| affiliate |
to join as a member or smaller branch of (usually followed by "with"). |
| allusion |
an indirect reference to or mention of something. |
| ameliorate |
to make better; improve. |
| chasm |
a deep crack in the earth's surface. |
| climactic |
pertaining to, reaching, or being the point of highest interest or intensity in a series of increasingly important points or events. |
| excoriate |
to denounce or criticize severely. |
| fulsome |
offensive, especially because of excessiveness or insincerity. |
| gallantry |
admirable courage. |
| maniacal |
marked by wildness, craziness, and violence. |
| obtuse |
not keen or quick to notice, feel, or comprehend; dull or insensitive. |
| preoccupy |
to absorb the entire time or attention of. |
| revulsion |
violent dislike and disgust; abhorrence; loathing. |
| subsidy |
direct financial assistance provided by the government to a business, industry, educational institution, individual, or the like. |
| tacit |
suggested, implied, or understood, without being expressed in words. |
| unseemly |
not in accord with accepted social standards; improper; indecorous. |