| backfire |
to have results that are the opposite of what one wanted. |
| consecrate |
to commit or devote to some goal or service. |
| deficit |
The amount by which something is less than what is needed. A deficit of money is caused by spending more than has been taken in. |
| denude |
to strip bare; remove covering from. |
| eccentricity |
an odd or peculiar behavior, habit, interest, or the like. |
| estrange |
to cause (someone) to change from friendly and sympathetic to hostile or indifferent; alienate. |
| finicky |
exceptionally fussy or hard to satisfy. |
| inept |
lacking skill or aptitude; incompetent. |
| malignant |
meant to cause harm; evil. |
| placid |
calm, smooth, or peaceful. |
| precipitous |
very steep or sudden; rising or dropping abruptly. |
| spurious |
not genuine, authentic, or valid; false. |
| surveillance |
a close watch or observation, especially of a person or group of people under suspicion. |
| verdant |
green. |
| vignette |
a brief written or musical sketch, or brief film scene, that describes or characterizes a person, incident, situation, or the like. |