An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge Vocabulary

Vocabulary Words from An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge

encircled (verb)

Wrapped around something completely, forming a circle or loop.

acclivity (noun)

An upward slope or incline of the ground.

embrasure (noun)

An opening in a wall or fortification through which a cannon or gun can be fired.

deference (noun)

Respectful submission or yielding to the authority, wishes, or judgment of another.

frock coat (noun phrase)

A formal men's coat with a knee-length skirt, commonly worn in the nineteenth century.

vulgar (adjective)

Lacking sophistication or good taste; common or crude.

commended (verb)

Presented or recommended something as worthy of approval or acceptance.

percussion (noun)

A sharp striking or impact of one object against another, producing a sound.

apprehension (noun)

A feeling of anxiety or dread about something that may happen in the future.

secessionist (noun)

A person who advocates or supports the withdrawal of a state or region from a larger political union, especially the Confederate states from the United States.

inglorious (adjective)

Causing shame or disgrace; not bringing honor or glory.

dictum (noun)

A formal or authoritative pronouncement or statement of principle.

summarily (adverb)

Done immediately and without following the usual procedures or formalities.

tow (noun)

Short, broken fibers of flax or hemp, known for being highly flammable.

poignant (adjective)

Evoking a keen sense of sadness or painful sharpness; deeply affecting.

effaced (verb)

Wiped out or erased completely, leaving no trace.

oscillation (noun)

A regular back-and-forth swinging movement, like that of a pendulum.

apprised (verb)

Informed or made aware of something.

preternaturally (adverb)

In a way that goes beyond what is normal or natural; extraordinarily.

aspirated (adjective)

Pronounced with an audible breath or puff of air accompanying the sound.

gyration (noun)

A rapid circular or spiraling movement around a central point.

diminuendo (noun)

A gradual decrease in loudness or intensity of sound, borrowed from musical terminology.

prismatic (adjective)

Displaying a spectrum of colors, like light refracted through a prism.

ineffable (adjective)

Too great or extreme to be expressed or described in words.

malign (adjective)

Evil in nature or effect; having a harmful or sinister influence.