Macbeth Vocab

Question 1

Minion

Answer 1

A follower or dependent; slave

E.G. Duncan’s minions relayed the news that the Scottish forces were victorious

Question 2

Corporal

Answer 2

Of or relating to the body

E.G. Corporal punishment is outlawed in many states

Question 3

Chastise

Answer 3

Rebuke or reprimand severely; punish

E.G. The Thane of Cawdor was chastised for being a traitor

Question 4

Prophetic

Answer 4

Containing a prediction; predicting

E.G. The witches gave Macbeth a prophetic glimpse into his future

Question 5

Surmise

Answer 5

Make a guess; assume hesitantly

E.G. Macbeth surmised the plot to kill Duncan would be difficult to carry out

Question 6

Appals

Answer 6

Horrifying; shockingly unpleasant

E.G. The murder of Duncan appalled Malcolm and the rest of the king’s court

Question 7

Carousing

Answer 7

Drunken merrymaking

E.G. The porter was carousing the night the King was killed

Question 8

Equivocate

Answer 8

To use ambiguous language

E.G. Many students think Shakespeare equivocates speeches in his plays to add suspense

Question 9

Scruples -

Answer 9

To hesitate as a result of conscience or principle

E.G. Macbeth practiced low scruples by killing his king

Question 10

Augment

Answer 10

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

Question 11

Malice -

Answer 11

Desire to inflict injury, harm, or suffering on another

E.G. Macbeth claims he killed the guards out of malice

Question 12

Muse

Answer 12

To think or meditate in silence, as on some subject

E.G. Macbeth muses over the problems with killing the king

Question 13

Purged

Answer 13

To rid of whatever is impure or undesirable; cleanse; purify

E.G. Lady Macbeth purged her sin with a little water on her hands

Question 14

Homage

Answer 14

Respect or reverence paid or rendered

E.G. Banquo pays homage to Duncan’s memory by promising to avenge his death

Question 15

Eminence

Answer 15

High station, rank, or repute

E.G. The king’s eminence was clear by the clothes he wore and the horse he rode

Question 16

Malevolence

Answer 16

The quality, state, or feeling of being malevolent; ill will; malice; hatred

E.G. Banquo is filled with malevolence towards the killers of the king

Question 17

Appease

Answer 17

To bring a state of peace, quiet, ease, calm, or contentment; pacify; sooth

E.G. Lady Macbeth tried to appease the banquet guests when Macbeth was seeing Banqou’s ghost

Question 18

Integrity

Answer 18

Adherence to moral and ethical principles; soundness of moral character; honesty

E.G. Macbeth’s integrity was a result of his desire to remain King of Scotland

Question 19

Regicide

Answer 19

The action of killing a King

E.G. Macbeth commits regicide