Understanding Superstitions

Vocabulary and Definitions

Superstitious: Belief in irrational supernatural influences leading to good or bad luck.
Ravage: Cause severe damage; destructive effects of something.
Successive: Occurring one after another; consecutive.
Abrogate: Repeal a law or formal agreement.
Delineate: Describe or portray something precisely.
Menace: A person or thing that poses a threat or danger.
Occult: Related to mystical, supernatural, or magical powers and practices.
Vindicate: Clear someone of blame or suspicion; justify.
Benevolence: The quality of being well-meaning or kind.
Panacea: A solution or remedy for all difficulties or diseases; a cure-all.
Prudent: Acting with care and thought for the future; cautious.
Amicable: Characterized by friendliness and absence of discord.
Scorn: A feeling of contempt or disdain towards someone or something.
Apposite: Appropriate in the circumstances; relevant.
Dulcet: Sweet and soothing; pleasant to hear.
Indictment: A formal accusation of a serious crime.
Invariable: Something that never changes; constant.
Stubborn: Difficult to move or change; adamant.
Colossal: Extremely large or great; gigantic.
Detrimental: Causing harm; harmful.
Heralded: Signifying that something is about to happen.
Incessantly: Without interruption; continuously.
Veracity: Conformity to facts; accuracy.
Accountrement: An additional item of dress or equipment.
Obscene: Offensive or disgusting by accepted moral standards.
Genuine: Truly what something is said to be; authentic.
Eternal: Lasting forever; perpetual.
Flabbergast: Greatly surprise; astonish someone.
Dubious: Not to be relied upon; suspect.
Antipathy: A deep-seated feeling of dislike or aversion.
Rescind: Cancel or repeal an action.
Meticulous: Very careful and precise, paying great attention to detail.
Perquisite: A benefit enjoyed because of one's position or job.
Execrate: Express great loathing; curse.
Spirited: Full of energy and enthusiasm.
Virulent: Extremely severe or harmful; deadly.
Controvert: To argue against someone; contradict.
Reverie: A state of pleasantly lost thoughts; daydreaming.
Perilous: Filled with danger or risk; hazardous.
Audacious: Willing to take bold risks.
Querulous: Complaining in a petulant manner.
Poignant: Evoking a keen sense of sadness or regret.
Accrue: To accumulate or gather over time.
Genial: Friendly and cheerful; cordial.
Inclement: Characterized by unpleasant weather or conditions.
Vindictive: Showing a strong desire for revenge; spiteful.
Loquacious: Tending to talk a great deal; talkative.
Perspicuous: Clearly expressed and easily understood; lucid.
Prodigal: Wasteful in the use of resources; lavish.
Blister: A small bubble on the skin caused by friction or burning.
Atrocity: An extremely wicked or cruel act, especially involving violence.
Tedious: Too long, slow, or dull; tiresome or monotonous.
Paucity: Presence in small or insufficient quantities; shortage.
Pacify: Calm down anger or agitation.
Fortify: Strengthen with defensive works against attack.
Disparity: A great difference; inequality.
Pester: Annoy someone with persistent requests or interruptions.
Trimming: Small pieces cut off from something.
Rival: A person competing for the same goal as another; competitor.
Saviour: A protector from danger or difficulty.
Defer: Postpone an action or event.
Deliberate: Done consciously and intentionally.
Infirm: Not physically strong; weak due to age or illness.
Wholesome: Suggestive of good health; conducive to well-being.
Allure: Fascinating charm; mysterious attractiveness.
Perish: To die, especially suddenly or violently.
Mania: A mental illness marked by periods of great excitement and excessive enthusiasm.
Superficial: Appearing true only until examined closely; shallow.
Economical: Careful not to waste resources; thrifty.
Preamble: The introductory part of a statute or document, explaining its purpose.
Advocate: A person who supports or recommends a particular cause or policy.
Collate: Collect and combine information.
Rampart: A defensive wall with a broad top and typically a parapet.
Tribulation: A cause of great trouble or suffering.