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heuristic
a commonsense rule to help solve some problem
stash
save up as for future use
protagonist
the principal character in a work of fiction
crackdown
a severely strict or harsh action
dent
an impression in a surface (as made by a blow)
paragon
a perfect embodiment of a concept
idiosyncratic
peculiar to the individual
ardent
characterized by intense emotion
stymie
hinder or prevent the progress or accomplishment of
derail
run off or leave the tracks
retaliate
make a counterattack and return like for like
autonomy
political independence
reinforce
strengthen and support
stooge
a person who is the subject of ridicule or pranks
row
an arrangement of objects or people side by side in a line
deter
turn away from as by fear or persuasion
engulf
flow over or cover completely
smuggle
import or export without paying customs duties
thug
an aggressive and violent young criminal
own
belonging to or on behalf of a specified person
aggression
a disposition to behave forcefully and energetically
simmer
boil slowly at low temperature
abound
exist in large quantities
separatist
an advocate of secession or independence from a larger group
breakaway
the act of breaking away or withdrawing from
relapse
deteriorate in health
prognosis
a prediction of the course of a disease
alleviate
provide physical relief, as from pain
repress
conceal or hide
phobia
an anxiety disorder characterized by irrational fear
inflammation
the state of being emotionally aroused and worked up
evade
avoid or try to avoid fulfilling, answering, or performing
extrapolate
draw from specific cases for more general cases
latent
potentially existing but not presently evident or realized
candidate
someone who is considered for something
unusually
to a remarkable degree or extent
susceptible
yielding readily to or capable of undergoing a process
physiology
the science dealing with the functioning of organisms
polygamy
having more than one spouse at a time
slur
utter indistinctly
prevalent
most frequent or common
obese
excessively large
uterus
a hollow muscular organ in the pelvic cavity of females
startle
surprise greatly
dare
a challenge to do something dangerous or foolhardy
astute
marked by practical hardheaded intelligence
denounce
speak out against
delegate
a person appointed or elected to represent others
sporadic
recurring in scattered or unpredictable instances
foment
try to stir up
scant
less than the correct or legal or full amount
gulf
an arm of a sea or ocean partly enclosed by land
demographic
a statistic characterizing human populations
dismissal
the sending away of someone
disingenuous
not straightforward or candid
apparatus
equipment designed to serve a specific function
bungling
lacking physical movement skills, especially with the hands
quarter
one of four equal parts
thoroughfare
a public road from one place to another
quell
suppress or crush completely
outspoken
given to expressing yourself freely or insistently
relieve
free from a burden, evil, or distress
by
so as to pass a given point
clique
an exclusive circle of people with a common purpose
sovereignty
the authority of a state to govern another state
aide
someone who acts as an assistant
hindrance
any obstruction that impedes or is burdensome
reassure
cause to feel confident
custody
guardianship over
detain
cause to be slowed down or delayed
raid
a sudden short attack
monastery
the residence of a religious community
diatribe
thunderous verbal attack
presage
a foreboding about what is about to happen
untoward
not in keeping with accepted standards of what is proper
sprawling
spreading out in different directions
resentment
a feeling of deep and bitter anger and ill-will
blithe
carefree and happy and lighthearted
audacity
aggressive or outright boldness
Diaspora
the dispersion of the Jews outside Israel
so
to a very great extent or degree
disorderly
lacking any regular or logical organization
congested
overfull as with blood
perilous
fraught with danger
dreadful
exceptionally bad or displeasing
dominance
the power or right to give orders or make decisions
imminent
close in time; about to occur
augur
predict from an omen
pamper
treat with excessive indulgence
sober
not affected by a chemical substance, especially alcohol
pronounced
strongly marked; easily noticeable
passage
the act of moving from one state or place to the next
plump
sufficiently fat so as to have a pleasing fullness of figure
saga
a narrative telling the adventures of a hero or a family
momentous
of very great significance
pretension
the advancing of a claim
proliferation
a rapid increase in number
tiresome
so lacking in interest as to cause mental weariness
complacent
contented to a fault with oneself or one's actions
outfit
a set of clothing
retrain
teach new skills
deteriorate
become worse or disintegrate
breakneck
moving at very high speed
helm
steering mechanism for a vessel
closure
termination of operations
frothy
emitting or filled with bubbles
