-
heuristic
a commonsense rule (or set of rules) intended to increase the probability of solving some problem
-
stash
save up as for future use
-
protagonist
the principal character in a work of fiction
-
crackdown
severely repressive actions
-
dent
an impression in a surface (as made by a blow)
-
paragon
an ideal instance; 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 rails
-
retaliate
make a counterattack and return like for like, especially evil for evil
-
autonomy
immunity from arbitrary exercise of authority: political independence
-
reinforce
strengthen and support with rewards
-
stooge
a victim of ridicule or pranks
-
row
an arrangement of objects or people side by side in a line
-
deter
turn away from by 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 (especially yourself); preceded by a possessive
-
aggression
a disposition to behave aggressively
-
simmer
boil slowly at low temperature
-
abound
be abundant or plentiful; exist in large quantities
-
separatist
an advocate of secession or separation from a larger group (such as an established church or a national union)
-
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 extreme and irrational fear of simple things or social situations
-
inflammation
the state of being emotionally aroused and worked up
-
evade
avoid or try to avoid fulfilling, answering, or performing (duties, questions, or issues)
-
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 (for an office or prize or honor etc.)
-
unusually
to a remarkable degree or extent
-
susceptible
(often followed by `of' or `to') yielding readily to or capable of
-
physiology
the branch of the biological sciences 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 fat
-
uterus
a hollow muscular organ in the pelvic cavity of females; contains the developing fetus
-
startle
to stimulate to action
-
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 and irregular or unpredictable instances
-
foment
try to stir up public opinion
-
scant
less than the correct or legal or full amount often deliberately so
-
gulf
an arm of a sea or ocean partly enclosed by land; larger than a bay
-
demographic
a statistic characterizing human populations (or segments of human populations broken down by age or sex or income etc.)
-
dismissal
permission to go; the sending away of someone
-
disingenuous
not straightforward or candid; giving a false appearance of frankness
-
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 assistant
-
hindrance
any obstruction that impedes or is burdensome
-
reassure
cause to feel sure; give reassurance to
-
custody
(with `in') guardianship over; in divorce cases it is the right to house and care for and discipline a child
-
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 right or proper in polite society
-
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 boldness or unmitigated effrontery
-
Diaspora
the dispersion of the Jews outside Israel; from the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem in 587-86 BC when they were exiled to Babylonia up to the present time
-
so
to a very great extent or degree
-
disorderly
completely unordered and unpredictable and confusing
-
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 passing 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; originally (12th to 14th centuries) a story of the families that settled Iceland and their descendants but now any prose narrative that resembles such an account
-
momentous
of very great significance
-
pretension
the advancing of a claim
-
proliferation
a rapid increase in number (especially a rapid increase in the number of deadly weapons)
-
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 (with accessories)
-
retrain
teach new skills
-
deteriorate
become worse or disintegrate
-
breakneck
moving at very high speed
-
helm
steering mechanism for a vessel; a mechanical device by which a vessel is steered
-
closure
an obstruction in a pipe or tube
-
frothy
emitting or filled with bubbles as from carbonation or fermentation
-
toil
work hard
-
atonement
the act of atoning for sin or wrongdoing (especially appeasing a deity)
-
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 profusion
-
lure
provoke someone to do something through (often false or exaggerated) promises or persuasion
-
servant
a person working in the service of another (especially in the household)
-
perk
an incidental benefit awarded for certain types of employment (especially if it is regarded as a right)
-
speculation
continuous and profound contemplation or musing on a subject or series of subjects of a deep or abstruse nature
-
kickback
a commercial bribe paid by a seller to a purchasing agent in order to induce the agent to enter into the transaction
-
discreet
marked by prudence or modesty and wise self-restraint
-
fancy
not plain; decorative or ornamented
-
collusion
secret agreement
-
subversive
in opposition to a civil authority or government
-
nape
the back side of the neck
-
bare
lacking its natural or customary covering
-
guileless
free of deceit
-
admirer
a person who admires; someone who esteems or respects or approves
-
prosaic
lacking wit or imagination
-
bleak
unpleasantly cold and damp
-
inscrutable
of an obscure nature
-
defiantly
in a rebellious manner
-
household
a social unit living together
-
allegiance
the act of binding yourself (intellectually or emotionally) to a course of action
-
revoke
cancel officially
-
informant
a person who supplies information
-
recruit
cause to assemble or enlist in the military
-
propulsion
the act of propelling
-
revocation
