The Crucible ACTS I & II Vocabulary

abomination

an action or thing that arouses disgust or hatred

to snivel

to cry or whine with sniffling

to conjure

to cause something (especially a spirit) to appear; to bring to mind

bickering

petty arguing about trivial matters

magistrate

a civil officer who administers the law, especially a judge of a lower court

to begrudge

to give or allow reluctantly; to envy someone’s possession

falter

to hesitate, weaken, or lose strength

indignant

feeling anger because of something unjust or unfair

to corroborate

to confirm or support with evidence

contiguous

sharing a common boundary; touching

calumny

a false and malicious statement meant to damage someone’s reputation

evasive

avoiding giving a clear answer; indirect

condemnation

the expression of very strong disapproval

faction

a smaller group within a larger group, often in conflict

base

without moral principles; morally low

enrapture

to fill someone with great delight or joy

apprehension

anxiety or fear about something that may happen

poppet

a small doll used in folk magic to represent a person

enthrall

to captivate or hold spellbound

blasphemy

the act of insulting or showing contempt for God

misgiving

a feeling of doubt or suspicion

lechery

excessive or offensive sexual desire

intimation

a slight suggestion or hint

friction

conflict caused by a clash of wills or opinions

deliberate

to think about carefully before making a decision

to reprimand

to formally criticize or scold

inept

incompetent; not skilled

partisan

a strong supporter of a person or cause

ameliorate

to make something better or more tolerable

loftily

in a proud or elevated manner

vindictive

having a desire for revenge

ordained

officially appointed, especially as a priest

bemused

confused or puzzled

formidable

inspiring fear or respect because of strength

to prod

to poke or urge someone forward

blatantly

in an obvious and open way (without shame)

defile

to make dirty or impure; to profane