The mighty and the meek Flashcards
allocate
distribute, assign, allot
All of the federal funds were allocated to the defense budget.
capitulate
give in, surrender
The police refuse to capitulate to the terrorist’s demands.
defer
bend to another’s will
When King Kong gets hungry, it’s wise to defer to his needs.
autocracy
a system run by a person or group of persons with absolute authority.
Hitler was an autocrat.
apprehension
a sense of fear or hesitation
Anne Boleyn was apprehensive about meeting her new husband.
demagogue
a rabble-rouser, a leader of sorts
The demagogue soon forgot about the people who brought him to power and used his position to enrich himself.
sycophant
a flatterer or someone who sucks up to another who has power.
Politicians become sycophantic with those who might give them their votes.
imperial
like an empire or an emperor.
Julius Caesar behaved in an imperial manner.
servile
behave like a servant
When he told you to lick his boots, he wanted you to be servile.
ascendancy
superior, dominant
For years, disco was the ascendant form of popular music.
diffident
shy and unassuming
The ugly duckling’s diffidence gave way to confidence and assurance after he grew into a swan.
daunt
intimidate or to make fearful
Bullies delight in daunting their victims.
acquiesce
comply passively, accept or assent quietly
Fei Rei at first refused King Kong’s demand that she marry him, but his size and demeanor convinced her to acquiesce.
chatise
discipline or inflict punishment upon
Gunther the Lion Tamer often chastises his lion and tigers for trying to eat him alive.
chagrin
humiliation or embarrassed disappointment
Much to her chagrin, Abby tripped and fell during her first entrance on the stage.
