The Crucible Vocab Set

Perverse

Showing a deliberate and obstinate desire to behave in a way that is unreasonable or unacceptable, often despite the consequences.

Parochial

Having a limited or narrow outlook or scope

Autocracy

A system of government by one person with absolute power

Paradox

A statement that seems contradictory, unbelievable, or absurd but may be true

Manifestation

An event, action, or object that clearly shows or embodies something, especially a theory or an abstract idea

Vindictive

Having or showing a strong or unreasoning desire for revenge

Crucible

A container made of a substance that can resist great heat, for melting, fusing, or calcining ores, metals, and the like; a severe test or trial; here, meaning a test designed to bring about change or reveal an individual’s true character

Faction

A dissenting clique; a group within a larger group that has different ideas and opinions than the rest of the group

Providence

The care or benevolent guidance of God or nature; here, the meaning is more closely aligned with “godsend”, and unexpected but fortunate event

Formidable

Extremely impressive in strength or excellence

Prodigious

Great in size, force, extent, or degree

Defamation

An abusive attack on a person’s character or good name

Dissembling

To hide your true feelings, opinions, etc.

Sniveling

To complain or cry in an annoying way

Deference

A way of behaving that shows respect for someone or something

Trepidation

A feeling of fear that causes you to hesitate because you think something bad or unpleasant is going to happen

Slovenly

Careless in appearance, habits, work, and so on; untidy; slipshod

Guile (Beguile)

Slyness and cunning in dealing with others; craftiness; here, deception

Magistrate

Local official who has some of the powers of a judge

Daft

Insane; crazy is closer to mad or crazy

Pretense

A false reason or explanation that is used to hide the real purpose of something

Contention (Contentious)

Something (such as a belief, opinion, or idea) that is argued or stated

Perjury

The willful telling of a lie while under lawful oath or affirmation to tell the truth in a matter material to the point of inquiry

Indictment

An official written statement charging a person with a crime

Purge

To cleanse or rid of impurities, foreign matter, or undesirable elements

Penitence

A feeling of deep sadness because you have done something wrong

Probity

Uprightness in one’s dealings; integrity

Calamity

Deep trouble or misery; any extreme misfortune bringing great loss and sorrow; disaster

Inculcate

To impress upon the mind by frequent repetition or persistent urging

Arbitrate

To act as an impartial judge in order to settle disputes