Unit 11 Vocabulary

Abase (verb)

• Definition: To lower or reduce in rank, prestige, office, reputation, or esteem; degrade.

Altruism (noun)

• Definition: Unselfish concern for the welfare of others; selflessness.

Cajole (verb)

• Definition: To persuade or urge with repeated flattery, promises, or teasing.

Effrontery (noun)

• Definition: Brazen boldness; presumptuousness; shameless audacity.

Eminent (adj)

• Definition: Distinguished; prominent; high in rank or repute.

Extol (verb)

• Definition: To praise highly; to laud.

Magnanimous (adj)

• Definition: Courageously or generously noble in mind and heart.

Obsequious (adj)

• Definition: Fawning or servile; characterized by or showing servile compliance or deference.

Philanthropic (adj)

• Definition: Humanitarian; benevolent; relating to monetary generosity.

Quell (verb)

• Definition: To put down forcibly; suppress.

Raze (verb)

• Definition: To level to the ground; demolish.

Rectitude (noun)

• Definition: Moral uprightness; righteousness; moral virtue.

Repudiate (verb)

• Definition: To reject the validity or authority of.

Sanctimonious (adj)

• Definition: Feigning piety or righteousness; making a hypocritical show of religious devotion.

Scrupulous (adj)

• Definition: Principled, having a strong sense of right and wrong; conscientious and exacting.

Solicitous (adj)

• Definition: Concerned or anxious (usually followed by about, for, etc., or a clause).

Squelch (verb)

• Definition: To crush as if by trampling; squash; to press with crushing force.

Supplant (verb)

• Definition: To take the place of another, especially through intrigue or underhanded tactics (scheming / tactics).

Stymie (verb)

• Definition: To thwart or stump; to mystify or hinder.

Veracity (noun)

• Definition: Adherence to the truth; truthfulness.