The Night the Bed Fell by James Thurber
recitation – something that is told from memory.
dissuade – to persuade someone not to do something.
ominous – sinister; threatening.
passel – a large number.
allay – to soothe; calm.
premonition – a feeling that something bad will happen.
avert – to prevent.
calamity – a disaster.
anesthetic – something that deadens physical sensations.
fortitude – courage.
canopy – a covering.
apprehension – fear.
reek (ed) – to give off a strong smell.
deluge – to flood. A flood.
pungent – sharp-smelling.
juncture – a point in time.
uncanny – strange.
endeavor – an attempt.
extricate – to set free.
flounder (ing) – to struggle clumsily.
culprit – a guilty person.
Bonus:
un –
re –
dis –
phobia –
philo –