Chapter 16 — Vocabulary

Vocabulary Words from Chapter 16

disarming

Having the effect of removing suspicion or hostility; unexpectedly charming or agreeable.

flivver

A cheap or old automobile; in the World State, a small helicopter or aircraft used for personal transport.

censorship

The suppression or prohibition of speech, writing, or other forms of expression deemed objectionable or threatening by authorities.

dissidents

People who oppose official policy, especially those in authoritarian states who do so publicly.

abject

Extremely bad, degrading, or miserable; showing complete lack of self-respect or dignity.

paradox

A seemingly contradictory statement or situation that may nonetheless be true or contain an underlying truth.

complicity

The state of being involved with others in an unlawful or morally wrong activity; partnership in wrongdoing.

stratified

Arranged in social levels or classes; divided into distinct layers or ranks.

instability

The state of being likely to change, fail, or give way; lack of stability or firmness.

mediocrity

The quality of being average or ordinary, especially when better quality is expected; lack of excellence.

contingent

Dependent on something else for existence or occurrence; conditional rather than absolute.

articulate

Able to express ideas clearly and effectively in speech or writing; fluent and coherent.

subversive

Seeking to undermine or overthrow an established system or institution, especially through secretive or indirect means.

provocation

An action or speech that is intended to challenge, annoy, or stimulate a strong reaction.

conformist

A person who conforms to accepted standards or practices, especially in social behavior and thought.