Vocabulary

Definitions for List #4

 

abortive

adj

coming to nothing, unsuccessful, fruitless, futile

adduce

v

to give as reason or proof, cite as an example

barrage

n

a heavy, prolonged attack of words, blows etc.

copious

adj

very plentiful, abundant, wordy, profuse

conjugal

adj

of marriage or the relation between husband and wife

dissident

adj

not agreeing, differing in belief or opinion

emaciate

v

to cause to become abnormally lean

infer

v

to conclude or decide from something known or assumed, to derive from reasoning (do not confuse with "imply")

cogitate

v

ponder, meditate, consider

exonerate

v

to declare or prove blameless, to free from the charge of guilt

lampoon

n, v

a piece of strongly satirical writing, usually attacking or ridiculing someone; to attack or ridicule by means of a lampoon

moratorium

n

any authorized delay or stopping of some specified activity

portent

n

something that predicts an event about to occur, especially an unfortunate event; omen; something amazing, a marvel

placebo

n

a harmless, unmedicated preparation used as a control to test the efficacy of another, medicated substance; something said or done to win the favor of another person

sovereign

adj, n

chief, greatest, supreme; a person or group possessing the greatest authority or power

serendipity

n

an aptitude for making fortunate discoveries accidentally

urbane

adj

refined, polite and courteous in a smooth, polished way

tryst

n

an appointment to meet at a specified time and place, especially one made secretly by lovers

agoraphobia

n

an abnormal fear or being in open or public places

vendetta

n

any bitter quarrel or feud