Macbeth Vocab Flashcards
Minion
A follower or dependent; slave
E.G. Duncan’s minions relayed the news that the Scottish forces were victorious
Corporal
Of or relating to the body
E.G. Corporal punishment is outlawed in many states
Chastise
Rebuke or reprimand severely; punish
E.G. The Thane of Cawdor was chastised for being a traitor
Prophetic
Containing a prediction; predicting
E.G. The witches gave Macbeth a prophetic glimpse into his future
Surmise
Make a guess; assume hesitantly
E.G. Macbeth surmised the plot to kill Duncan would be difficult to carry out
Appals
Horrifying; shockingly unpleasant
E.G. The murder of Duncan appalled Malcolm and the rest of the king’s court
Carousing
Drunken merrymaking
E.G. The porter was carousing the night the King was killed
Equivocate
To use ambiguous language
E.G. Many students think Shakespeare equivocates speeches in his plays to add suspense
Scruples -
To hesitate as a result of conscience or principle
E.G. Macbeth practiced low scruples by killing his king
Augment
To make larger; enlarge in size, number, strength, or extent; increase
E.G. The king was able to augment his army while the other side was distracted allowing him to win
Malice -
Desire to inflict injury, harm, or suffering on another
E.G. Macbeth claims he killed the guards out of malice
Muse
To think or meditate in silence, as on some subject
E.G. Macbeth muses over the problems with killing the king
Purged
To rid of whatever is impure or undesirable; cleanse; purify
E.G. Lady Macbeth purged her sin with a little water on her hands
Homage
Respect or reverence paid or rendered
E.G. Banquo pays homage to Duncan’s memory by promising to avenge his death
Eminence
High station, rank, or repute
E.G. The king’s eminence was clear by the clothes he wore and the horse he rode