toil
work hard
atonement
the act of making amends for sin or wrongdoing
deputy
a person appointed to represent or act on behalf of others
fury
the property of being wild or turbulent
profligacy
the trait of spending extravagantly
doze
a light fitful sleep
plush
characterized by extravagance and softness
lure
provoke someone to do something through persuasion
servant
a person working in the service of another
perk
an incidental benefit awarded for certain types of employment (especially if it is regarded as a right)
speculation
continuous contemplation on a subject of a deep nature
kickback
a bribe paid to induce someone to enter into a transaction
discreet
marked by prudence or modesty and wise self-restraint
fancy
not plain; decorative or ornamented
collusion
secret agreement
subversive
in opposition to an established system or government
nape
the back side of the neck
bare
lacking its natural or customary covering
guileless
innocent and free of deceit
admirer
someone who esteems or respects or approves
prosaic
lacking wit or imagination
bleak
unpleasantly cold and damp
inscrutable
difficult or impossible to understand
defiantly
in a rebellious manner
household
a social unit living together in a residence
allegiance
the act of binding yourself to a course of action
revoke
cancel officially
informant
a person who supplies facts, knowledge, or news
recruit
cause to assemble or enlist in the military
propulsion
the act of moving forward
revocation
the act of annulling something previously done
primate
any mammal of the group including monkeys, apes, and humans
overall
involving only main features
fraternal
like or characteristic of or befitting a brother
follow
travel behind, go after, or come after
quintessential
representing the perfect example of a class or quality
philanthropist
someone who makes charitable donations
earned
gained or acquired
assertion
a declaration that is made emphatically
mandate
a formal statement of a command to do something
preferential
showing favor or partiality
explicit
precisely and clearly expressed or readily observable
riddle
pierce with many holes
viability
the state of being capable of normal growth and development
naught
a quantity of no importance
reminiscent
serving to bring to mind
energy
forceful exertion
raft
a flat float that can be used for transport
geek
a person with an unusual or odd personality
aspire
have an ambitious plan or a lofty goal
leapfrog
a game in which one child bends down and another leaps over
lull
make calm or still
disruptive
characterized by unrest or disorder or insubordination
avarice
reprehensible acquisitiveness; insatiable desire for wealth
curb
the act of restraining power or action or limiting excess
institution
a custom that has been an important feature of some group
liquefy
make a solid substance into a fluid, as by heating
uppermost
at or nearest to the top
pollutant
waste matter that contaminates the water, air, or soil
queue
a line of people or vehicles waiting for something
tack
a short nail with a sharp point and a large head
subversion
the act of overthrowing or destroying, as a government
consortium
a cooperative association among institutions or companies
frail
physically weak
pitiless
without mercy or sympathy
peddle
sell or offer for sale from place to place
hype
blatant or sensational promotion
glamorous
having an air of allure, romance and excitement
consolidation
combining into a solid mass
reagent
a substance for use in chemical reactions
complement
something added to embellish or make perfect
unfold
extend or stretch out to a greater or the full length
unruly
unable to be governed or controlled
wary
marked by keen caution and watchful prudence
grouse
popular game bird having a plump body and feathered legs
rampant
occurring or increasing in an unrestrained way
only
without any others being included or involved
disperse
move away from each other
warfare
the waging of armed conflict against an enemy
discrepancy
a difference between conflicting facts or claims or opinions
grisly
shockingly repellent; inspiring horror
toll
a fee levied for the use of roads or bridges
agony
intense feelings of suffering; acute mental or physical pain
antagonism
an actively expressed feeling of dislike and hostility
air
a mixture of gases required for breathing
legislature
an assembly that makes, amends, or repeals laws
lurch
move suddenly or as if unable to control one's movements
upheaval
a violent disturbance
despot
a cruel and oppressive dictator
intelligentsia
an educated elite
vituperative
marked by harshly abusive criticism
lash
a quick blow delivered with a whip or whiplike object
pander
yield to; give satisfaction to
grab
take or seize suddenly
resent
feel bitter or indignant about
radical
far beyond the norm
abhor
feel hatred or disgust toward
foster
providing nurture though not related by blood or legal ties
enthuse
utter with enthusiasm
impromptu
with little or no preparation or forethought
flair
a natural talent
hone
