Fussell Essay – Key Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms from the Fussell essay, each with a concise definition.

aberration

A departure from what is normal, usual, or expected, typically unwelcome

atrocity

An extremely wicked or cruel act

bellicose

Aggressive; willing or eager to fight

complacent

Having smug or uncritical satisfaction with oneself or one’s achievements

defoliation

The removal of leaves from trees or other plant life, especially as a military tactic

fraudulence

Deception; the quality of being fraudulent

grossly

Completely or blatantly; in an obvious and extreme manner

hamstrung

Severely restricted in efficiency or effectiveness

incidental

Occurring by chance; accompanying but not a major part of something

indignant

Showing anger or annoyance at perceived unfair treatment

lunacy

Craziness; insanity

nihilistic

Characterized by extreme skepticism and rejection of religious or moral principles, often believing life is meaningless

noisome

Disagreeable; unpleasant; harmful

pacification

The act of quelling anger or unrest; in military terms, bringing peace by force or threat

pockmark

To scar or create pits that disfigure a surface

pugnacious

Quick to argue, quarrel, or fight

reprieve

A cancellation or postponement of punishment

sadistic

Deriving pleasure from inflicting pain, suffering, or humiliation

sardonic

Grimly mocking or cynical

strident

Loud, harsh, and grating in sound or style

subversive

Seeking or intending to undermine or overthrow an institution or system

treasonous

Having betrayed one’s country by attempting to overthrow it

vouchsafe

To give or grant something to someone in a gracious or condescending manner