Unit 2 Vocab

Talisman

an object that serves as a charm; item that confers magical powers, an amulet

undulate

to move in waves or wavelike motion

solipsistic

theory that only the self exists, or can be proved to exist; extreme myopia

accost

to approach and speak in an aggressive and/or challenging manner; to physically assault

animadversion

a comment indicating strong criticism or disapproval

avid

desirous or something to the point of greed; intensely eager

brackish

having a salty taste and unpleasant to drink

celerity

swiftness, rapidity of motion or action

devious

straying or wandering from a straight or direct course; done or acting in a shifty or underhanded way

gambit

early chess move to create later advantage; an opening move of this type

halcyon

a legendary bird; calm, peaceful; happy, prosperous, affluent time calm, peaceful, tranquil

histrionic

behaviour that is theatrical, artificial, and/or melodramatic

incendiary

deliberately setting a fire; designed to start fires; stir rebellion; arsonist; one who causes strife

maelstrom

a whirlpool of great size and violence; a situation of immense confusion and misdirected chaos

myopic

nearsighted; lacking a broad, realistic view; close-minded

overt

open, not hidden, expressed or revealed in a way that is easily recognized

pejorative

harmful; expressing disparagement, derogatory, deprecating, belittling

propriety

the state of being proper; socially acceptable standards

sacrilege

improper or disrespectful treatment of something held sacred

summarily

without delay or formality; briefly, concisely

suppliant

asking humbly and earnestly one who petitions as a suitor; one in a weaker position to someone in authority