| academicism |
in the arts, rigid adherence to accepted and traditional forms. |
| animus |
a feeling or attitude of enmity. |
| apocryphal |
of dubious authorship or authority. |
| apotheosis |
a perfect or ideal example; epitome. |
| coddle |
to simmer in water that is almost at the boiling point. |
| disabuse |
to free (a person) from misconception or deception; set straight. |
| duress |
intimidation or coercion. |
| figurehead |
a person whose title sounds important but who has no real power. |
| fixation |
an obsession, especially one that interferes with normal functioning. |
| gullible |
believing almost anything; easily tricked. |
| otiose |
having no purpose or use; unnecessary or futile. |
| pleonasm |
a redundant word, phrase, or expression. |
| pusillanimous |
shamefully timid; cowardly. |
| stickler |
one who must observe or conform to something (usually followed by "for"). |
| unabashed |
not feeling or showing embarrassment, uneasiness, or shame. |