| attenuate |
to cause to be thin, rarefied, or fine. |
| calumny |
a harmful statement, known by the maker to be false. |
| castellated |
constructed with turrets and battlements like a castle. |
| contumacious |
stubbornly disobedient; insubordinate; rebellious. |
| debouch |
to advance out of a confined or narrow space such as a canyon into open country. |
| delectation |
enjoyment; delight; pleasure. |
| deter |
to stop or discourage from some action by creating doubt or fear. |
| linguistics |
(used with a singular verb) the scientific and historical study of the form and structure of human language. |
| naturalism |
in literature, a method of depicting life that reflects a philosophy of determinism. |
| oblivious |
not conscious or paying attention; unknowing or unaware (usually followed by "to" or "of"). |
| obscurantism |
a deliberate lack of clarity or directness of expression, as in certain styles of art or literature. |
| obviate |
to prevent or eliminate in advance; render unnecessary or irrelevant. |
| opiate |
something that induces relaxation, calm, or stupor. |
| parsimonious |
excessively frugal; stingy. |
| unscathed |
not hurt or harmed; completely uninjured. |