Into the Wild: Chapters 3–5

by Erin Hunter
In the first book of the Warriors series, a house cat named Rusty joins up with a clan of wild cats.

Here are links to our lists for the novel: Prologue–Chapter 2, Chapters 3–5, Chapters 6–9, Chapters 10–16, Chapters 17–25
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Full list of words from this list:

words only definitions & notes
  1. venture
    proceed somewhere despite the risk of possible dangers
    His black-and-white friend had never shown any interest in venturing into the woods.
  2. poised
    marked by balance or equilibrium and readiness for action
    Every one of his senses felt supercharged, as if he were poised before a huge jump.
  3. warily
    in a manner marked by keen caution and watchful prudence
    Rusty flattened his ears warily, and tensed his muscles in preparation for a fight.
  4. gully
    a deep ditch cut by running water
    They passed through sharply fragrant pine trees, where they had to jump across deep gullies churned up by a Twoleg tree-eater.
  5. nimble
    moving quickly and lightly
    He led the way nimbly down the boulders to the bottom of the ravine, and pushed his way through a thick patch of gorse.
  6. dapple
    color with streaks or blotches of different shades
    The clearing was dappled by sunshine, and the air felt warm and still.
  7. flank
    be located at the sides of something or somebody
    Rusty stayed where he was, flanked by Lionheart and Whitestorm.
  8. indignant
    angered at something unjust or wrong
    Rusty heard indignant mutterings erupt among the Clan cats, but Bluestar silenced them with a firm yowl.
  9. defiantly
    in a rebellious manner
    Rusty craned his neck and saw a pale tabby cat standing up and glaring defiantly at the leader.
  10. mangle
    destroy or injure severely
    And, dangling from Longtail’s mouth, Rusty saw his collar, mangled and broken.
  11. den
    the habitation of wild animals
    “I think he was heading toward Spottedleaf’s den.” Graypaw tipped his head toward the fern-enclosed corner Longtail had disappeared into.
  12. fitful
    occurring in spells and often abruptly
    Ravenpaw was still struggling for breath, and his sides heaved fitfully while the dust around him turned red with blood, but still he managed to scramble up onto the Highrock and stand beside Bluestar.
  13. bedraggled
    limp, untidy, and soiled
    After a moment’s pause, several of the cats moved forward to lick Redtail’s bedraggled fur.
  14. lichen
    a plant occurring in crusty patches on tree trunks or rocks
    Hanging lichen draped the entrance, sheltering the leader’s nest from wind and rain.
  15. solemn
    dignified and somber in manner or character
    The tabby warrior swelled with pride as he showed his acceptance with a solemn nod.
  16. vigil
    a purposeful surveillance to guard or observe
    "I shall keep a vigil with Redtail’s body tonight, before we bury him at sunrise.”
  17. prod
    push against gently
    “Anywhere, just so long as it’s not near me!” snarled Sandpaw, who was prodding some moss with her paw.
  18. crest
    the top or extreme point of something
    As they climbed over the crest of the ravine, a cool breeze ruffled their fur.
  19. rustle
    make a dry crackling sound
    The ground was carpeted with crisp dead leaves that rustled beneath their paws.
  20. pungent
    strong and sharp to the sense of taste or smell
    The pungent smell of unfamiliar cats hit the roof of Firepaw’s mouth.
  21. lurid
    glaringly vivid and graphic; marked by sensationalism
    “So many Clans!” Firepaw exclaimed. And so well organized, he added to himself remembering Smudge’s lurid tales of wildcats wreaking terror in the forest.
  22. wreak
    cause to happen or to occur as a consequence
    “So many Clans!” Firepaw exclaimed. And so well organized, he added to himself remembering Smudge’s lurid tales of wildcats wreaking terror in the forest.
  23. retort
    answer back
    “They didn’t even dare show their faces,” retorted Graypaw, unable to hide his anger.
  24. lofty
    having or displaying great dignity or nobility
    “Of course,” replied Dustpaw loftily.
  25. dejected
    affected or marked by low spirits
    Ravenpaw looked even more dejected, and Firepaw couldn’t stop himself from blurting out, “His injury is bothering him, that’s all!”
Created on Tue Mar 10 13:58:38 EDT 2020 (updated Tue Mar 10 15:48:39 EDT 2020)

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