veneer

[vuh-neer]

a thin layer of wood or other material for facing or inlaying wood

malign

[muh-lahyn]

to speak harmful untruths about; speak evil of; slander; defame

spellbinding

[spel-bahynd-ing]

holding one's attention completely as though by magic; fascinating

lave

[leyv]

to wash; bathe

histrionics

[his-tree-on-iks ]

dramatic representation; theatricals; acting

bawdy

[baw-dee]

indecent; lewd; obscene

paradox

[par-uh-doks]

a statement or proposition that seems self-contradictory or absurd but in reality, expresses a possible truth

swathe

[swoth]

to wrap, bind, or swaddle with bands of some material; wrap up closely or fully

impede

[im-peed]

to hold back in movement or progress by means of obstacles or hindrances; obstruct; hinder

quaff

[kwof]

to drink a beverage, especially an intoxicating one, copiously and with hearty enjoyment

whiz

[wiz]

to move or rush with such a sound

titter

[tit-er ]

to laugh in a restrained, self-conscious, or affected way, as from nervousness or in ill-suppressed amusement

palliative

[pal-ee-ey-tiv]

serving to relieve or lessen without curing; mitigate; alleviate

quiescent

[kwee-es-uhnt]

being at rest; inactive or motionless; quiet; still

truckle

[truhk-uhl]

to submit or yield obsequiously or tamely (usually followed by to)

sedulous

[sej-uh-luhs]

diligent in application or attention; persevering; assiduous

quaint

[kweynt]

having an old-fashioned attractiveness or charm; oddly picturesque

inculcate

[in-kuhl-keyt]

to implant by repeated statement or admonition; teach persistently and earnestly (usually followed by upon or in)

judicious

[joo-dish-uhs]

using or showing judgment as to action or practical expediency; discreet, prudent, or politic

lucid

[loo-sid]

easily understood; completely intelligible or comprehensible

yarmulke

[yah-muh-kuh]

a cap worn by Orthodox and Conservative Jewish males

complacency

[kuhm-pley-suhn-see ]

a feeling of quiet pleasure or security, often while unaware of some potential danger, defect, or the like; self-satisfaction or smug satisfaction with an existing situation, condition, etc.

wane

[weyn]

to decrease in strength, intensity, etc.

caterwaul

[kat-er-wawl]

to quarrel like cats