Before We Were Free Vocabulary

alms

money or food given freely to help the poor

apprehension

suspicion or fear that something bad will occur

askew

out of line or at an angle

atrocity

shockingly bad act, object, or situation

bangle

stiff bracelet or anklet slipped or clasped on

billow

rise or roll in waves or surges; bulge or swell out from the action of wind

brandish

shake or wave menacingly (as a weapon); exhibit in an aggressive manner

brunt

the main force, shock, or stress (as a weapon); the main part or burden

commiserate

feel or express sympathy; show sorrow or compassion for

crony

close friend of long standing

dawdle

spend time idly or move lackadaisically

disarray

lack or order or sequence; confusion

discreet

showing good judgment in conduct, especially in speech; prudent

dissident

one who disagrees with an established political system, organization, or belief

embargo

government order prohibiting the movement of ships to and from ports

finicky

extremely particular or exacting in taste or standards; picky

lackluster

lacking in brilliance or vitality; dull or mediocre

languid

sluggish in character or disposition; slow

lavish

expended or produced in abundance; extravagant

punctuate

break into or interrupt at intervals; emphasize

ransack

look through thoroughly, often in a rough way

throng

large group of assembled persons

totter

tremble or sway as if about to fall over

traipse

walk or travel without apparent plan but with or without a purpose

wan

suggestive or poor health, sickly, pale