sharpen with a whetstone
grumble
make complaining remarks or noises under one's breath
fanatic
a person motivated by irrational enthusiasm
debris
the remains of something that has been destroyed
dormant
inactive but capable of becoming active
devoid
completely wanting or lacking
crypt
a cellar or vault or underground burial chamber
lumen
a cavity or passage in a tubular organ
epithelium
membranous tissue covering internal organs and other internal surfaces of the body
gastrointestinal
of or relating to the stomach and intestines
propel
cause to move forward with force
pithy
concise and full of meaning
telltale
disclosing unintentionally
godsend
a sudden happening that brings good fortune
wayward
resistant to guidance or discipline
fidgety
nervous and unable to relax
lengthy
extended in duration
uncomfortable
providing or experiencing physical unease
tinker
do random, unplanned work or activities; spend time idly
forlornly
in a forlorn manner
poignant
keenly distressing to the mind or feelings
implacable
incapable of being appeased or pacified
plead
appeal or request earnestly
cripple
deprive of the use of a limb, especially a leg
devotion
commitment to some purpose
androgynous
having both male and female characteristics
globular
having the shape of a sphere or ball
absurd
inconsistent with reason or logic or common sense
eulogy
a formal expression of praise for someone who has died
complacency
the feeling you have when you are satisfied with yourself
assign
select something or someone for a specific purpose
random
lacking any definite plan or order or purpose
bolster
support and strengthen
transitory
lasting a very short time
sap
a watery fluid that circulates in a plant
proxy
a person authorized to act for another
crimp
make ridges into by pinching together
stagnation
a state of inactivity
nonetheless
despite anything to the contrary
shale
a sedimentary rock formed by the deposition of successive layers of clay
extraction
taking out something
nationalism
the doctrine that your country's interests are superior
moor
come into or dock at a wharf
glut
supply with an excess of
viscous
having a relatively high resistance to flow
exacerbate
make worse
sabotage
a deliberate act of destruction or disruption
militant
engaged in war
secretive
reluctant to divulge information
derive
come from
stem
cylinder forming a long narrow part of something
prompt
according to schedule or without delay
bullish
expecting a rise in prices
inherently
in an essential manner
hoard
a secret store of valuables or money
asset
a useful or valuable quality
culprit
someone or something responsible for harm or wrongdoing
bond
a connection that fastens things together
pinnacle
a slender upright spire at the top of a buttress or a tower
underlying
in the nature of something though not readily apparent
mull
reflect deeply on a subject
scapegoat
someone who is punished for the errors of others
prosecutor
an official conducting criminal cases on behalf of the state
contemplate
think intently and at length, as for spiritual purposes
bill
an itemized statement of money owed for goods or services
harangue
a loud bombastic declamation expressed with strong emotion
haulage
the act of drawing or hauling something
demise
the time when something ends
coffin
a box in which a corpse is buried
sceptical
marked by or given to doubt
assimilate
make alike
convention
the act of meeting formally
sensory
relating to or concerned in sensation
gruff
blunt and unfriendly or stern
overtone
(usually plural) an ulterior implicit meaning or quality
physiological
relating to the study of the functioning of organisms
grad
a person who has received a degree from a school
torment
intense feelings of suffering; acute mental or physical pain
commensurate
corresponding in size or degree or extent
deem
judge or regard in a particular way
govern
exercise authority over, as of nations
oscillatory
having periodic vibrations
crave
have an appetite or great desire for
contravene
go against, as of rules and laws
outset
the time at which something is supposed to begin
doom
an unpleasant or disastrous destiny
detractor
one who disparages or belittles the worth of something
dissonance
disagreeable sounds
cacophony
loud confusing disagreeable sounds
consonance
a harmonious state of things and of their properties
stray
wander from a direct course or at random
thicket
a dense growth of bushes
crusade
a series of actions tending toward a particular end
hinder
be an obstacle to
concede
give over
keen
intense or sharp
backer
invests in a theatrical production
swipe
a sweeping stroke or blow
tout
advertise in strongly positive terms
harbinger
something indicating the approach of something or someone
sanitation
the state of being clean and conducive to health
congenital
present at birth but not necessarily hereditary
relevance
the relation of something to the matter at hand
debilitating
impairing strength and vitality
seizure
the taking possession of something by legal process
