| aberration |
a deviation from what is considered normal or right; irregularity. |
| apotheosis |
a perfect or ideal example; epitome. |
| compunction |
uneasiness about the propriety or suitability of an action; qualm. |
| espouse |
to take up, hold, or commit oneself to (a cause, idea, or belief); embrace. |
| extirpate |
to get rid of completely, as if by pulling up the roots; root out. |
| feckless |
weak or incompetent; ineffective. |
| fixation |
an obsession, especially one that interferes with normal functioning. |
| flout |
to show scorn or contempt for, especially by openly or deliberately disobeying. |
| highbrow |
one who has or pretends to have highly sophisticated intellectual and cultural interests and tastes (often used disparagingly). |
| indulgent |
gratifying, or being inclined to gratify or yield to others' wishes, especially rather than enforcing discipline or strictness. |
| neologism |
a new word, phrase, or usage. |
| penumbra |
an indefinite, borderline area. |
| revetment |
a facing of stone, masonry, or the like to support or protect a wall, embankment, or mound of earth. |
| sanctimony |
a pretense of righteousness or piety; feigned devotion or holiness. |
| veneration |
a feeling of great respect; awe; reverence. |