| aberration |
a deviation from what is considered normal or right; irregularity. |
| academicism |
in the arts, rigid adherence to accepted and traditional forms. |
| apprise |
to inform (often followed by "of"). |
| atonement |
the act of making reparation for a sin, crime, error, or the like. |
| attune |
to adjust so as to be harmonious. |
| bathos |
a sudden descent from an exalted style or esteemed state to the commonplace. |
| cynosure |
a thing or person that is the center of attention and admiration. |
| ersatz |
serving as a substitute, especially when of inferior quality. |
| exegesis |
a critical explanation or interpretive analysis, especially of religious texts. |
| harbinger |
someone or something that signals or foreshadows a later arrival or occurrence; herald; forerunner. |
| lambent |
glowing softly. |
| nonfeasance |
in law, failure to perform a required duty, as by a public official. |
| obtrude |
to thrust or force (oneself, one's concerns, or one's opinions) on another or others without being asked. |
| paroxysm |
a sudden strong outburst of feelings or actions. |
| stanch1 |
to cause (a liquid, especially blood) to stop flowing. |