Vocabulary Unit Test Preparation (Units 1-4)

This set of flashcards includes vocabulary words and their definitions from Units 1-4 in preparation for the vocabulary test.

animosity

Strong hostility

cynic

A person who believes that people are motivated by self-interest

devastate

To destroy or ruin something; to cause someone shock or grief

fluctuate

To rise and fall irregularly in number or amount

incentive

A thing that motivates or encourages one to do something

infamous

Well known for some bad quality or deed; wicked

mandatory

Required by law or rules

prevalent

Widespread in a particular area or at a particular time

elude

To escape from danger, an enemy, or pursuer, usually with great skill or cleverness

exacerbate

To make (a problem, bad situation, or negative feeling) worse

incriminating

Making someone look guilty of a crime or wrongdoing

innovation

Something new or different introduced; the act of introducing new things or methods

obsolete

No longer in general use; outdated

ponder

To consider or think about something deeply and thoroughly

sabotage

To deliberately destroy, damage, or obstruct (something), especially for political or military advantage

anomaly

Something that deviates from what is expected, normal, or standard

convey

To make (an idea, impression, or feeling) understandable to someone; to communicate a message or information

eviscerate

To take out the entrails (guts) of; to disembowel; to remove the vital contents of

lucrative

Producing wealth; profitable

perspective

A mental view or prospect

proponent

One who argues in favor of something

validation

The act of checking the accuracy of something; recognition that a person or their feelings/opinions are worthwhile

retaliation

The act of harming someone because they have harmed you; revenge

atrocity

An extremely wicked or cruel act, especially involving violence or physical injury; a very unpleasant or distasteful object

condone

To accept or allow (behavior that is offensive) to continue; to approve, especially with reluctance

diligent

Constant in effort to achieve something; done or pursued with much attention

disenfranchise

To deprive someone of the right to vote or to any other privilege

escalate

To increase rapidly; to become more intense or serious

hamper

To hold back or hinder; to interfere with

spectrum

A continuous sequence or range