Violent Protests Spread Across the United States Explained for B1-B2 English Learners

Shocking images of violence and unrest are coming out of the United States, but do you have the vocabulary to understand what is really happening? In this English lesson, we break down the news reports to help you master advanced words related to protests, riots, and civil conflict.📝 If you want to review the words from today's lesson, click the link below to download my Free News Vocabulary Guide: https://american-english-with-brent.kit.com/bcb3b9f6f21. Tensions * Definition: Bad feelings between people or groups that might lead to a fight. * Example: There are tensions between the two neighbors because of the loud music.2. Crackdown * Definition: Serious action by the police or government to stop bad behavior. * Example: The school started a crackdown on cell phone use in class.3. Columbus, Ohio * Definition: A large city in the United States (the capital city of Ohio). * Example: My cousin lives in Columbus, Ohio.4. Fatal * Definition: Causing death. * Example: The accident was fatal; sadly, the driver died.5. Kicked Off (started) * Definition: Started or began. * Example: The soccer game kicked off at 3:00 PM.6. DHS * Definition: The "Department of Homeland Security." It is a US government group that keeps the country safe. * Example: The DHS checks passports at the airport.7. A Traffic Stop * Definition: When police force a driver to stop their car to check for a problem. * Example: He got a ticket for speeding during a traffic stop.8. Undocumented * Definition: Not having official papers to live or work in a country. * Example: It is difficult for undocumented people to get a driver’s license.9. Convicted * Definition: Found guilty of a crime by a court. * Example: He was convicted of stealing the money.10. Dragged * Definition: Pulled something heavy along the ground. * Example: I dragged the heavy bag into the house.11. Fateful moment * Definition: A specific time that changes the future forever. * Example: Meeting his wife was a fateful moment in his life.12. SUV * Definition: A large car that is good for families. * Example: We put all our luggage in the back of the SUV.13. Approach * Definition: To come closer to something. * Example: The train will approach the station soon.14. Reverses * Definition: Drives backward. * Example: Look behind you before the car reverses.15. Accelerating * Definition: Going faster. * Example: The plane is accelerating down the runway.16. Rare * Definition: Not common; very hard to find. * Example: Snow is very rare in the desert.17. Radicalized * Definition: Made to believe in extreme or dangerous ideas. * Example: The young man was radicalized by angry videos he saw online.18. Pressed (asked) * Definition: Asked many times or pushed for an answer. * Example: The reporter pressed the President for an answer.19. Risk * Definition: A chance that something bad or dangerous might happen. * Example: There is a risk of rain tomorrow.20. Deranged * Definition: Crazy; acting very strangely. * Example: The man was acting deranged and yelling at the wall.21. Leftist * Definition: A person who supports liberal political ideas (usually wanting social change). * Example: The leftist group wants the government to pay for college.22. Obstruct * Definition: To block or get in the way. * Example: Do not obstruct the door; people need to get out.23. Tragedy * Definition: A very sad event where people often die or get hurt. * Example: The sinking of the Titanic was a huge tragedy.24. Frustration * Definition: Feeling angry or upset because you cannot do what you want. * Example: I shouted in frustration when I lost my keys.25. Passed Judgment * Definition: Gave a strong opinion saying something is good or bad. * Example: The teacher passed judgment on the student's poor behavior.