| centripetal |
forced or moving inward toward a center point or axis. |
| constrict |
to pull or squeeze in; make smaller or more narrow; tighten. |
| declivity |
a downward or descending slope. |
| determinism |
the belief or teaching that every effect, including human thoughts and actions, is completely and predictably brought about by preceding causes and that, therefore, free will does not exist. |
| disquisition |
a formal, often lengthy, oral or written discussion of a subject. |
| fixation |
an obsession, especially one that interferes with normal functioning. |
| germane |
having relevance to a given matter; pertinent; significant. |
| imbroglio |
a difficult, confused, or complicated situation, often involving a misunderstanding, disagreement, or quarrel. |
| opiate |
something that induces relaxation, calm, or stupor. |
| penury |
severe poverty; pennilessness. |
| reprisal |
injury inflicted in retaliation for injury received, as in war; revenge. |
| stickler |
one who must observe or conform to something (usually followed by "for"). |
| travesty |
something so grotesque or inferior as to seem a parody. |
| unadulterated |
unmixed with or undiluted by additives or extraneous elements; pure; complete. |
| woebegone |
displaying or full of distress. |