| ascertain |
to learn without question; determine. |
| cachet |
prestige. |
| collateral |
property or other security put forward to guarantee repayment of a loan. |
| deterge |
to cleanse, wash, or wipe off. |
| duress |
intimidation or coercion. |
| ensconce |
to position (oneself) firmly or comfortably. |
| entreat |
to beg for something, or to do something. |
| epistolary |
established or continued through letters. |
| expostulate |
to argue earnestly with someone, usually against an intended action; remonstrate. |
| extirpate |
to get rid of completely, as if by pulling up the roots; root out. |
| extrinsic |
not inherent or essential; extraneous. |
| flak |
(informal) irritating opposition, criticism, or dissent. |
| malingerer |
one who pretends to be ill or injured, especially in order to avoid work or duty. |
| perilous |
causing or involving great danger; risky; hazardous. |
| schadenfreude |
(often capitalized) pleasure derived from the misfortune of others. |