| abash |
to cause to feel embarrassed, uneasy, or ashamed. |
| abut |
to adjoin or press against; be next to; border on. |
| ascertain |
to learn without question; determine. |
| baleful |
threatening harm; full of malice; ominous. |
| canny |
difficult to fool or take advantage of; shrewd; wary; clever. |
| fixation |
an obsession, especially one that interferes with normal functioning. |
| flout |
to show scorn or contempt for, especially by openly or deliberately disobeying. |
| incursion |
a raid or sudden invasion. |
| interdict |
to deter or impede by the steady use of firepower. |
| jejune |
lacking interest or liveliness; dull. |
| kismet |
destiny, fortune, or fate. |
| lapidary |
an expert on or dealer in gemstones. |
| perquisite |
a payment or benefit in addition to the wages or salary associated with a position. |
| preferment |
the act of promoting or being promoted to a higher position or office. |
| shyster |
a person, usually a lawyer, who uses underhanded, unethical methods. |