The Crucible Vocabulary
*Definitions are from Secondary
Solutions
abomination
• an object of disgust, shame or dislike
conjured
• invoked unnatural or supernatural forces
contention
• disagreement; a claim made in debate
deference
• respect towards another’s opinion or interests
innate
• a quality or characteristic you are born with;
something integral or important
licentious
• sexually immoral; lacking moral or ethical
restraint
manifestation
• a sign; an indication of the existence of
something
paradox
• a statement or situation which is contradictory
prodigious
• impressive in size or amount
vindictive
• purposely hurtful or hateful
ameliorate
• to improve or make better
avid
• eager for; dedicated to
blasphemy
• disrespect for God or other sacred things
crone
• a derogatory term referring to a woman’s age
or appearance
flailing
• hitting or swinging violently
indignant
• annoyance or anger over an unfairness
towards someone or something
pallor
• paleness in complexion
poppet
• a ragdoll
vengeance
• punishment in return for a wrongdoing
wily
• clever; deceitful
abundant
• an excess amount
auger
• a hand tool used to make holes
deposition
• a witness’s testimony given under oath
effrontery
• shameless or arrogant behavior
gait
• a way of walking, trotting like a horse
imperceptible
• unable to be perceived; tiny or insignificant
incredulously
• unbelievably
plaintiff
• a person who brings a lawsuit against another
vestry
• a room in a church where sacred objects are
kept
wrath
• extreme anger; God’s punishment for sin
agape
• with mouth open in astonishment
beguile
• to charm or deceive
cleave
• to faithfully cling to
disputation
• a verbal disagreement; argument
excommunication
• exclusion from a church or group
gaunt
• excessively thin or withered
gibbet
• a hanging post; gallows
indictment
• a formal accusation before a jury
reprieve
• delay of punishment
sibilance
• a hissing sound