| Term | Definition |
| scrutinize | to look very carefully; to examine |
| torque | a turning or twisting force |
| umbrage | sense of injury or insult; to take offense, displeasure |
| verbatim | using exactly the same words, word for word |
| wither | to become dry; shriveled, shrunken, dried-up |
| abridge | to shorten; to condense; to diminish; to curtail |
| balm | something that heals or comforts; soothing; and oil or ointment |
| cajole | to wheedle, coax, or persuade someone to do something they didn't want to |
| dearth | scarcity; lack |
| egalitarian | advocating the doctrine of equal rights for all citizens |