eroded means to wear away or to reduce the size of something by using water or other substances. The soil in the park is eroded by the rain.
A hijacker is a person who takes control of a plane or other vehicle and forces the passengers to do whatever they want. They often take hostages to ensure their safety.
A haystack is a large pile of hay. It's usually used to store crops or to feed livestock.
When a floodgate is open, water is flowing freely through it. This can be a good or a bad thing.
Cryptographers are people who work on security measures for computers and other electronic devices. They are responsible for encrypting information so that it is difficult for outsiders to read or use.
To quash something is to stop it from happening. If you quash a protest, you're preventing it from happening.
To criticize something is to give it a negative review. You might criticize a book, movie, or piece of art.
Proportionality is a principle that states that the severity of a punishment should be proportional to the severity of the crime. This means that the punishment should fit the crime.
A stricter regime is a government or organization that is more strict in its rules and regulations. A stricter regime is often more demanding and less forgiving.