HSPT Vocabulary Deck 5

A comprehensive collection of 180 vocabulary terms and definitions frequently tested on the HSPT, compiled for efficient study and quick review.

doctrine

belief, creed, dogma

renounce

abandon, reject, deny

cascade

a waterfall (or series of them) descending over a steep surface; anything that resembles the flow of a waterfall

sporadic

on and off, spotty, intermittent

rebuke

reprimand; harsh criticism; admonition

brisk

vigorous, energetic

dispatch

to send off or away with speed, as a messenger, telegram, body of troops

gaudy

flashy, showy; not in good taste

serendipity

accidental discovery; fluke

deface

mar or spoil the appearance of

flagrant

glaringly bad; outrageous

adjacent

near; close; adjoining

astute

clever; cunning; ingenious; shrewd; keen- minded

apex

tip; summit; the highest point

grapple

to seize in a grip, take hold of; a hook or an iron tool by which one thing, as a ship, fastens onto another

deter

turn away from by persuasion, try to prevent

dismal

gloomy; dreary; cheerless

haughty

arrogant

diminutive

small

encroach

advance beyond the usual limit— often by gradually sneaking