- Today's Word
Vaunt
vahnt
Definition
(verb) To boast or speak proudly about something, often in a showy or self-important way.
Example
The brand vaunted its eco-friendly practices in every ad campaign.
Fun Fact
Vaunt dates back to the 15th century and shares a root with vain. It was once used almost poetically in Shakespearean language, but now it often shows up in marketing critiques and political commentary. Whether you’re vaunting your skills on LinkedIn or your dinner on Instagram, the word carries a whiff of self-promotion—sometimes admired, sometimes eye-roll-inducing.
(verb) To isolate or remove something—or someone—from others; to set apart.
During the trial, the judge decided to sequester the jury to prevent outside influence.
Sequester comes from the Latin sequestrare, meaning “to surrender something to a trustee” or “to set aside.” Over centuries, the meaning shifted toward isolation and removal—particularly in legal, environmental, and scientific contexts where something is intentionally kept separate.