verb

13 of 60

Bad / Powerless

Url

kowtow - To act in an excessively submissive or obedient manner, often to gain favor; to bow or kneel as a sign of deep respect or submission.

In ancient China, people would kowtow before the emperor as a sign of respect.

noun

14 of 60

Good / Calm

trance - A semi-hypnotic state where the mind seems to be transported to another realm

When Jerry heard the trance music, he let himself go, and he seemed to float to another state of consciousness - and he just danced with the crowd, and he felt one with the rhythm.

noun

15 of 60

Bad / Hostile

mockery - Teasing and contemptuous language or behavior directed at a particular person or thing

"Saturday Night Live" frequently engages in mockery, especially when it comes to impersonating U.S. presidents.

noun

16 of 60

Good / Strong

Url

impunity - Freedom from negative consequences or accountability for one’s actions.

The dictator ruled with impunity, silencing anyone who opposed him.

adjective

17 of 60

Good / Important

momentous - Important because of the effect it has on the future

Neil Armstrong's first step on the moon was a momentous event because it gave people the feeling that nothing was beyond their reach.

noun

18 of 60

Bad / Dislike

Url

aversion - Feeling a strong dislike of something or someone, resulting in an unwillingness to do something.

Because he has an aversion to exercize of all kinds, he started gaining more weight than he wanted.

noun

19 of 60

Bad / Uncomfortable

Url

hangover - A set of unpleasant physical effects following heavy alcohol consumption, such as headache, nausea, and fatigue.

He spent the whole morning in bed, recovering from a bad hangover after a night of drinking.

verb

20 of 60

Other / Entice

cajole - To persuade someone to do something by sustained coaxing or flattery

Diana told her dad that he looked handsome today, hoping she could cajole him into handing over her allowance sooner.

noun

21 of 60

Bad / Crazy

Url

lunacy - Stupid or crazy ideas or behavior that is likely to have bad results

When Edwin Hubble suggested in 1922 that most of the little dots in the sky are entire galaxies, most scientists thought that the idea was sheer lunacy.

noun

22 of 60

Bad / Dangerous

Url

tinderbox - A volatile or tense environment, emotionally or politically charged, likely to erupt in violence or conflict.

During the blackout, the police were concerned about looting, and the downtown felt like a tinderbox ready to explode.

noun

See verb

23 of 60

Bad / Hostile

feud - A prolonged and bitter quarrel or dispute

In Verona, the Montagues and Capulets kept up a feud that ended tragically for both sides.

noun

24 of 60

Bad / Angry

Url

outrage - A strong feeling of shock or anger, often caused by something unjust or offensive.

The decision to cut down the ancient tree sparked public outrage.