The Crucible Vocabulary

ameliorate (v.) to improve, make better, correct a flaw or shortcoming

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

callous (adj.) showing or having an insensitive and cruel disregard for others

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

conciliatory (adj.) intended or likely to placate or pacify daft (adj.) silly; foolish

deference (n.) humble submission and respect

diametrically (adv.) (with reference to opposition) completely; directly

effrontery (n.) insolent or impertinent behavior

faction (n.) a small, organized dissenting group within a larger one, especially in politics

fathom (v.) to understand (a difficult problem or an enigmatic person) after much thought heathen (n.) 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 (adj.) (especially of a person or their clothes) perfectly clean, neat, or tidy; free from flaws; perfect

inept (adj.) having or showing no skill; clumsy

licentious (adj.) promiscuous and unprincipled in a sexual manner; disregarding accepted rules or conventions

pallor (n.) an unhealthy, pale appearance

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

probity (n.) the quality of having strong moral principles; honesty and decency

prodigious (adj.) remarkably or impressively great in extent, size, or degree; unnatural or abnormal

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

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

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

titillate (v.) stimulate or excite (someone)

trepidation (n.) a feeling of fear or agitation about something that may happen