BC Vocab - Smith

English 12

belittle

V; to attack or make lower in significance

colloquial

Adj; of a specific locality or region

caustic

Adj; marked by direct, often very cruel, sarcasm

Bolster

v; to support

Clemency

N; disposition to be lenient

Bastion

N; an institution, individual, or something else protecting or preserving a particular way of life, society, set of beliefs or moral codes

beseech

V; to beg

bedlam

n; state of extreme confusion or disorder

credence

n; a belief

Castigate

v; reprimand severely

Boorish

Adj; rude

Capricious

adj; determined by chance or impulse rather than by necessity

catharsis

n; a purging or cleansing

brandish

v; to wave or shake as a weapon

chagrin

n; disappointment

Bureaucracy

n; administration characterized by excessive procedure and routine

Cacophony

n; a disagreeable, discordant combination of sounds or tones

Baleful

adj; malignant; threatening

Crux

n; essential or main point

Banter

V; to converse in a playful or teasing way