Multiple-Meaning Words

The English language has many words which have multiple meanings. Bank, bluff, case, charge, lash, and pawn are examples of multiple-meaning words. The nouns are in green and the verbs are in pink. All of the web pictures used came from Commons and are reusable.

Charge

An example of Charge used as a noun: "There was a charge on my statement that I didn't recognize."

To impose or ask a price

Verb

He chose to charge the items to his credit card.

To attack

Verb

They decided to charge their enemy on the battleground.

Lash

Hairs on the eyelids

Noun

She had a lash in her eye.

To strike out against

Verb

He chose to lash out at his sister when he was angry.

Pawn

Someone who is used or manipulated

Noun

The servant was the king's pawn.

To deposit as security for money borrowed.

Verb

She had to pawn her crystal to pay her rent.

Case

An example of Case used as a verb: "The thief planned to case the house to see when it would be empty."

A physical object to hold other objects.

Noun

He put the papers in his case.

A state of being.

Noun

We thought we were in the right place, but that is not the case.

Bluff

A cliff

Noun

We stood high up on the bluff, overlooking the valley.

To deceive or mislead

Verb

While playing poker, he bluffed convincingly.

Bank

A financial institution

Noun

Which bank do you use for your checking account?

To form into a bank or heap

Verb

Did he bank the snow?