Night Vocab #1

Intrinsic

(adj) belonging naturally; essential. Syn: inherent, innate

Elusive

(adj) difficult to find, catch, or achieve

Usurp

(v) take (a position of power or importance) illegally or by force

Profane

(adj) relating or devoted to that which is not sacred or biblical; secular

Beadle

(n) a ceremonial officer of a church, college, or similar institution

Morbid

(adj) having unhealthy interest in disturbing and unpleasant subjects

Patronize

(v) treat in a way that is apparently kind or helpful but that betrays feeling of superiority

Iniquity

(n) immoral or grossly unfair behavior; wickedness

Lament

(v) mourn (a person's loss or death) (n) a passionate expression of grief

Interlocutor

(n) a person who takes part in a dialogue or conversation

Waif

(n) a homeless, neglected, or abandoned person, especially a child

Kabbalah

(n) the ancient Jewish tradition of mystical interpretation of the Bible.

Emigration

(n) the act of leaving one’s own country to settle permanently in another

Maimonides

(n) influential Torah scholar in the Middle Ages

Fascist

(n) follower of fascism; authoritarian, far right-winger, militarist, Nazi

Ghetto

(n) a part of a city, especially a slum area, occupied by a minority group(s)

Gestapo

(n) the German secret police under Nazi rule. Led by Heinrich Himmler, this organization ruthlessly sent Jews and others to concentration camps

Surreptitious

(adj) kept secret, especially because it would not be approved of

Surreal

(adj) having the qualities of surrealism; bizarre; outlandish, eccentric

Conflagration

(n) an extensive fire which destroys a great deal of land or property