shiver
shake, as from cold
spinal
of or relating to the spine or spinal cord
differentiate
acquire a distinct character
progenitor
an ancestor in the direct line
clinical
relating to or based on direct observation of patients
sclerosis
any pathological hardening or thickening of tissue
emeritus
a professor or minister who is retired from assigned duties
fracture
breaking of hard tissue such as bone
aerial
existing, living, growing, or operating in the air
seismic
subject to or caused by an earthquake or earth vibration
crude
belonging to an early stage of technical development
discredit
the state of being held in low esteem
node
any thickened enlargement
phonetically
by phonetics
transcribe
write out, as from speech or notes
brigade
army unit smaller than a division
tumble
fall down, as if collapsing
ground
the solid part of the earth's surface
genealogy
the study or investigation of ancestry and family history
utterance
the use of spoken sounds for auditory communication
descriptive
serving to inform
assignment
an undertaking that you have been told to perform
substantial
real; having a material or factual existence
unpack
remove from protective material
tenable
based on sound reasoning or evidence
immutable
not subject or susceptible to change or variation
transvestite
someone who adopts the sexual role of the opposite sex
wholly
to the full or entire extent
pragmatic
concerned with practical matters
congeal
solidify, thicken, or come together
stylize
represent according to a conventional fashion
deviant
a person whose behavior does not conform to social norms
render
give or supply
supposedly
believed or reputed to be the case
intelligible
capable of being apprehended or understood
masculine
associated with men and not with women
persistence
the act of continuing or repeating
secure
free from danger or risk
bearer
a messenger who presents
encode
represent ordinary language in a secret form
purport
have the often misleading appearance of being or intending
curtail
terminate or abbreviate before its intended or proper end
unwittingly
without knowledge or intention
undercut
cut away the underpart of
concrete
capable of being perceived by the senses
intersection
the act of meeting at a point
presuppose
take for granted or as a given
delimit
set, mark, or draw the boundaries of something
indefinitely
to an unknown extent
appalling
causing shock, dismay, or horror
ferocious
marked by extreme and violent energy
fleet
group of aircraft operating under the same ownership
pinch
squeeze tightly between the fingers
shelling
the heavy fire of artillery to saturate an area rather than hit a specific target
enclave
an enclosed territory that is culturally distinct
siege
an action of an armed force that surrounds a fortified place
subjugate
make subservient; force to submit or subdue
defector
a person who abandons their duty, country, or cause
relinquish
turn away from; give up
atrocity
an act of shocking cruelty
maiden
an unmarried woman or girl
abduction
the criminal act of carrying someone away by force
archetypal
of an original pattern on which other things are modeled
fugitive
someone who is sought by law officers
communal
for or by a group rather than individuals
intimidation
the act of scaring a weaker person to make them do something
stand
be standing; be upright
dire
fraught with extreme danger; nearly hopeless
coalition
the union of diverse things into one body or form or group
alliance
the state of being joined in an association or coalition
defection
withdrawing support or help despite allegiance
vicious
having the nature of evildoing
devolution
the process of declining from a higher to a lower level
invincible
incapable of being overcome or subdued
stench
a distinctive odor that is offensively unpleasant
dividend
a number to be divided by another number
notorious
known widely and usually unfavorably
naval
connected with an organization of military vessels
compelling
capable of arousing and holding the attention
pact
a written agreement between two states or sovereigns
perish
pass from physical life
sage
a mentor in spiritual and philosophical topics
flinch
draw back, as with fear or pain
uncompromising
not willing to make concessions
audacious
disposed to venture or take risks
antidote
a remedy that stops or controls the effects of a poison
embassy
a building where diplomats live or work
ire
anger; irritability
Latvian
of or relating to or characteristic of Latvia or its people or language
hoodlum
an aggressive and violent criminal
effigy
a representation of a person
corporeal
having material or physical form or substance
dissident
a person who objects to some established policy
eminent
standing above others in quality or position
fruition
the condition of producing seed-bearing structures
cremate
reduce to ashes
accordance
concurrence or agreement of opinion
acute
ending in a sharp point
initiator
a person who starts a course of action
pantheon
a temple to all the gods of antiquity
ponder
