Crucible Vocabulary

crucible

testing circumstances that cause people to change; an ordeal or severe trial

inert

unable to move or act; sluggish in action or motion

ingratiate

to gain favor with someone by deliberate efforts

paradox

a statement or idea that seems self-contradictory or absurd but in reality expresses a possible truth

dissemble

to conceal one’s true motives or thoughts often by giving a false or misleading appearance

begrudge

to envy or resent the pleasure or good fortune of someone else; to be reluctant to give or allow

formidable

causing fear or apprehension; discouraging because of awesome strength, power, size, or strength

trepidation

a state of alarm, dread, or apprehension; involuntary trembling or quivering

reckoning

a count or calculation; the settlement of accounts between parties

partisan

a biased, even blind supporter of a person, group, or cause, often not willing to listen to other people’s opinions

titillate

to excite or arouse ageeeably

pretense

an act that is actually pretend or false; a piece of make-believe

licentious

sexually unrestrained; lawless or immoral

condemn

to give someone a legal sentence; to judge someone as guilty; to say that someone/something is bad or unacceptable; to force someone to experience something unpleasant; to ban the use of something

lofty

very high or tall; of high rank or character; elevated and in tone or style, such as writing or speech that may use a formal, important tone; acting with an arrogant or superior manner

bewilder

to confuse or puzzle someone

indignant

feeling angry or upset at the injustice, unfairness, or unreasonableness of something

avid

eager for or enthusiastic about something

civil

polite, courteous; adhering to the norms of polite social intercourse; relating to what happens within a state or citizens