| aberration |
a deviation from what is considered normal or right; irregularity. |
| burgeon |
to start to grow; send forth shoots, leaves, buds, or the like (often followed by "out" or "forth"). |
| calumny |
a harmful statement, known by the maker to be false. |
| conclave |
a secret, private, or confidential meeting or gathering. |
| euphoria |
a strong feeling of well-being or elation, sometimes unrealistic or unwarranted, and able to be induced by certain drugs. |
| extrinsic |
not inherent or essential; extraneous. |
| heterodox |
deviating from an officially approved belief or doctrine, especially in religion. |
| idyllic |
charmingly simple and natural, as a scene or experience; suggestive of peaceful countryside. |
| interdict |
to deter or impede by the steady use of firepower. |
| lapidary |
an expert on or dealer in gemstones. |
| plaudit |
(often plural) an enthusiastic show of approval, such as a round of applause or a very favorable review. |
| pretentious |
assuming or marked by an air of importance or superiority that is unwarranted. |
| reconnoiter |
to go through or over (an area) so as to gain information about it, as for military or engineering purposes. |
| remonstrate |
to say in opposition, protest, or objection. |
| vitiate |
to harm the quality of; mar; spoil. |