oedipus vocab 3

overwrought (adj.)

agitated to the point of losing control; strained by extreme emotion

placate (v.)

to calm the anger of; to soothe by offering something

defilement (n.)

the state of being made unclean or polluted, especially in a religious sense

tidings (n.)

news or information, especially when delivered by a messenger

credence (n.)

belief in or acceptance of something as true.

discredit (v.)

to damage the trustworthiness or believability of something

vindicate (v.)

to clear of blame or prove correct after being doubted

reprieve (n.)

a temporary relief from punishment, danger, or trouble

allay (v.)

to lessen or relieve fear, pain, or suspicion

foreboding (n./adj.)

a strong sense that something bad is coming

providence (n.)

divine care or foresight understood as guiding human events

fortuitous (adj.)

happening by chance rather than by design

benefactor (n.)

a person who gives help, money, or a great favor to another

forsake (v.)

to abandon or leave behind entirely

maim (v.)

to wound in a way that causes permanent injury or disfigurement

foundling (n.)

an abandoned infant discovered and raised by strangers

lineage (n.)

direct descent from an ancestor; a person’s line of a family origin

ignoble (adj.)

of low birth or low character; not honorable

servile (adj.)

of or fitting a slave; excessively submissive

obstinate (adj.)

stubbornly refusing to change course despite persuasion