| apostate |
a person who abandons his or her religious faith, principles, cause, or the like. |
| castigate |
to punish or rebuke, as with severe public criticism; chastise. |
| deferential |
respectfully submissive to the desires, opinions, or judgments of others. |
| dissertation |
a formal and usually lengthy exposition in speech or writing, especially a detailed report of research by a candidate for a doctoral degree. |
| interrelate |
to place in or come into a shared, mutual, or reciprocal relationship. |
| jurisdiction |
the right or authority to interpret and administer the law. |
| liaison |
a communication link between groups or between parts of an organization, or a person or group that performs this function. |
| maternity |
the state of being a mother; motherhood. |
| nuance |
a subtle quality or difference in tone, meaning, color, or the like; shade. |
| ostracism |
an exclusion or rejection, as from a social group. |
| rejoinder |
a response to a reply; retort. |
| stratagem |
a plan or trick to deceive, surprise, or outwit an opponent, especially as a military maneuver. |
| stymie |
throw an obstacle in the way of (something or someone); impede; thwart. |
| undermine |
to gradually, secretly, or imperceptibly weaken and destroy. |
| vitality |
exuberance; energy; vigor. |