| alliance |
a group of people, countries, or groups that share certain goals and agree to work together. |
| cancel |
to do away with; decide against; call off. |
| commerce |
the buying and selling of goods or services; trade; business. |
| competent |
having the skill to do something; capable. |
| conduit |
a channel, ditch, or pipe used to convey water or other liquid. |
| convene |
to gather or come together for a meeting. |
| foolproof |
always successful or effective. |
| hostage |
someone held prisoner by a person or group trying to force another person or group to meet certain demands. |
| hypothetical |
based on a premise rather than having substance in reality; supposed. |
| inconsistent |
not following a regular pattern; variable. |
| noticeable |
easily noticed. |
| oversight |
a lack of paying attention to what one is doing. |
| pinpoint |
to find or explain exactly. |
| scald |
to burn with or as if with a hot liquid or steam. |
| severity |
strictness; harshness. |