| abrogate |
to abolish, repeal, or nullify by authority. |
| adamantine |
firmly decided or fixed; unyielding. |
| asceticism |
self-discipline and self-denial as a means of spiritual improvement. |
| assuage |
to make less severe or more bearable; alleviate. |
| canard |
a deliberately false story or rumor, usually defamatory to someone. |
| encomium |
a formal expression of praise. |
| flummox |
(informal) to confuse or puzzle. |
| highbrow |
one who has or pretends to have highly sophisticated intellectual and cultural interests and tastes (often used disparagingly). |
| indemnity |
insurance against damage, loss, or liability. |
| nonfeasance |
in law, failure to perform a required duty, as by a public official. |
| paroxysm |
a sudden strong outburst of feelings or actions. |
| pusillanimous |
shamefully timid; cowardly. |
| recant |
to withdraw from commitment to (a former position or statement), especially publicly; retract. |
| shibboleth |
a slogan, phrase, or belief that characterizes or is held devotedly by a group. |
| stridulate |
to produce a shrill grating, creaking, or chirping sound by rubbing certain parts of the body together, as some insects do. |