abet Verb To encourage or assist, especially

in wrong doing. Synonyms: egg on, further, helpExample: Bonnie Parker abetted

Clyde Barrow’s criminal activities and therefore she was charged as an accomplice.

adverseAdjectiveHostile in purpose or effect;

unfavorableSynonym: unfriendly, negativeExample: The new medicine had

many adverse effects including nausea and double vision.

allege Verb To claim that something is true but

without offering any proof. Synonyms: claim, declare, affirmExample: The student in Block 1

alleged that her book had been stolen by the substitute teacher.

ApathyNounA lack of feeling, emotion, or interest. Synonyms: Indifference, detachment,

uninterested.Example: The mother’s apathy

towards her new born baby caused the hospital staff to become concerned and call Social Services.

asylumNoun 1. An institution that shelters and cares for

mentally unbalanced, aged, or homeless people. 2. Any place offering protection or security. 3. Protection against a legal or social penalty.

Synonyms: sanctuary, refuge, havenExample: In the movie The Changeling,

Angelina Jolie’s character was incarcerated in an asylum until she changed her story.

AvidAdjectiveExtremely eager, anxious, or

enthusiastic. Synonyms: fanatical, passionate,

gung ho.Example: Some avid skiers will

jump mountain sides after being airlifted to the top by helicopter.

Verb and noun1. To check or destroy the growth of. 2.

Something that impairs growth or causes ruin.

Synonyms: blast, ruin, devastate or plague.

Example: The blight of the corn crop caused the harvest to be half of what was expected.

Blight

bureaucracyNounA complicated system of

administrative agencies and officials.

Example: Some people are discouraged from adopting foreign children because of the bureaucracy involved in the process.

CensorNoun and verb1. An official who examines works of literature,

films, and the like of things considered to be immoral or offensive. They are permitted to remove this material. 2. To examine for and remove objectionable material.

Synonyms: expurgator, Grundyism, delete or expunge.

Example: Howard Stern is a radio host that must be censored often because of his vulgar comments.

CogentAdjectiveForceful and convincing; to the point.

Synonyms: powerful, effective, persuasive.

Example: The detective’s tactics were clever and cogent, therefore the accused man confessed readily.