| alimony |
money that a court orders one member of a divorced couple to pay to the other. |
| apocalypse |
any instance of terrible destruction and devastation, especially on a scale that could bring about an end to the world. |
| artisan |
a person skilled in making things, especially by using the hands. People such as those who make furniture, quilts, or other crafts are artisans. |
| consolidate |
to join together into a whole; combine. |
| despot |
a ruler who has complete power and authority. |
| dissimilar |
not alike; different. |
| dovetail |
to fit together precisely or harmoniously. |
| faddish |
relating to or having the nature of a passing fashion or craze. |
| fluctuate |
to vary or change irregularly; rise and fall. |
| infelicity |
the quality or condition of being inappropriate, or unfortunate in the given circumstances. |
| perverse |
stubbornly opposed to what is expected or requested of one, or marked by or inclined toward such an attitude. |
| sect |
any group, especially a religious group such as a denomination, that is united by a common belief, ritual, or the like. |
| squalor |
living conditions that are filthy, or the state of being dirty or foul. |
| unhinge |
to cause to become confused, unbalanced, or deeply disturbed. |
| venial |
able to be excused, pardoned, or forgiven, as a minor error, offense, or sin. (Cf. mortal.) |