Brave New World Vocabulary

Eugenics

The attempt to control the genetic qualities of a population, often through selective breeding.

Dystopia

An imagined society marked by suffering, oppression, or dehumanization.

Hedonism

The pursuit of pleasure as life’s primary goal.

Apathy

Lack of feeling, interest, or concern.

Indoctrination

Teaching someone to accept a set of beliefs uncritically.

Austere

Severe or strict in manner, attitude, or appearance; also plain and without luxury.

Ignominy

Public shame, disgrace, or dishonor.

Portent

A sign or warning that something (often bad or momentous) is about to happen; an omen.

Impetuous

Acting suddenly without thought; rash.

Pallid

Pale, lacking color or vitality.

Callow

Inexperienced and immature.

Pneumatic

Inflated, full-bodied; metaphorically, lacking depth.

Licentious

Morally unrestrained or lacking moral principles.

Orthodoxy

Strict adherence to accepted beliefs or practices.

Iconoclast

One who challenges or overturns traditional beliefs.

Incredulous

Unwilling or unable to believe something; showing disbelief or doubt.

Altruism

Selfless concern for the well-being of others.

Surreptitious

Done secretly, especially because it would not be approved of; stealthy.

Ephemeral

Lasting a very short time; fleeting.

Inexorable

Impossible to stop or prevent.

Beneficent

Doing or producing good; performing acts of kindness or charity.

Obsolescence

The process of becoming outdated or no longer used.

Abjectly

Doing something in a very sad, hopeless, or shameful way.

Avarice

Excessive greed for wealth or material gain.

Subjugation

The act of bringing someone or something under domination or control.