antonyms: Subsiding, cooling, calming, resolving

Example Sentence: War simulations can expose tensions simmering below the surface of national unity.

9. Catastrophic

Type: Adjective

Meaning: Involving or causing sudden great damage or suffering; extremely unfortunate or unsuccessful.

Tamil Meaning: பேரழிவு, நாசகரமான

Malayalam Meaning: ദുരന്തകരമായ, നാശകരമായ

Kannada Meaning: ವಿನಾಶಕಾರಿ, ಭಯಾನಕ

Synonyms: Disastrous, calamitous, devastating, cataclysmic, ruinous

Antonyms: Beneficial, advantageous, fortunate, constructive

Example Sentence: Pakistan is viewed as a nation caught in a catastrophic moment, with limited options for diplomatic resolution.

10. Rubble

Type: Noun

Meaning: Broken fragments of stone, brick, concrete, etc., especially as the debris from the demolition of buildings.

Tamil Meaning: இடிபாடுகள்

Malayalam Meaning: അവശിഷ്ടങ്ങൾ

Kannada Meaning: ಅವಶೇಷಗಳು, ಕಟ್ಟಡದ ಪುಡಿ

Synonyms: Debris, wreckage, ruins, fragments, remains, detritus

Antonyms: Construction, structure, building

Example Sentence: George W. Bush's "I hear you" speech in the rubble of the World Trade Center signaled America's resolve to respond to terrorism.

11. Penetration

Type: Noun

Meaning: The action or process of making a way through or into something; deep insight or understanding.

Tamil Meaning: ஊடுருவல், புகுதல்

Malayalam Meaning: തുളച്ചുകയറ്റം, അകത്തേക്ക് കടക്കൽ

Kannada Meaning: ಒಳನುಗ್ಗುವಿಕೆ, ಪ್ರವೇಶ

Synonyms: Intrusion, infiltration, breach, invasion, incursion

Antonyms: Withdrawal, retreat, extraction, exit

Example Sentence: The military action against terrorists was described as a penetration into regions previously considered inaccessible.

12. Retaliation

Type: Noun

Meaning: The action of returning a military attack; revenge or reprisal for harm done.

Tamil Meaning: பழிவாங்குதல், எதிர்த்தாக்குதல்

Malayalam Meaning: പ്രതികാരം, തിരിച്ചടി

Kannada Meaning: ಪ್ರತೀಕಾರ, ಬದಲಿಗೆ ದಾಳಿ

Synonyms: Counterattack, reprisal, revenge, vengeance, retribution

Antonyms: Forgiveness, reconciliation, peace, forbearance

Example Sentence: The U.S. faced zero risk of retaliation during its post-9/11 military operations, unlike India's current situation with Pakistan.

13. Terrorists

Type: Noun

Meaning: People who use violence and intimidation in the pursuit of political aims; those who engage in terrorism.

Tamil Meaning: பயங்கரவாதிகள்

Malayalam Meaning: ഭീകരവാദികൾ

Kannada Meaning: ಭಯೋತ್ಪಾದಕರು

Synonyms: Extremists, militants, radicals, insurgents, guerrillas

Antonyms: Peacekeepers, diplomats, mediators, pacifists

Example Sentence: Prime Minister Modi promised to pursue terrorists to the end of the earth, showing India's firm stance against terrorism.

14. Furious

Type: Adjective

Meaning: Extremely angry; full of fury or rage; characterized by intense activity, speed, or energy.

Tamil Meaning: கோபமான, சீற்றமான

Malayalam Meaning: കോപാകുലമായ, രോഷാകുലമായ

Kannada Meaning: ರೋಷಗೊಂಡ, ಕೋಪಗೊಂಡ

Synonyms: Enraged, irate, incensed, infuriated, livid, seething

Antonyms: Calm, composed, serene, tranquil, placid

Example Sentence: The situation carries the risk of a furious escalation that could lead to full-fledged war between nuclear-armed neighbors.

15. Projection

Type: Noun

Meaning: An estimate or forecast of a future situation based on current trends; the presentation or promotion of someone or something in a particular way.

Tamil Meaning: முன்கணிப்பு, வெளிப்படுத்துதல்

Malayalam Meaning: പ്രക്ഷേപണം, പ്രവചനം

Kannada Meaning: ಪ್ರಕ್ಷೇಪಣ, ಮುನ್ಸೂಚನೆ

Synonyms: Forecast, prediction, estimation, expectation, portrayal

Antonyms: Reality, actuality, present state, current position

Example Sentence: A full-scale war would do little good to India's economic power projection on the global stage.

16. Sobering

Type: Adjective

Meaning: Creating a more serious, thoughtful, or subdued mood; tending to make one thoughtful or sober.

