Building an Enriched Vocabulary Lesson 2

abet Verb To encourage or assist, especially in wrong doing. Synonyms: egg on, further, help Example: Bonnie Parker abetted Clyde Barrow’s criminal activities and therefore she was charged as an accomplice.

adverse Adjective Hostile in purpose or effect; unfavorable Synonym: unfriendly, negative Example: The new medicine had many adverse effects including nausea and double vision.

allege Verb To claim that something is true but without offering any proof. Synonyms: claim, declare, affirm Example: The student in Block 1 alleged that her book had been stolen by the substitute teacher.

Apathy Noun A lack of feeling, emotion, or interest. Synonyms: Indifference, detachment, uninterested. Example: The mother’s apathy towards her new born baby caused the hospital staff to become concerned and call Social Services.

asylum Noun 1. An institution that shelters and cares for mentally unbalanced, aged, or homeless people. 2. Any place offering protection or security. 3. Protection against a legal or social penalty. Synonyms: sanctuary, refuge, haven Example: In the movie The Changeling, Angelina Jolie’s character was incarcerated in an asylum until she changed her story.

Avid Adjective Extremely eager, anxious, or enthusiastic. Synonyms: fanatical, passionate, gung ho. Example: Some avid skiers will jump mountain sides after being airlifted to the top by helicopter.

Verb and noun 1. To check or destroy the growth of. 2. Something that impairs growth or causes ruin. Synonyms: blast, ruin, devastate or plague. Example: The blight of the corn crop caused the harvest to be half of what was expected. Blight

bureaucracy Noun A complicated system of administrative agencies and officials. Example: Some people are discouraged from adopting foreign children because of the bureaucracy involved in the process.

Censor Noun and verb 1. An official who examines works of literature, films, and the like of things considered to be immoral or offensive. They are permitted to remove this material. 2. To examine for and remove objectionable material. Synonyms: expurgator, Grundyism, delete or expunge. Example: Howard Stern is a radio host that must be censored often because of his vulgar comments.

Cogent Adjective Forceful and convincing; to the point. Synonyms: powerful, effective, persuasive. Example: The detective’s tactics were clever and cogent, therefore the accused man confessed readily.

Paraphernalia Noun Equipment, apparatus, or furnishing used in or necessary for a particular activity Synonyms: belongings, articles Example: In order to get ready for my vacation in Vermont, I had to pack all of my skiing paraphernalia.

Perfunctory Adjective Performed merely as a routine duty; hasty and superficial; indifferent or apathetic Synonyms: thoughtless, uninterested Example: An employee who becomes perfunctory in their job may find themselves getting fired due to a lack of enthusiasm.

Profusely Adjective Spending or giving freely and in large amount, often to excess; extravagant Synonyms: lavish, ample Example: When I broke my mother’s crystal vase, I apologized profusely because it was her favorite.

Petulant Adjective Moved to or showing sudden, impatient irritation, especially over some trifling annoyance Synonyms: irritable, touchy, fretful Example: The baby’s petulant behavior was a result of the ear infection he had.

Disengaged Verb To release from attachment or connection; to free (oneself) from an engagement, pledge, obligation, etc. Synonyms: withdraw, free Example: He accepted the party invitation, but was later forced to disengage himself when he realized he had to work.