the act (by someone having the authority) of annulling something previously done
-
primate
any placental mammal of the order Primates; has good eyesight and flexible hands and feet
-
overall
including everything
-
fraternal
like or characteristic of or befitting a brother
-
follow
to travel behind, go after, come after
-
quintessential
representing the perfect example of a class or quality
-
philanthropist
someone who makes charitable donations intended to increase human well-being
-
earned
gained or acquired; especially through merit or as a result of effort or action
-
assertion
a declaration that is made emphatically (as if no supporting evidence were necessary)
-
mandate
a document giving an official instruction or command
-
preferential
manifesting partiality
-
explicit
precisely and clearly expressed or readily observable; leaving nothing to implication
-
riddle
pierce with many holes
-
viability
(of living things) 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 (usually made of logs or planks) that can be used for transport or as a platform for swimmers
-
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 (personified as one of the deadly sins)
-
curb
the act of restraining power or action or limiting excess
-
institution
a custom that for a long time has been an important feature of some group or society
-
liquefy
make (a solid substance) liquid, as by heating
-
uppermost
at or nearest to the top
-
pollutant
waste matter that contaminates the water or 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 subverting; as overthrowing or destroying a legally constituted government
-
consortium
an association of companies for some definite purpose
-
frail
physically weak
-
pitiless
without mercy or pity
-
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 chemical agent for use in chemical reactions
-
complement
something added to complete or embellish or make perfect
-
unfold
extend or stretch out to a greater or the full length
-
unruly
of persons
-
wary
marked by keen caution and watchful prudence
-
grouse
popular game bird having a plump body and feathered legs and feet
-
rampant
unrestrained and violent
-
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 (used for maintenance)
-
agony
intense feelings of suffering; acute mental or physical pain
-
antagonism
an actively expressed feeling of dislike and hostility
-
air
a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of
-
legislature
persons who make or amend or repeal laws
-
lurch
walk as if unable to control one's movements
-
upheaval
a violent disturbance
-
despot
a cruel and oppressive dictator
-
intelligentsia
an educated and intellectual elite
-
vituperative
marked by harshly abusive criticism
-
lash
a quick blow delivered with a whip or whiplike object
-
pander
arrange for sexual partners for others
-
grab
take or grasp suddenly
-
resent
feel bitter or indignant about
-
radical
(used of opinions and actions) far beyond the norm
-
abhor
find repugnant
-
foster
providing or receiving nurture or parental care though not related by blood or legal ties
-
enthuse
utter with enthusiasm
-
impromptu
with little or no preparation or forethought
-
flair
a shape that spreads outward
-
hone
sharpen with a hone
-
grumble
make complaining remarks or noises under one's breath
-
fanatic
a person motivated by irrational enthusiasm (as for a cause)
-
debris
the remains of something that has been destroyed or broken up
-
dormant
inactive but capable of becoming active
-
devoid
completely wanting or lacking
-
crypt
a cellar or vault or underground burial chamber (especially beneath a church)
-
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 (as a sudden opportunity to make money)
-
wayward
resistant to guidance or discipline
-
fidgety
nervous and unable to relax
-
lengthy
relatively long in duration; tediously protracted
-
uncomfortable
providing or experiencing physical discomfort
-
tinker
do random, unplanned work or activities or spend time idly
-
forlornly
in a forlorn manner
-
poignant
keenly distressing to the mind or feelings
-
implacable
incapable of being placated
-
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 recently
-
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; governed by or depending on chance
-
bolster
support and strengthen
-
transitory
lasting a very short time
-
sap
a watery solution of sugars, salts, and minerals that circulates through the vascular system of a plant
-
proxy
a person authorized to act for another
-
crimp
make ridges into by pinching together
-
stagnation
a state of inactivity (in business or art etc)
-
nonetheless
despite anything to the contrary (usually following a concession)
-
shale
a sedimentary rock formed by the deposition of successive layers of clay
-
extraction
the action of taking out something (especially using effort or force)
-
nationalism
the doctrine that your national culture and interests are superior to any other
-
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 in which equipment is damaged
-
militant
engaged in war
-
secretive
inclined to secrecy or reticence about divulging information
-
derive
come from
-
stem
cylinder forming a long narrow part of something
-
prompt
according to schedule or without delay; on time
-
bullish
expecting a rise in prices
-
inherently
in an inherent manner
-
hoard
a secret store of valuables or money
-
asset
a useful or valuable quality
-
culprit
someone who perpetrates wrongdoing
-
bond
a connection that fastens things together
-
pinnacle
(architecture) a slender upright spire at the top of a buttress of tower
-
underlying