Tamil Meaning: தெளிவுறுத்தும், விழிப்புணர்வை ஏற்படுத்தும்

Malayalam Meaning: ഗൗരവമുള്ള, ചിന്തിപ്പിക്കുന്ന

Kannada Meaning: ಗಂಭೀರವಾಗಿಸುವ, ಆಲೋಚನೆಗೆ ಹಚ್ಚುವ

Synonyms: Serious, grave, solemn, thought-provoking, chastening

Antonyms: Exciting, exhilarating, intoxicating, thrilling

Example Sentence: India's firm stance could provide Pakistan with sobering thoughts about using terror as a geopolitical tactic.

17. Folly

Type: Noun

Meaning: Lack of good sense or judgment; foolishness; a foolish act, idea, or practice.

Tamil Meaning: முட்டாள்தனம், அறிவீனம்

Malayalam Meaning: ഭോഷത്തം, വിഡ്ഢിത്തം

Kannada Meaning: ಮೂರ್ಖತನ, ಬುದ್ಧಿಹೀನತೆ

Synonyms: Foolishness, stupidity, madness, absurdity, irrationality

Antonyms: Wisdom, sense, prudence, sagacity, judiciousness

Example Sentence: The civil defense drills might make Pakistan see the folly of using terror as a tactic in geopolitical disputes.

18. Enclave

Type: Noun

Meaning: A portion of territory surrounded by a larger territory whose inhabitants are culturally or ethnically distinct; a place or group that is different in character from those surrounding it.

Tamil Meaning: சூழப்பட்டநிலப்பகுதி

Malayalam Meaning: കോട്ടകം, വലയം

Kannada Meaning: ಇತರಪ್ರದೇಶದಿಂದ ಸುತ್ತುವರಿದ ಪ್ರದೇಶ

Synonyms: Exclave, pocket, territory, colony, district, zone

Antonyms: Mainland, expanse, open area

Example Sentence: Israeli forces have killed more than 52,000 Palestinians in the Gaza enclave over 19 months of conflict.

19. Displaced

Type: Verb / Adjective

Meaning: Forced to leave their home, especially because of war, persecution, or natural disaster.

Tamil Meaning: இடம்பெயர்ந்த

Malayalam Meaning: കുടിയൊഴിപ്പിക്കപ്പെട്ട

Kannada Meaning: ವಿಸ್ಥಾಪಿತರಾದ

Synonyms: Uprooted, evacuated, expelled, banished, exiled

Antonyms: Settled, established, rooted, located

Example Sentence: Nearly all of Gaza's 2.3 million residents have been displaced, many multiple times throughout the conflict.

20. Siege

Type: Noun

Meaning: A military operation in which enemy forces surround a town or building, cutting off essential supplies, with the aim of compelling those inside to surrender.

Tamil Meaning: முற்றுகை

Malayalam Meaning: ഉപരോധം, വളയൽ

Kannada Meaning: ಮುತ್ತಿಗೆ

Synonyms: Blockade, encirclement, investment, beleaguerment

Antonyms: Liberation, freedom, opening, access

Example Sentence: Israel has imposed a renewed siege on the 365-sq-km Gaza strip, deepening the humanitarian crisis.

21. Dire

Type: Adjective

Meaning: Extremely serious or urgent; causing great fear or suffering.

Tamil Meaning: மோசமான, கொடுமையான

Malayalam Meaning: ഗുരുതരമായ, അതീവ ഗൗരവമുള്ള

Kannada Meaning: ಭಯಾನಕ, ತೀವ್ರ

Synonyms: Desperate, critical, grave, serious, severe, extreme

Antonyms: Mild, minor, trivial, insignificant, negligible

Example Sentence: The siege has deepened an already dire hunger crisis in Gaza, with millions facing starvation.

22. Call up

Type: Phrasal Verb

Meaning: To order someone to be ready for military service; to summon for duty.

Tamil Meaning: அழைத்தல் (படைக்கு)

Malayalam Meaning: സേനയിലേക്ക്വിളിക്കുക

Kannada Meaning: ಸೇನೆಗೆಕರೆಯುವುದು

Synonyms: Conscript, draft, enlist, mobilize, summon

Antonyms: Discharge, dismiss, release, demobilize

Example Sentence: Netanyahu's government has decided to call up tens of thousands of reservists for the intensified ground offensive.

23. Liquidating

Type: Verb

Meaning: To kill or eliminate someone, especially as a political action; to end the existence of.

Tamil Meaning: அழித்தொழித்தல்

Malayalam Meaning: ഇല്ലാതാക്കുക, നശിപ്പിക്കുക

Kannada Meaning: ಸಂಹರಿಸುವುದು, ನಾಶಪಡಿಸುವುದು

Synonyms: Eliminate, annihilate, exterminate, eradicate, destroy

Antonyms: Preserve, protect, safeguard, maintain

Example Sentence: Israel's offensive is aimed at capturing and liquidating Hamas, showing the extreme nature of their military objectives.

