Part IV - Chapter VI — Vocabulary
Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky — key words and definitions
Vocabulary Words from Part IV - Chapter VI
- stupefaction (noun)
- A state of being stunned or dazed, unable to think clearly due to astonishment or shock.
- articulated (verb)
- Expressed or stated something clearly and distinctly, often with effort or deliberation.
- vexation (noun)
- A state of annoyance, frustration, or agitation caused by something troublesome or provoking.
- inquisitively (adverb)
- In a manner showing eager curiosity or a desire to investigate and learn more about something.
- reckoning (noun)
- A calculation or plan; in this context, a carefully worked-out strategy or scheme that has been disrupted.
- irresistibly (adverb)
- In a manner that cannot be resisted or opposed; with an overwhelming compulsion or force.
- circumstantially (adverb)
- In a way that provides detailed circumstances or incriminating details; with enough specifics to constitute evidence.
- compromised (verb)
- Brought into danger or disrepute by indiscreet or reckless behavior; exposed oneself to suspicion.
- presentiment (noun)
- An intuitive feeling or premonition about something that is going to happen, especially something ominous.
- immovable (adjective)
- Not moving or capable of being moved; fixed in place, either physically or figuratively, often from shock.
- delirium (noun)
- A disturbed state of mind characterized by restlessness, confusion, and incoherence; here used figuratively for unfounded suspicion.
- pallor (noun)
- An unhealthy pale appearance of the skin, often caused by illness, shock, or intense emotion.
- scaffold (noun)
- A raised platform on which a condemned person is executed; used here as a simile to describe Nikolay's appearance.
- warder (noun)
- A guard or keeper, especially one responsible for escorting or watching over prisoners.
- vivisecting (verb)
- Performing surgery on a living subject for scientific investigation; used metaphorically for ruthless psychological dissection.