| apprise |
to inform (often followed by "of"). |
| ascertain |
to learn without question; determine. |
| canard |
a deliberately false story or rumor, usually defamatory to someone. |
| despoil |
to forcefully take belongings or goods from; plunder. |
| extort |
to extract or obtain (money or the like) by force, threats, or abuse of authority. |
| immaculate |
not dirty; completely clean. |
| inadvertent |
not planned or intended; unintentional. |
| invidious |
tending to arouse feelings of resentment or animosity, especially because of a slight; offensive or discriminatory. |
| lorgnette |
eyeglasses, such as opera glasses, that have a short handle by which one holds them in position. |
| louche |
of questionable decency, morality, or taste; shady; disreputable. |
| neologism |
a new word, phrase, or usage. |
| nonplus |
to cause (someone) to be unable to think of what to say, do, or decide; perplex; bewilder. |
| oblivious |
not conscious or paying attention; unknowing or unaware (usually followed by "to" or "of"). |
| oligarchy |
a government or state in which only a relatively few people or members of a family have real power. |
| parturient |
giving birth or about to give birth; in labor. |