Vocabulary in A Wrinkle in Time

Stuck deeply in a bad feeling or situation, the way a boot gets stuck in mud, so that it is hard to pull free or move forward.

A theoretical shortcut through the fifth dimension that folds space and time so that two distant points touch, allowing instant travel across the universe.

Words borrowed directly from other writers or speakers, repeated word-for-word rather than expressed in one's own language.

To become fully solid and physically present in one place, taking on a stable, visible, material form rather than remaining ghostly or flickering.

Appeared and disappeared rapidly and unevenly, like a candle flame in the wind, so that the figure was never quite fully visible or stable.

Extremely serious and worrying, suggesting that something very bad or dangerous is about to happen.

In this story, a fold in the fabric of time and space that brings two far-apart points together, making it possible to travel vast distances in an instant.

In a dim, obscured, or imperfect way, so that only a partial or unclear understanding is possible rather than full, direct knowledge.

In a blunt, expressionless way, with no warmth, hesitation, or attempt to soften the answer.

A person believed to be able to perceive things beyond normal sight, such as distant events or hidden truths, often using a crystal ball or similar object.

The state of behaving exactly like everyone else and following every rule without question, leaving no room for individual thought or difference.

To put someone into a trance-like state in which they lose their own will and can be made to think, feel, or do whatever the hypnotist commands.

The memorized lists of multiplication facts (2×2=4, etc.) that Meg recites in her head as a mental anchor to resist the mind-controlling power trying to take her over.

Completely see-through, like clear glass, so that everything inside or behind it is fully visible.

Someone who deliberately causes great pain, suffering, or distress to another person, either physically or mentally.

Beating or throbbing with a steady, rhythmic pulse, expanding and contracting over and over in a way that feels alive and powerful.

Existing without a physical body — a mind, voice, or presence that has no flesh, bones, or visible form to contain it.

Imposed by force or threat so that people have no real choice but to obey, even if they do not want to.

Unable to move or feel any part of the body, as though all signals between the brain and the muscles have been completely cut off.

The lowest temperature physically possible, at which all heat energy is gone; used here to describe a cold so extreme it feels like the total absence of life and warmth.

Having tentacles — long, flexible, arm-like limbs — instead of hands or arms, describing the body shape of the gentle creatures on Ixchel.

Restricting what a person can know or experience; the creatures of Ixchel consider human eyesight a limitation because it makes people rely on appearances rather than deeper understanding.

Traveled instantly across space by folding the fifth dimension, using the tesseract method, so that an enormous distance is crossed in a single moment.

Without any conditions, limits, or requirements attached — a love that does not depend on the other person behaving well or being perfect.

A state of not being sure or decided, in which someone is wavering between choices or struggling to hold on to their own will against an outside force.