renege

renege on an agreement / promise / deal

to not do something that one has agreed to do

Example: George Bush Sr. reneged on his promise to help the rebels.

derelict

derelict

abandoned or deserted

Example: Utility Building is an example of a derelict government-owned building.

dereliction

dereliction

intentional neglect

Example: To believe something absurd just because one doesn't have an explanation for something is intellectual dereliction.

deference

out of deference to

to do something out of respect for someone's opinions

Example: Many people go to church out of deference to their parents wishes.

dichotomy

dichotomy

division into two parts that are opposite in nature or cannot both be true

Example: You are either for us or against us. That is a false dichotomy.

scoff

scoff

to mock someone or someone's idea by laughing or talking in a way that shows your contempt

Example: He scoffed at the idea that he should take someone's help.

nihilism

nihilism

the idea that nothing has any meaning or value

Example: Some people think that atheism leads to nihilism.

total rejection of established social and political institutions

a philosophy the rejects the idea of objective ground

Example: Is nihilism a defensible philosophy?