Bowlderize
(v) to remove or delete parts of a book, song, or other work that are considered offensive
Galvanize
(v) to electrify; to excite/stir into action as if with an electric shock (often used metaphorically/figuratively)
Picayune
(adj) small value or importance
Gerrymander
(v) to divide a geographic area into voting district to give an unfair advantage to a party during an election
Maverick
(n) an independent individual who does not go along with a group or party; a nonconformist
Juggernaut
(n) an irresistible force that crushes everything in its path
Serendipity
(n) discovery by fortunate accident
Nadir
(n) the lowest point; the bottom
Panache
(n) stylish vigor or flair, especially in artistic performance
Catalyst
(n) a substance that accelerates the rate of a chemical reaction
any agent that provokes or triggers change
Caustic
(adj) capable of destroying/burning or eating away by chemical reaction
a ______ comment is one that hurts or burns
Crystallize
(v) to give a definite form to an idea or plan
Osmosis
(n) gradual, often unconscious process of assimilation
Sedentary
(adj) settled and therefore accustomed to sitting or doing little exercise
remaining or living in one area (ecology)
Virulent
(adj) language that is bitterly hostile, hateful, and antagonistic
disease or toxin that is extremely infectious, malignant, or poisonous (medical)
Empirical
(adj) to be guided by practical experience not theory
based on direct observation or experience (science)
____ data