24. Rubble

Type: Noun

Meaning: Broken fragments of stone, brick, concrete, etc., especially as the debris from the demolition of buildings.

Tamil Meaning: இடிபாடுகள்

Malayalam Meaning: അവശിഷ്ടങ്ങൾ

Kannada Meaning: ಅವಶೇಷಗಳು, ಕಟ್ಟಡದ ಪುಡಿ

Synonyms: Debris, wreckage, ruins, fragments, remains, detritus

Antonyms: Construction, structure, building

Example Sentence: Israel has already reduced much of northern Gaza to rubble through intensive bombing campaigns.

25. Combating

Type: Verb

Meaning: To take action to reduce, prevent, or eliminate something undesirable; to fight against.

Tamil Meaning: போராடுதல், எதிர்த்தல்

Malayalam Meaning: നേരിടുക, പോരാടുക

Kannada Meaning: ಹೋರಾಡುವುದು, ಎದುರಿಸುವುದು

Synonyms: Fighting, battling, confronting, opposing, tackling

Antonyms: Supporting, aiding, assisting, fostering

Example Sentence: In the name of combating Hamas, Netanyahu has unleashed a devastating invasion of Gaza.

26. Invasion

Type: Noun

Meaning: An armed force or group entering a country or region so as to subjugate or occupy it; an incursion by a large number of people or things into a place or sphere of activity.

Tamil Meaning: படையெடுப்பு

Malayalam Meaning: ആക്രമണം, അധിനിവേശം

Kannada Meaning: ಆಕ್ರಮಣ, ದಾಳಿ

Synonyms: Attack, incursion, assault, offensive, onslaught

Antonyms: Retreat, withdrawal, evacuation, defense

Example Sentence: Netanyahu has unleashed a Gaza invasion that seems intent on eliminating the entire strip.

27. Passively

Type: Adverb

Meaning: In a way that accepts or allows what happens or what others do, without active response or resistance.

Tamil Meaning: செயலற்று, எதிர்ப்பின்றி

Malayalam Meaning: നിഷ്‌ക്രിയമായി, എതിർക്കാതെ

Kannada Meaning: ನಿಷ್ಕ್ರಿಯವಾಗಿ, ಪ್ರತಿರೋಧವಿಲ್ಲದೆ

Synonyms: Inactively, submissively, unresistingly, docilely

Antonyms: Actively, assertively, energetically, vigorously

Example Sentence: The rest of the world watches passively as the devastating military campaign continues in Gaza.

28. Inhumane

Type: Adjective

Meaning: Without compassion for misery or suffering; cruel.

Tamil Meaning: கொடூரமான, மனிதாபிமானமற்ற

Malayalam Meaning: മനുഷ്യത്വരഹിതമായ, ക്രൂരമായ

Kannada Meaning: ಅಮಾನವೀಯ, ಕ್ರೂರ

Synonyms: Cruel, brutal, barbaric, savage, merciless, pitiless

Antonyms: Humane, compassionate, kind, merciful, benevolent

Example Sentence: Despite the use of callous, inhumane military tactics, Israel has faced little international resistance.

29. Diplomatic

Type: Adjective

Meaning: Relating to diplomacy or diplomats; having or showing the ability to deal with people in a sensitive and tactful way.

Tamil Meaning: இராஜதந்திர, தூதுவசம்பந்தமான

Malayalam Meaning: നയതന്ത്രപരമായ, കൂടസംവാദപരമായ

Kannada Meaning: ರಾಜತಾಂತ್ರಿಕ, ಕೂಟನೀತಿಯ

Synonyms: Tactful, politic, discreet, subtle, sensitive

Antonyms: Tactless, blunt, direct, insensitive, undiplomatic

Example Sentence: The Biden administration provided consistent military and diplomatic support throughout the war.

30. Restraints

Type: Noun

Meaning: A measure or condition that keeps someone or something under control; a limitation or restriction.

Tamil Meaning: கட்டுப்பாடுகள்

Malayalam Meaning: നിയന്ത്രണങ്ങൾ, നിയമങ്ങൾ

Kannada Meaning: ನಿರ್ಬಂಧಗಳು, ನಿಯಂತ್ರಣಗಳು

Synonyms: Constraints, limitations, restrictions, controls, curbs

Antonyms: Freedoms, liberties, allowances, permissions

Example Sentence: With no meaningful restraints from the international community, Netanyahu is now poised to make another grave mistake.

31. Poised

Type: Adjective

Meaning: In a state of readiness; ready to do something; balanced or suspended.

