Vocab Lesson Crucible

theocracy

government of a state by immediate divine guidance or by church officials who are regarded as divinely guided

deference

respect and esteem due a superior or an elder

providence

divine guidance, care, or leadership

corroborate

support with evidence or authority

formidable

inspiring awe, fear, or respect

calumny

the act of uttering false charges or misrepresentations maliciously calculated to damage another’s reputation

titillated

aroused; excited

pretense

a false show; a claimed purpose that is not one’s true intent

prodigious

extraordinary; unusual (in size, degree, extent, etc.)

contiguous

touching along a boundary or at a point

inculcation

teaching and impressing by frequent repetitions or admonitions

licentious

lacking legal or moral restraints

ameliorate

to make better or more tolerable

effrontery

shameless or impudent boldness; barefaced audacity

conciliatory

intended to placate or reconcile