A abash (uh-BASH) VERB: To humiliate, shame, or embarrass someone. abhorrent (ab-HOR-ent) ADJECTIVE: Repulsive or reprehensible. abominate (uh-BOM-ih-nayt) VERB: To detest or hate intensely. Even though the divorce was finalized, it didn’t change the fact that Rachel still ABOMINATED her ex-husband for having an affair. acerbate (AS-er-bayt) VERB OR ADJECTIVE: As a verb, to exasperate. As an adjective, embittered. acrid (AK-rid) ADJECTIVE: Most often used to describe something that is bitter or harsh in smell or taste, the word can be applied in a more general sense to anything that is extremely angry and bitter. acrimonious (ak-ri-MO-nee-us) ADJECTIVE: Bitter or hostile; something that is acrimonious is filled with anger and animosity. adverse (AD-vers) ADJECTIVE: Acting in opposition to or in an antagonistic manner; unfavorable; hostile. affliction (uh-FLICK-shun) NOUN: A condition of physical or mental suffering; hardship. Sophie’s self-hatred became such an AFFLICTION that no one was surprised by her eventual suicide. aggravate (AG-ruh-vayt) VERB: to make worse; to intensify; to cause to become irritated or inflamed. alienate (AY-lee-uh-nayt) VERB: To isolate or make someone feel as if he or she no longer belongs somewhere; estrange. amerce (uh-MERSS) VERB: To punish, especially with a monetary fine. anathema (uh-NATH-eh-muh) NOUN: A person or thing that is shunned because it is extremely disliked or loathsome. anger (ANG-ger) NOUN OR VERB: As a noun, a strong feeling of displeasure. As a verb, to arouse wrath within. animadversion (an-uh-mad-VER-zhun) NOUN: An extremely critical and reproachful comment. animosity (an-ih-MOSS-ih-tee) NOUN: Extreme hostility or resentment. animus (AN-uh-muss) NOUN: Hostility or ill feeling. I was angry with my friend: I told my wrath, my wrath did end. I was angry with my foe: I told it not, my wrath did grow. —W ILLIAM B LAKE antagonism (an-TAG-uh-niz-uhm) NOUN: An opposition between unfriendly or conflicting people or groups. antipathy (an-TIP-uh-thee) NOUN: A feeling of strong revulsion or hostility or the source of that hostility. If you feel such ANTIPATHY towards your job, why do you continue to go? apocalyptic (uh-pok-uh-LIP-tik) ADJECTIVE: As in the Bible’s book of Revelation, apocalyptic refers to an event involving widespread destruction or disaster. apoplectic (ap-uh-PLECK-tic) ADJECTIVE: An “apoplexy” is a stroke, so apoplectic can refer to the symptoms of a stroke, but it also refers to being in a state of extreme anger or rage. arson (AHR-suhn) NOUN: The intentional destruction of property by fire for malicious reasons. artifice (ART-ih-fuss) NOUN: Clever trickery or deceit. Through your well-rehearsed ARTIFICE you were able to embezzle over $40,000. askance (uh-SKANTS) ADVERB: Can refer to looking at something in a sideways manner or with suspicion or disapproval; doubtfully. asperity (a-SPAYR-ih-tee) NOUN: A manner that is harsh or severe; brusqueness. aspersion (uh-SPUR-zhun) NOUN: A slanderous or defamatory charge; false accusation. The word is often used in the plural. aversion (uh-VUR-zhun) NOUN: Extreme hatred or loathing; repugnance.
B baleful (BAYL-ful) ADJECTIVE: Threatening misfortune to come; ominous. bane (bayn) NOUN: Something that causes harm or destruction; scourge. barbarism (BAR-ber-ism) NOUN: Uncivilized or brutal behavior or actions; savagery. bedlam (BED-lum) NOUN: A situation marked by confusion or chaos; mayhem. During the riots out in the streets, the BEDLAM was such that we were unable to get in or out of our flat. belabor (bih-LAY-burr) VERB: To attack or assault either physically or verbally. beleaguer (bee-LEEG-urr) VERB: To besiege or harass a person; bother. belligerent (buh-LIJ-er-ent) ADJECTIVE: From the Latin word for “war,” a belligerent person is someone who is argumentative or pugnacious. bemoan (bih-MOAN) VERB: To express regret or disappointment;