Blackbell the Cat — Vocabulary Study

20 key words from the story (reference)

Word List

fond(adjective)

having a liking or affection for someone or something

"I have never been fond of cats, but for Agatha's sake, I tried to love that cat."

reciprocate(verb)

to respond to an action or feeling with a similar one; to return in kind

"The cat, however, did not reciprocate."

hissed(verb)

made a sharp "s" sound, often as a sign of anger or warning

"She hissed if I came near her, and scratched my arm when I tried to pet her."

fault(noun)

responsibility for a mistake or wrongdoing

"Agatha knew that Blackbell didn't like me, and somehow, this was my fault."

blaming(verb (-ing))

holding someone responsible for a fault or wrong

"I got tired of Agatha always blaming me for nothing."

fastened(verb)

attached or fixed firmly onto something

"Blackbell leaped from the upper kitchen cabinet and fastened herself onto my head."

slapping(verb (-ing))

hitting with the open hand or a flat object

"I started spinning and slapping at the cat but she wouldn't let go."

choking(verb (-ing))

squeezing or blocking someone's throat so they cannot breathe

"So I began choking her; she fell to the floor---dead."

panic(verb)

to feel or act with sudden, overwhelming fear or anxiety

"I began to panic."

revive(verb)

to bring back to consciousness or life

"I knew that I had to revive the cat, so I gave Blackbell CPR with my mouth."

came to(phrasal verb)

regained consciousness

"She finally came to, but when she did she was so startled that she scratched my cheek."

startled(adjective)

suddenly surprised or frightened by something unexpected

"She was so startled that she scratched my cheek."

reaction(noun)

something done or felt in response to a situation or event

"In reaction, I flung her against the wall and she fell into the kitchen sink---dead again, and wet."

flung(verb)

threw something suddenly and with force

"In reaction, I flung her against the wall and she fell into the kitchen sink---dead again, and wet."

made up(phrasal verb)

reconciled after a disagreement or conflict

"I'm so happy to see that you two have made up."

stuck(verb)

unable to move or get free; trapped

"She ran and got stuck behind the rose bushes and the dog was trying to get her."

thorny(adjective)

covered with sharp, prickly points

"So I jumped into that thorny rose bush and grabbed Blackbell."

commotion(noun)

a state of noisy confusion or disturbance

"After all that commotion, Blackbell was so dirty that I decided to give her a bath."

gently(adverb)

in a mild, kind, or careful manner

""Oh, my hero," she said, as she gently kissed my wounded cheek."

wounded(adjective)

injured, especially with a cut or scratch

""Oh, my hero," she said, as she gently kissed my wounded cheek."