The Crucible Vocab - Acts I & II

Trepidation

a feeling of fear or agitation about something that may happen

Innate

inborn; natural/ originating in the mind

Calumny

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

 Providence

the protective care of God or of nature as a spiritual power

Corroborate

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

Intimations

an indication or hint

Formidable

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

Subtle

making use of clever and indirect methods to achieve something

Contention

heated disagreement

Prodigious

remarkably or impressively great in extent, size, or degree

Poppet

a small figure of a human being used in sorcery and witchcraft (doll/puppet)

Lechery

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

Dissembling

conceal one's true motives, feelings, or beliefs

Titillated

stimulate or excite (someone)

Deference

humble submission and respect

Pallor

an unhealthy pale appearance

Defamation

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

Ameliorate

make (something bad or unsatisfactory) better

Theology

the study of the nature of God and religious belief

Fathom

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

Indictment

a formal charge or accusation of a serious crime

Abomination

a thing that causes disgust or hatred

Lascivious

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

Ascertain

find (something) out for certain; make sure of

Paradox

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

Crucible

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

Predilection

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

Citadel

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

Ingratiate

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

Vindictive

having or showing a strong or unreasonable desire for revenge