Unit 2 Vocab

accost

to approach and speak to first; to confront in a challenging or aggressive way

animadversion

harsh criticism or disapproval

avid

marked by active interest and enthusiasm

brackish

slightly salty

celerity

(n.) swiftness, rapidity of motion or action

devious

indirect in departing from the accepted or proper way

gambit

a maneuver in a game or conversation

halcyon

idyllically calm and peaceful

histrionic

characteristic of acting or a stage performance

incendiary

a bomb that is designed to start fires

maelstrom

a whirlpool of great size and violence; a situation resembling a whirlpool in violence and destruction

myopic

lacking foresight or scope

overt

open and observable

pejorative

expressing disapproval

propriety

correct or appropriate behavior

sacrilege

blasphemous behavior

summarily

without delay

suppliant

asking humbly and earnestly; one who makes a request humbly and earnestly, a petitioner, suitor

talisman

a trinket or piece of jewelry thought to be a protection against evil

undulate

increase and decrease in volume or pitch, as if in waves