Chapter 25 — Vocabulary

Vocabulary Words from Chapter 25

dissociation (noun)

A psychological process in which a person feels disconnected from their own thoughts, feelings, surroundings, or identity

apostrophe (noun)

A literary device in which a speaker directly addresses an absent or dead person, an abstract quality, or an imaginary entity

pathetic fallacy (noun)

The attribution of human emotions to nature or inanimate objects, especially when weather reflects a character's mood

catalyst (noun)

A person or thing that precipitates an event or change; something that triggers action

disillusionment (noun)

The feeling of disappointment resulting from discovering that something is not as good as one believed it to be

transcendent (adjective)

Going beyond ordinary limits; surpassing the usual; reaching a state that exceeds normal experience

futility (noun)

Pointlessness or uselessness; the quality of having no useful result

epiphany (noun)

A sudden, intuitive perception of or insight into the essential meaning of something, often triggered by a simple experience

catharsis (noun)

The process of releasing and thereby providing relief from strong or repressed emotions

indelible (adjective)

Making marks that cannot be removed or erased; permanent and unforgettable

reconciliation (noun)

The restoration of friendly relations after a conflict or disagreement

isolation (noun)

The state of being completely alone or separated from others, either physically or emotionally

symbolism (noun)

The use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities beyond their literal meaning

deterioration (noun)

The process of becoming progressively worse; a decline in condition or quality

bittersweet (adjective)

Arousing pleasure mixed with sadness or regret; simultaneously happy and painful

capitulation (noun)

The act of surrendering or ceasing to resist; giving in to an opponent or demand