(of an animal) To wound (a person or animal) by scratching and tearing
rustle
To make a soft, muffled crackling sound like that caused by the movement of dry leaves or paper
schlep
To haul or carry something heavy, often in an way that is awkward and takes a lot of energy.
shimmer
To shine in such a way that the light seems to glow and shake slightly
squirm
To wriggle or twist the body from side to side, especially as a result of nervousness or discomfort
barb
A remark that is funny but unkind.
gobbledygook
Language that is meaningless or is made unintelligible by excessive use of abstruse technical terms; nonsense
gulp
An act of gulping food or drink
nook
Small area or space, like an alcove, that is conducive to meditating, reading, relaxing or quietly reflecting.
stubble
Short stalks of growth
belch
verb
To emit gas noisily from the stomach through the mouth.
gab
verb
Talk, typically at length, about trivial matters
groggy
Dazed, weak, or unsteady, especially from illness, intoxication, sleep, or a blow
brandish
To wave or flourish (something, especially a weapon) as a threat or in anger or excitement
minuscule
Very small, tiny or microscopic.
cantankerous
Bad-tempered, argumentative, and uncooperative
dire
(of a situation or event) extremely serious or urgent
fervor
Intense and passionate feeling
peppy
Lively and high-spirited
groan
verb
To make a deep slow sound in response to pain or annoyance
bombard
To attack (a place or person) continuously with bombs, shells, or other missiles
pious
Devoutly religious
odious
Extremely unpleasant; repulsive.
punctual
On time; arriving or happening at exactly the time that has been arranged.
grieve
To feel great sadness about the loss of something
camaraderie
Mutual trust and friendship among people who spend a lot of time together.
loom
To appear as a dangerous event that might happen in the near future
gingerly
To act in a way that is careful and cautious:
contrived
Artificial and difficult to believe.
champion
Somone who wins, for himself or for others.
narrative
A story or a description of a series of events
shard
A sharp piece of broken glass, metal, or other hard substance
insurrection
A violent revolt against a government
grunt
noun
A low, short guttural sound made by an animal or a person
nibble
noun
A small bite of something, usually food.
nod
noun
An act of nodding the head
shriek
noun
A high-pitched piercing cry or sound; a scream
slump
noun
A sudden severe or prolonged fall in the price, value, or amount of something
lull
noun
A temporary interval of quiet or lack of activity
arrogant
Having an exaggerated sense of one’s own importance or abilities, often to an extent that seems offensive.
beast
Something or somebody very difficult or unpleasant to deal with.
breach
noun
An act of breaking a law, rule, or agreement.
compulsion
A strong, irresistible urge to do something, often against one's better judgement.
droop
To hang or bend downward limply.
embrace
noun
The holding of someone close by encircling of the arms especially as a sign of affection.
evoke
To bring a feeling, memory, or image into someone’s mind.
flashback
A sudden, vivid memory of a past event, often triggered by something in the present. Often used in films and books.
galvanize
To stimulate or energize a group or movement to act in unison.
plight
A difficult or unfortunate situation, often one that involves hardship or adversity.
shortcut
A simplified way to complete a task, often by bypassing steps in a process; or a path or way that reduces the usual time or distance required to reach a destination.
stuff
verb
To push or cram something into a space, often in a hurried or careless manner.
wonder
verb
To feel curiosity or doubt about something; to question or inquire about something, often with a sense of awe or amazement.
revulsion
A strong feeling of disgust or repulsion towards something, that makes a person what to distance themselves from it.
unforgiving
Not making an allowance for error or weakness in others; not willing to forgive others for things they might have done wrong.
decay
verb
To gradually deteriorate or break down, becoming weaker and more damaged.
acrimony
Showing feelings of anger and bitterness.
extravagant
Going beyond expected limits in spending money or using resources.
contemplate
To spend time considering a possible future action, or to consider one particular thing for a long time in a serious and quiet way.