What does barren mean?

In this sentence, " They put the excavated dirt in a pile." What does excavated mean?

Not being able to choose between Elya and Igor was preposterous! What does preposterous mean?

Which tree was ENGRAVED?

Which person looks WEARY?

The city has a _____ court for children that commit crimes.

She lifted her _____ and drank the warm water.

After the attack, the city became a ______ of ruined buildings.

Waving his hand _____, he left the building unsure of where to go.

The desert was STIFLING hot, what does stifling mean?

Stanley's father was smart and had a lot of perseverance.

What does perseverance mean?