Day 17 Vocabulary

The practice of manipulating the boundaries of an electoral constituency to favor one party or class.

" The politician was accused of gerrymandering his district, drawing the lines in a way that would give him a guaranteed victory."

To feel or express great pleasure and satisfaction at one's own success or another's misfortune.

" He couldn't help but gloat after winning the chess match, making his opponent feel even worse about the loss."

Excessive eating or drinking; an overindulgence in food and drink.

" His gluttony at the buffet was so great that he had to be carried home by his friends after the meal was over."

Hard, boring, and often unpleasant or unrewarding work.

" The new intern was given all the grunt work, such as making coffee and organizing old files, while the other employees got to do more interesting tasks."

To talk or behave in a bullying, intimidating, or condescending way.

" She was tired of her manager’s hectoring tone and condescending attitude every time he gave her a new task to do."

The pursuit of pleasure as the highest good and the main aim of human life.

" The philosophy of hedonism was popular in the ancient world, with many people believing that a life of pleasure was the only one worth living."

Deceiving or tricking someone, often by using a clever scheme.

" The con artist was known for hoodwinking his victims into believing they had won a large cash prize."

An idiom meaning to stop bothering someone or to leave them alone.

" I'll just grab my things, and then I'll be out of your hair for the rest of the day."

A hindrance or obstruction in doing something; a delay.

" The legal impediments to the merger were so numerous that the company decided to abandon the deal entirely."

To challenge or call into question the truth, validity, or integrity of something.

" The lawyer impugned the witness's testimony by pointing out several inconsistencies in his statement."

Not resulting from or achieved through deliberate planning; unintentional.

" Her inadvertent comments caused her friend to become angry, even though she had not meant to offend them."

The person currently holding an office or position.

" The incumbent senator was running for re-election, but he was facing a tough challenge from his opponent."

To compensate someone for harm or loss; to protect from legal liability.

" The insurance company agreed to indemnify the homeowner for all the damages to their property."

A formal accusation that a person has committed a crime, often presented by a grand jury.

" He was faced with a grand jury indictment for his alleged involvement in the crime."

Slightly unwell; unwilling or reluctant to do something.

" She was indisposed with a stomachache, so she couldn’t attend the party that evening with her friends."