| aberration |
a deviation from what is considered normal or right; irregularity. |
| aplomb |
great self-confidence, composure, or poise. |
| dearth |
a shortage or scarcity of something; lack. |
| desideratum |
something that is needed or wanted. |
| disencumber |
to remove burdens or hindrances from. |
| engender |
to create or give rise to. |
| extenuate |
to reduce the magnitude or seriousness of (a fault or offense) by offering partial excuses. |
| heinous |
extremely wicked or despicable; atrocious. |
| incumbent |
currently holding an office or position. |
| nostrum |
a favorite but unproven scheme or theory, offered as a remedy for social or political problems; panacea. |
| opprobrious |
expressing condemnation or scorn; accusing of shameful behavior. |
| pliant |
easily flexed; supple. |
| reconnoiter |
to go through or over (an area) so as to gain information about it, as for military or engineering purposes. |
| Saturnalia |
an occasion of unrestrained revelry. |
| unabashed |
not feeling or showing embarrassment, uneasiness, or shame. |