being or involving basic facts or principles
-
mull
reflect deeply on a subject
-
scapegoat
someone who is punished for the errors of others
-
prosecutor
a government official who conducts criminal prosecutions on behalf of the state
-
contemplate
think intently and at length, as for spiritual purposes
-
bill
an itemized statement of money owed for goods shipped or services rendered
-
harangue
a loud bombastic declamation expressed with strong emotion
-
haulage
the act of drawing or hauling something
-
demise
the time when something ends
-
coffin
box in which a corpse is buried or cremated
-
sceptical
marked by or given to doubt
-
assimilate
make similar
-
convention
the act of convening
-
sensory
relating to or concerned in sensation
-
gruff
brusque and surly and forbidding
-
overtone
(usually plural) an ulterior implicit meaning or quality
-
physiological
of or relating to the biological study of physiology
-
grad
a person who has received a degree from a school (high school or college or university)
-
torment
intense feelings of suffering; acute mental or physical pain
-
commensurate
corresponding in size or degree or extent
-
deem
keep in mind or convey as a conviction or view
-
govern
exercise authority over; as of nations
-
oscillatory
having periodic vibrations
-
crave
have a craving, 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
the property of sounding harmonious
-
stray
wander from a direct course or at random
-
thicket
a dense growth of bushes
-
crusade
a series of actions advancing a principle or tending toward a particular end
-
hinder
be a hindrance or obstacle to
-
concede
give over; surrender or relinquish to the physical control of another
-
keen
intense or sharp
-
backer
invests in a theatrical production
-
swipe
a sweeping stroke or blow
-
tout
advertize in strongly positive terms
-
harbinger
something that precedes and indicates the approach of something or someone
-
sanitation
the state of being clean and conducive to health
-
congenital
present at birth but not necessarily hereditary; acquired during fetal development
-
relevance
the relation of something to the matter at hand
-
debilitating
impairing the 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
become distinct and acquire a different character
-
progenitor
an ancestor in the direct line
-
clinical
relating to a clinic or conducted in or as if in a clinic and depending 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
characterized by lightness and insubstantiality; as impalpable or intangible as air
-
seismic
subject to or caused by an earthquake or earth vibration
-
crude
belonging to an early stage of technical development; characterized by simplicity and (often) crudeness
-
discredit
the state of being held in low esteem
-
node
any thickened enlargement
-
phonetically
by phonetics
-
transcribe
write out from speech, notes, etc.
-
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 uttered sounds for auditory communication
-
descriptive
serving to describe or inform or characterized by description
-
assignment
an undertaking that you have been assigned to do (as by an instructor)
-
substantial
having substance or capable of being treated as fact; not imaginary
-
unpack
remove from its packing
-
tenable
based on sound reasoning or evidence
-
immutable
not subject or susceptible to change or variation in form or quality or nature
-
transvestite
someone who adopts the dress or manner or sexual role of the opposite sex
-
wholly
to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (`whole' is often used informally for `wholly')
-
pragmatic
concerned with practical matters
-
congeal
become gelatinous
-
stylize
represent according to a conventional style
-
deviant
a person whose behavior deviates from what is acceptable especially in sexual behavior
-
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 persisting or persevering; continuing or repeating behavior
-
secure
free from danger or risk
-
bearer
a messenger who bears or presents
-
encode
convert information into code
-
purport
have the often specious appearance of being, intending, or claiming
-
curtail
terminate or abbreviate before its intended or proper end or its full extent
-
unwittingly
without knowledge or intention
-
undercut
cut away the underpart of
-
concrete
capable of being perceived by the senses; not abstract or imaginary
-
intersection
the act of intersecting (as joining by causing your path to intersect your target's path)
-
presuppose
take for granted or as a given; suppose beforehand
-
delimit
set, mark, or draw the boundaries of something
-
indefinitely
to an indefinite extent; for an indefinite time
-
appalling
causing consternation
-
ferocious
marked by extreme and violent energy
-
fleet
group of aircraft operating together 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 from the foreign territory that surrounds it
-
siege
the action of an armed force that surrounds a fortified place and isolates it while continuing to attack
-
subjugate
make subservient; force to submit or subdue
-
defector
a person who abandons their duty (as on a military post)
-
relinquish
turn away from; give up
-
atrocity
an act of atrocious cruelty
-
maiden
an unmarried girl (especially a virgin)
-
abduction
the criminal act of capturing and carrying away by force a family member; if a man's wife is abducted it is a crime against the family relationship and against the wife
-
archetypal
representing or constituting an original type after which other similar things are patterned
-
fugitive
someone who is sought by law officers; someone trying to elude justice
