The Crucible Flashcards
ameliorate
to become better, to prove
autocratic
exercising absolute (often unwarranted) power
anteroom
a waiting room or entryway
archfiend
a principle; Satan, the Devil
base
morally low, mean spirited
conciliatory
winning over or gaining favor
contempt
1) scorn, the feeling of being worthless
2) the punishable act of showing disrespect in a court of law
cosmology
the study of knowledge of the universe
dissemble
to conceal the truth or one’s true feelings under a false appearance
deposition
the testimony of a witness under oath, not while court is in session but in a written document
effrontery
shamelessness, boldness
gaunt
extremely thin as from great hunger or torture
heretic
a church member who holds beliefs opposed to church dogma
ingratiate
to bring oneself into another’s good graces by conscious effort
licentious
disregarding moral rules and standards, especially in sexual activity
paradox
a statement that seems self-contradictory or absurd, but is true
predilection
a preference, preconceived liking
propriety
the quality of being proper; conforming to expectations or standards
reproach
shame, disgrace, discredit, blame
trepidation
extreme fear