Chapter 19 — Vocabulary

Vocabulary Words from Chapter 19

release (noun / verb)

In the community, a euphemism for death by lethal injection; the act of killing someone while using neutral language to disguise it.

euphemism (noun)

A mild, indirect, or vague word or expression substituted for one considered too harsh or blunt.

fontanel (noun)

A soft membranous gap between the incompletely formed cranial bones of an infant; also called a soft spot.

syringe (noun)

A medical device with a hollow needle used for injecting or withdrawing fluids from the body.

devastating (adjective)

Causing severe shock, distress, or destruction; emotionally overwhelming.

numb (adjective)

Deprived of the power of feeling or responding; emotionally unresponsive due to shock.

disposal (noun)

The act of getting rid of something; the process of throwing something away.

mundane (adjective)

Lacking interest or excitement; dull and ordinary; routine.

conditioning (noun)

The process of training or accustoming a person to behave in a certain way or accept certain circumstances.

revelation (noun)

A surprising and previously unknown fact that is made known; a dramatic disclosure.

lethal (adjective)

Sufficient to cause death; deadly.

Annex (noun)

In the novel, the building where the Receiver of Memory lives and works; the room where Jonas receives his training and watches the release recording.

irrevocable (adjective)

Not able to be changed, reversed, or recovered; final.

complicity (noun)

The state of being involved with others in an activity that is unlawful or morally wrong.

Nurturer (noun)

In the community, a person assigned to care for newchildren in the Nurturing Center until they are placed with family units.