| backfire |
to have results that are the opposite of what one wanted. |
| choleric |
having a quick temper; easily angered. |
| deviate |
to turn away from a direct course or one that has already been set. |
| expurgate |
to remove from a book or the like material considered to be offensive or erroneous prior to publication. |
| havoc |
ruin or devastation. |
| ornamentation |
decoration; embellishment. |
| pertinacious |
tenacious in purpose, opinion, or the like; persevering. |
| ramify |
to have or produce effects or consequences that make some original matter more complex. |
| repercussion |
(usually plural) a result or effect of an action or event, often occurring indirectly or unexpectedly. |
| sacrosanct |
so important or revered as to be beyond any alteration or criticism. |
| scrutinize |
to look at closely and carefully, with attention to detail. |
| synoptic |
forming a summary or overview. |
| usurp |
to take and hold (a right, position, office, or the like) illegally, wrongfully, or by force. |
| verity |
the quality or condition of being true or real. |
| whimsy |
an odd, fanciful, or capricious notion, or such notions collectively. |