Tamil Meaning: தயார்நிலையில், செய்யத் தயாராக

Malayalam Meaning: സജ്ജമായ, തയ്യാറായ

Kannada Meaning: ಸಿದ್ಧವಾಗಿರುವ, ತಯಾರಾಗಿರುವ

Synonyms: Ready, prepared, set, balanced, positioned, on the brink

Antonyms: Unprepared, unready, irresolute, hesitant

Example Sentence: With no meaningful restraints, Netanyahu is now poised to make another grave mistake by launching a new offensive.

32. Ceasefire

Type: Noun

Meaning: A temporary suspension of fighting; a truce.

Tamil Meaning: போர்நிறுத்தம்

Malayalam Meaning: വെടിനിർത്തൽ, യുദ്ധവിരാമം

Kannada Meaning: ಯುದ್ಧವಿರಾಮ, ಕದನ ನಿಲುಗಡೆ

Synonyms: Truce, armistice, peace, suspension of hostilities

Antonyms: War, conflict, hostilities, fighting

Example Sentence: The best opportunity for peace was the implementation of the January 2025 ceasefire agreement.

33. Radicalism

Type: Noun

Meaning: The beliefs or actions of people who advocate thorough or complete political or social reform; the holding or following of radical or extreme views or principles.

Tamil Meaning: தீவிரவாதம்

Malayalam Meaning: തീവ്രവാദം

Kannada Meaning: ತೀವ್ರವಾದ, ಮೂಲಭೂತವಾದ

Synonyms: Extremism, militancy, fanaticism, fundamentalism

Antonyms: Moderation, conservatism, centrism, conventionality

Example Sentence: Israel's reluctance and Hamas's radicalism led to the collapse of the ceasefire agreement.

34. Cleansing

Type: Noun/Verb

Meaning: The mass expulsion or killing of members of an unwanted ethnic or religious group in a society; systematic forced removal of ethnic or religious groups.

Tamil Meaning: இனஅழிப்பு

Malayalam Meaning: വംശഹത്യ, വംശശുദ്ധീകരണം

Kannada Meaning: ಜನಾಂಗಶುದ್ಧೀಕರಣ, ನಿರ್ಮೂಲನ

Synonyms: Purge, removal, elimination, purification, eradication

Antonyms: Integration, inclusion, assimilation, acceptance

Example Sentence: If Netanyahu proceeds with his plans, it could be viewed as ethnic cleansing of Palestinians from Gaza.

35. Hostages

Type: Noun

Meaning: Persons seized or held as security for the fulfillment of a condition; people held captive.

Tamil Meaning: பிணைக்கைதிகள்

Malayalam Meaning: തടവുകാർ, ബന്ദികൾ

Kannada Meaning: ಒತ್ತೆಯಾಳುಗಳು, ಬಂಧಿಗಳು

Synonyms: Captives, prisoners, detainees, abductees

Antonyms: Liberators, rescuers, freedmen, released individuals

Example Sentence: Any attempt to peace and help hostages will be undermined by further Israeli military action.

36. Escalation

Type: Noun

Meaning: A rapid increase in intensity or magnitude; the development of a conflict to a more serious or intense stage.

Tamil Meaning: தீவிரமடைதல், அதிகரிப்பு

Malayalam Meaning: വർദ്ധന, ആഴത്തിലേക്കുള്ള വളർച്ച

Kannada Meaning: ತೀವ್ರಗೊಳಿಸುವಿಕೆ, ಹೆಚ್ಚಳ

Synonyms: Intensification, amplification, heightening, aggravation

Antonyms: De-escalation, reduction, diminishment, abatement

Example Sentence: The world should restrain Netanyahu to avoid further escalation of the conflict in Gaza.

37. Perpetrated

Type: Verb

Meaning: To carry out or commit (a harmful, illegal, or immoral action); to be responsible for.

Tamil Meaning: செய்யப்பட்ட, புரியப்பட்ட

Malayalam Meaning: ചെയ്തു, നടത്തി

Kannada Meaning: ನಡೆಸಿದ, ಮಾಡಿದ

Synonyms: Committed, executed, performed, carried out, conducted

Antonyms: Prevented, stopped, hindered, impeded

Example Sentence: The world should press for ceasefire rather than prolonged and forced displacement perpetrated by violence.

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With today’s THE HINDU Editorial from May 7, 2025, you've learned 35+ powerful vocabulary words. Consistent practice like these builds not just your word bank but also sharpens your comprehension and expression for exams and real-world communication. Keep reading, keep learning! 💪📖

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The Hindu Editorial – May , 2025

Aspirants can find the other – THE HINDU EDITORIAL – Vocabulary words from the below given table.

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