| chastise |
to punish, often corporally. |
| cognate |
having a common origin, as languages. |
| contortion |
a straining or twisting by the intellect; mental gymnastics. |
| degeneration |
the process of decline or decay. |
| inane |
devoid of meaning or substance; nonsensical. |
| indisputable |
not subject to being challenged or denied; unquestionable. |
| interpose |
to insert (a comment, question, criticism, or the like) in the course of a conversation or speech. |
| literal |
in accordance with the ordinary, exact, or primary meaning of a word or words; not figurative or metaphorical. |
| nihilism |
the belief that existence has no meaning or purpose. |
| primeval |
of or suggestive of the first age or ages. |
| proxy |
a person who is authorized to act for or on behalf of another, especially as a voter; substitute. |
| skirmish |
a minor or preliminary battle between small military units. |
| umbrage |
a feeling of offense, irritation, or resentment. |
| vanguard |
the leading or foremost position or part of a movement or force; forefront. |
| wrest |
to take away with, or as if with, a twist or pull. |