"Long Way Down" Vocabulary
Skeptical
(adj.) inclined to doubt; slow to accept something as true
Allegiance
(n.) the loyalty or obligation owed to a government, nation, or cause
Wince
(v.) to draw back suddenly, as though in pain or fear; (n.) the act of drawing back in this way
Cue
A signal for something to happen
Suburban
An area surrounding a metropolitan center, with a comparatively low population density.
Bluff
Don't listen to his threats—he's just bluffing. [=he will not really do what he threatens to do]
Impression
a feeling or understanding resulting from an experience
Shard
a piece of broken glass or pottery
Anagram
a word or phrase made by changing the order of the letters in another word or phrase
Territory
an area of land that belongs to or is controlled by a government
Curfew
an order or law that requires people to be indoors after a certain time at night
Sarcasm
harsh, cutting language or tone intended to ridicule
Cold-blooded
having a body temperature that changes with the temperature of the surroundings
Cocky
having or showing confidence in a way that is annoying to other people
Shrill
high-pitched
Imprint
imprint [=stamp] a design on a sheet of paper
Vertebra
one of the small bones that are linked together to form the backbone — see picture at human
Seep
ooze
Eczema
redness of the skin caused by swelling of the capillaries
Ruthless
showing no mercy; pitiless
Flashy
showy; gaudy; giving a momentary brilliance
Scuffle
struggle at close quarters in a rough and confused manner; wrestle; grapple
Initiation
the act of beginning
Silhouette
the dark shape and outline of someone or something visible against a lighter background, especially in dim light.
Stutter
to have a speech problem that causes you to repeat the beginning sound of some words
Impress
to make someone feel admiration and respect
Slump
to sit or fall down suddenly and heavily
Gouge
to tear out; scoop out; overcharge
Jumpy
trying to calm jumpy passengers
Reluctantly
unwillingly; hesitantly
