| chasten |
to awaken conscience or bring about moral improvement through suffering, discipline, or punishment. |
| concentric |
of circles or spheres, having the same middle point. |
| connive |
to join secretly in a plot; conspire. |
| contraband |
goods banned by law from being imported or exported. |
| devotee |
an eager or serious follower or enthusiast. |
| droll |
wryly amusing or humorous. |
| estrange |
to cause (someone) to change from friendly and sympathetic to hostile or indifferent; alienate. |
| imminent |
about to happen or likely to happen soon. |
| impasse |
a situation that allows no escape or solution; stalemate. |
| incise |
to cut into the surface of. |
| lieu |
the place formerly occupied by something or someone. |
| mystical |
spiritually powerful, significant, or symbolic. |
| severance |
the act, process, or result of breaking off or separating. |
| stratum |
a level in a social hierarchy. |
| voluptuous |
full of or characterized by sensual pleasures. |