confused or puzzled

After being almost drowned in the fountain, Ponyboy passed out.  When he came to, he was bewildered by the sight of Bob Randle bleeding on the ground.

likely or apt

Dally Winston had a hot temper, and was liable to hit anyone who said anything that he didn't like.

shifted from one direction to another

Dally drove too fast on the dusty road.  His car veered dangerously as he sped away.

shrinking back

Johnny was often seen flinching when someone moved their hand too close to him, because he had been beaten so many times at home.

in law, a person who has the care of another person

When their parents died, Darry was able to get himself appointed as Ponyboy and Sodapop's guardian.  This way the brothers could stay together.

constant; firm; not shaky

The Greasers tried to steady their nerves before the big fight with the Socs.

not clearly; hazily

It seems that I vaguely remember the details of that story.

admired or adored greatly

Ponyboy idolized his brother Sodapop.

shaking or shivering

Ponyboy was trembling in the cold night air because he only had on jeans and a tee shirt.

pronounced not guilty

After the hearing, Ponyboy was relieved that he had been acquitted and he could go home.

extremely harsh or cruel

The life of a street gang seems a bitter way to live.

marked by overconfidence

The five  cocky Soc boys got out of the blue Mustang and swaggered over to harrass Johnny.

one who acts as a mediator between two parties

In a way, Cherry acted as a middleman, trying to bring peace between the rival gangs.

rose up and flowed out

After he finally faced the fact that both Johnny and Dally had died, the tears welled up in Ponyboy's eyes, then flowed down his face.

a household in which a neglected or delinquent child is placed for care

Ponyboy was terrified that if he got into trouble, he would be forced to go and live in a foster home.

in a manner with strong feelings

The story about the sad and violent lives of the boys in The Outsiders is emotionally charged.

a feeling for the sufferings or distress of others

The lady saw the puppy with a broken leg lying on the side of the road.  Taking pity on the dog, she stopped and picked him up.  Then she took him to the vet to get help.

wholly or completely

The whole gang was solidly determined to protect Johnny from another attack by the Socs.