US, S. Korea Forces on High Alert After Nuclear Test

high alert – expression. heightened or increased preparedness

provocation – n. an action that makes someone angry

aircraft – n. an airplane, helicopter or other machine able to fly

retaliation – n. the action of answering an attack

couple – n. two of something

function – n. the special purpose or activity for which something exists

route – n. a path or way of getting from one point to another

credit cards – n. a card used as a method of payment

regime – n. a government; a system or planning way of doing things

sanctions – n. a threatened punishment for disobeying a rule or law

allow – v. to permit or let

fundamental – adj. of central importance