Crucible Vocab

Trepidation

a feeling of fear or agitation about something that may happen.

Innate

inborn; natural/ originating in the mind.

Calumny

the making of false and defamatory statements about someone in order to damage their reputation; slander.

Providence

the protective care of God or of nature as a spiritual power.

Corroborate

confirm or give support to (a statement, theory, or finding).

Intimations

an indication or hint.

Formidable

inspiring fear or respect through being impressively large, powerful, intense, or capable.

Subtle

making use of clever and indirect methods to achieve something.

Contention

heated disagreement.

Prodigious

remarkably or impressively great in extent, size, or degree.

Poppet

a small figure of a human being used in sorcery and witchcraft (doll/puppet).

Lechery

excessive or offensive sexual desire; lustfulness (adultery/ cheating on someone).

Dissembling

conceal one's true motives, feelings, or beliefs.

Titillated

stimulate or excite (someone).

Deference

humble submission and respect.

Pallor

an unhealthy pale appearance.

Defamation

the action of damaging the good reputation of someone; slander or libel.

Ameliorate

make (something bad or unsatisfactory) better.

Theology

the study of the nature of God and religious belief.

Fathom

understand (a difficult problem or an enigmatic person) after much thought.

Indictment

a formal charge or accusation of a serious crime.

Abomination

a thing that causes disgust or hatred.

Lascivious

(of a person, manner, or gesture) feeling or revealing an overt and often offensive sexual desire.

Ascertain

find (something) out for certain; make sure of.

Paradox

a logically self-contradictory statement or a statement that runs contrary to one's expectation.

Crucible

a ceramic or metal container in which metals or other substances may be melted or subjected to very high temperatures.

Predilection

a preference or special liking for something; a bias in favor of something.

Citadel

a fortress, typically on high ground, protecting or dominating a city.

Ingratiate

bring oneself into favor with someone by flattering or trying to please them.

Vindictive

having or showing a strong or unreasonable desire for revenge.

Contentious

causing or likely to cause an argument; controversial.

Immaculate

(especially of a person or their clothes) perfectly clean, neat, or tidy.

Deposition

the process of giving sworn evidence.

Effrontery

insolent or impertinent behavior.

Placidly

Something done in a calm manner.

Sublime

of such excellence, grandeur, or beauty as to inspire great admiration or awe.

Qualm

an uneasy feeling of doubt, worry, or fear, especially about one's own conduct; a misgiving.

Perjury

the offense of willfully telling an untruth in a court after having taken an oath or affirmation.

Beguile

charm or enchant (someone), sometimes in a deceptive way.

Gaunt

(of a person) lean and haggard, especially because of suffering, hunger, or age.

Unperturbed

not perturbed or concerned.

Imperceptible

impossible to perceive.

Gibbet

an upright post with an arm on which the bodies of executed criminals were left hanging as a warning or deterrent to others.

Excommunication

the action of officially excluding someone from participation in the sacraments and services of the Christian Church.

Adamant

refusing to be persuaded or to change one's mind.

Faltering

moving unsteadily or hesitantly.

Incredulously

in a manner indicating disbelief.

Callously

in a way that shows an insensitive and cruel disregard for others; unfeelingly.

Purged

rid (someone or something) of an unwanted quality, condition, or feeling.

Daft

silly; foolish.

Vile

extremely unpleasant.

Agape

Christian love, especially as distinct from erotic love or emotional affection. (jaw dropping)

Reprieve

cancel or postpone the punishment of (someone, especially someone condemned to death).

Penitence

the action of feeling or showing sorrow and regret for having done wrong; repentance.

Propitiation

the action of propitiating or appeasing a god, spirit, or person.