-
communal
for or by a group rather than individuals
-
intimidation
the act of intimidating 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; the growing together of parts
-
alliance
the state of being allied or confederated
-
defection
withdrawing support or help despite allegiance or responsibility
-
vicious
having the nature of vice
-
devolution
the process of declining from a higher to a lower level of effective power or vitality or essential quality
-
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 or belonging to or used in a navy
-
compelling
driving or forcing
-
pact
a written agreement between two states or sovereigns
-
perish
pass from physical life and lose all bodily attributes and functions necessary to sustain life
-
sage
a mentor in spiritual and philosophical topics who is renowned for profound wisdom
-
flinch
draw back, as with fear or pain
-
uncompromising
not making concessions
-
audacious
disposed to venture or take risks
-
antidote
a remedy that stops or controls the effects of a poison
-
embassy
a diplomatic building where ambassadors live or work
-
ire
a strong emotion; a feeling that is oriented toward some real or supposed grievance
-
Latvian
of or relating to or characteristic of Latvia or its people or language
-
hoodlum
an aggressive and violent young criminal
-
effigy
a representation of a person (especially in the form of sculpture)
-
corporeal
having material or physical form or substance
-
dissident
a person who dissents from some established policy
-
eminent
standing above others in quality or position
-
fruition
the condition of bearing fruit
-
cremate
reduce to ashes
-
accordance
concurrence of opinion
-
acute
ending in a sharp point
-
initiator
a person who initiates a course of action
-
pantheon
(antiquity) a temple to all the gods
-
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 (especially a biographical one)
-
synthesis
the combination of ideas into a complex whole
-
outdated
old; no longer valid or fashionable
-
preferable
more desirable than another
-
diplomacy
wisdom in the management of public affairs
-
coercion
using force to cause something to occur
-
dean
an administrator in charge of a division of a university or college
-
strive
attempt by employing effort
-
dole
a share of money or food or clothing that has been charitably given
-
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 fear, dread, or consternation
-
embrace
squeeze (someone) tightly in your arms, usually with fondness
-
justification
the act of defending or explaining or making excuses for by reasoning
-
plunge
dash violently or with great speed or impetuosity
-
bow
bending the head or body or knee as a sign of reverence or submission or shame or greeting
-
disqualify
make unfit or unsuitable
-
hitherto
used in negative statement to describe a situation that has existed up to this point or up to the present time
-
proportional
having a constant ratio
-
perceptible
capable of being perceived by the mind or senses
-
ensue
issue or terminate (in a specified way, state, etc.); end
-
hapless
deserving or inciting pity
-
gallop
a fast gait of a horse; a two-beat stride during which all four legs are off the ground simultaneously
-
unprecedented
having no precedent; novel
-
relay
the act of passing something along from one person or group to another
-
patch
a small contrasting part of something
-
beset
assail or attack on all sides: "The zebra was beset by leopards"
-
hygiene
a condition promoting sanitary practices
-
negate
make ineffective by counterbalancing the effect of
-
lick
pass the tongue over
-
yield
give or supply
-
anecdotal
having the character of an anecdote
-
bonanza
an especially rich vein of precious ore
-
vegetation
the process of growth in plants
-
disproportionate
out of proportion
-
acre
a unit of area (4840 square yards) used in English-speaking countries
-
humanitarian
marked by humanistic values and devotion to human welfare
-
spending
the act of spending or disbursing money
-
tin
a silvery malleable metallic element that resists corrosion; used in many alloys and to coat other metals to prevent corrosion; obtained chiefly from cassiterite where it occurs as tin oxide
-
famine
a severe shortage of food (as through crop failure) resulting in violent hunger and 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
instrumentation (a piece of equipment or tool) used to effect an end
-
voracious
devouring or craving food in great quantities
-
lament
a cry of sorrow and grief
-
hoarding
large outdoor signboard
-
broken
physically and forcibly separated into pieces or cracked or split
-
franc
the basic monetary unit in many countries; equal to 100 centimes
-
basin
a bowl-shaped vessel; usually used for holding food or liquids
-
concise
expressing much in few words
-
derivation
the source or origin from which something derives (i.e. comes or issues)
-
suppress
to put down by force or authority
-
interference
the act of hindering or obstructing or impeding
-
protracted
relatively long in duration; tediously protracted
-
petition
a formal message requesting something that is submitted to an authority
-
complex
complicated in structure; consisting of interconnected parts
-
unprofitable
producing little or no profit or gain
-
municipal
relating or belonging to or characteristic of a municipality
-
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 (especially the end of a cigarette that is left after smoking)
-
ladder
steps consisting of two parallel members connected by rungs; for climbing up or down
-
adorn
make more attractive by adding ornament, colour, etc.
