Key Vocabulary Macbeth

Question 1

Whats meant by autocratic?

Answer 1

Relating to a ruler who has absolute power. Taking no account of other people’s wishes or opinions; domineering

Question 2

Whats meant by hubris?

Answer 2

Excessive pride or self-confidence, arrogant pride

Question 3

Whats meant by infanticide?

Answer 3

The crime of a mother killing her child/killing an infant

Question 4

Whats meant by an issue?

Answer 4

An important topic or problem for debate or discussion

Question 5

Whats meant by massacre?

Answer 5

An indiscriminate and brutal slaughter of many people

Question 6

Whats meant by maternal?

Answer 6

Relating to a mother, especially during pregnancy or shortly after childbirth

Question 7

Whats meant by paternal?

Answer 7

Characteristic of or befitting a father; fatherly

Question 8

Whats meant by purgatory?

Answer 8

A place or state of suffering inhabited by the souls of sinners who are expiating their sins before going to heaven

Question 9

Whats meant by regicide?

Answer 9

The action of killing a king

Question 10

Whats meant by a tragedy?

Answer 10

An event causing great suffering, destruction and distress, such as a serious accident, crime or natural catastrophe

Question 11

Whats meant by treason?

Answer 11

The crime of betraying one’s country, especially by attempting to kill or overthrow the sovereign or government

Question 12

Whats meant by a tyrant?

Answer 12

A cruel and oppressive ruler

Question 13

Whats meant by an uprising?

Answer 13

An act of resistance or rebellion; a revolt

Question 14

Whats meant by usurp?

Answer 14

Take a position of power or importance illegally or by force