vocab list 1-2

abberation

abberation

(n.) deviating from the right path or usual course of action; a mental disorder, especially of a minor or temporary nature.

belittle

(v.) to make something seem less important.

cache

(n.) a hiding place; something hidden in a hiding place.

dearth

(n.) shortage

ebb

(v.) to decline

facilitate

(v.) to make easy; to bring out

galvanize

(v.) to arouse suddenly; to startle

hackneyed

(adj.) used too often; trite; commonplace

iconoclast

(n.) a person who attacks cherished beliefs or established institutions

jargon

(n.) the specialized vocabulary of members of a group

kindle

(v.) to ignite; to arouse of inspire; to catch fire; to become aroused

labyrinth

(n.) a maze; a complicated, perplexing arrangement or course of affairs

malicious

(adj.) spiteful; intentionally mischevious or harmful

nomenclature

(n.) a systematic naming in an art or science

obliterate

(v.) to blot out leaving no traces; to destroy

abstinence

(n.) the giving up of certain pleasures such as food or drink

bequeath

(v.) to leave money or property by a will; to pass along

cacophony

(n.) discord; harsh sound

debilitate

(v.) to weaken

eclectic

(adj.) consisting of selections from various sources

fallacy

(n.) false idea; mistaken belief

garbled

(adj.) confused; mixed up

haphazard

(adj.) not planned; random

immaterial

(adj.) insignificant; unimportant

judicious

(adj.) wise; careful; showing sound judgment; prudent

lackluster

(adj.) lacking brightness; dull; lacking liveliness, vitality, or enthusiasm

marred

(v.) injured; spoiled; damaged; disfigured

nonchalance

(n.) carelessness; lack of interest or concern

obscure

(adj.) not clear or distinct; hidden; remote; not well known

painstaking

(adj.) very careful, diligent