Unit 6 Vocabulary (AP Lang)

anomalous

anomalous

abnormal, irregular, departing from the usual

aspersion

a damaging or derogatory statement; the act of slandering or defaming

bizarre

extremely strange, unusual, atypical

brusque

abrupt, blunt, with no formalities

cajole

to coax, persuade through flattery or artifice; to deceive with soothing thoughts or false promises

castigate

to punish severely; to criticize severely

contrive

to plan with ingenuity, invent; to bring about as the result of a scheme or plan

demagogue

a leader who exploits popular prejudices and false claims and promises in order to gain power

disabuse

to free from deception or error, set right in ideas or thinking

ennui

weariness and dissatisfaction from lack of occupation or interest, boredom

fetter

1. a chain or shackle placed on the feet (often used in plural); anything that confines or restrains

2. to chain or shackle; to render helpless or impotent

heinous

very wicked, offensive, hateful

immutable

not subject to change, constant

insurgent

1. one who rebels or rises against authority

2. rising in revolt, refusing to accept authority; surging or rushing in or on

megalomania

a delusion marked by a feeling of power, wealth, talent, etc., far in excess of reality

sinecure

a position requiring little or no work; an easy job

surreptitious

stealthy, secret, intended to escape observation; made or accomplished by fraud

transgress

to go beyond a limit or boundary; to sin, violate a law

transmute

to change from one nature, substance, or form to another

vicarious

performed, suffered, or otherwise experienced by one person in place of another