35 Words Every Middle Schooler Should Know

Terms	Definitions
Serenity	(n.) peacefulness, calmness
Adversary	(n.) an enemy, opponent
Banish	(v.) to force to leave a country or place; exile
Commotion	(n.) noisy activity or confusion
Debris	(n.) the scattered remains of something that has been destroyed or broken up
Eavesdrop	(v.) to listen secretly to the private conversation of others
Falter	(v.) to hesitate, stumble, or weaken
Grueling	(adj.) extremely demanding and exhausting
Terse	(n.) brief and to the point
Pacifist	(n.) a person who is opposed to, or against, violence
Jargon	(n.) a specialized vocabulary of a profession or trade
Meander	(v.) to wander without aim or purpose
Contortion	(n.) a twisted or deformed shape or position
Jabber	(v.) to talk rapidly and in a senseless manner; chatter
Waft	(v.) to move lightly over water or air; to drift
Diminish	(v.) to make or become smaller or less; to reduce
Persevere	(v.)be persistent, refuse to stop
Luminous	(adj.) giving off light; shining
Jostle	(v.) to push and shove; to move by pushing or elbowing
Headway	(n.) progress toward a destination or goal
Recluse	(n.) a person who lives alone, avoids other people, or is withdrawn from the world
Swagger	(v.) to walk in a proud manner, often in an attempt to impress others
Scowl	(n.) a facial expression of dislike or displeasure; frown
Furrow	(n.) a slight wrinkle in the smoothness of a surface
Multitude	(n.) a large number
Furtive	(adj.) stealthy; secretive; sneaky
Dismal	(adj.) dark, depressing, and gloomy
Deft	(adj.) quick and skillful in movement
Exasperation	(n.) irritation, frustration
Apprehensive	(adj.) fearful or anxious, especially about the future
Conspicuous	(adj.) easily seen or noticed; obvious
Egregious	(adj.) outrageously bad or shocking; notorious
Engross	(v.) to hold the full attention of; absorb
Muster	(v.) gather or bring together
Restitution	(n.) paying back for something that has been lost or damaged