claustrophobia

(n) An abnormal fear of narrow, enclosed spaces.

colleague

(n) An associate or coworker of similar status.

condescend

(v) 1. To lower oneself to a position one considers inferior. 2. To behave in an offensively superior manner.

contingent

(adj) 1. Conditional; depending on something else. 2. Likely, but not certain to happen; possible. (n) A group that is part of a larger one.

daunt

(v) To discourage or intimidate.

deluge

(n) 1. A downpour of rain; a flood. 2. A flood of anything. (v) To flood or overwhelm.

dispel

(v) To clear away; to remove or get rid of, as if by scattering.

dub

(v) To give a title, nickname, or description to.

fanfare

(n) 1. A sounding of trumpets or other brass instruments. 2. Any showy display.

fledgling

(n) 1. A young bird just learning to fly. 2. A young and inexperienced person. (adj) New and untested.

inane

(adj) Empty; shallow or silly.

mettle

(n) Courage to bear up under difficult circumstances; spirit.

negligible

(adj) Small and unimportant, not worth noticing.

protract

(v) To draw out or lengthen in time.

replica

(n) A copy or reproduction, especially one on a smaller scale than the original.