| aseptic |
free of bacteria or germs that cause disease or decay. |
| carnage |
the mass killing of people; slaughter. |
| cathartic |
of or pertaining to a cleansing emotional release. |
| contention |
a point asserted in argument or debate. |
| devious |
not the straightest, most direct way; winding; roundabout. |
| fissure |
a narrow crevice or other opening, especially one caused by splitting. |
| invariably |
without ever a change; on every occasion. |
| languid |
lacking or not showing strength, energy, or spirit; weak, slow, or listless. |
| libel |
in law, written or printed matter that is false, damages a person's reputation or material well-being, and arises from malice or extreme negligence. |
| maxim |
a brief, concise statement of a general or basic truth or rule, especially for proper conduct. |
| perpetrate |
to commit or carry out (a crime, act of mischief, or the like). |
| promulgate |
to explain or give instruction in (a doctrine) in public; advocate. |
| regent |
one who governs in place of a disabled or underage ruler. |
| revert |
to return to a previous state, practice, belief, or the like. |
| taciturn |
habitually silent and uncommunicative. |