adamant

adj

firm in purpose or opinion, unyielding

affidavit

n

a written declaration made under oath by a notary public or other authorized official

cerebral

adj

appealing to or marked by workings of the intellect, intellectually refined

covert

adj

concealed, hidden, secret, covered over

contretemps

n

an inopportune or embarrassing occurrence, mishap

dearth

n

scarcity, lack, shortage of food, famine

embroil

v

to involve in argument, contention, or hostile actions

insidious

adj

treacherous, intended to entrap, working or spreading harmfully in a subtle or stealthy manner

imbue

v

to inspire, permeate, or pervade, to saturate as with dye

fulminate

v

to issue a thunderous verbal attack or denunciation, to explode or detonate with sudden violence

prerogative

n

a characteristically exclusive right or privilege

posthumous

adj

occurring or continuing after one’s death

rhapsodize

v

to express oneself in an immoderately enthusiastic manner

sporadic

adj

occurring at irregular intervals, having no pattern or order

vindicate

v

to clear of accusation, blame, suspicion, or doubt with supporting arguments or proof

uncanny

adj

exciting wonder or fear, inexplicable; so keen and perceptive as to seem preternatural

ensconce

v

to settle oneself securely or comfortably, to place or conceal in a secure place

subterfuge

n

a deceptive stratagem or device

liaison

n

communication between different units or groups of an organization, an illicit love affair

lethargy

n

sluggish indifference, apathy