Chapter 20 — Vocabulary

Vocabulary Words from Chapter 20

sacrilege (noun)

Violation or misuse of something regarded as sacred; an act of great disrespect toward a revered person or thing.

apprehended (verb)

Anticipated or expected with anxiety or fear; understood or perceived.

overt (adjective)

Open, observable, and not concealed or hidden.

proffered (verb)

Offered or held out for someone to accept.

treachery (noun)

Betrayal of trust; deception or trickery designed to harm.

adamantine (adjective)

Extremely hard, unbreakable, or unyielding; resembling diamond in hardness.

potencies (noun)

Latent powers, capacities, or abilities that may be developed or activated.

languished (verb)

Became weak or feeble; lost vitality from lack of nourishment or attention.

surcease (noun)

Cessation or relief from something; an end or stopping.

plummet (noun)

A weight attached to a line, used for measuring depth; something that drops straight down into the depths.

reticence (noun)

The quality of being reserved, restrained, or reluctant to communicate freely.

inarticulate (adjective)

Unable to express thoughts or feelings clearly in words; speechless.

recrudescence (noun)

A renewed outbreak or revival of something, especially something undesirable.

oracularly (adverb)

In the manner of an oracle; as if delivering a wise or prophetic pronouncement.

fealty (noun)

Loyalty and faithfulness owed by a vassal to a lord; devoted allegiance.

ignominious (adjective)

Deserving or causing public disgrace or shame; humiliating.

vicariously (adverb)

Experienced through another person; indirectly or as a substitute.

precipitately (adverb)

With great haste and without deliberation; abruptly and rashly.