crucible definitions quiz 1

for English 11 students reading the crucible

Abominations

Things that cause great hate or disgust

Anarchy

Political disorder and confusion; lack of government or control

Ascertain

To figure out; to find out or determine

Bemused

Confused; bewildered

Calumny

False statements knowingly made to injure someone’s reputation

Conjured

Summoned or called forth, often by an oath or spell

Defamation

A false accusation or malicious misrepresentation of someone’s words or actions

Diabolism

Witchcraft or devil worship

Ecstatic

In a state of extreme delight or happiness

Faction

A small group within a larger group, often argumentative or divided from the rest

Formidable

Causing fear, dread, or alarm; difficult or intimidating

Inculcate

To teach persistently so someone accepts an idea or belief

Inert

Unable to move or react

Licentious

Having no regard for rules or standards

Partisan

Strongly supporting a party, cause, or idea

Prodigious

Extraordinary; marvelous; remarkably great

Propitiation

The act of making up for wrongdoing or trying to regain favor, especially with a god

Quail

To lose courage; shrink back; give way

Theocracy

Government by religious leaders who claim divine authority

Vindictive

Inclined toward revenge; wanting to get back at someone