Honors English Semester 1 Vocab:

abyss

abyss

a deep or seemingly bottomless chasm, the regions of hell

sermon

a speech given by a religious figure, typically one of authority, in a house of worship

omnipotent

all powerful, unlimited power, able to do anything

mediator

one who reconciles opposing groups

crucible

heat resistant container in which metals are melted or fused at very high temperatures, a severe trial or test

avidly

eagerly, with great interest or enthusiasm

contentious

argumentative, controversial

deposition

the testimony of a witness made under oath, but not in an open court

persecution

hostility and ill-treatment, especially because of race or political or religious beliefs

incredulously

indicating disbelief, doubtful of something, skeptically

beguile

charm or enchant in a deceptive way, trick

tantalized

tormented or frustrated with the sight or promise of something that is unobtainable, excitement of the senses

coercion

the practice of persuading someone to do something by using force or threats

bewitch

to cast a spell on a gain control over someone or something through the use of magic

dubious

hesitating or doubting, suspicious

somber

dark or dull in color or tone, gloomy

summon

authoritatively or urgently call on someone to be present, especially as a defendant or witness in a law court, to urgently demand help

macabre

causing shock and fear, having a connection with death, strange

pestilence

a fatal epidemic disease, especially bubonic plague

sublime

of such excellence, grandeur, or beauty as to inspire great admiration or awe

superstition

excessively credulous belief in and reverence for supernatural beings

vex

to cause someone to feel annoyance or trouble

vehement

expressive very strong feelings, or showing great energy or force

alienation

the state or experience of being isolated from a group or an activity to which one should belong or in which one should be involved

insidious

something unpleasant or dangerous that gradually and secretly causes harm

slumber

sleep

detrimental

causing harm or damage

solitude

the situation of being alone, often by choice

ominous

suggesting something unpleasant will happen

phobia

an extreme or irrational fear of or aversion to something

loathe

feel intense dislike or disgust for

retaliation

the action of harming someone because they have harmed oneself, revenge

wicked

evil or morally wrong

doppelganger

an apparition or double of a living

grotesque

often frightening in appearance or character