Vocabulary Study Guide for Unit 7

abeyance

A state of temporary inactivity, suspended, or set aside

ambivalent

having opposite and conflicting feelings about someone or something

beleaguer

to set upon from all sides; to surround with an army; to trouble, harass

carate blanche

full freedom or authority to act at one’s own discretion

cataclysm

a sudden, violent, or devastating upheaval; a surging flood, deluge

debauch

to corrupt morally, seduce; to indulge in dissipation; an act or occasion of dissipation or vice

eclat

dazzling or conspicuous success or acclaim; great brilliance

fastidious

overly demanding or hard to please; excessively careful in regard to details; easily disgusted

gambol

to jump or skip about playfully

imbue

to soak or stain thoroughly; to fill the mind

inchoate

just beginning; not fully shaped or formed

lampoon

a malicious satire; to satirize, ridicule

malleable

capable of being formed into different shapes; capable of being altered, adapted, or influenced

nemesis

an agent or force inflicting vengeance or punishment; retribution itself; an unbeatable rival

opt

to make a choice or decision

philistine

lacking in, hostile to, or smugly indifferent to cultural and artistic values or refinements; such a person

picaresque

involving or characteristic of clever rogues or adventureres

queasy

nauseated or uneasy; causing nausea or uneasiness; troubled

refractory

stubbon; hard or difficult to manage; not responsive to treatment or cure

savoir-faire

the ability to say and do the right thing in any situation; social competence