Short Story Vocab

Question 1

Preclude

Answer 1

(v)
To prevent or make impossible beforehand

Example: Adam Greenberg suffered a head injury in his first major league baseball game which precluded him from having a successful career.

Synonyms: Prevent

Question 2

Retribution

Answer 2

(n)
Punishment for doing something wrong

Example: Jake’s car had been totaled in the accident, and he wanted retribution so he took the other driver to court.

Synonyms: Vengeance, payback

Question 3

Avenge

Answer 3

(v)
To get revenge by punishing the wrongdoer

Example: The brothers vowed to avenge the death of their father.

Synonyms: Retaliate, redress

Question 4

Avenger

Answer 4

(n)
Someone who avenges a wrong.

Example: The avengers fight criminals

Question 5

Connoisseur

Answer 5

(n)
A person who has a high level of knowledge of skill in a field.

Example: She goes to a different expensive restaurant each weekend because she is a connoisseur of fine foods.

Synonyms: Enthusiast, aficionado

Question 6

Accost

Answer 6

(v)
To approach and speak to in a challenging or aggressive way.

Example: He was accosted by three gang members on the subway.