The Crucible Vocab

causing or likely to cause an argument; controversial

Contentious

(especially of a person or their clothes) perfectly clean, neat, or tidy

Immaculate

the process of giving sworn evidence

Deposition

insolent or impertinent behavior (being very disrespectful)

Effrontery

Something done in a calm manner

Placidly

of such excellence, grandeur, or beauty as to inspire great admiration or awe

Sublime

an uneasy feeling of doubt, worry, or fear, especially about one's own conduct; a misgiving

Qualm

the offense of willfully telling an untruth in a court after having taken an oath or affirmation

Perjury

charm or enchant (someone), sometimes in a deceptive way

Beguile

(of a person) lean and haggard, especially because of suffering, hunger, or age

Gaunt

not perturbed or concerned

Unperturbed

impossible to perceive

Imperceptible

the action of officially excluding someone from participation in the sacraments and services of the Christian Church

Excommunication

refusing to be persuaded or to change one's mind

Adamant

moving unsteadily or hesitantly

Faltering

in a manner indicating disbelief

Incredulously

 in a way that shows an insensitive and cruel disregard for others; unfeelingly

Callously

rid (someone or something) of an unwanted quality, condition, or feeling

Purged

silly; foolish

Daft

extremely unpleasant

Vile

Christian love, especially as distinct from erotic love or emotional affection

Agape

cancel or postpone the punishment of (someone, especially someone condemned to death)

Reprieve

the action of feeling or showing sorrow and regret for having done wrong; repentance

Penitence

a feeling of fear or agitation about something that may happen

Trepidation

inborn; natural/ originating in the mind

Innate

the making of false and defamatory statements about someone in order to damage their reputation; slander

Calumny

confirm or give support to (a statement, theory, or finding

Corroborate

an indication or hint

Intimations

inspiring fear or respect through being impressively large, powerful, intense, or capable

Formidable

making use of clever and indirect methods to achieve something

Subtle

heated disagreement

Contention

remarkably or impressively great in extent, size, or degree

Prodigious

excessive or offensive sexual desire; lustfulness (adultery/ cheating on someone)

Lechery

conceal one's true motives, feelings, or beliefs

Dissembling

stimulate or excite (someone)

Titillated

humble submission and respect

Deference

an unhealthy pale appearance

Pallor

the action of damaging the good reputation of someone; slander or libel

Defamation

make (something bad or unsatisfactory) better

Ameliorate

the study of the nature of God and religious belief

Theology

understand (a difficult problem or an enigmatic person) after much thought

Fathom

a formal charge or accusation of a serious crime

Indictment

a thing that causes disgust or hatred

Abomination

(of a person, manner, or gesture) feeling or revealing an overt and often offensive sexual desire

Lascivious

find (something) out for certain; make sure of

Ascertain

a logically self-contradictory statement or a statement that runs contrary to one's expectation

Paradox

• a ceramic or metal container in which metals or other substances may be melted or subjected to very high temperatures

• severe test

Crucible

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

Predilection

a fortress, typically on high ground, protecting or dominating a city

Citadel

bring oneself into favor with someone by flattering or trying to please them

Ingratiate

having or showing a strong or unreasonable desire for revenge

Vindictive