AP lang vocab

1. aegis (noun) /ˈē-jəs/ (EE-jis) or /ˈā-jis/ (AY-jis)
   Definition: protection; shield 

 Syn: backing
Example: The life-saving vaccine was developed under the aegis of the World Health Organization.

2. altruism (noun) /ˈal-tro͞o-ˌiz-əm/ (AL-troo-iz-uhm)
   Definition: a concern for others; generosity
   Syn: unselfishness; magnanimity
   Ant: selfishness; egoism
   Example: Her altruism was evident when she volunteered every weekend at the homeless shelter.
   
   

3. amorphous (adjective) /ə-ˈmȯr-fəs/ (uh-MOR-fuhs)
   Definition: shapeless, formless, vague
   Example: The artist painted an amorphous figure that seemed to shift as you stared at it.
   
   

4. besiege (verb) /bi-ˈsēj/ (bih-SEEJ)
   Definition: to overwhelm; to surround and attack
   Example: The celebrity was besieged by reporters as she exited the courthouse.
   
   

5. carrion (noun) /ˈkar-ē-ən/ (KAR-ee-uhn)
   Definition: decaying flesh
   Example: Vultures circled overhead, waiting to feast on the carrion left by the lion.
   
   

6. enervate (verb) /ˈe-nər-ˌvāt/ (EN-er-vayt)
   Definition: to weaken
   Syn: devitalize; exhaust
   Ant: energize; strengthen
   Example: The oppressive heat enervated the runners, leaving them drained before the finish line.
   
   

7. ephemeral (adjective) /i-ˈfem-rəl/ or /i-ˈfe-mə-rəl/ (ih-FEM-er-uhl)
   Definition: lasting only a brief time; short-lived
   Syn: transient; fleeting
   Ant: permanent
   Example: The painter captured the ephemeral beauty of the sunrise before it faded.
   
   

8. factious (adjective) /ˈfak-shəs/ (FAK-shuhs)
   Definition: causing disagreement
   Syn: belligerent; contentious
   Ant: cooperative; united
   Example: The factious committee argued for hours without reaching a decision.
   
   

9. fervent (adjective) /ˈfər-vənt/ (FUR-vuhnt)
   Definition: eager; earnest
   Syn: burning; passionate
   Ant: apathetic
   Example: The team’s fervent supporters cheered loudly throughout the entire game.
   
   

10. ignoble (adjective) /ig-ˈnō-bəl/ (ig-NOH-buhl)
    Definition: dishonorable; shameful
    Syn: despicable; base
    Ant: noble; glorious
    Example: He is remembered for the ignoble act of betraying his closest friends.
    
    

11. opulent (adjective) /ˈä-pyə-lənt/ (OP-yuh-luhnt)
    Definition: rich, luxurious; wealthy
    Example: The movie star threw a party in her opulent mansion.
    
    

12. perspicacity (noun) /ˌpər-spə-ˈka-sə-tē/ (PURR-spi-KAS-i-tee)
    Definition: keenness of judgment
    Syn: perceptiveness
    Ant: stupidity; ignorance
    Example: The detective’s perspicacity allowed him to solve the crime quickly.
    
    

13. rectify (verb) /ˈrek-tə-ˌfī/ (REK-tuh-fy)
    Definition: to correct; to make right
    Syn: remedy; resolve
    Example: The student moved quickly to rectify her mistake on the essay.
    
    

14. erotic (adjective) /i-ˈrä-tik/ (eh-ROT-ik)
    Definition: pertaining to sexual love
    Example: Ancient Greek art often contained erotic imagery.
    
    

15. schism (noun) /ˈsi-zəm/ or /ˈski-zəm/ (SIZ-uhm or SKIZ-uhm)
    Definition: a division or split
    Syn: rift
    Ant: union
    Example: The political party suffered a schism when members could not agree on their candidate.