APLAC Unit 4 Vocab

Accost

To approach and speak to someone in a bold, aggressive, or unwanted way

Animadversion

Harsh criticism, disapproval, or a critical remark

Devious

Someone who uses dishonest, trickier, or indirect methods to achieve a goal, often concealing their true purpose

Gambit

A strategic move or opening remark where you sacrifice something small or take a risk upfront to gain an advantage later

Histrionic

Overly dramatic, exaggerated, or theatrical in manner, behavior, or expression

Maelstrom

A powerful, violent whirlpool, or a chaotic, turbulent state of affairs

Pejorative

Expressing disapproval, criticism, or contempt, or describing a word or phrase that is insulting, belittling, or carries a negative connotation

Sacrilege

The act of treating something holy, sacred, or deeply revered with severe disrespect or misuse

Summarily

Doing something immediately, quickly, and without delay, formality, or normal legal process

Undulate

To move or shape in a smooth, continuous, wave-like pattern of rising and falling