| abash |
to cause to feel embarrassed, uneasy, or ashamed. |
| deposition |
a sworn statement, usually in writing, for use as testimony by an absent witness in a court of law. |
| desideratum |
something that is needed or wanted. |
| determinism |
the belief or teaching that every effect, including human thoughts and actions, is completely and predictably brought about by preceding causes and that, therefore, free will does not exist. |
| disencumber |
to remove burdens or hindrances from. |
| effluvium |
an outflow of usually invisible, foul-smelling vapor or gas. |
| ensconce |
to position (oneself) firmly or comfortably. |
| equivocal |
having at least two plausible alternative meanings, often intentionally so in order to deceive or avoid commitment; ambiguous. |
| extenuate |
to reduce the magnitude or seriousness of (a fault or offense) by offering partial excuses. |
| figurehead |
a person whose title sounds important but who has no real power. |
| guru |
in a cult or religious movement, a spiritual guide or leader, sometimes believed to be divine. |
| inquest |
a legal investigation, usually involving a jury, especially a coroner's investigation of a suspicious death. |
| reprobate |
an evil or lawless person, often beyond hope of redemption. |
| stanch1 |
to cause (a liquid, especially blood) to stop flowing. |
| travesty |
something so grotesque or inferior as to seem a parody. |