There are quite a number of words in English that are contranyms, or Janus words. These words have two or more generally accepted meanings that are either directly opposite in meaning or that generally contradict each other. When you use these words you have to take care that the context clearly identifies which meaning is intended. No wonder people say that English is a confusing langauge to learn!
Here are a few examples:
Apology :
1. A statement of contrition for an action
2. The defense of an action.
Buckle :
1. To connect or to fasten
2. To cause to bend, give way, or crumple.
Cleave :
1. To adhere firmly, to stick
2. To separate, divide or split.
Discursive:
1. Clear analytical reasoning; coherent and orderly
2. Proceeding aimlessly in a discussion, rambling.
Dust :
1. To sprinkle with fine particles
2. To make free of dust; to remove fine particles.
Fast :
1. Quick, rapid, speedy
2. Firmly fixed, stuck, tightly shut.
Finished :
1. Completed
2. Ended or destroyed.
Left :
1. Remained
2. Departed.
Overlook :
1. To supervise or inspect
2. To neglect or ignore.
Refrain
1. To stop doing something
2. To repeat over and over.
Sanction :
1. To approve or give consent
2. To boycott; to impose a sanction or penalty upon.
Seed :
1. To plant or sow seeds
2. To remove or extract seeds.
Temper :
1. To soften
2. To strengthen, to harden.
Trim:
1. To decorate, to embellish
2. To cut away, to remove excess.
Wear :
1. To endure; to grow in resilience
2. To diminish, deteriorate.
