Letter from Birmingham Jail Vocabulary Jigsaw

self-purification

The process of introspection and self-reflection to cleanse oneself of impurities and negative influences.

civil disobedience

The refusal to comply with certain laws as a peaceful form of protest against injustice.

moral

Relating to principles of right and wrong behavior, often based on personal or cultural beliefs.

moderate

A person who holds moderate or middle-of-the-road views, especially in politics or social issues.

oppression

The unjust or cruel exercise of authority or power, often leading to the prolonged mistreatment of a group or individual.

demonstrator

A person who takes part in a public display of group opinion or feeling, such as a protest or march.

segregate

To separate or set apart a group of people based on race, ethnicity, or other differences.

scintillate

To emit flashes of light or sparkle, often used metaphorically to describe someone's wit or personality.

humiliate

To cause someone to feel ashamed or foolish by injuring their dignity and self-respect.

precipitate

To cause an event or situation to happen suddenly, unexpectedly, or prematurely.

commend

To praise or express approval for someone's actions or behavior.

relegate

To consign or dismiss to an inferior rank or position, often as a form of punishment or demotion.

integrate (ing)

The process of bringing together different racial or ethnic groups into a unified whole within a society.

sanctimonious

Making a show of being morally superior to others, often in a hypocritical way.

retaliate

To take revenge or respond to an injury or insult in kind.

moratorium

A temporary prohibition of an activity, especially as a political or social measure.

cognizant

Being aware, mindful, or conscious of something.

complacency

A feeling of smug or uncritical satisfaction with oneself or one's achievements.

ekklesia

An assembly or gathering of citizens in ancient Athens, often used in the context of democratic participation.

provocation

Action or speech that makes someone annoyed or angry, especially deliberately.

zeitgeist*

The defining spirit or mood of a particular period of history as shown by the ideas and beliefs of the time.

gadfly*

A person who annoys or criticizes others in order to provoke them into action or change.