anomalous
adj. abnormal, irregular, departing from the usual
aspersion
n. a damaging or derogatory statement; the act of slandering or defaming
bizarre
adj. extremely strange, unusual atypical
brusque
adj. abrupt, blunt, with no formalities
cajole
v. to coax, persuade through flattery or artifice; to deceive with soothing thoughts or false premises
castigate
v. to punish severely; to criticize severely
contrive
v. to plan with ingenuity, invent; to bring about as the result of a scheme or plan
demagogue
n. a leader who exploits popular prejudices and false claims and promises in order to gain power
disabuse
v. to free from deception or error, set right in ideas or thinking
ennui
n. weariness and dissatisfaction from lack of occupation or interest, boredom
fetter
n. a chain or shackle placed on the feet (often used in plural); anything that confines or restrains; v. to chain or shackle; to render helpless or impotent
heinous
adj. very wicked, offensive, hateful
immutable
adj. not subject to change, constant
insurgent
n. one who rebels or rises against authority; adj. rising in revolt, refusing to accept authority; surging or rushing in or on
megalomania
n. a delusion marked by a feeling of power, wealth, talent, etc. far in excess of reality
sinecure
n. a position requiring little or no work; an easy job
surreptitious
adj. stealthy, secret, intended to escape observation; made or accomplished by fraud
transgress
v. to go beyond a limit or boundary; to sin, violate a law
transmute
v. to change from one nature, substance, or form to another
vicarious
adj. performed, suffered, or otherwise experienced by one person in place of another