-
lobby
a large entrance or reception room or area
-
summon
gather or bring together
-
incite
provoke or stir up
-
peasant
one of a (chiefly European) class of agricultural laborers
-
vow
a solemn pledge (to oneself or to another or to a deity) to do something or to behave in a certain manner
-
negligence
failure to act with the prudence that a reasonable person would exercise under the same circumstances
-
incompetence
lack of physical or intellectual ability or qualifications
-
corruption
lack of integrity or honesty (especially susceptibility to bribery); use of a position of trust for dishonest gain
-
pacify
cause to be more favorably inclined; gain the good will 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 mainly aquatic eukaryotic organisms lacking true stems and roots and leaves
-
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 discrediting information
-
fraud
intentional deception resulting in injury to another person
-
astounding
bewildering or striking dumb with wonder
-
odds
the likelihood of a thing occurring rather than not occurring
-
darn
sewing that repairs a worn or torn hole (especially in a garment)
-
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 or delays action or progress
-
explicitly
in an explicit 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; many people are infected at the same time
-
macabre
shockingly repellent; inspiring horror
-
bystander
a nonparticipant spectator
-
dissipate
to cause to separate and go in different directions
-
pungent
strong and sharp;"the pungent taste of radishes"
-
affix
attach to
-
folly
the trait of acting stupidly or rashly
-
quixotic
not sensible about practical matters; idealistic and unrealistic
-
bold
fearless and daring
-
smelter
an industrial plant for smelting
-
diversification
the condition of being varied
-
morale
a state of individual psychological well-being based upon a sense of confidence and usefulness and purpose
-
dilapidation
the process of becoming dilapidated
-
coral
marine colonial polyp characterized by a calcareous skeleton; masses in a variety of shapes often forming reefs
-
payroll
a list of employees and their salaries
-
ambivalence
mixed feelings or emotions
-
levy
impose and collect
-
deportation
the act of expelling a person from their native land
-
condemned
-
drape
the manner in which fabric hangs or falls
-
contain
contain or hold; have within
-
pretext
something serving to conceal plans; a fictitious reason that is concocted in order to conceal the real reason
-
turf
the territory claimed by a juvenile gang as its own
-
landlord
a landowner who leases to others
-
wharf
a platform built out from the shore into the water and supported by piles; provides access to ships and boats
-
abreast
alongside each other, facing in the same direction
-
dhow
a lateen-rigged sailing vessel used by Arabs
-
ally
a friendly nation
-
peg
a wooden pin pushed or driven into a surface
-
trot
ride at a trot
-
herd
a group of cattle or sheep or other domestic mammals all of the same kind that are herded by humans
-
camel
cud-chewing mammal used as a draft or saddle animal in desert regions
-
arguably
as can be shown by argument
-
cleric
a clergyman or other person in religious orders
-
lubricant
a substance capable of reducing friction by making surfaces smooth or slippery
-
rendering
a performance of a musical composition or a dramatic role etc.
-
inlet
an arm off of a larger body of water (often between rocky headlands)
-
rig
equip with sails or masts
-
hullabaloo
disturbance usually in protest
-
behest
an authoritative command or request
-
dwarf
a plant or animal that is atypically small
-
tutor
a person who gives private instruction (as in singing, acting, etc.)
