The Catcher in the Rye Vocabulary List

A comprehensive vocabulary review set covering all 35 terms and definitions from the study list for J.D. Salinger's 'The Catcher in the Rye'.

Ostracize

exclude someone from a society or group

Ironical

mocking; an intention not matching its literal meaning

Sheer

complete and absolute

Conceited

excessively vain and proud of oneself

Psychoanalyze

treatment of mental illness in which a therapist helps a patient confront causes

Halitosis

very bad breath

Fiend

a wicked or cruel person

Corridor

a long hallway

Unscrupulous

without principles

Conscientious

wishing to be responsible and do what is right

Incognito

having one's true identity concealed

Burlesque

exaggerated and absurd; an inappropriate variety show

Brassy

tastelessly showy or loud, like an obnoxious instrument

Snub

rebuff, ignore, or spurn disdainfully

Rile

make someone annoyed or irritated

Nonchalant

overly calm; not displaying anxiety, interest, or enthusiasm

Gory

involving violence and bloodshed

Bourgeois

the middle class, esp. regarding material and societal values

Screech

a loud, harsh, piercing cry

Raspy

hoarse and harsh-sounding

Clinch

confirm or settle a contract or bargain; a struggle

Blasé

unimpressed or indifferent to something because one has experienced or seen it so often before.

Sacrilegious

blasphemous and irreverent

Sophisticated

having, revealing, or proceeding from a great deal of worldly experience and knowledge of fashion and culture

Putrid

very unpleasant; repulsive; decaying or rotting

Boisterous

noisy, energetic, and cheerful; rowdy

Stagger

walk or move unsteadily, as if about to fall

Digression

a temporary departure from the main subject

Pedagogical

the art and science of teaching and its methods

Provocative

causing annoyance, anger, or another strong reaction, especially deliberately

Wry

using or expressing dry, especially mocking, humor

Nauseate

cause aversion in

Clique

an exclusive circle of people with a common purpose

Humility

a lack of arrogance or false pride

Noble

having or showing fine personal qualities or high moral principles and ideals