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posterize

Verb CEFR B2
ˈpəʊstəɹaɪz

Definitions

  1. To inadvertently or intentionally reduce the number of colours in (a photograph or other image), changing a continuous gradation of tone to several regions of fewer tones with abrupt changes from one tone to another.
  2. To score a slam dunk in basketball against (one or more opposing players) by leaping over them; also (by extension, sports, slang), to score a goal, a point, etc., in some other sport against (one or more opposing players) in a spectacular manner.
  3. To inadvertently or intentionally reduce the number of colours in a photograph or other image, changing a continuous gradation of tone to several regions of fewer tones with abrupt changes from one tone to another.

Examples

“Probably, [Sam] Perkins just wanted to get⟳ out of the way and not be "posterized," which is what happens when the dunkee is humiliated by the dunker. But [Michael] Jordan thought Perkins, his college teammate, would try⟳ to block⟳ the dunk, so he switched the ball from his right to his left hand at chest level. […] Jordan extended his left hand, and flipped the ball off glass, with reverse spin⟳, into the basket. […] Only one other such spectacular shot in a game of consequence comes to mind⟳, the time in the 1980 NBA finals when Julius Erving wrapped himself around the basket, going out of bounds while in the air in the process⟳, and posterized Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Mark⟳ Landsberger with a reverse one-hand flip off the glass.”

CEFR level

B2
Upper Intermediate
This word is part of the CEFR B2 vocabulary — upper intermediate level.
See all B2 English words →

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