Peak Mid-Book Quiz

precarious

Dangerous; risky; lacking in security or stability

incarcerated

imprison or confine

demeanor

behavior; manner of conducting oneself

moldering

slowly decay or disintegrate, especially because of neglect

auspicious

conducive to success; favorable

acclimatization

Physiological adjustment to a change in an environmental factor

pandemonium

a wild uproar, din, or commotion

salve

an ointment used to promote healing of the skin or as protection; something that is soothing or consoling for wounded feelings or an uneasy conscience.

asphyxiation

stoppage of breathing or the lack of air reaching the lungs; synonym for suffocation

scrutinized

to examine in detail with careful or critical attention

disheveled

rumpled, mussed; hanging in disorder

ramshackle

(adj.) appearing ready to collapse, loose and shaky

hedge

Avoid commitment by leaving provisions for withdrawal or changing one's mind; protect a bet by also betting on the other side

garish

(adj.) glaring; tastelessly showy or overdecorated in a vulgar or offensive way

swill

kitchen refuse and scraps of waste food mixed with water for feeding to pigs.

preclude

(v.) to make impossible, prevent, shut out

fodder

(n.) food for horses or cattle; raw material for a designated purpose

bovines

an animal of the cattle group, which also includes buffaloes and bisons.

poignant

(adj.) deeply affecting, touching; keen or sharp in taste or smell

haggard

(adj.) thin, pale, and careworn as a result of worry or suffering; wild-looking