The Crucible Vocab list

The Crucible Vocabulary List




  1. Scapegoat n. -- a person who is blamed for the wrongdoings, mistakes, or faults of others, esp. for gain




  1. Utilitarian adj. -- designed to be useful or practical rather than attractive





  1. Prodigious adj. -- remarkably or impressively great in extent, size, or degree





  1. Malevolence n. – the desire to do evil to others





  1. Incorrigible adj. -- (of a person or their tendencies) not able to be corrected, improved, or reformed





  1. Philanthropy n. -- the desire to promote the welfare of others, expressed esp. by the generous donation of money to good causes





  1. Expiation n. – the process of atoning for guilt or sin





  1. Expedient adj./n. -- (of an action) convenient and practical, although possibly improper or immoral/ a means of attaining an end




  1. Penury n. -- extreme poverty; destitution





  1. Servile adj. -- having or showing an excessive willingness to serve or please others 





  1. Sedition n. -- conduct or speech inciting people to rebel against the authority of a state or monarch.





  1. Grandiloquent adj. -- pompous or extravagant in language, style, or manner, esp. in a way that is intended to impress




  1. Abomination n. -- a thing that causes disgust or hatred





  1. Deference n.  -- humble submission and respect





  1. Predilection n. -- a preference or special liking for something; a bias in favor of something





  1. Theocracy n. -- a system of government in which priests rule in the name of God or a god





  1. Mitigate v. -- make less severe, serious, or painful





  1. Torpor n. -- a state of physical or mental inactivity; lethargy





  1. Calumny n. -- the making of false and defamatory statements in order to damage someone's reputation; slander OR a false and slanderous statement





  1. Effrontery n. – rude, arrogant, or impertinent behavior





  1. Conciliatory adj. -- intended or likely pacify or make less hostile





  1. Crucible n. -- a ceramic or metal container in which metals or other substances may be melted or subjected to very high temperatures OR a severe test or trial




  1. Agape adj. -- (of the mouth) wide open, esp. with surprise or wonder