Book II - Chapter XXIII. Fire Rises — Vocabulary

Vocabulary Words from Book II - Chapter XXIII. Fire Rises

desolation (noun)

A state of complete emptiness, ruin, or devastation.

shrivelled (adjective)

Wrinkled and dried up; withered from loss of moisture or vitality.

edifying (adjective)

Providing moral or intellectual instruction; uplifting (used ironically here).

barbarian (adjective)

Relating to a primitive, uncivilized, or culturally unsophisticated person or society.

discern (verb)

To perceive or recognize something, especially something difficult to detect.

benighted (adjective)

Intellectually or morally ignorant; in a state of darkness or backwardness.

attenuated (adjective)

Made thin, weakened, or reduced in force, intensity, or value.

tocsin (noun)

An alarm bell or signal, especially one sounded to warn of danger.

environing (adjective)

Surrounding or encircling on all sides.

conflagration (noun)

An extensive, destructive fire; a large-scale blaze.

infernal (adjective)

Relating to or resembling hell; hellish or fiendish.

edifice (noun)

A large, imposing building or complex structure.

peremptory (adjective)

Insisting on immediate attention or obedience; admitting no refusal.

retaliative (adjective)

Inclined to retaliate; disposed to return harm for harm received.

parapet (noun)

A low protective wall along the edge of a roof, bridge, or balcony.