| appellative |
a descriptive name or title, as "Terrible" in "Ivan the Terrible". |
| austerity |
a tightened or stringent economy, as when there are high taxes, frozen wages, and shortages of consumer goods. |
| canard |
a deliberately false story or rumor, usually defamatory to someone. |
| convoluted |
complex; intricate. |
| debauch |
to lead or seduce into immorality or intemperance; corrupt. |
| deign |
to consider some act to be appropriate or in keeping with one's dignity; condescend. |
| divergence |
the act of separating and moving or leading in different directions. |
| fealty |
faithfulness or loyalty. |
| flummox |
(informal) to confuse or puzzle. |
| iatrogenic |
caused by a physician or medical treatment, especially from drugs or surgery. |
| mélange |
a mixture, usually of very dissimilar elements. |
| paroxysm |
a sudden strong outburst of feelings or actions. |
| requite |
to retaliate for; strike back on account of. |
| shibboleth |
a slogan, phrase, or belief that characterizes or is held devotedly by a group. |
| truculent |
extremely hostile or belligerent; inclined to fight. |