UNUSUAL WORDS LXXII

Can you give a simple definition of these less-frequently-used words?

1. IRENIC

2. OTIOSE

3. HECTOR

4. PUERILE

5. QUAHOG

6. PYRRHIC

7. ANODYNE

8. CASTIGATE

9. CATHARSIS

10. PUGNACIOUS

Answers:

 

1. IRENIC -  Peaceful 

 

2. OTIOSE - Futile, producing no useful result

 

3. HECTOR - Intimidate, bully, harass

 

4. PUERILE - Childish, immature

 

5. QUAHOG - Hard-shelled, edible clam

 

6. PYRRHIC - Of a victory won at such great cost (loss of life) as to be not worth the loss. 

 

7. ANODYNE - Bland, innocuous/A painkilling drug or medicine

 

8. CASTIGATE - Severely reprimand

 

9. CATHARSIS - A purging/releasing of repressed emotions

 

10. PUGNACIOUS - Eager to quarrel or fight, combative