Question: anomalous

Answer: adj. abnormal, irregular, departing from the usual

Question: aspersion

Answer: n. a damaging or derogatory statement; the act of slandering or defaming

Question: bizarre

Answer: adj. extremely strange, unusual atypical

Question: brusque

Answer: adj. abrupt, blunt, with no formalities

Question: cajole

Answer: v. to coax, persuade through flattery or artifice; to deceive with soothing thoughts or false premises

Question: castigate

Answer: v. to punish severely; to criticize severely

Question: contrive

Answer: v. to plan with ingenuity, invent; to bring about as the result of a scheme or plan

Question: demagogue

Answer: n. a leader who exploits popular prejudices and false claims and promises in order to gain power

Question: disabuse

Answer: v. to free from deception or error, set right in ideas or thinking

Question: ennui

Answer: n. weariness and dissatisfaction from lack of occupation or interest, boredom