Chapter 6 Flashcards
tirade
n.
A long angry speech, usually of a censorious or denunciatory nature; a diatribe; a stream of verbal abuse
adulate
v.
To praise or admire excessively; fawn on.
bristle
v.
- To stand stiffly on end like bristles: The hair on the dog’s neck bristled.
- To raise the bristles: The cat bristled at the sight of the large dog.
- To react in an angry or offended manner; to show irritation: The author bristled at the suggestion of plagiarism.
- To be covered or thick with or as if with bristles: The path bristled with thorns.
histrionic
adj.
- Of or relating to actors or acting; theatrical
- Excessively dramatic or emotional; affected.
obstreperous
adj.
Noisily unruly or defiant
portend
v.
- To serve as an omen or a warning of; presage: black clouds that portend a storm.
- To indicate by prediction; forecast: leading economic indicators that portend a recession.
titter
v.
To laugh in a restrained, nervous way; giggle.
hoary
adj.
- Gray or white with or as if with age.
- Covered with grayish hair or pubescence: hoary leaves.
- So old as to inspire veneration; ancient.
obtuse
adj.
1.
a. Lacking quickness of perception or intellect.
b. Characterized by a lack of intelligence or sensitivity: an obtuse remark.
c. Not distinctly felt: an obtuse pain.
portent
n.
- An indication of something important or calamitous about to occur; an omen.
- Prophetic or threatening significance: signs full of portent.
tome
n.
- One of the books in a work of several volumes.
- A book, especially a large or scholarly one.
espouse
- To adhere to, advocate, promote, take up, support: espoused a contrarian viewpoint.
- To marry
obviate
v.
To keep from happening (avoid) or render unnecessary.
poseur
n.
One who affects a particular attribute, attitude, or identity to impress or influence others.; someone who puts on an act
torpid
adj.
1.
a. Sluggish, lethargic, lazy, or inactive
b. Showing little interest; apathetic: a torpid audience.
2. Conducive to sluggishness or inactivity, especially in being warm and humid: a torpid summer evening.
3. Dormant; hibernating, stagnant.
bulwark
n.
- A wall or embankment raised as a defensive fortification; a rampart.
- Something serving as a defense or safeguard
- A breakwater.
defunct
adj.
Having ceased to exist or live: a defunct political organization.
etymology
n.
The study of word origins
hyperbole
n.
A figure of speech in which exaggeration is used for emphasis or effect e.g. I could sleep for a year or This book weighs a ton.
odious
adj.
- Arousing or deserving hatred or strong dislike.
- Extremely unpleasant; repulsive: an odious smell.
posterity
n.
- Future generations
- All of a person’s descendants.
torpor
n.
- A state of mental or physical inactivity or insensibility; sluggishness
- Lethargy; apathy
- The dormant, inactive state of a hibernating or estivating animal.
affable
adj.
- Easy and pleasant to speak to; approachable.
- Gentle and gracious: an affable smile.
eulogy
n.
- A laudatory speech or written tribute, especially one praising someone who has died.
- High praise or commendation.
hypochondria
n.
- The conviction that one is or is likely to become ill, often involving symptoms when illness is neither present nor likely, and persisting despite reassurance and medical evidence to the contrary (imaginary illnesses).
- Obsession with health
