Contranyms

contranym (noun) = a word with two opposite meanings



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According to Daily Writing Tips - 

 

The English language includes an interesting category of words and phrases called contranyms (also spelled contronyms, or referred to as autoantonyms) — terms that, depending on context, can have opposite or contradictory meanings. When you use these words, be sure the context clearly identifies which meaning is intended:

 

Aught: All, or nothing

Bill: Payment, or invoice for payment

Bolt: To secure, or to flee

Buckle: To connect, or to collapse

Clip: To fasten, or to detach

Custom: A common practice, or a special treatment

Dust: To add fine particles, or to remove them

Enjoin: To impose, or to prohibit

Finished: Completed, or destroyed

Fix: To repair, or to castrate

Garnish: To furnish (food preparation), or to take away (wages)

Handicap: An advantage provided to ensure equality, or a disadvantage that prevents equal achievement

Hold up: To support, or to impede

Left: Remained, or departed

Model: An exemplar, or a copy

Overlook: To supervise, or to neglect

Put out: Extinguish, or generate

Quantum: Significantly large, or a minuscule part

Quiddity: Essence, or a trifling point of contention

Refrain: To desist from doing something, or to repeat

Rock: An immobile mass of stone or figuratively similar phenomenon, or a shaking or unsettling movement or action

Sanction: To approve, or to boycott

Sanguine: Confidently cheerful, or bloodthirsty

Screen: To present, or to conceal

Strike: Hit, or miss in an attempt to hit

Throw out: To dispose of, or to present for consideration

Trim: To decorate, or to remove excess from

Trip: A journey, or a stumble

Variety: Particular type, or many types

Wear: To endure, or to deteriorate

 

For more great contranyms, visit: http://www.dailywritingtips.com/75-contronyms-words-with-contradictory-meanings/