1. SUBSIDE   abandon   condemn   subdue   reduce in intensity   Hint Half-n-half Clue   2. USURP   assume power by force   wet thoroughly   drive away   exonerate   Half-n-half Clue   3. SUSTAIN   waver   disown   keep alive   condemn   Half-n-half Clue   4. SANCTION   astound   approve   subdue   spend wastefully   Half-n-half Clue   5. RESCIND   assume power by force   keep alive   outdo   cancel   Half-n-half Clue   6. VINDICATE   exonerate   examine   withdraw   slander   Half-n-half Clue   7. SQUANDER   moderate   subdue   slander   spend wastefully   Half-n-half Clue