The Crucible Vocabulary

Scapegoat

a person who is blamed for the wrongdoings, mistakes, or faults of others, esp. for gain

Utilitarian

designed to be useful or practical rather than attractive

Prodigious

remarkably or impressively great in extent, size, or degree

Malevolence

the desire to do evil to others

Incorrigible

(of a person or their tendencies) not able to be corrected, improved, or reformed

Philanthropy

the desire to promote the welfare of others, expressed esp. by the generous donation of money to good causes

Expiation

the process of atoning for guilt or sin

Expedient

(of an action) convenient and practical, although possibly improper or immoral; a means of attaining an end

Penury

extreme poverty; destitution

Servile

having or showing an excessive willingness to serve or please others

Sedition

conduct or speech inciting people to rebel against the authority of a state or monarch

Grandiloquent

pompous or extravagant in language, style, or manner, esp. in a way that is intended to impress

Abomination

a thing that causes disgust or hatred

Deference

humble submission and respect

Predilection

a preference or special liking for something; a bias in favor of something

Theocracy

a system of government in which priests rule in the name of God or a god

Mitigate

make less severe, serious, or painful

Torpor

a state of physical or mental inactivity; lethargy

Calumny

the making of false and defamatory statements in order to damage someone's reputation; slander OR a false and slanderous statement

Effrontery

rude, arrogant, or impertinent behavior

Conciliatory

intended or likely to pacify or make less hostile

Crucible

a ceramic or metal container in which metals or other substances may be melted or subjected to very high temperatures OR a severe test or trial

Agape

(of the mouth) wide open, esp. with surprise or wonder