Act 1 Vocab.
Creed
the written body of teachings of a religious group that are generally accepted by that group
abomination
an action that is vicious or vile; an action that arouses disgust or abhorrence
vindictive
disposed to seek revenge or intended for revenge
trepidation
a feeling of alarm or dread
The Red Scare
During The Cold War in the 20th century, this was the promotion of a widespread fear of a potential rise of communism
perpetuation
the act of prolonging something
rankle
to gnaw into; to make resentful or angry
snivel
to whine in a tearful manner
corroborate
to support with evidence or authority or make more certain or confirm
Joseph McCarthy
20th century U.S. senator that was known for alleging that numerous communists and Soviet spies and sympathizers had infiltrated the United States federal government, universities, film industry, and elsewhere
partisan
an ardent and enthusiastic supporter of some person or activity
titillate
to excite pleasurably or erotically
maraud
to raid and rove in search of booty
blatant
without any attempt at concealment; completely oblivious
modern "witch hunt"
a campaign directed against a person or group holding unorthodox or unpopular views
arbitrate
to act between parties with a view to reconciling differences
inculcation
teachings that impress upon the mind by frequent instruction or repetition
propitiation
the act of placating and overcoming distrust and animosity
defile
to place under suspicion or cast doubt upon
allegory
a story, poem, or picture that can be interpreted to reveal a hidden meaning, typically a moral or political one
enrapture
to hold spellbound
blanch
to turn pale, as if in fear
licentious
lacking moral discipline, especially sexually unrestrained
predilection
a predisposition in favor of something
social commentary
an element of a narrative that levels a comment — usually a critique — on societal issues or general society as a whole