Vocab 4e-f

Question 1

Rent/Rend

Answer 1

(adj. ) Having been torn, violently lacerated, or wrested from
(n) 1. A tear or opening created by rending
2. A rift or breach in relations

“He knew from experience that the whip could rip flesh from bone, and rend good armor into so much scrap metal. “

Question 2

Volatile

Answer 2

(adj.) Widely varying, fickle, inconstant, or even prone to violence

Question 3

Aseptic

Answer 3

(adj. ) Free from or protecting against infection by pathogenic microorganisms
(adj. ) Without animation or emotion

Question 4

Skullduggery

Answer 4

(n) Deceitful, underhanded, unscrupulous behavior

Question 5

Predilection

Answer 5

(n) A preference or partiality for something

Question 6

Divestiture

Answer 6

(n) The act of divesting (opposite of “investing”); the act of stripping someone of property
(n) The sale or liquidation of assets

Question 7

Prologue

Answer 7

(n) An introduction, esp. to a poem, play, or novel

Question 8

Gossamer

Answer 8

(adj.) Extremely light, delicate, or sheer

Question 9

Dormant

Answer 9

(adj.) Lying asleep or as if asleep; inactive (esp. temporarily inactive)

Question 10

Grate

Answer 10

(v) To shred (such as cheese) by rubbing against an abrasive surface; to cause to make a harsh sound through grinding (as teeth); to persistently annoy

Question 11

Gratuitous

Answer 11

(adj. ) Done, given, or obtained without payment; unearned
(adj. ) Unwarranted, unjustified, or uncalled-for

“His death seemed so gratuitous, so uncalled for, that at first I couldn’t figure out why it was in the film.”

Question 12

Hegemony

Answer 12

(n) Dominance or influence of one group or force over others

“The principal enjoyed his hegemony over the staff of the school.”

Question 13

Rift

Answer 13

(n) A narrow fissure in rock

(n) A break in an interpersonal relationship

Question 14

Grievous

Answer 14

(adj. ) Causing great pain, suffering, or grief

(adj. ) Serious, dire, severe, or extremely harmful; oppressive or burdensome

Question 15

Ephemeral

Answer 15

(adj. ) Short-lived or lasting for only a brief period

(adj. ) Lasting only one day

Question 16

Aspersion

Answer 16

(n) A false, derogatory claim meant to injure someone’s reputation
(n) The act of making such a claim
(n) A sprinkling with water, especially as part of a religious ceremony

Question 17

Palatial

Answer 17

(adj.) Suitable for a palace; magnificent

Question 18

Halcyon

Answer 18

(adj. ) Calm, peaceful, or tranquil

(adj. ) Prosperous or wealthy