| aghast |
filled with alarm or horror; shocked. |
| distaste |
dislike or repugnance. |
| elite |
(usually used with a plural verb) the best, taken collectively. |
| equivalent |
the same as or equal to another in force, value, measure, or meaning. |
| haphazard |
having no order; without aim or purpose. |
| heartland |
a central land area, especially one considered to be economically, politically, or militarily vital to a nation or region. |
| impudent |
not showing respect; bold and rude. |
| indicator |
a person or thing that points to or signals something. |
| lengthy |
tediously long in duration, as a speech. |
| plague |
a deadly disease, sudden invasion of harmful insects, or any terrible thing that harms many people. |
| preservation |
protection from loss or damage; the act of preserving. |
| refined |
displaying qualities of good breeding or sensitivity of feeling or taste. |
| secondary |
not first in importance or value; less important. |
| shortage |
an amount that is less than is needed; lack. |
| siege |
a military act of surrounding a city or base, attacking it, and cutting off supplies. The goal of a siege is to force the city or fort to surrender. |