1. TEMPER   moderate   weaken gradually   exonerate   outdo   Hint Half-n-half Clue   2. SURPASS   weaken gradually   prosper   disown   outdo   Half-n-half Clue   3. SUPPRESS   support   weaken gradually   condemn   subdue   Half-n-half Clue   4. STUPEFY   examine   drive away   waver   astound   Half-n-half Clue   5. SUBSIDE   wet thoroughly   subdue   support   reduce in intensity   Half-n-half Clue   6. TRUNCATE   shorten by cutting off   waver   moderate   assume power by force   Half-n-half Clue   7. SANCTION   examine   waver   approve   prosper   Half-n-half Clue