The Giver – Chapters 1–3 Vocabulary & Definitions

Front

Intrigued

Back

Deeply curious or fascinated; Jonas becomes intrigued by unusual events or ideas.

Front

Apprehensive

Back

Nervous or uneasy about what might happen; Jonas feels this before the Ceremony of Twelve.

Front

Ritual

Back

A prescribed, repeated action or ceremony that is part of daily life, such as dream telling.

Front

Nurturer

Back

A community role responsible for caring for newborns before they are assigned to family units.

Front

Release

Back

A euphemism for death or exile

Front

Ceremony

Back

A formal event marking transitions in age or role, such as the Ceremony of Twelve.

Front

Transgression

Back

A violation of a community rule; even minor infractions are taken seriously.

Front

Comfort Object

Back

A stuffed animal given to young children for emotional support; taken away when they become Eights.

Front

Assignment

Back

The career or role a child is given at the Ceremony of Twelve, determined by community observation.

Front

Family Unit

Back

A government-assigned household consisting of two adults and up to two children; not biologically related.