censorship noun The suppression or control of speech, writing, or other expression by an authority. Strict censorship meant that many books were banned from libraries and schools. + conformity noun Behavior that matches accepted standards, rules, or the behavior of most other people in a group. The strict dress code enforced conformity among all the students. + dystopia noun An imagined society or place marked by great suffering, injustice, or oppressive control, often in fiction. The novel imagines a dystopia where a single company controls every citizen's choices. + kerosene noun A thin, flammable oil distilled from petroleum, used as fuel for lamps, heaters, and some engines. Before electricity reached the village, families lit their homes with kerosene lamps every evening. + denounce verb To publicly declare something or someone to be wrong, illegal, or morally unacceptable. Human rights groups denounced the new law as a violation of free speech. + illiterate adjective Unable to read or write. A century ago, many rural children grew up illiterate because schools were scarce. + combustion noun The chemical process of burning, in which a substance reacts with oxygen to release heat and light. The engine relies on the combustion of fuel to generate power. + ignite verb To set something on fire, or to cause a strong reaction or feeling to begin suddenly. A single spark was enough to ignite the dry grass across the entire field. + incinerate verb To destroy something completely by burning it, often as a method of waste disposal. The hospital incinerates medical waste at a facility outside the city each week. + authoritarian adjective Favoring strict, absolute obedience to authority instead of personal freedom, especially in government. The new principal ran the school in an authoritarian way, punishing even minor disagreements. + propaganda noun Information, often biased or misleading, spread deliberately to promote a particular political cause or point of view. The government used posters and radio broadcasts as propaganda to boost support for the war effort. + rebellion noun Organized, often violent resistance against an established authority or government. The rebellion was crushed within weeks, but it left lasting resentment among the population. + isolation noun The state of being separate or apart from other people, places, or things. Months of isolation during the harsh winter left the villagers eager for spring visitors. + apathy noun A lack of interest, enthusiasm, or concern about something. Voter apathy was blamed for the unusually low turnout in the local election. + surveillance noun Close and continuous observation of a person, place, or activity, especially to gather information. The bank installed cameras to keep the parking lot under constant surveillance. + dissent noun Disagreement with an official or widely held opinion, especially when expressed openly. Several senators voiced their dissent before the controversial bill was passed. + ignorance noun Lack of knowledge, information, or awareness about a particular subject or fact. His ignorance of local customs led to several embarrassing misunderstandings during the trip. + enlightenment noun A state of having greater knowledge or spiritual understanding, especially freedom from ignorance. The monk spent decades meditating in search of enlightenment. + hearth noun The floor of a fireplace, or, more broadly, the home regarded as the center of family life. The cat curled up on the warm stones of the hearth all winter. + smolder verb To burn slowly with smoke but without flame, or to experience a strong emotion held under a calm surface. The campfire continued to smolder long after everyone had gone to bed. + forbidden adjective Not allowed, especially by a rule, law, or authority. Smoking is strictly forbidden anywhere inside the hospital building or its courtyards. + totalitarian adjective Relating to a system of government that demands complete control over public and private life, allowing no political opposition. The novel depicts a totalitarian state where citizens are monitored constantly by the government. + complacency noun A feeling of quiet satisfaction with one's own achievements that leads to a lack of awareness of danger or need for improvement. Years of success bred complacency among managers who stopped checking the safety equipment. + defiance noun Open resistance or bold refusal to obey a person, rule, or authority. In an act of defiance, the workers refused to leave the factory floor. + conformist noun A person who follows accepted standards, customs, or beliefs rather than acting independently. As a teenager, he rejected conformist attitudes and dressed however he pleased. + parlor noun A room in a private house set aside for receiving visitors and everyday social conversation. Guests were shown into the parlor while the host finished preparing tea. + salamander noun A small, moist-skinned amphibian with a long tail, related to newts and typically found near water. We spotted a bright orange salamander hiding beneath a damp log near the stream. + phoenix noun A mythical bird said to burn up and be reborn from its own ashes. Like a phoenix, the small business rose again after nearly closing during the recession. + fervent adjective Showing intense and sincere feeling or enthusiasm about something. She is a fervent supporter of the local animal shelter, volunteering there every weekend. + disillusioned adjective Disappointed to discover that a belief or ideal one held is not true or is less admirable than thought. After years in politics, she grew disillusioned with promises that were never kept. +