| ameliorate |
to make better; improve. |
| auditory |
having to do with or referring to hearing or the sense of hearing. |
| backlash |
a strong reaction against some prior development, especially political or social change. |
| defray |
to pay or assist in the payment of (costs or the like). |
| divest |
to take rights or property away from; dispossess, especially by legal means. |
| elixir |
a sweetened, aromatic solution of alcohol and water used as a vehicle for medicines. |
| inexorable |
not subject to change by any force or influence; unyielding or unrelenting. |
| loner |
one who stays by himself or herself much of the time, especially by choice or inclination. |
| loquacious |
given to talking much or excessively; garrulous. |
| lucrative |
producing monetary gain; profitable. |
| matriarch |
a woman who acts as head of a family, tribe, or other group of people. |
| persevere |
to continue steadfastly in a task or course of action or hold steadfastly to a belief or commitment, especially when met with opposition or difficulties; persist. |
| prosaic |
straightforward and plain; unimaginative; dull. |
| sacrilege |
the violation, profane treatment, or destruction of some place or thing that is considered to be holy. |
| testy |
easily annoyed or angered; irritable; touchy. |