Untitled Flashcard Set

crucible

A situation of severe trial.

predilection

A preference or special liking for something.

ingratiating

Intended to gain approval or favor; sycophantic.

dissembling

Concealing one's true motives or beliefs.

calumny

The making of false and defamatory statements about someone to damage their reputation.

villainous

Relating to or guilty of wicked or criminal behavior.

sect

A group of people with somewhat different religious beliefs typically regarded as heretical.

theocracy

A system of government in which priests rule in the name of God.

conjure

To call upon to appear.

disproportionate

Too large or too small in comparison with something else.

deference

Humble submission or respect.

diametrically

Completely; directly.

propitiation

The act of appeasing a god, spirit, or person; atonement.

pallor

An unhealthy pale appearance.

quail

To feel or show fear or apprehension.

pretense

An attempt to make something that is not the case appear true.

inculcation

The instilling of knowledge or values in someone.

licentious

Promiscuous or unprincipled in sexual matters.

base

Without moral principles; ignoble.

blasphemy

The act of speaking sacrilegiously about God or sacred things.