| apprise |
to inform (often followed by "of"). |
| asceticism |
self-discipline and self-denial as a means of spiritual improvement. |
| debauch |
to lead or seduce into immorality or intemperance; corrupt. |
| demarcate |
to set apart or separate, as if with boundaries. |
| discountenance |
to embarrass or disconcert. |
| eruct |
to belch forth. |
| extort |
to extract or obtain (money or the like) by force, threats, or abuse of authority. |
| foment |
to encourage the development of; instigate or foster. |
| gossamer |
delicately fine, gauzelike, or filmy. |
| highbrow |
one who has or pretends to have highly sophisticated intellectual and cultural interests and tastes (often used disparagingly). |
| insinuate |
to suggest (something derogatory) subtly and indirectly. |
| intelligentsia |
the elite class of highly learned people within a society, or those who consider themselves part of such a class. |
| interdict |
to deter or impede by the steady use of firepower. |
| maladroit |
not skillful; clumsy; tactless. |
| mésalliance |
marriage with someone of lower social standing than oneself. |