chapter 9 vocabulary , english .

diatribe .

a biter , abusively critical speech or piece of writing .

infraction .

a breaking of a law or rule .

edifice .

a building , especially of large , imposing size .

censure .

blame ; a rebuke .

cacophony .

harsh , discordant sounds .

accolade .

praise .

somber .

sad and depressing .

gravity .

severity ; weighty importance .

profane .

showing disrespect .

assuage .

to relieve ; lessen .