bowdlerize
(v.) to remove parts considered vulgar or immoral
quixotic
(adj.) idealistic, but not practical
stoical
(adj.) indifferent to pain and pleasure; to show great self-control
pander
(v.) to play up to another's desires or weaknesses
tantalize
(v.) to arouse hopes that will be frustrated
laconic
(adj.) brief, concise
galvanize
(v.) to startle, excite, or shock
gregarious
(adj.) liking the company of others
mesmerize
(v.) hypnotize, fascinate
precarious
(adj.) unsafe, risky, insecure
foible
(n.) a minor or amusing fault
forte
(n.) a strong point
protean
(adj.) readily changing form or character
idiosyncrasy
(n.) a personal peculiarity
decimate
(v.) destroy or kill a large part of something
narcissism
(n.) extreme self-love or self-admiration
iconoclast
(n.) an attacker of traditional or cherished beliefs or ideas
supercilious
(adj.) scornfully looking down on others
panacea
(n.) a remedy for all desires and/or sufferings
capricious
(adj.) changeable, unpredictable
auspicious
(adj.) favorable, promising a good outcome
atone
(v.) to make up for a wrong
prevaricate
(v.) stray away from the truth
aloof
(adj.) reserved, detached
curtail
(v.) to shorten or reduce
scruple
(n.) doubt or uneasiness as to what is right or wrong
haggard
looking worn and tired
diffident
(adj.) lacking self-confidence
zealous
(adj.) extremely active, eager, devoted
candid
(adj.) honest, truthful, straightforward
chagrin
(n.) humiliation, disappointment, irritation
dexterous
(adj.) skillful, clever
anecdote
(n.) a brief story of an interesting or amusing incident
meander
(v.) to follow a winding course; wander
precocious
(adj.) advanced beyond one's age
scapegoat
(n.) someone blamed for the faults of others
nepotism
(n.) favoritism to relatives in giving jobs
procrustean
(adj.) forcing rigid conformity
prosaic
(adj.) commonplace, dull, uninspired
nebulous
(adj.) unclear, hazy, indistinct