Building a Better Vocabulary

Glossary of Target Words

Target Word

and Part of Speech 'H¿QLWLRQ

LECTURE

No.

abdicate (verb) to renounce or relinquish a throne,

right, power, or responsibility

21

ablution (noun) the washing of one’s body, or part of it,

especially as a religious ritual

21

abnegate (verb) 1. to deny or renounce

2. to relinquish power

21

abrogate (verb) 1. to abolish by formal, authoritative action;

to annul, repeal

2. to treat as nonexistent;
   to do away with, set aside

25

DEVTXDWXODWH (verb) WRÀHHDEVFRQG 21

DFURQ\P (noun) a word or abbreviation formed from the

initial letters of each of the successive

or major parts of a compound term

28

acrophobia (noun) abnormal fear of heights 9

DGXPEUDWH (verb) 1. to give a sketchy outline of; to suggest,

disclose, or outline partially

2. to foreshadow vaguely; to intimate

13

agent provocateur

(noun)

a secret agent hired to incite suspected

persons to illegal action that will make

them liable to punishment

35

agitprop (noun) political propaganda delivered through

art, music, drama, or literature

14

agoraphobia (noun) abnormal fear of open or public spaces 9

alacrity (noun) a quick and cheerful readiness

and eagerness to do something

19

antediluvian

(adjective)

1. of or relating to the period
   EHIRUHWKHELEOLFDOÀRRG


2. very old-fashioned, out of date,
   antiquated, or primitive

21

apocryphal (adjective) of doubtful or dubious authenticity; false 3