Backyard: An enclosed area behind a house.

• The children built a small treehouse in their backyard last summer.

Wound: Past tense of wind, to wrap or coil something around something else.

• She carefully wound the wool around her knitting needles before starting the new project.

Duct tape: Strong, adhesive tape often used for repairs and sealing.

• The broken chair leg was temporarily fixed with duct tape until we could buy a new one.

Dispose: To get rid of something.

• Please dispose of your trash properly by putting it in the recycling bins.

Dispatcher: A person whose job is to send vehicles or people where they are needed.

• The emergency dispatcher quickly sent an ambulance to the accident scene.

Suspended: Hanging from something.

• The beautiful chandelier was suspended from the ceiling by a thin metal chain.

Cordon-off: To prevent people from entering an area by putting a barrier around it.

• Police cordon-off the area around the accident to keep onlookers away.

Surge: A sudden strong increase.

• There was a surge of excitement in the crowd when the famous singer appeared on stage.

Arrest: To take someone into legal custody.

• The police had to arrest the man for driving under the influence of alcohol.

Persuade: To convince someone to do or believe something.

• My friend tried to persuade me to join the hiking club, but I prefer swimming.

Innocent: Not guilty of a crime or wrong action.

• Despite all the evidence against him, he maintained that he was innocent of the accusations.

Stared: Looked at something for a long time with wide open eyes.

• He stared in amazement at the magnificent painting in the art gallery.

Confusion: The state of being uncertain or unclear about what is happening.

• There was confusion at the airport when two flights were scheduled to depart from the same gate.

Decoration: Something used to make something more attractive.

• We put up colorful holiday decoration all around our house in December.

Crime scene: A place where a crime has been committed and evidence may be found.

• The detective examined the crime scene carefully, looking for fingerprints or other clues.

Capable: Having the ability, skill, or qualities to do something.

• She is highly intelligent and capable of solving complex mathematical problems.