If you were a writer and chose the word reek because it has strong negative associations be taking advantage of its meaning?

Yes, a writer would be taking advantage of the word "reek" negative associations if they chose it to convey a strong sense of unpleasantness or negativity in their writing. The word "reek" is often used to describe unpleasant smells or a strong, offensive odor, and by using it, a writer can effectively evoke a negative sensory experience in the reader's mind.

Here are some examples of how a writer might use the word "reek" to take advantage of its negative associations:

1. To describe an unpleasant environment:

"*The air in the room was thick and reeked of sweat, stale smoke, and unwashed bodies.*"

2. To convey a sense of decay or rot:

"*The rotting meat reeked so badly that it made me gag.*"

3. To create a feeling of disgust or revulsion:

"*The sight of the vomit-soaked floor reeked of illness and made me want to turn away.*"

4. To evoke a sense of danger or hostility:

"*The forest reeked of danger as the wolves howled in the distance.*"

5. To convey a moral or ethical failing:

"*The politician's corruption reeked to high heaven, and the public outcry was deafening.*"

In each of these examples, the word "reek" is used to create a negative impression or to evoke a strong sense of unpleasantness in the reader's mind. By using the word's negative associations, the writer can effectively convey their intended message or atmosphere in a powerful and impactful way.