betroth

to enter into a formal agreement to marry

• Soon I shall be betrothed to Isabel.

ponder

to think carefully about something, especially for a noticeable length of time

• She sat back for a minute to ponder her next move in the game.

rebuff

to refuse to accept a helpful suggestion from someone, often by answering in an unfriendly way

• She rebuffed all suggestions that she should resign.

trepidation

fear or worry about what is going to happen

• Shaking with trepidation, the young man faced his fear of heights by skydiving.

prospect

a potential customer

• The salesperson introduced herself to the prospect with a big smile and a firm handshake.

consummate

to bring something to completion; to finish

• The salesperson consummated three sales in one day.

acclamation

loud and enthusiastic praise or approval

• His speech was greeted with (shouts of) acclamation.

equanimity

the ability to react calmly, especially in difficult situations

• He received the news of his mother's death with remarkable equanimity.

preen

(of a bird) to clean and arrange its feathers using its beak; to spend time making yourself look attractive

• His pet bird would preen its feathers to keep them clean.

flounder

to make wild movements with your arms or body, especially because you are trying not to sink

• The lifeguard noticed a man floundering in the water.