| bathos |
a sudden descent from an exalted style or esteemed state to the commonplace. |
| consternation |
surprise and alarm, leading to panic, deep disappointment, or total confusion. |
| cynosure |
a thing or person that is the center of attention and admiration. |
| cyst |
a small pouch within body tissue that is filled with fluid or air. Some cysts are connected with serious disease, but most are not harmful at all. |
| daunt |
to lessen the determination of; intimidate; discourage. |
| disingenuous |
not candid or sincere. |
| equivocal |
having at least two plausible alternative meanings, often intentionally so in order to deceive or avoid commitment; ambiguous. |
| exponent |
one that expounds or interprets. |
| fledge |
to grow flight feathers. |
| internecine |
of or pertaining to conflict, discord, or struggle within a group. |
| misanthrope |
someone who hates or distrusts humanity. |
| panegyric |
a formal speech or piece of writing devoted to publicly praising a person or thing. |
| sudorific |
causing or increasing sweat, as a medication. |
| travesty |
something so grotesque or inferior as to seem a parody. |
| tummler |
an entertainer or social director who encourages participation by guests or audience. |