| autocracy |
rule by one person with absolute power; despotism. |
| bawdy |
coarsely or indecently humorous; risqué. |
| bombast |
boastful, pompous, or otherwise overblown utterances. |
| impede |
to slow or block the movement or progress of; hinder. |
| meander |
to wind back and forth. |
| nondescript |
having no individual distinctiveness; lacking in notable features. |
| parody |
a humorous imitation in print, music, or performance of a serious person, work of art, or publication. |
| prohibitive |
serving as a preventative. |
| raconteur |
one who is talented in storytelling. |
| rigorous |
showing strictness or sternness. |
| rite |
a formal ceremonial procedure prescribed or customary for a specific occasion, as in religious worship. |
| shoddy |
of low quality; poorly made or carried out. |
| slacken |
to decrease activity, strength, speed, intensity, or the like. |
| stigma |
a long-lasting mark or stain on one's character or reputation, especially of disgrace or reproach. |
| vitality |
exuberance; energy; vigor. |