| contagion |
the spreading of a disease by contact or close association. |
| diffuse |
in the physical sciences, to flow toward regions of lower concentration. |
| epithet |
a word or phrase attached to, or used in place of, a given name. |
| gusto |
vigorous or hearty enjoyment or appreciation. |
| imperil |
to put at risk; endanger. |
| mesmerize |
to induce a hypnotic trance in; hypnotize. |
| overt |
openly apparent; not concealed. (Cf. covert.) |
| preoccupation |
the state of being completely engrossed or absorbed in thought. |
| proponent |
one who proposes or favors an idea, doctrine, course of action, or the like. |
| retaliate |
to strike back; take revenge. |
| sacrilege |
the violation, profane treatment, or destruction of some place or thing that is considered to be holy. |
| solstice |
either of the two times in the year when the sun is furthest from the celestial equator, occurring in June and December. |
| tensile |
of or relating to tension. |
| troublesome |
causing anxiety, worry, or bother. |
| visceral |
stemming from instinct or intuition rather than the intellect. |