| compunction |
uneasiness about the propriety or suitability of an action; qualm. |
| deadeye |
an expert shooter. |
| desideratum |
something that is needed or wanted. |
| élan |
enthusiasm or vigor. |
| epigraph |
a pertinent quotation or motto, especially found at the beginning of a literary work or of a chapter. |
| espouse |
to take up, hold, or commit oneself to (a cause, idea, or belief); embrace. |
| extrude |
to force out; expel. |
| impediment |
an obstacle or hindrance. |
| impinge |
to encroach. |
| inanition |
a state of exhaustion caused by a lack of nourishment. |
| plaudit |
(often plural) an enthusiastic show of approval, such as a round of applause or a very favorable review. |
| rapacious |
capable of capturing and eating live prey; predacious. |
| sotto voce |
in a low voice or undertone, so as not to be overheard; softly (often used as a musical direction). |
| travesty |
something so grotesque or inferior as to seem a parody. |
| unscathed |
not hurt or harmed; completely uninjured. |