1. UNDERMINE   weaken gradually   wet thoroughly   assume power by force   reduce in intensity   Hint Half-n-half Clue   2. RENOUNCE   respect   examine   abandon   shorten by cutting off   Half-n-half Clue   3. SPURN   approve   prosper   waver   reject contemptuously   Half-n-half Clue   4. VINDICATE   support   exonerate   withdraw   weaken gradually   Half-n-half Clue   5. SUPPRESS   assume power by force   shorten by cutting off   support   subdue   Half-n-half Clue   6. SUSTAIN   reject contemptuously   exonerate   keep alive   subdue   Half-n-half Clue   7. SCRUTINIZE   examine   wet thoroughly   weaken gradually   cancel   Half-n-half Clue