coterie
an exclusive circle of people with a common purpose
denigrate
charge falsely or with malicious intent; attack the good name and reputation of someone
mettlesome
having a proud and unbroken spirit
cartel
a consortium of independent organizations formed to limit competition by controlling the production and distribution of a product or service
literal
limited to the explicit meaning of a word or text
parasite
an animal or plant that lives in or on a host (another animal or plant); it obtains nourishment from the host without benefiting or killing the host
allay
lessen the intensity of or calm
languid
lacking spirit or liveliness
finite
bounded or limited in magnitude or spatial or temporal extent
indolence
inactivity resulting from a dislike of work
unctuous
unpleasantly and excessively suave or ingratiating in manner or speech
mortality
the quality or state of being mortal
parry
impede the movement of (an opponent or a ball)
malleable
capable of being shaped or bent or drawn out
incendiary
capable of catching fire spontaneously or causing fires or burning readily
perturb
disturb in mind or make uneasy or cause to be worried or alarmed
esteem
the condition of being honored (esteemed or respected or well regarded)
curb
the act of restraining power or action or limiting excess
figurative
(used of the meanings of words or text) not literal; using figures of speech
conciliator
someone who tries to bring peace
