| aberration |
a deviation from what is considered normal or right; irregularity. |
| burgeon |
to start to grow; send forth shoots, leaves, buds, or the like (often followed by "out" or "forth"). |
| cachet |
prestige. |
| caste |
the status conferred by the class to which one belongs. |
| daunt |
to lessen the determination of; intimidate; discourage. |
| determinism |
the belief or teaching that every effect, including human thoughts and actions, is completely and predictably brought about by preceding causes and that, therefore, free will does not exist. |
| etiolate |
to weaken, especially through deprivation of normal development. |
| extort |
to extract or obtain (money or the like) by force, threats, or abuse of authority. |
| facsimile |
an exact copy or duplicate of something printed or of a picture. |
| foment |
to encourage the development of; instigate or foster. |
| homily |
any discourse offering moral advice or admonitions. |
| liminal |
of or at the threshold of a physiological or psychological response or change of state. |
| obfuscate |
to make (something) seem or be difficult to understand; obscure or darken. |
| opprobrious |
expressing condemnation or scorn; accusing of shameful behavior. |
| oppugn |
to oppose, contradict, criticize, or call into question. |