1.

stereotype

A stereotype is an athlete who tested positive for steroids.

Members of ethnic groups typically hate the stereotypes with which they are depicted by other groups.

"Stereotype" is a word one should not use these days because it may offend other people.

2.

odyssey

In the early 1800's, Thomas Jefferson sent his friend, Captain Meriwhether Lewis, on an expedition that turned into a four-year odyssey.

An odyssey always takes place on the sea, never on land.

Like the original journey of Odysseus, an odyssey always lasts exactly ten years.

3.

chauvinist

Chauvinists often harbor stereotypical* images of the members of various groups, including the group they belong to.

A chauvinist is a person who believes in freedom of speech and religion.

Chauvinistic remarks are typically meant to pacify* people whose feelings have been hurt.

4.

ostracize

The word "ostracize" originates in the legend that ostriches put their heads into the sand to avoid danger.

To ostracize means to praise someone profusely in public.

Being ostracized by peers can be a terrible experience for a high school student.

5.

bedlam

A bedlam is a historic quilt of great value.

When the team won the championship in overtime, there was complete bedlam on the field and in the stands.

I loved the scary bedlam stories my father read to us when we were young.

6.

maudlin

A maudlin is a writer who turns out one tear-jerker after another.

A movie can be deeply moving to some viewers and annoyingly maudlin to others.

My maudlin sister ran away three times in her youth, but settled down later.

7.

cynic

A cynic finds it hard to judge other people harshly.

Cynicism about politics and politicians is one reason why some people do not vote.

I find your cynical remarks very uplifting and reassuring.

8.

sabotage

In the old sitcom Sanford and Son, the main characters sabotage discarded objects and try to sell them as "antiques."

I cannot sabotage your conclusions because your evidence does not support it.

The famous Boston Tea Party was really an act of sabotage: Protesters disguised as Indians threw bags of imported tea into the harbor.

9.

nemesis

A nemesis is an aid to memory.

Cartoon heros like Batman spend much of their time fighting a nemesis like the Joker.

A nemesis is a scary story or movie.

10.

mentor

Having a trusted mentor can make all the difference in a person's career.

A mentor is a friend who competes with you in some area of shared interest.

The candidate mentored his vast experience so often that people got bored with it.