| amortize |
to deduct (expenditures) by fixed amounts over a period of time. |
| blithe |
indifferent or casual; unconcerned. |
| descant |
a secondary, usually higher, melody that is played or sung at the same time as the chief melody. |
| espouse |
to take up, hold, or commit oneself to (a cause, idea, or belief); embrace. |
| extort |
to extract or obtain (money or the like) by force, threats, or abuse of authority. |
| fixation |
an obsession, especially one that interferes with normal functioning. |
| garble |
to mix up, distort, or confuse (a message, translation, or the like); cause to be disordered or unintelligible. |
| lachrymose |
weeping, tending to weep readily, or being on the point of tears; tearful. |
| malingerer |
one who pretends to be ill or injured, especially in order to avoid work or duty. |
| pandemic |
a widespread outbreak of disease that afflicts many people over different continents. |
| perilous |
causing or involving great danger; risky; hazardous. |
| perquisite |
a payment or benefit in addition to the wages or salary associated with a position. |
| reprobate |
an evil or lawless person, often beyond hope of redemption. |
| shunt |
to turn or move aside or out of the way; divert. |
| untoward |
unexpected and unfortunate. |