Implacable
cannot be pacified, inexorable
The detective was IMPLACABLE in his search for the murder weapon.
Paroxysm
a fit, sudden outburst
In a PAROXYSM of rage, the tenant stormed out of the landlord’s office.
Reprehensible
worthy of blame, really bad
The brash student was forced to apologize for her REPREHENSIBLE conduct.
Jurisdiction
power, range of authority
Saying that it was beyond his JURISDICTION, Judge Klein refused to rule on the case.
Skirmish
small fight, brief encounter
The precocious boy enjoyed an intellectual SKIRMISH with his elder.
Harass
to trouble, torment
If anonymous telephone callers HARASS you, the phone company will give you an unlisted number.
Monolithic
massively solid
George Orwell’s 1984 depicts a frightening, MONOLITHIC government.
Indigent
poor, needy
The INDIGENT client was surprised when she was accosted by her social worker in the elegant restaurant.
Arbitrary
based on whim/impulse, dictatorial
To mind the decision was unreasonable and ARBITRARY.
Fray
a fight
After the FRAY, the feuding families agreed to patch up their differences.
Stymie
to hinder, impede, to confuse
“Cause of some cancers continue to STYMIE doctors”
Effigy
a likeness (usually of a hated person)
“Coach of losing team hanged in EFFIGY”
Flout
show contempt, scoff
“Many motorists FLOUT traffic laws, study reveals”
Cognizant
aware
“F.B.I. COGNIZANT of clandestine gangland meeting”
Turbulent
unruly, agitated
“TURBULENT atmosphere in angry senate chamber”
A Bitter Pill to Swallow
a humiliating defeat
It was A BITTER PILL TO SWALLOW for the famous billiard player to be overwhelmed by the 12-year old girl.
Terminate
to end
It seemed incongruous to TERMINATE his employment just when he was so successful.
Forthwith
immediately
Upon seeing the show, he called the TV studio FORTHWITH to protest.
Exacerbate
to irritate, make worse
The arrest of the spy did much to EXACERBATE relations between the two countries.
Revert
return, state of being, plan
After taking the drug, she began to REVERT to the days of her childhood.
Oust
to drive out, eject
The ushers moved with alacrity to OUST the disorderly patrons.
Ameliorate
to make better
When sick you must take medicine to AMELIORATE your health.
