Adversity
hardship
Broach
start to discuss, approach
Deference
respect
Esoteric
obscure and difficult to understand
Hoary
old
Lavish
on a grand scale, wasteful
Obtuse
mentally dull
Portent
a warning sign, omen
Revere
worship
Tome
large book
Advocate
support
Brusque
blunt, abrupt
Defoliate
causes leaves to fall off
Espouse
promote, take up, support
Hone
sharpen, increase, whet
Lax
careless, not strict
Obviate
avoid, make unnecessary
Poseur
someone who puts on an act
Riddled
full of (usually full of holes)
Torpid
inactive, lazy, stagnant