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tem • per vt., toughen, as by rigors or trying experiences. Joan was tempered by two years of service in the Marines.

ven • ture n., risky or dangerous undertaking. The cross-country bike trip was a courageous venture for the two disabled Vietnam veterans.

a • sun • der adv., apart or separate in direction or position. The party was split asunder by dissension.

sub • ver • sion n., systematic attempt to overthrow a government. The dictator put the senators accused of subversion under house arrest.

sov • er • eign adj., independent. Sovereign powers are dependent upon diplomacy.

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in • vec • tive n., insulting or abusive language. When Jed asked for the return of his baseball mitt, his request was met with invective from the angry boy he had lent it to.

ci • vil • i • ty n., politeness. With unexpected civility the wrestler shook hands with his opponent.

be • la • bor vt., spend too much time or effort on. “Do not belabor the point,” the teacher instructed, “but go on to the next item.”

in • voke vt., call on for blessing, help, or inspiration. At the beginning of the powwow, the chief spoke briefly to invoke the memory of the ancestors.

e • rad • i • cate vt., get rid of; wipe out; destroy. The president proposed legislation intended to eradicate illiteracy.