The Outsiders Vocab

The Outsiders VocabChapters 4-12

apprehensive (adj.)

Anxious or fearful about something that might happen; uneasy

“Buck glared at me for a second, then stumbled off. He was pretty well crocked, which made me apprehensive. If Dally was drunk and in a dangerous mood. . . . ” (59).

indignant (adj.)

Feeling or showing anger or annoyance at what is perceived as unfair or unjust treatment; aggrieved

“’You’re starved?’ Johnny was so indignant he nearly squeaked. I remembered the baloney” (80).

dogged (adj.)

Showing grim persistence; stubbornly determined; tenacious

“’My parents,’ Johnny repeated doggedly, ‘did they ask about me?’” (88).

contemptuous (adj.)

Showing open dislike for someone; scornful

“I hated them as bitterly and as contemptuously as Dally Winston hated” (115).

aimless (adj.)

Lacking direction, goal, or purpose “It was the reward of two hours of walking aimlessly

around a hardware store to divert suspicion” (125).

grimace (n., v.)

An ugly, twisted expression on a person's face, typically expressing disgust or pain

“We stood there, clenching our teeth and grimacing, with sweat pouring down our faces and the smell of burning flesh making us sick” (134).

conformity (v.)

Following the standards, rules, or law; obedience “Soda fought for fun, Steve for hatred, Darry for pride,

and Two-Bit for conformity. Why do I fight?” (137).

stupor (n.)

A state of near unconsciousness, dullness, or lack of interest often resulting from stress or shock

“I walked down the hall in a daze. Dally had taken the car and I started the long walk home in a stupor” (150).