| brandish |
to wave or shake (something such as a weapon) in a threatening or agitated manner. |
| coterie |
a small, exclusive group of friends or associates with similar interest or activities; clique. |
| demure |
quiet, shy, modest, or reserved in manner. |
| engulf |
to cover entirely, as if by a flood. |
| hone |
to make more effective or adept; perfect. |
| importune |
to pester with insistent demands or requests. |
| inopportune |
occurring at an undesirable or unreasonable time. |
| insubordinate |
unwilling to respect or submit to authority; disobedient. |
| libel |
in law, written or printed matter that is false, damages a person's reputation or material well-being, and arises from malice or extreme negligence. |
| plight1 |
a state or situation, especially an unhappy or unlucky one; predicament. |
| podium |
a raised platform, as for a speaker or orchestra conductor; dais. |
| problematic |
presenting difficulties or causing doubt; questionable. |
| severance |
the act, process, or result of breaking off or separating. |
| skepticism |
distrust or disbelief, or a general tendency to doubt and question. |
| unfeigned |
not pretended or false; genuine; sincere. |