| abate |
to become less in amount or intensity. |
| apparition |
a ghostly image; phantom; specter. |
| castigation |
the act of rebuking, severely criticizing, or punishing, especially in a public forum. |
| claimant |
one who alleges something to be true or demands something as one's right. |
| contend |
to struggle; fight against difficulties or opposition. |
| crossfire |
a volley of projectiles, especially gunfire, directed at some central point from two separated positions. |
| imperfection |
a flaw or fault. |
| invigorate |
to fill with energy, strength, or life. |
| parochial |
narrow or limited in scope or viewpoint; provincial. |
| predilection |
an inclination to favor something; partiality or preference. |
| raconteur |
one who is talented in storytelling. |
| sordid |
morally bad; ignoble or base. |
| timely |
happening at just the right moment. |
| universality |
the quality, character, or condition of being universal. |
| virtuoso |
a person who demonstrates exceptional ability, style, or skill, especially in music. |