Vocabulary in It Ends with Us

A doctor who specializes in surgery on the brain, spine, and nervous system — a highly specialized and prestigious medical profession.

The flat or sloped top surface of a building, sometimes used as an outdoor social or private space in urban settings.

A temporary, often unpaid or low-paid position where someone gains practical work experience in a professional field.

Treating a serious matter too casually or with disrespectful humor, as if it doesn't deserve genuine concern.

Showing no sympathy or feeling for others' suffering; emotionally hardened and indifferent to pain — used here to describe a person's attitude.

To respond to a feeling, action, or gesture by doing or feeling the same thing in return.

Behaving in a way that oversteps what is appropriate or polite, assuming too much familiarity or entitlement.

Believing that people are motivated only by self-interest and that good intentions are rarely genuine or lasting.

To try to match or copy someone admired, typically striving to equal or surpass them.

Acting as though you are superior to others and talking down to them, often without realizing it.

To construct seemingly logical reasons to justify a behavior or decision that is actually driven by emotion or self-interest.

Liable to change rapidly and unpredictably, especially in mood or temper — used here to describe a person who can shift from calm to explosive anger.

To deliberately say or do something intended to make someone angry or cause a strong reaction.

Controlling or influencing others in a clever and unfair way, often by exploiting their emotions or weaknesses.

A form of psychological manipulation in which an abuser causes the victim to question their own memory, perception, or sanity.

To harm or do something bad to someone in return for harm they have done to you; to strike back.

The act of being unfaithful to a romantic partner, typically by having a sexual or romantic relationship with someone else.

To restore a friendly or loving relationship after a conflict or separation; to come back together after a falling out.

A pattern of abusive behavior — physical, emotional, or psychological — used by one partner to control or harm another within an intimate relationship.

Deserving blame or held responsible for a fault or wrong; guilty in a moral or legal sense.

Having or showing a strong desire to harm someone who has hurt you; motivated by a wish for revenge.

Done or achieved in a friendly and cooperative spirit, without hostility — often used of separations or legal agreements.

The legal right and responsibility to care for and make decisions about a child, especially after parents separate or divorce.

Money that a court orders one spouse to pay the other regularly after a separation or divorce to support them financially.

Providing a powerful emotional release or relief, helping someone process and let go of built-up feelings of grief, anger, or pain.