the Chokey
A torture device in the Trunchbull’s office. It is a very narrow, tall cupboard with many bits of broken glass hammered into the cement walls. The door of the chamber is filled with many sharp nails that have been hammered in from the outside (Hortensia speculates that it is the Trunchbull herself who has done this). The Trunchbull locks children in this chamber and forces the children to stand completely still and completely straight in pitch darkness for hours.
precocious
Matilda is described as a “precocious child” by Miss Honey, meaning that Matilda is a highly advanced for her years and is more intelligent than her peers.
done a bunk
A phrase to mean someone fleeing or escaping a situation.
Telekinesis
the ability to use your mind to move things
Transported
Moved from one place to another
The whole hog
To go the whole extent
Nurtured
Being cared for whilst growing up
Glacial
Slowly
Vulnerable
Open to attack or injury of a non-physical nature
Periphery
Outer limits of vision
Understatement
Presenting something as being smaller or less important than it actually is
Sluggish
Slow moving
Exasperation
A feeling of intense irritation
Flabbergasted
Feeling astonished
Confront
to face up to something or someone
Regrettably
Unfortunately
Impending
About to happen
Tyrannical
Exercising power in a cruel way
pantomime
A form of British theatrical entertainment, usually for children, with jokes and comedy that are based around a nursery story
form
A grade or academic level in British schools
