| allege |
to say or claim to be true without having proof. |
| bleak |
bare, cold, or not protected from the weather. |
| defamation |
the act of causing damage to the reputation of a person, group, or institution by making unfavorable and unjust statements. |
| humane |
showing kindness or mercy. |
| intrigue |
to draw the strong interest of; puzzle; fascinate. |
| lush |
growing thick and healthy. |
| miserly |
stingy or penurious. |
| monitor |
to observe in order to check on. |
| respiration |
the act of breathing. |
| secede |
to withdraw from a group or a political union. |
| setback |
something that happens that slows, stops, or reverses progress that is being made. |
| significance |
great value; importance. |
| streamline |
to alter so as to make simpler or more efficient, compact, or up-to-date. |
| subordinate |
lower in rank or importance; secondary. |
| supplement |
something necessary to complete a whole or make up for a deficiency. |