| asceticism |
self-discipline and self-denial as a means of spiritual improvement. |
| baneful |
causing or leading to death, destruction, or ruin; harmful or deadly. |
| cloture |
in U.S. parliamentary procedure, a method of ending debate and causing an immediate vote on the matter being discussed. |
| consummate |
of the highest order or degree. |
| debouch |
to advance out of a confined or narrow space such as a canyon into open country. |
| euphoria |
a strong feeling of well-being or elation, sometimes unrealistic or unwarranted, and able to be induced by certain drugs. |
| exegesis |
a critical explanation or interpretive analysis, especially of religious texts. |
| extort |
to extract or obtain (money or the like) by force, threats, or abuse of authority. |
| feckless |
weak or incompetent; ineffective. |
| forswear |
to give up or renounce, often with an oath or pledge. |
| halcyon |
tranquil; peaceful; calm. |
| humanism |
a doctrine or mode of thought that gives highest importance to human dignity, values, potentials, and achievements. |
| irrefragable |
impossible to refute or dispute; undeniable. |
| refulgent |
shining brilliantly; radiant. |
| solecism |
a gross violation of convention in grammar, etiquette, or the like; impropriety. |