| abrade |
to rub away by friction; erode. |
| agnostic |
one who believes it is impossible to know anything about the existence or nonexistence of God or about the essential nature of things beyond the material universe. |
| chasten |
to awaken conscience or bring about moral improvement through suffering, discipline, or punishment. |
| curvature |
the condition of being bent or rounded. |
| dextrous |
variant of dexterous. |
| encroachment |
the act of exceeding proper or intended limits, as of territory or property. |
| harangue |
a long, vehement, and often pompous speech or piece of writing, especially such a speech delivered in public; tirade. |
| inquisition |
an official inquiry, especially for the purpose of enforcing political, social, or religious conformity. |
| inquisitive |
given to asking and inquiring; eager to learn. |
| machination |
(usually plural) elaborate or devious schemes. |
| materialistic |
being more greatly concerned with things in the world that can be acquired than with spiritual matters or values. |
| misdeed |
an unacceptable, evil, or illegal act. |
| onus |
an unwanted but necessary task; burden. |
| pronouncement |
a formal or official declaration. |
| pugnacious |
ready or eager to fight; overly aggressive or quarrelsome. |