Chapter 13 — Vocabulary

Vocabulary Words from Chapter 13

strumpet

An archaic and derogatory term for a promiscuous woman or prostitute, used by John as a Shakespearean insult against Lenina.

impudent

Showing a lack of respect; bold and shameless in a way considered inappropriate.

pneumatic

In the World State, slang describing a woman's physical attractiveness, particularly her figure. Literally means filled with air or relating to compressed air.

surrogate

A substitute; something that takes the place of another thing. In the novel, a chemical treatment designed to replace genuine emotional experiences.

melancholy

A deep, persistent sadness or depression; a pensive mood of sorrow.

chastity

The state of abstaining from sexual activity, especially outside of marriage; moral purity.

courtship

The period during which a couple develops a romantic relationship before marriage, often involving formal customs and rituals.

revulsion

A strong feeling of disgust or repugnance; an intense physical and emotional reaction of rejection.

hypnopaedia

Sleep-teaching; the process in the World State of conditioning people by playing recorded messages during sleep.

monogamy

The practice of having only one romantic or sexual partner at a time; in the World State, considered an abnormal and undesirable behavior.

soma

A government-distributed drug in the World State that produces feelings of happiness and contentment, used to suppress negative emotions.

equilibrium

A state of balance or stability, especially in emotions or mental composure.

promiscuity

The practice of having casual sexual relationships with multiple partners; in the World State, this is encouraged as normal and healthy.

sanctify

To make holy or sacred; to set apart as worthy of reverence and devotion.

irreconcilable

Impossible to resolve or make compatible; describing differences that cannot be bridged.