| backfire |
to have results that are the opposite of what one wanted. |
| brandish |
to wave or shake (something such as a weapon) in a threatening or agitated manner. |
| caucus |
a private meeting of leaders of a political party to choose candidates or determine policy, or such a group itself. |
| chastise |
to punish, often corporally. |
| conclusive |
serving to reach a final answer or decision, or to settle. |
| disuse |
the state or condition of not being used or practiced any longer. |
| equivocate |
to express oneself ambiguously, often to avoid giving a direct answer or to deceive. |
| indigenous |
being the people or animals that originally lived and may continue to live in a particular country or region. |
| mandatory |
ordered; required; obligatory. |
| nadir |
the lowest or most depressing point or stage. |
| objectivity |
the quality of being unbiased or without prejudice. |
| retention |
the act or process of maintaining the possession or use of. |
| segregate |
to separate or place apart from others. |
| skeptic |
one who is inclined to question or doubt assertions that are made or accepted by others. |
| vacuous |
characterized by lack of intelligence or serious intent; devoid of ideas or emotion. |