English III - Vocabulary Chapter 9

censure

disapproval / Blame; a rebuke

edifice

a structure / A building, especially of large, imposing size

diatribe

a verbal attack / A bitter, abusively critical speech or piece of writing; denunciation

infraction

a violation / A breaking of a law or rule

accolade

an expression of approval / praise

profane

lacking reverence / Showing disrespect or contempt for sacred things; irreverent

gravity

seriousness / Severity; weighty importance

assuage

to make less severe / To relieve; lesson

cacophony

unpleasant noise / Harsh, discordant sounds

somber

very serious / Solemn; sad and depressing; melancholy