Chapter 18 — Vocabulary

Vocabulary Words from Chapter 18

regimentation (noun)

The imposition of strict order, discipline, and uniformity, especially in an organization or institution

spectacle (noun)

A visually striking performance or display, often elaborate and designed to impress or entertain

nihilistic (adjective)

Rejecting all religious and moral principles, often in the belief that life is meaningless

conformity (noun)

Behavior in accordance with socially accepted conventions or standards; compliance with established norms

stoicism (noun)

The endurance of pain or hardship without showing feelings or complaining; emotional restraint

alienation (noun)

The state of being isolated from a group or activity to which one should belong; emotional withdrawal from society

sentimentality (noun)

Excessive tenderness, sadness, or nostalgia, often regarded as insincere or self-indulgent

idealism (noun)

The practice of forming or pursuing ideals, especially unrealistically; the tendency to represent things in an ideal or perfected form

irony (noun)

The expression of meaning through language that signifies the opposite, or a discrepancy between expectation and reality

contempt (noun)

The feeling that a person or thing is beneath consideration, worthless, or deserving scorn

juxtaposition (noun)

The placement of two things close together for contrasting effect

aimless (adjective)

Without purpose or direction; lacking a clear goal or plan

cynicism (noun)

An attitude of distrust and contempt toward the motives and sincerity of others

commercialization (noun)

The process of managing or exploiting something in a way designed primarily to generate profit

unselfconscious (adjective)

Not inhibited or affected by awareness of oneself; natural, genuine, and unforced