The Crucible Vocabulary

ameliorate

to improve, make better, correct a flaw or shortcoming

befuddle

make (someone) unable to think clearly; utterly confused or puzzled

callous

showing or having an insensitive and cruel disregard for others

cleave

split or sever (something), especially along a natural line or grain

conciliatory

intended or likely to placate or pacify

daft

silly; foolish

deference

humble submission and respect

diametrically

(with reference to opposition) completely; directly

effrontery

insolent or impertinent behavior

faction

a small, organized dissenting group within a larger one, especially in politics

fathom

to understand (a difficult problem or an enigmatic person) after much thought

heathen

a person who does not belong to a widely held religion (especially one who is not a Christian, Jew, or Muslim) as regarded by those who do

immaculate

(especially of a person or their clothes) perfectly clean, neat, or tidy; free from flaws; perfect

inept

having or showing no skill; clumsy

licentious

promiscuous and unprincipled in a sexual manner; disregarding accepted rules or conventions

pallor

an unhealthy, pale appearance

paradox

a seemingly absurd or self-contradictory statement or proposition that when investigated or explained may prove to be well-founded or true

probity

the quality of having strong moral principles; honesty and decency

prodigious

remarkably or impressively great in extent, size, or degree; unnatural or abnormal

reprieve

cancel or postpone the punishment of (someone, especially someone condemned to death)

slovenly

(especially of a person or their appearance) messy and dirty

tantalize

torment or tease (someone) with the sight or promise of something unobtainable

titillate

stimulate or excite (someone)

trepidation

a feeling of fear or agitation about something that may happen