| backfire |
to have results that are the opposite of what one wanted. |
| connote |
to suggest or imply (meanings or associations) in addition to the literal meaning. |
| detonate |
to explode or cause to explode. |
| exemplary |
deserving to be imitated or followed; highly commendable. |
| flamboyant |
exceptionally showy or dashing in one's speech, manner, or appearance. |
| impasse |
a situation that allows no escape or solution; stalemate. |
| inquisition |
an official inquiry, especially for the purpose of enforcing political, social, or religious conformity. |
| liability |
the condition of or potential for being held responsible. |
| metabolism |
the processes in plants and animals by which food is changed into energy or used to make cells and tissues. |
| neutrality |
the foreign policy of a nation that refuses to take sides in an international dispute. |
| nihilism |
the belief that existence has no meaning or purpose. |
| reinstate |
to put back into a former position, condition, or state of effectiveness. |
| superimpose |
to set or lay on top of or above something. |
| syncopate |
in music, to make (a rhythm) more complex as by accenting beats that are not normally accented or employing rests where accented beats would be expected. |
| ungainly |
lacking gracefulness or ease of movement; clumsy; awkward. |