The document provides definitions for 20 vocabulary words: 1) Embankment is a bank, mound, dike, or the like, raised to hold back water, carry a roadway. 2) Sashayed means to glide, move, or proceed easily or nonchalantly. 3) Gestapo was the German secret police during Nazi rule, known for brutal methods.

1. Independent Reading Vocabulary<br />1) Embankment: a bank, mound, dike, or the like, raised to hold back water, carry a roadway<br />2)Sashayed: to glide, move, or proceed easily or nonchalantly<br />3)Gestapo: the German state secret police during the Nazi regime, organized in 1933 and notorious for its brutal methods and operations<br />4)Creosote: an oily liquid having a burning taste and a penetrating odor, obtained by the distillation of coal and wood tar, used mainly as a preservative for wood and as an antiseptic<br />5)Blasphemy: impious utterance or action concerning god or sacred things<br />6)Unscrupulous: not scrupulous; unrestrained by scruples; conscienceless; unprincipled. <br />7)Assailants: a person who attacks<br />8)Savagery: an uncivilized or barbaric state or condition; barbarity<br />9)Indignation: strong displeasure at something considered unjust, offensive, insulting, or base; righteous anger<br />10)Anonymity: the state or quality of being anonymous.<br />11)Tarpaulin: a protective covering of canvas or other material waterproofed with tar, paint, or wax<br />12)Encapsulated: to place in or as if in a capsule<br />13)Mortarboard: a board, usually square, used by masons to hold mortar<br />14)Permeated: to pass into or through every part of<br />15)Sauntered: a leisurely walk or ramble; stroll<br />16)Teetotalism: the principle or practice of total abstinence from intoxicating drink<br />17)Felicitous: well-suited for the occasion, as an action, manner, or expression; apt; appropriate<br />18)Xeric: of, pertaining to, or adapted to a dry environment<br />19)Bibulous: absorbent; spongy<br />20)Superfluous: Excessive<br />