The Crucible Act 1 Vocabulary

Theocracy

a system of government in which priests rule in the name of God or a god

Dissemble

To conceal one's true motives, beliefs, or feelings

Partisan

a strong supporter of a party, cause, or person

Avid

having or showing a keen interest or enthusiasm in something

Blasphemy

the act or offense of speaking sacrilegiously about God or sacred things; profane talk

Deposition

the process of giving sworn evidence

Beguile

to charm or enchant someone, sometimes in a deceptive way

Adamant

refusing to be persuaded or to change one's mind

Paradox

a statement or proposition that, despite sound (or apparently sound) reasoning from acceptable premises, leads to a conclusion that seems senseless, logically unacceptable, or self-contradictory

Barbaric

savagely cruel: exceedingly brutal

Vindictive

having or showing a strong or unreasoning desire for revenge

Conjure

make (something) appear unexpectedly or seemingly from nowhere as if by magic

Calumny

the making of false and defamatory statements in order to damage someone's reputation; slander

Iniquity

immoral or grossly unfair behavior

Trepidation

a feeling of fear or agitation about something that may happen