Chapter 7 Flashcards
sleet
Rain containing some ice, as when snow melts as it falls.
e.g
The stormy weather was followed by sleet and snow, and then by a hard frost which did not break till well into February.
envious
Feeling or showing envy.
e.g
The animals carried on as best they could with the rebuilding of the windmill, well knowing that the outside world was watching them and that the envious human beings would rejoice and triumph if the mill were not finished on time.
rejoice
Feel or show great joy or delight.
e.g
The animals carried on as best they could with the rebuilding of the windmill, well knowing that the outside world was watching them and that the envious human beings would rejoice and triumph if the mill were not finished on time.
inspiration
The process of being mentally stimulated to do or feel something, especially to do something creative.
e.g
Squealer made excellent speeches on the joy of service and the dignity of labour, but the other animals found more inspiration in Boxer’s strength and his never-failing cry of “I will work harder!”
drastically
In a way that is likely to have a strong or far-reaching effect
e.g
The corn ration was drastically reduced, and it was announced that an extra potato ration would be issued to make up for it.
vitally
In a way that is absolutely necessary or essential.
e.g
It was vitally necessary to conceal this fact from the outside world.
embolden
Give (someone) the courage or confidence to do something.
e.g
Emboldened by the collapse of the windmill, the human beings were inventing fresh lies about Animal Farm.
infanticide
The crime of a mother killing her child within a year of birth.
e.g
Once again it was being put about that all the animals were dying of famine and disease, and that they were continually fighting among themselves and had resorted to cannibalism and infanticide.
cannibalism
The practice of eating the flesh of one’s own species
e.g
Once again it was being put about that all the animals were dying of famine and disease, and that they were continually fighting among themselves and had resorted to cannibalism and infanticide.
glimpse
A momentary or partial view.
e.g
On some suitable pretext Whymper was led through the store-shed and allowed to catch a glimpse of the bins.
ceremonial
Relating to or used for formal religious or public events.
e.g
. When he did emerge, it was in a ceremonial manner, with an escort of six dogs who closely surrounded him and growled if anyone came too near.
clutch
Grasp (something) tightly.
e.g
They were just getting their clutches ready for the spring sitting, and they protested that to take the eggs away now was murder.
expulsion
The action of forcing someone to leave an organization
e.g
For the first time since the expulsion of Jones, there was something resembling a rebellion.
unanimously
Without opposition; with the agreement of all people involved.
e.g
The cows declared unanimously that Snowball crept into their stalls and milked them in their sleep.
exclaim
Cry out suddenly in surprise, strong emotion, or pain.
e.g
He would put his snout to the ground, give several deep sniffs, ad exclaim in a terrible voice, “Snowball! He has been here! I can smell him distinctly!” and at the word “Snowball” all the dogs let out blood-curdling growls and showed their side teeth.
pervading
(especially of a smell) spread through and be perceived in every part of
e.g
It seemed to them as though Snowball were some kind of invisible influence, pervading the air about them and menacing them with all kinds of dangers.
vanity
Excessive pride in or admiration of one’s own appearance or achievements.
e.g
We had thought that Snowball’s rebellion was caused simply by his vanity and ambition
ambition
A strong desire to do or achieve something.
e.g
We had thought that Snowball’s rebellion was caused simply by his vanity and ambition
flee/fled
Run away from a place or situation of danger.
e.g
Do you not remember how, just at the moment when Jones and his men had got inside the yard, Snowball suddenly turned and fled, and many animals followed him? And do you not remember, too, that it was just at that moment, when panic was spreading and all seemed lost, that Comrade Napoleon sprang forward with a cry of ‘Death to Humanity!’ and sank his teeth in Jones’s leg? Surely you remember THAT, comrades?” exclaimed Squealer, frisking from side to side.
categorically
In a way that is unambiguously explicit and direct.
e.g
“Our Leader, Comrade Napoleon,” announced Squealer, speaking very slowly and firmly, “has stated categorically–categorically, comrade–that Snowball was Jones’s agent from the very beginning–yes, and from long before the Rebellion was ever thought of.”
lurking
Remaining hidden so as to wait in ambush.
e.g
For we have reason to think that some of Snowball’s secret agents are lurking among us at this moment!”
sternly
In a serious and severe manner, especially when asserting authority or exercising discipline
e.g
Napoleon stood sternly surveying his audience; then he uttered a high-pitched whimper.
countenance
A person’s face or facial expression.
e.g
Napoleon appeared to change countenance, and sharply ordered Boxer to let the dog go, whereat Boxer lifted his hoof, and the dog slunk away, bruised and howling.
tumult
A loud, confused noise, especially one caused by a large mass of people.
e.g
Presently the tumult died down.
retribution
Punishment inflicted on someone as vengeance for a wrong or criminal act.
e.g
the treachery of the animals who had leagued themselves with Snowball, or the cruel retribution they had just witnessed.
fidget
Make small movements, especially of the hands and feet, through nervousness or impatience.
e.g
He fidgeted to and fro, swishing his long black tail against his sides and occasionally uttering a little whinny of surprise.
gilded
Covered thinly with gold leaf or gold paint.
e.g
The grass and the bursting hedges were gilded by the level rays of the sun.
abolish
Formally put an end to (a system, practice, or institution).
e.g
He announced that, by a special decree of Comrade Napoleon, ‘Beasts of England’ had been abolished.
hoist
Raise (something) by means of ropes and pulleys.
e.g
Animal Farm, Animal Farm,
Never through me shalt thou come to harm! and this was sung every Sunday morning after the hoisting of the flag.
