Hoot by Carl Hiaasen, Vocabulary List Chapters 1-3

to attack (someone or something) by surprise from a hidden place

The older kids were supposed to stay in the back of the bus, but Dana has snuck up behind Roy's seat and ambushed him.

threatening harm or evil

Glaring balefully over the top of her red-framed eyeglasses, she said, "From now on, mind your own damn business."

to laugh because you are amused or pleased by something

"Look at you," Dana chortled from behind, "red as a tomato!"

a strong feeling of surprise or sudden disappointment that causes confusion

Hey chilly grey eyes narrowed and her waxy lips pursed in consternation.

easily irritated or annoyed

Curly was cranky and unsmiling.

to find the meaning of (something that is difficult to read or understand)

Occasionally, when talking to Roy's mother, Mr. Eberhardt would refer to his working for the "D.O.J.," which Roy had deciphered as the United States Department of Justice.

to damage the face or surface of

You can't have vandalism without monetary damages, and if nothing on the property was broken or defaced...

to look at or check carefully

Chuck Muckle snatched the camera from him and examined the photo for all of about three seconds before bursting into cruel laughter. "What's that supposed to be?"

the amount of money that is needed to pay for or buy something

"Long as I can get a copy of your report for the insurance company. Least we'll be covered for lost time and expenses."

feeling or showing a lot of fear and worry

Roy heard their frantic cries but he didn't move.

an activity that a person does for pleasure when not working

Smoking and beating up smaller kids were his two main hobbies.

the thing that you plan to do or achieve : an aim or purpose

The expression on his face was intent and serious.

strange or funny because something (such as a situation) is different from what you expected

Ironically, Garret's mother was a guidance counselor at Trace Middle.

feeling or showing a desire to cause harm to another person

"I'm saying it's not technically vandalism. It's trespassing and malicious mischief."

a dangerous or possibly harmful person or thing

"Matherson is the menace! He hassles all the smaller kids on the bus."

of or relating to money

"What's your estimate of the monetary damage?"

to make (someone or something) not do something : to stop (someone or something) from doing something

The girl boldly seized the other side of his lunch tray, to prevent him from leaving.

to change the rank or position of (someone) to a higher or more important one

His mother said they moved so often because Roy's father was very good at his job (whatever that was) and frequently got promoted.

a usual order and way of doing something

A long run in the Florida sun would be torture, he thought. A kid would have to be tough as nails to make a routine of that.

having or expressing doubt about something (such as a claim or statement)

Garret looked skeptical. "An outlaw? You mean like Jesse James?"

to cause (someone or something) to feel extreme physical or mental pain

Seven rows back, Dana Matherson was tormenting a sixth grader named Louis.

to go on someone's land without permission

Vandalism and trespassing weren't big-time crimes, but Officer Delinko was intrigued by the continuing pattern of mischief at the future site of Mother Paula's All-American Pancake House.

intentional destruction of or damage to property

"This time you got a actual vandalism to report," Curly said pointedly. "This time they messed up some private property."