| abbreviate |
to shorten the time or length of. |
| crusade |
(often capitalized) any of the wars between European Catholics and Middle Eastern Muslims between 1095 and 1291. During these wars, the Catholics tried to take territory away from the Muslims. |
| depression |
a state of deep sadness or hopelessness that can persist for months or years and is not necessarily triggered by any particular external events. |
| excise1 |
a tax levied on the manufacture or sale of certain goods within a nation or state. |
| haven |
the place where a ship anchors; harbor or port. |
| increasingly |
more and more; to a greater and greater degree. |
| interpersonal |
of or pertaining to a relationship or interaction between people. |
| mere |
being neither more nor better than what is spoken of. |
| oasis |
an area in a desert where plants can grow. The plants are fed by water from a spring or well. |
| obstruct |
to block or clog. |
| overabundance |
an excessive quantity or amount; more than is needed; surfeit. |
| phobia |
a very strong fear or dislike of something that is far beyond ordinary fear or dislike. |
| routinely |
regularly; habitually. |
| theological |
of, based on, or relating to matters of religion or the study of religion. |
| wrought |
worked, done, put together, or shaped. |