"Speak," Vocabulary from the "First Marking Period"

David D.
As you read Laurie Halse Anderson's young adult novel "Speak," learn these word lists: First Marking Period, Second Marking Period, Third Marking Period, and Fourth Marking Period.
38 words 21 learners

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Full list of words from this list:

words only definitions & notes
  1. abduct
    take away to an undisclosed location against their will
  2. abstinence
    the trait of refraining from something, especially alcohol
    High schoolers in general are encouraged to abstain from alcohol, pre-marital sex, and other vices like smoking.
  3. baffle
    be a mystery or bewildering to
  4. bellow
    make a loud noise, as of an animal
  5. canopy
    a covering (usually of cloth) that shelters an area
  6. deprived
    marked by a state of extreme poverty
  7. embroider
    decorate with needlework
  8. errant
    straying from the right course or from accepted standards
  9. faction
    a dissenting clique
    Think of "faction" like a fraction -- a clique, division, or group.
  10. flee
    run away quickly
  11. frenzy
    state of violent mental agitation
  12. genius
    unusual mental ability
  13. humble
    marked by meekness or modesty; not arrogant or prideful
  14. inconspicuous
    not prominent or readily noticeable
    Everyone can see something "conspicuous," but if we do not want to be seen, we work to be "inconspicuous."
  15. insulate
    surround with material to protect from heat, cold, or noise
  16. interim
    the time between one event, process, or period and another
  17. interrogation
    an instance of questioning
  18. intimidated
    made scared or fearful as by threats
  19. mayhem
    violent and needless disturbance
  20. obscene
    offensive to the mind
    Profanity is made of obscene words.
  21. potpourri
    a collection containing a variety of sorts of things
    Often, a "potpourri" contains random items to produce a fragrant smell.
  22. pseudo
    not genuine but having the appearance of
    A "pseudonym" is a name an author uses as a pen name instead of his own name.
  23. rally
    gather or bring together
    A "rally" consists of a gathering of people called to encourage a team or team effort.
  24. rumor
    gossip passed around by word of mouth
  25. russet
    a reddish brown homespun fabric
  26. sanctuary
    a consecrated place where sacred objects are kept
  27. savant
    a learned person
    An "idiot savant" is a person considered to have a mental handicap, yet has particular ability in a subject matter (like math) or a brilliance in an area (like memory). "Savant" refers to a scholar.
  28. scheming
    concealing crafty designs for advancing your own interest
  29. splurge
    indulge oneself
  30. squabble
    a quarrel about petty points
  31. thespian
    a theatrical performer
    Many schools have a thespian society made up of the drama club.
  32. varsity
    a team representing a high school, college, or university
    The "varsity" team in a high schools are usually composed with upper class men, juniors and seniors, most often the more experienced players.
  33. nobble
    disable by drugging
  34. machicolation
    a projecting parapet on a medieval castle
  35. sententious
    concise and full of meaning
  36. supercilious
    having or showing arrogant superiority
  37. viaticus
    purchasing insurance policies for cash from terminally ill policy holders
  38. prink
    dress very carefully and in a finicky manner
Created on Fri Mar 29 23:31:21 EDT 2013

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