1. VINDICATE   withdraw   shorten by cutting off   exonerate   prosper   Hint Half-n-half Clue   2. REPEL   subdue   astound   weaken gradually   drive away   Half-n-half Clue   3. SATURATE   assume power by force   approve   weaken gradually   wet thoroughly   Half-n-half Clue   4. SQUANDER   reduce in intensity   spend wastefully   support   reject contemptuously   Half-n-half Clue   5. VACILLATE   approve   waver   weaken gradually   respect   Half-n-half Clue   6. THRIVE   subdue   support   prosper   drive away   Half-n-half Clue   7. REPROVE   withdraw   examine   slander   condemn   Half-n-half Clue