-
immodesty
the trait of being vain and conceited
-
conjure
summon into action or bring into existence, often as if by magic
-
adept
having or showing knowledge and skill and aptitude
-
venture
any venturesome undertaking especially one with an uncertain outcome
-
clout
(boxing) a blow with the fist
-
sovereign
a nation's ruler or head of state usually by hereditary right
-
assets
anything of material value or usefulness that is owned by a person or company
-
ingest
serve oneself to, or consume regularly
-
windfall
a sudden happening that brings good fortune (as a sudden opportunity to make money)
-
reap
get or derive
-
renal
of or relating to the kidneys
-
glucose
a monosaccharide sugar that has several forms; an important source of physiological energy
-
emirate
the domain controlled by an emir
-
predisposition
an inclination beforehand to interpret statements in a particular way
-
sedentary
requiring sitting or little activity
-
petroleum
a dark oil consisting mainly of hydrocarbons
-
startling
so remarkably different or sudden as to cause momentary shock or alarm
-
ailment
an often persistent bodily disorder or disease; a cause for complaining
-
tessellated
decorated with small pieces of colored glass or stone fitted together in a mosaic
-
diabetes
a polygenic disease characterized by abnormally high glucose levels in the blood; any of several metabolic disorders marked by excessive urination and persistent thirst
-
gleam
a flash of light (especially reflected light)
-
conjugal
of or relating to marriage or 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
process or result of becoming less or smaller
-
anthropologist
a social scientist who specializes in anthropology
-
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 or portion that remains 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 reversed
-
moderate
marked by avoidance of extravagance or extremes
-
elite
a group or class of persons enjoying superior intellectual or social or economic status
-
modestly
with modesty; in a modest manner
-
concession
the act of conceding or yielding
-
bequeath
leave or give by will after one's death
-
Versailles
a city in north central France near Paris; site of the Palace of Versailles that was built by Louis XIV in the 17th century
-
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
hardy and sure-footed animal smaller and with longer ears than the horse
-
contempt
lack of respect accompanied by a feeling of intense dislike
-
corrupt
not straight; 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 e.g. wealth
-
thwart
hinder or prevent (the efforts, plans, or desires) of
-
resentful
full of or marked by resentment or indignant ill will
-
proportion
the relation between things (or parts of things) with respect to their comparative quantity, magnitude, or degree
-
dictator
a ruler who is unconstrained by law
-
coddle
cook in nearly boiling water
-
protectionism
the policy of imposing duties or quotas on imports in order to protect home industries from overseas competition
-
well-off
fortunately situated
-
impede
be a hindrance or obstacle to
-
hypocrisy
insincerity by virtue of pretending to have qualities or beliefs that you do not really have
-
tenet
a religious doctrine that is proclaimed as true without proof
-
sham
something that is a counterfeit; not what it seems to be
-
edifice
a structure that has a roof and walls and stands more or less permanently in one place
-
expatriate
a person who is voluntarily absent from home or country
-
repellent
serving or tending to repel
-
austerity
the trait of great self-denial (especially refraining from worldly pleasures)
-
grim
harshly uninviting or formidable in manner or appearance
-
prosperity
the condition of prospering; having good fortune
-
shed
cause or allow (a solid substance) to flow or run out or over
-
xenophobic
suffering from xenophobia; having abnormal fear or hatred of the strange or foreign
-
snarl
make a snarling noise or move with a snarling noise
-
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 imposing something (as a tax or an embargo)
-
concur
happen simultaneously
-
interpretation
the act of interpreting something as expressed in an artistic performance
-
inflict
impose something unpleasant
-
deliberately
in a deliberate unhurried manner
-
objectively
with objectivity
-
intolerable
incapable of being put up with
-
capital
one of the large alphabetic characters used as the first letter in writing or printing proper names and sometimes for emphasis
-
screech
sharp piercing cry
-
last-minute
just before a deadline; at the last minute
-
reprieve
postpone the punishment of a convicted criminal, such as an execution
-
inmate
one of several resident of a dwelling (especially someone confined to a prison or hospital)
-
resumption
beginning again
-
mad
roused to anger
-
amendment
a statement that is added to or revises or improves a proposal or document (a bill or constitution etc.)