reflect deeply on a subject
in
to or toward the inside of
con
an argument opposed to a proposal
pro
an argument in favor of a proposal
slippery
causing or tending to cause things to slip or slide
alas
by bad luck
anecdote
short account of an incident
synthesis
the combination of ideas into a complex whole
outdated
old; no longer valid or fashionable
preferable
more desirable than another
diplomacy
negotiation between nations
coercion
using force to cause something to occur
dean
an administrator at a university or college
strive
attempt by employing effort
dole
a share of money or necessities donated by charity
speculative
not based on fact or investigation
scourge
something causing misery or death
troop
a group of soldiers
consolidate
form into a solid mass or whole
appalled
struck with dread, shock, or dismay
embrace
squeeze tightly in your arms, usually with fondness
justification
the act of defending or explaining by reasoning
plunge
dash violently or with great speed or impetuosity
bow
something curved in shape
disqualify
make unfit or unsuitable
hitherto
up to this point; until the present time
proportional
having a constant ratio
perceptible
capable of being grasped by the mind or senses
ensue
take place or happen afterward or as a result
hapless
unfortunate and deserving pity
gallop
a fast gait of a horse
unprecedented
novel; having no earlier occurrence
relay
passing something along from one person or group to another
patch
a small contrasting part of something
beset
assail or attack on all sides
hygiene
a condition promoting sanitary practices
negate
make ineffective by counterbalancing the effect of
lick
pass the tongue over
yield
give or supply
anecdotal
based on stories rather than data or scientific observation
bonanza
a sudden happening that brings good fortune
vegetation
the process of growth in plants
disproportionate
out of proper balance
acre
a unit of area used in English-speaking countries
humanitarian
marked by devotion to popular welfare
spending
the act of spending or distributing money
tin
a silvery malleable metallic element that resists corrosion
famine
a severe shortage of food resulting in starvation and death
tariff
a government tax on imports or exports
muffle
deaden (a sound or noise), especially by wrapping
febrile
of or relating to or characterized by fever
implement
a piece of equipment or a tool used for a specific purpose
voracious
devouring or craving food in great quantities
lament
a cry of sorrow and grief
hoarding
a large, flat, outdoor sign for advertisements or notices
broken
physically and forcibly separated into pieces or cracked or split
franc
the basic monetary unit in many countries
basin
a bowl-shaped vessel used for holding food or liquids
concise
expressing much in few words
derivation
the source or origin from which something comes
suppress
put down by force or authority
interference
the act of hindering or obstructing or impeding
protracted
relatively long in duration
petition
a formal request that something be submitted to an authority
complex
complicated in structure
unprofitable
producing little or no profit or gain
municipal
relating to a self-governing district
rule
prescribed guide for conduct or action
substandard
falling short of some prescribed norm
extort
obtain by coercion or intimidation
stub
the small unused part of something
ladder
steps consisting of two parallel members connected by rungs
adorn
make more attractive, as by adding ornament or color
lobby
a large entrance or reception room or area
summon
ask to come
incite
provoke or stir up
peasant
one of a class of agricultural laborers
vow
a solemn pledge to do something
negligence
failure to act with the prudence of a reasonable person
incompetence
lack of physical or intellectual ability or qualifications
corruption
use of a position of trust for dishonest gain
pacify
ease the anger, agitation, or strong emotion of
uproar
a state of commotion and noise and confusion
disrupt
make a break in
stinking
offensively malodorous
tributary
a branch that flows into the main stream
phosphate
a salt of phosphoric acid
algae
primitive chlorophyll-containing aquatic organisms
choke
struggle for breath; have insufficient oxygen intake
vindicate
show to be right by providing justification or proof
freshwater
water that is not salty
blackmail
extortion of money by threats to divulge harmful information
fraud
intentional deception resulting in injury to another person
astounding
bewildering or striking dumb with wonder
odds
the likelihood of a thing occurring
darn
repair a garment by weaving thread across a hole
geothermal
of or relating to the heat in the interior of the earth
thought-provoking
stimulating interest or thought
palliative
moderating pain or sorrow by making it easier to bear
defer
yield to another's wish or opinion
deterrent
something immaterial that interferes with action or progress
explicitly
in a clearly expressed manner
faith
complete confidence in a person or plan, etc.
