1. moderate   SUBSIDE   SCRUTINIZE   TEMPER   TRUNCATE   Hint Half-n-half Clue   2. assume power by force   USURP   UNDERMINE   SQUANDER   TRUNCATE   Half-n-half Clue   3. waver   SQUANDER   VACILLATE   VINDICATE   TEMPER   Half-n-half Clue   4. drive away   REPEL   TEMPER   REPROVE   REPUDIATE   Half-n-half Clue   5. respect   VENERATE   SPURN   RENOUNCE   REPUDIATE   Half-n-half Clue   6. withdraw   SPURN   RETRACT   SUBSTANTIATE   VENERATE   Half-n-half Clue   7. slander   RENOUNCE   TEMPER   RESCIND   VILIFY   Half-n-half Clue