-
botch
make a mess of, destroy or ruin
-
litigation
a legal proceeding in a court; a judicial contest to determine and enforce legal rights
-
engender
make children
-
bloodbath
indiscriminate slaughter
-
moratorium
suspension of an ongoing activity
-
execution
putting a condemned person to death
-
impose
impose and collect
-
extinction
no longer in existence
-
sooth
truth or reality
-
treasury
a depository (a room or building) where wealth and precious objects can be kept safely
-
solvent
capable of meeting financial obligations
-
avert
turn away or aside
-
persist
be persistent, refuse to stop
-
foundation
the basis on which something is grounded
-
aversion
the act of turning yourself (or your gaze) away
-
reckon
make a mathematical calculation or computation
-
shun
avoid and stay away from deliberately; stay clear of
-
fund
a reserve of money set aside for some purpose
-
default
an option that is selected automatically unless an alternative is specified
-
aggregate
a sum total of many heterogenous things taken together
-
disentangle
separate the tangles of
-
stubbornly
in a stubborn unregenerate manner
-
collateral
situated or running side by side
-
clench
squeeze together tightly
-
egregious
conspicuously and outrageously bad or reprehensible
-
reconciliation
the reestablishing of cordial relations
-
grievance
a complaint about a (real or imaginary) wrong that causes resentment and is grounds for action
-
obliterate
remove completely from recognition or memory
-
patriotic
inspired by love for your country
-
repression
the act of repressing; control by holding down
-
condone
excuse, overlook, or make allowances for; be lenient with
-
antic
ludicrously odd
-
refrain
resist doing something
-
legion
a large military unit
-
wheelchair
a movable chair mounted on large wheels; for invalids or those who cannot walk; frequently propelled by the occupant
-
menacing
threatening or foreshadowing evil or tragic developments
-
banner
long strip of cloth or paper used 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 covered
-
splenetic
of or relating to the spleen
-
deluge
a heavy rain
-
rein
one of a pair of long straps (usually connected to the bit or the headpiece) 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 with holes for the wrists and neck; offenders were locked in and so exposed to public scorn
-
innocuous
not injurious to physical or mental health
-
temper
a characteristic (habitual or relatively temporary) state of feeling
-
ugly
displeasing to the senses
-
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 especially in sexual behavior
-
hoarse
deep and harsh sounding as if from shouting or illness or emotion
-
stave
one of several thin slats of wood forming the 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 in order to draw together two edges (as of a shoe or garment)
-
breeding
the sexual activity of conceiving and bearing offspring
-
interloper
someone who intrudes on the privacy or property of another without permission
-
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
to accuse or condemn or openly or formally or 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 or indicative of or issued or performed by a king or queen or other monarch
-
portray
represent abstractly, for example in a painting, drawing, or sculpture
-
dog
a member of the genus Canis (probably descended from the common wolf) that has been domesticated by man since prehistoric times; occurs in many breeds
-
torn
having edges that are jagged from injury
-
suspicion
an impression that something might be the case
-
fragment
a piece broken off or cut off of something else
-
mores
(sociology) the conventions that embody 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 (usually in some public place)
-
meagre
deficient in amount or quality or extent
-
odd
not divisible by two
-
subtlety
the quality of being difficult to detect or analyze
-
thorny
bristling with 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 (especially one that requires effort or boldness)
-
logjam
an immovable mass of logs blocking a river
-
rudimentary
being in the earliest stages of development
-
clerk
an employee who performs clerical work (e.g., keeps records or accounts)
-
endemic
native to or confined to a certain region
-
zeal
a feeling of strong eagerness (usually in favor of a person or cause)
-
deserve
be worthy or deserving
-
slew
(often followed by `of') 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 Christian religion; written as questions and answers
-
comply
act in accordance with someone's rules, commands, or wishes
-
coffer
a chest especially for storing valuables
-
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; moderately rich
-
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 persisting or persevering; continuing or repeating behavior
-
adaptability
the ability to change (or be changed) to fit changed circumstances
-
pursue
follow in or as if in pursuit
-
maim
injure or wound seriously and leave permanent disfiguration or mutilation
-
wreckage
the remaining parts of something that has been wrecked
-
alongside
side by side
-
burrow
a hole made by an animal, usually for shelter
-
claustrophobic
suffering from claustrophobia; abnormally afraid of closed-in places
-
briskly
in a brisk manner
-
penury
a state of extreme poverty or destitution
-
euphoria
a feeling of great (usually exaggerated) elation
-
bask
be exposed
-
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
a reflex response to sudden pain
-
sprightly
full of spirit and vitality
-
deceive
cause someone to believe an untruth
-
affair
a vaguely specified social event
-
debacle
a sudden and violent collapse
-
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 ([ or ]) used to enclose textual material
-
rider
a traveler who actively rides an animal (as a horse or camel)
-
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 government
-
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 or emotional or physical development
-
castrate
remove the testicles of a male animal
-
ditch
a long narrow excavation in the earth
-
forensic
used or applied in the investigation and establishment of facts or evidence in a court of law