| aberration |
a deviation from what is considered normal or right; irregularity. |
| abrogate |
to abolish, repeal, or nullify by authority. |
| appellation |
a name, title, or other designation. |
| austerity |
a tightened or stringent economy, as when there are high taxes, frozen wages, and shortages of consumer goods. |
| cognizant |
aware; informed (usually followed by "of"). |
| cynosure |
a thing or person that is the center of attention and admiration. |
| disquisition |
a formal, often lengthy, oral or written discussion of a subject. |
| expiation |
the act or the means of making amends, as for a sin or crime. |
| flummox |
(informal) to confuse or puzzle. |
| foment |
to encourage the development of; instigate or foster. |
| louche |
of questionable decency, morality, or taste; shady; disreputable. |
| meretricious |
appealing or attracting in a cheap, showy, or shallow way. |
| preferment |
the act of promoting or being promoted to a higher position or office. |
| solecism |
a gross violation of convention in grammar, etiquette, or the like; impropriety. |
| unabashed |
not feeling or showing embarrassment, uneasiness, or shame. |