Vocabulary from The Crucible by Arthur Miller

Trepidation

tremulous fear, alarm, or agitation; perturbation

Subservient

serving or acting in a subordinate capacity; subordinate

Calumny

a false and malicious statement designed to injure the reputation of someone or something

Fanatic

a person exhibiting excessive enthusiasm and intense uncritical devotion toward some controversial matter (as in religion or politics); a person with an extreme and uncritical enthusiasm or zeal, as in religion or politics.

Arbitrate

decide between opposing or contending parties or sides

Predilection

a tendency to think favorably of something in particular; an established preference for something

Dialogue

the interaction between characters

Maraud

to roam or raid in search of plunder

Soliloquy

reveals thoughts, feelings, and personalities of characters. One character thinks aloud, regardless of any hearers

Aside

where a character says something to the audience or one character that the majority do not hear

Monologue

long speeches to many characters

Crucible

a pot or vessel made from highly heat-resistant materials; a severe test, or a place or situation in which concentrated forces interact to cause or influence change or development

Paradox

one (such as a person, situation, or action) having seemingly contradictory qualities or phases; a statement or proposition that seems self-contradictory or absurd but in reality expresses a possible truth

Dissemble

to give a false or misleading appearance to; conceal the truth or real nature of; to hide under a false appearance

Abomination

intense aversion or loathing; detestation; a vile, shameful, or detestable action, condition, habit, etc.

Iniquity

gross injustice or wickedness; a violation of right or duty; wicked act; sin

Ascertain

to find out definitely; learn with certainty or assurance; determine

Vindictive

disposed or inclined to revenge; vengeful

Smirch

to sully or tarnish (a person, reputation, character, etc.); disgrace; discredit

Disproportionate

not proportionate; out of proportion, as in size or number

Blasphemy

the act of insulting or showing contempt or lack of reverence for God

Conjure

to summon a devil or spirit by invocation or incantation; to practice magical arts

Perplexed

bewildered, puzzled, confused

Pallor

paleness of complexion

Indignant

feeling angry or upset at the injustice or unfairness of something