“Diary of Anne Frank” Vocabulary Defined

conspicuous noticeable

Mazeltov “good luck” in Hebrew or Yiddish

resent Feel angry out of a sense of unfairness

insufferable unbearable

bewildered Hopelessly confused

fatalist One who believes that all events are determined by fate

carillon Set of bells, each producing one note of the scale

capitulation surrender

Plus fours Loose knickers (short pants) worn for active sports

Green Police Dutch Gestapo or Nazi Police, who wore green uniforms and were known for their brutality. They raided houses to round up victims.

mercurial Quick or changeable in behavior

ration books Books of stamps given to ensure the equal distribution of scarce items, such as meat or gasoline, in times of shortage

Black Market Illegal way of buying scarce items without ration stamps

tension A nervous, worried, or excited state that makes relaxation impossible

St. Nicholas Day December 6, the day Christian children in the Netherlands receive gifts

Hanukkah Jewish celebration that lasts eight days

Menorah Candle holder with nine candles, used during Hanukkah

Shamos Candle used to light the others in a menorah

Mauthausen Village in Austria that was the site of a Nazi concentration camp

cultured Educated, polished, and refined

makeshift A temporary substitute

threadbare Having the nap worn down; frayed or shabby

satchel A small bag often having a shoulder strap