| blasphemy |
disrespect or irreverence toward something considered sacred or inviolable, especially God. |
| capitulate |
to surrender or acquiesce. |
| dossier |
a set of papers or documents that provide detailed information on a particular person or subject. |
| evanescent |
tending to disappear like vapor; vanishing; fleeting. |
| fatalism |
a belief or doctrine that the events of life are predetermined and cannot be altered by human free will. |
| figment |
something imaginary or invented. |
| hone |
to make more effective or adept; perfect. |
| nurture |
to care for and encourage the growth and development of (a living thing). |
| obtuse |
not keen or quick to notice, feel, or comprehend; dull or insensitive. |
| parity |
equality in amount, status, strength, or the like. |
| renounce |
to give up (a right or claim) usually by formal declaration or announcement; waive. |
| singe |
to burn slightly on the surface, end, or edge. |
| sully |
to make dirty or tarnished. |
| tepid |
not quite warm; lukewarm. |
| traverse |
to go over, along, or through; cover or cross. |