Vocabulary Drill

Chapter 12

acute · sharp or severe

ailing · sickly

astute · shrewd or clever

attired · dressed

billowing · swelling out or rolling

brandishing · shaking or waving threateningly

combust · burn

compress · folded cloth pressed against a body part

conflagration · fire

contusion · bruise

curtail · curtail

daft · crazy or silly

debris · fragments or rubbish

exacerbate · make more severe

exigent · requiring immediate aid

fronds · large leaves

grief · sorrow

guile · deceitfulness

inquisitive · extremely curious

intrepid · fearless

irreverent · disrespectful

jabbed · stabbed or punched

maneuvering · cleverly managing

nadir · lowest point

noxious · harmful

petite · small-figured

rations · food allowances

ruse · trick

semblance · appearance

sprinted · ran fast

wiry · lean and energetic