unit 2 vocab n allusion

Ameliorate

To make better or improve.

Aplomb

Self-confidence or assurance, especially in difficult situations.

Bombastic

Using high-sounding but meaningless or inflated language.

Callow

Immature or inexperienced.

Drivel

Nonsense talk or meaningless speech.

Ex officio

By virtue of one's position or office.

Exhort

To strongly encourage or urge someone to do something.

Infringe

To violate or break a law or rule.

Ingratiate

To gain favor through flattery or effort.

Interloper

An intruder or outsider who enters without permission.

Intrinsic

Belonging naturally; essential.

Inveigh

To speak or write bitterly against something.

Lassitude

A state of physical or mental weariness; lack of energy.

Millennium

A period of one thousand years.

Occult

Relating to mysterious or supernatural powers or knowledge.

Permeate

To spread or flow throughout something.

Precipitate

To cause or bring about suddenly or unexpectedly.

Stringent

Strict, severe, or demanding.

Surmise

To guess or infer without complete evidence.

Sirens

Temptations that lure people to danger or destruction.

Read the Riot Act

A strong warning to stop misbehavior or face consequences.

White Elephant

A costly or burdensome possession.

Gordian Knot

A complex problem solved through bold or decisive action.

Ivory Tower

A place or mindset isolated from real-world concerns.

Kryptonite

A person's weakness or vulnerability.

Icarus

Someone ruined by excessive ambition or ignoring warnings.

Left-Handed Compliment

An insult disguised as praise.

Golden Calf

Something worshiped excessively or falsely valued.

Adonis

A man of extraordinary beauty or attractiveness.