Chapter 9 — Vocabulary

Vocabulary Words from Chapter 9

ostracize (verb)

To exclude someone from a group or from society

displacement (noun)

The moving of something from its place or position; a sense of being out of place

voyeurism (noun)

The practice of gaining pleasure from observing the private activities of others

microcosm (noun)

A community, place, or situation regarded as encapsulating in miniature the characteristics of something much larger

ambivalent (adjective)

Having mixed or contradictory feelings about something or someone

interior monologue (noun phrase)

A literary technique that presents a character's unspoken thoughts and feelings as they occur

impulsive (adjective)

Acting or done without forethought; driven by sudden urges rather than careful consideration

debased (adjective)

Reduced in quality, value, or character; degraded or corrupted

symbolism (noun)

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

self-sabotage (noun)

Behavior that undermines one's own goals or well-being, often unconsciously

threshold (noun)

A point of entry or beginning; the boundary between two states or conditions

alienation (noun)

The state of being isolated or estranged from a group, activity, or sense of belonging

Freudian slip (noun phrase)

An unintentional error in speech or action that is thought to reveal unconscious feelings or desires

promiscuous (adjective)

Having or characterized by many casual sexual relationships; indiscriminate in the choice of partners

gratification (noun)

Pleasure or satisfaction, especially when gained from the fulfillment of a desire