8.25.M - Lesson: Module 8 Vocabulary

incense

tr. v. To cause to be extremely angry; infuriate n. An aromatic substance, such as wood or a gum, that is burned to produce a pleasant odor The smoke or odor produced by the burning of such a substance tr. v. To perfume with such an aromatic substance To burn such an aromatic substance to (a deity, for example) as a ritual offering

stultify

tr. v. To cause to lose interest or feel dull and not alert To render useless or ineffectual To cause to appear stupid, inconsistent, or ridiculous

enshroud

tr. v. To cover with or as if with something that conceals, protects, or screens

loathe

tr. v. To dislike (someone or something) greatly; abhor

encipher

tr. v. To put (a message, for example) into a cryptographic system in which units of text of regular length, usually letters, are transposed or substituted according to a predetermined code; or a design combining or interweaving letters or initials (a monogram)

debauch

v. tr. To corrupt morally To seduce (someone) To reduce the value, quality, or excellence of; debase Archaic To cause to forsake allegiance v. intr. To indulge in dissipation

infiltrate

v. tr. To pass (troops, for example) surreptitiously into enemy-held territory To penetrate with hostile intent To enter or take up positions in gradually or surreptitiously, as for purposes of espionage or takeover v. intr. To gain entrance gradually or surreptitiously

abdicate

v. tr. To relinquish (power or responsibility) formally v. intr. To relinquish formally a high office or responsibility

scathing

adj. Bitterly denunciatory; harshly critical Harmful or painful; injurious

furtive

adj. Characterized by, acting with, or suggesting stealth or a desire to avoid discovery; surreptitious

livid

adj. Discolored, as from a bruise; black-and-blue Ashen or pallid Extremely angry; furious

clandestine

adj. Kept or done in secret, often to conceal an illicit or improper purpose

arcane

adj. Known or understood by only a few

perfidious

adj. Of, relating to, or marked by a deliberate breach of faith, a calculated violation of trust, or the act or an instance of treachery; treacherous

bellicose

adj. Warlike or hostile in manner or temperament

jaded

adj. Worn out; wearied Dulled by surfeit; sated Cynically or pretentiously callous

carp

intr. v. To complain or find fault in a petty or disagreeable way

malinger

intr. v. To feign illness or other incapacity in order to avoid duty or work

masquerade

n. A costume party at which masks are worn; a masked ball A costume for such a party or ball A disguise or false outward show; a pretense An involved scheme; a charade intr. v. To wear a mask or disguise, as at a costume party at which masks are worn To go about as if in disguise; have or put on a deceptive appearance

cynic

n. A person who believes all people are motivated by selfishness A person whose outlook is scornfully and habitually negative A member of a sect of Ancient Greek philosophers who believed virtue to be the only good and self-control to be the only means of achieving virtue adj. Characterized by the belief that all people are motivated by selfishness or an outlook that is scornfully and habitually negative Of or relating to the aforementioned sect of Ancient Greek philosophers or their beliefs

nemesis

n. A source of harm or ruin Retributive justice in its execution or outcome An opponent that cannot be beaten or overcome One that inflicts retribution or vengeance

rancor

n. Bitter, long-lasting resentment; deep-seated ill will

sedition

n. Conduct or language inciting rebellion against the authority of a state Archaic Insurrection; rebellion

chicanery

n. Deception by trickery or sophistry

subterfuge

n. Deception used to achieve an end A deceptive stratagem or device