Shintoism
the ancient indigenous religion of Japan lacking formal dogma; characterized by a veneration of nature spirits and of ancestors
shirk
avoid one's assigned duties
epidemic
a widespread outbreak of an infectious disease
macabre
shockingly repellent; inspiring horror
bystander
a spectator who does not participate in some event
dissipate
cause to separate and go in different directions
pungent
strong and sharp to the sense of taste or smell
affix
attach to
folly
the trait of acting stupidly or rashly
quixotic
not sensible about practical matters
bold
fearless and daring
smelter
an industrial plant for smelting
diversification
the condition of being varied
morale
a state of individual psychological well-being
dilapidation
the process of becoming dilapidated
coral
a very small ocean creature that often forms reefs
payroll
a list of employees and their salaries
ambivalence
mixed feelings or emotions
levy
impose and collect
deportation
the expulsion of a non-citizen from a country
condemned
drape
the manner in which fabric hangs or falls
contain
hold or have within
pretext
a fictitious reason that conceals the real reason
turf
the territory claimed by a juvenile gang as its own
landlord
a property owner who leases property or housing to others
wharf
a platform from the shore that provides access to ships
abreast
alongside each other, facing in the same direction
dhow
a one- or two-masted sailing vessel with triangular sails
ally
a friendly nation
peg
a wooden pin pushed or driven into a surface
trot
ride at a gait faster than a walk
herd
a group of cattle or sheep or other domestic mammals
camel
cud-chewing mammal used as a saddle animal in desert regions
arguably
as can be shown by a process of logical reasoning
cleric
a religious leader or other person in religious orders
lubricant
a substance that makes things move more easily
rendering
a performance of a musical composition or a dramatic role
inlet
an arm off of a larger body of water
rig
equip with sails or masts
hullabaloo
disturbance usually in protest
behest
an authoritative command or request
dwarf
a person who is markedly small
tutor
a person who gives private instruction
immodesty
the trait of being vain and conceited
conjure
summon into action or bring into existence
adept
having or showing knowledge and skill and aptitude
venture
an undertaking with an uncertain outcome
clout
(boxing) a blow with the fist
sovereign
a nation's ruler usually by hereditary right
assets
anything of material value owned by a person or company
ingest
take food, drink, or some other substance into the body
windfall
a sudden happening that brings good fortune
reap
get or derive
renal
of or relating to the kidneys
glucose
a monosaccharide sugar that has several forms
emirate
the domain controlled by an emir
predisposition
an inclination to interpret statements in a particular way
sedentary
requiring sitting or little activity
petroleum
a dark oil consisting mainly of hydrocarbons
startling
so different or sudden as to cause momentary shock or alarm
ailment
an often persistent bodily disorder or disease
tessellated
decorated with small pieces of colored glass or stone
diabetes
a disease characterized by high glucose levels in the blood
gleam
a flash of light
conjugal
relating to the relationship between a wife and husband
flourish
grow vigorously
populate
inhabit or live in; be an inhabitant of
prolonged
relatively long in duration; tediously protracted
shrinkage
the process or result of becoming less or smaller
anthropologist
a social scientist specializing in the study of humanity
drought
a shortage of rainfall
auspices
kindly endorsement and guidance
thence
from that place or from there
paternal
characteristic of a father
imprint
mark or stamp with or as if with pressure
remnant
a small part remaining after the main part no longer exists
exodus
a journey by a large group to escape from a hostile environment
head-on
meeting front to front
discontent
a longing for something better than the present situation
distract
draw someone's attention away from something
measured
having notes of fixed rhythmic value
irreversible
incapable of being turned around
moderate
marked by avoidance of extravagance or extremes
elite
a group or class of persons enjoying superior status
modestly
with modesty; in a modest manner
concession
the act of yielding
bequeath
leave or give, especially by will after one's death
Versailles
a city in north central France near Paris
humiliation
depriving one of self-esteem
pivotal
being of crucial importance
rouse
cause to become awake or conscious
mockery
showing your contempt by derision
ass
an animal that has longer ears and is smaller than a horse
contempt
lack of respect accompanied by a feeling of intense dislike
corrupt
dishonest or immoral or evasive
chafe
become or make sore by or as if by rubbing
aghast
struck with fear, dread, or consternation
greedy
immoderately desirous of acquiring something
thwart
hinder or prevent, as an effort, plan, or desire
resentful
full of or marked by indignant ill will
proportion
relation with respect to comparative quantity or magnitude
dictator
