| asceticism |
self-discipline and self-denial as a means of spiritual improvement. |
| bathos |
a sudden descent from an exalted style or esteemed state to the commonplace. |
| blithe |
indifferent or casual; unconcerned. |
| cloture |
in U.S. parliamentary procedure, a method of ending debate and causing an immediate vote on the matter being discussed. |
| fealty |
faithfulness or loyalty. |
| fixation |
an obsession, especially one that interferes with normal functioning. |
| highbrow |
one who has or pretends to have highly sophisticated intellectual and cultural interests and tastes (often used disparagingly). |
| idiosyncrasy |
a characteristic of temperament, habit, or physical structure particular to a given individual or group; peculiarity. |
| insularity |
the condition of being closed to new ideas or outside influences; narrow-mindedness. |
| internecine |
of or pertaining to conflict, discord, or struggle within a group. |
| occlude |
to close or obstruct (a passage or opening, one's vision, or the like). |
| opiate |
something that induces relaxation, calm, or stupor. |
| repine |
to express or feel unhappiness; complain; fret. |
| truculent |
extremely hostile or belligerent; inclined to fight. |
| unscathed |
not hurt or harmed; completely uninjured. |