| aberration |
a deviation from what is considered normal or right; irregularity. |
| agog |
highly excited and full of anticipation. |
| benign |
causing little or no harm. |
| daunt |
to lessen the determination of; intimidate; discourage. |
| disallow |
to refuse to allow or admit; reject. |
| dissemble |
to disguise or hide behind a false semblance; conceal the true nature or state of. |
| epigraph |
a pertinent quotation or motto, especially found at the beginning of a literary work or of a chapter. |
| extenuate |
to reduce the magnitude or seriousness of (a fault or offense) by offering partial excuses. |
| malingerer |
one who pretends to be ill or injured, especially in order to avoid work or duty. |
| phlegmatic |
not given to shows of emotion or interest; slow to excite. |
| recidivism |
chronic return to bad habits, especially criminal relapse. |
| shyster |
a person, usually a lawyer, who uses underhanded, unethical methods. |
| tyro |
one who is beginning to learn a business, trade, sport, or the like; novice; neophyte. |
| virago |
a shrewish, domineering woman; nag or scold. |
| vouchsafe |
to grant or give with condescension or as a special favor. |