Chapter 17 and 18

Culminate

a. to reach the highest point or degree b. to come to completion; to end

Eclipse

a. to exceed or go beyond; to diminish b. to obscure or darken

Epitome

an example; a perfect representation of a type

Impeccable

having no flaws; perfect; incapable of wrongdoing

Inimitable

impossible to imitate or copy; unique

Optimum

a. (adj) most favorable or advantageous; best b. (noun) the point at which something is most favorable

Peerless

having no match; incomparable

Quintessence

the purest essence of something; the most typical example

Sublime

a. (adj) impressive:awe inspiring; supreme b. (noun) something awe-inspiring

Zenith

the peak

Affront

a. (verb) to insult intentionally and openly b. (noun) open or intentional offense, slight, or insult

Altercation

a noisy on an intense quarrel

Bellicose

warlike in manner or temperament; eager to fight; aggressive

Breach

a. (noun) a break in friendly relations; an estrangement b. (noun) a violation of a law, an obligation, or a promise c. (verb) to violate a law, an obligation, or a promise

Contentious

a. given to quarreling:argumentative b. involving or likely to cause argument; controversial

Decimate

to destroy or kill a large part of a group

Dissension

difference of opinion; disagreement; discord

Rancor

bitter, long-lasting resentment; deep-seated ill will; enmity

Retribution

a. something justly deserved b. something given or demanded in repayment, especially as punishment or revenge

Schism

a separation or division into opposing groups or factions; discord or discontent