Assuage - to ease, to calm

Brandish - to wave menacingly

Cynical - scornful of the motives of other

Demoralize - to weaken the spirit

Despair - lack of hope

Dignify - to add to the prestige of others

Engulf - to overwhelm; to surround totally

Ennoble - to add to the honor of; to dignify

Grotesque - strange; distorted

Impede - to block; to obstruct the way of

Inert - unable to move or act

Magnificent - outstanding; lavish

Menace - threat; annoying person

Minimize - to reduce to the smallest possible amount; to lessen

Misconception - incorrect understanding

Overtake - to take by surprise; to catch up with

Profound - absolute; deep; far-reaching

Sheepishly - in an embarrassed way

Splendor - brilliance; magnificent

Staid - serious or reserved in behavior