The Fire Next Time

The Fire Next Time Glossary

Gimmick

A trick or device to attract attention

Truculent

Defiant, quick to argue

Tendency

An inclination toward a particular behavior

Namesake

A person after whom another person has been named

Ghetto

An derelict area of a city often occupied by a particular minority group

Ambition

A strong desire to achieve success

Assimilation

The process of a person or people acquiring the characteristics of the larger group

Integration

Bringing people into equal membership of a particular group or institution

Unassailable

Unable to be questioned or defeated

Arbitrary

Based on random choice, as opposed to a specific and defined system

Matron

A married woman, particularly a stern and middle aged one

Implacable

Unstoppable

"The Man"

A slang term for referring to white men and their superior position of power in America

Frisking

Police search for weapons, drugs, or other illegal items on someone's person

Carnal

Relating to physical actions and desires

Immobilized

Restricted in movement

Anguish

Severe suffering

Divine

Relating to God

Sanctification

The process of becoming holy

Single-minded

Having only one goal or motivation