| assail |
to attack with vigor or violence; assault. |
| colloquialism |
a word or phrase typically used in conversational, informal, or regional speech or writing, hence sometimes considered inappropriate in formal writing. |
| consummate |
of the highest order or degree. |
| devolve |
of a duty or the like, to be passed on to someone else. |
| equivocal |
having at least two plausible alternative meanings, often intentionally so in order to deceive or avoid commitment; ambiguous. |
| indolence |
the tendency to avoid exertion or effort; laziness. |
| mésalliance |
marriage with someone of lower social standing than oneself. |
| modus operandi |
a method of accomplishing something; way of working. |
| obtrusive |
aggressive and self-assertive, or inclined to be so. |
| ontogeny |
the process of biological growth and development of a particular living organism. |
| oppugn |
to oppose, contradict, criticize, or call into question. |
| repine |
to express or feel unhappiness; complain; fret. |
| shyster |
a person, usually a lawyer, who uses underhanded, unethical methods. |
| truculent |
extremely hostile or belligerent; inclined to fight. |
| unabashed |
not feeling or showing embarrassment, uneasiness, or shame. |