a ruler who is unconstrained by law
coddle
cook in nearly boiling water
protectionism
the policy of taxing imports to shield domestic industries
well-off
fortunately situated
impede
be a hindrance or obstacle to
hypocrisy
pretending to have qualities or beliefs that you do not have
tenet
a basic principle or belief that is accepted as true
sham
something that is a counterfeit; not what it seems to be
edifice
a structure that has a roof and walls
expatriate
a person who is voluntarily absent from home or country
repellent
serving or tending to cause aversion
austerity
excessive sternness
grim
harshly uninviting or formidable in manner or appearance
prosperity
the condition of having good fortune
shed
cause or allow to flow or run out or over
xenophobic
having abnormal fear or hatred of foreigners
snarl
utter in an angry, sharp, or abrupt tone
avid
marked by active interest and enthusiasm
abolish
do away with
discernible
perceptible by the senses or intellect
marginal
at or constituting a border or edge
imposition
the act of enforcing something
concur
happen simultaneously
interpretation
the act of expressing something in an artistic performance
inflict
impose something unpleasant
deliberately
in a careful unhurried manner
objectively
in a manner not influenced by emotion
intolerable
incapable of being put up with
capital
a large alphabetic character used in writing or printing
screech
sharp piercing cry
last-minute
just before a deadline; at the last minute
reprieve
postpone the punishment of a convicted criminal
inmate
a resident of a dwelling or institution
resumption
beginning again
mad
roused to anger
amendment
a statement that is added to a proposal or document
botch
make a mess of, destroy, or ruin
litigation
a legal proceeding in a court
engender
call forth
bloodbath
indiscriminate slaughter
moratorium
suspension of an ongoing activity
execution
putting a condemned person to death
impose
charge and collect payment
extinction
the state of being no longer in existence
sooth
truth or reality
treasury
a depository where wealth can be kept safely
solvent
capable of meeting financial obligations
avert
turn away or aside
persist
refuse to stop
foundation
the basis on which something is grounded
aversion
a feeling of intense dislike
reckon
expect, believe, or suppose
shun
avoid and stay away from deliberately
fund
a reserve of money set aside for some purpose
default
an option that is selected automatically
aggregate
a sum total of many heterogeneous things taken together
disentangle
separate a twisted mass
stubbornly
in a stubborn unregenerate manner
collateral
accompanying; following as a consequence
clench
squeeze together tightly
egregious
conspicuously and outrageously bad or reprehensible
reconciliation
the reestablishment of cordial relations
grievance
a complaint about a wrong that causes resentment
obliterate
remove completely from recognition or memory
patriotic
inspired by love for your country
repression
control by holding down
condone
excuse, overlook, or make allowances for
antic
ludicrously odd
refrain
resist doing something
legion
a large military unit
wheelchair
a movable chair mounted on large wheels
menacing
threatening evil or danger
banner
long strip of cloth or paper for decoration or advertising
exploit
use or manipulate to one's advantage
outburst
an unrestrained expression of emotion
coverage
the extent to which something is included or discussed
splenetic
of or relating to the spleen
deluge
a heavy rain
rein
one of a pair of long straps used to control a horse
awkward
lacking grace or skill in manner or movement or performance
resurgent
rising again as to new life and vigor
traitor
a person who says one thing and does another
pillory
a wooden instrument of punishment on a post
innocuous
not injurious to physical or mental health
temper
a characteristic state of feeling
ugly
displeasing to the sense of sight
confrontation
discord resulting from a clash of ideas or opinions
verbal
of or relating to or formed from words in general
degenerate
a person whose behavior deviates from what is acceptable
hoarse
deep and harsh sounding as if from shouting or illness
stave
one of the slats of wood forming sides of a barrel or bucket
divert
turn aside; turn away from
rear
the side of an object that is opposite its front
lace
a cord that is drawn through eyelets or around hooks
breeding
the activity of conceiving and bearing offspring
interloper
someone who intrudes on the privacy or property of another
booze
an alcoholic beverage that is distilled rather than fermented
decamp
leave suddenly
Muslim
a believer in or follower of Islam
mattress
a large thick pad filled with resilient material and often incorporating coiled springs, used as a bed or part of a bed
jockey
someone employed to ride horses in horse races
teetotal
practicing complete abstinence from alcoholic beverages
thriving
very lively and profitable
descent
a movement downward
glimpse
a brief or incomplete view
hostility
a state of deep-seated ill-will
stigmatize
condemn or openly brand as disgraceful
peck
hit lightly with a picking motion
throne
the chair of state for a monarch, bishop, etc.
