English 9H Vocabulary Unit 10

catalyst

n. a person, thing, or agent that causes or speeds up or stimulates a result, reaction, or change

jargon

n. vocabulary distinctive to a particular group of people

judicious

adj. showing sound judgment

foible

n. a minor weakness in character

benediction

n. an act of blessing

frivolous

adj. trivial; silly

alacrity

n. liveliness; willingness; eagerness

deify

v. to make a god of; to look upon or worship as a god

carnage

n. bloody and extensive slaughter

impel

v. to push into motion

epitaph

n. an inscription on a tombstone; a brief comment about a dead person

harp

v. to persist in talking continuously (on or about something)

lateral

adj. of or relating to the side

pallid

adj. pale; faint in color

impetuous

adj. acting suddenly without thought