The Arab Spring

Week #25 Vocabulary

Definition: Something that actively contributes to an end result.

Sample Sentence: The weather is one factor that needs to be taken into account when planning a picnic.

Factors (n)

Definition: To take place; happen.

Sample Sentence: Snow occurs very rarely in the month of May.

Occur (v)

Authoritarian (adj)Definition: Favoring a

concentration of power in a leader or an elite not constitutionally responsible to the people.

Sample Sentence: Prior to the Arab Spring, many Middle Eastern countries were governed by authoritarian regimes.

Repression (v)Definition: To hold

someone or something back.

Sample Sentence: Protests during the Arab Spring have been met with violent repression.

Sanctuary (n)Definition: A place

of protection.

Sample Sentence: As the violence of the Syrian Revolution has worsened, citizens have tried to find a sanctuary in other countries.

Fanatical (n)Definition:

Excessive enthusiasm and often unquestioning devotion.

Sample Sentence: In Chicago, many Bears fans can be considered fanatical.

Skeptic (n)Definition: Someone

who is always questioning and seeking answers.

Sample Sentence: You might say that aliens are responsible for Stonehenge, but I’m still a skeptic.

Laborious (adj)Definition:

Requiring a lot of time and energy.

Sample Sentence: Achieving success in school is often a laborious process.