royal
of or relating to a king, queen, or other monarch
portray
represent, as in a work of art
dog
a canine domesticated by man since prehistoric times
torn
unable to choose between two contrary options
suspicion
an impression that something might be the case
fragment
a piece broken off or cut off of something else
mores
the conventions embodying the fundamental values of a group
subtle
difficult to detect or grasp by the mind or analyze
asylum
a shelter from danger or hardship
purview
the range of interest or activity that can be anticipated
abusive
characterized by physical or psychological maltreatment
flee
run away quickly
stroll
a leisurely walk
meagre
deficient in amount or quality or extent
odd
not divisible by two
subtlety
the quality of being difficult to detect or analyze
thorny
full of difficulties or perplexities
impoverished
poor enough to need help from others
calamity
an event resulting in great loss and misfortune
slump
fall or sink heavily
enterprise
a purposeful or industrious undertaking
logjam
an immovable mass of cut wood blocking a river
rudimentary
being in the earliest stages of development
clerk
an employee who performs office work
endemic
native to or confined to a certain region
zeal
a feeling of strong eagerness
deserve
be worthy
slew
a large number or amount or extent
awry
turned or twisted to one side
bilateral
having two sides or parts
multilateral
having many parts or sides
catechism
an elementary book summarizing the principles of a religion
comply
act in accordance with someone's rules, commands, or wishes
coffer
the funds of a government, institution, or individual
buoyant
tending to float on a liquid or rise in air or gas
soar
rise rapidly
charm
attractiveness that interests or pleases or stimulates
retain
secure and keep for possible future use or application
throng
a large gathering of people
prosperous
in fortunate circumstances financially
equitable
fair to all parties as dictated by reason and conscience
desperate
a person who is frightened and in need of help
inundate
fill or cover completely, usually with water
brink
the edge of a steep place
perseverance
the act of continuing or repeating
adaptability
flexibility to fit changed circumstances
pursue
follow in an effort to capture
maim
injure or wound seriously and leave permanent disfiguration
wreckage
the remaining parts of something that has been destroyed
alongside
side by side
burrow
a hole made by an animal, usually for shelter
claustrophobic
abnormally afraid of closed-in places
briskly
in a brisk manner
penury
a state of extreme poverty or destitution
euphoria
a feeling of great elation
bask
expose oneself to warmth and light, as for relaxation
gusher
an oil well with a strong natural flow so that pumping is not necessary
oppressive
weighing heavily on the senses or spirit
infirm
lacking bodily or muscular strength or vitality
wince
draw back, as with fear or pain
sprightly
full of spirit and vitality
deceive
cause someone to believe an untruth
affair
a vaguely specified social event
debacle
a sudden and complete disaster
spurt
gush forth in a sudden stream or jet
mediocre
moderate to inferior in quality
mutter
talk indistinctly; usually in a low voice
bracket
either of two punctuation marks used to enclose text
rider
a traveler who actively sits and travels on an animal
exile
the act of expelling a person from their native land
tedious
so lacking in interest as to cause mental weariness
grant
let have
exoneration
the condition of being relieved from blame or obligation
governor
the head of a state authority
pardon
accept an excuse for
pathologist
a doctor who specializes in medical diagnosis
stepfather
the husband of your mother by a subsequent marriage
convict
find or declare guilty
retarded
relatively slow in mental, emotional or physical development
castrate
remove the testicles of a male animal
ditch
a long narrow excavation in the earth
forensic
used in the investigation of facts or evidence in court

Created on Wed Sep 10 08:12:09 EDT 2008

20080910

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