The _____________________ between the political left and right has only become wider in recent months.

an emotional release

to make more bearable

A territory or area over which one rules, has influence, or powers

Proving himself an excellent fighter, the warrior took the martial arts___________________ to another level.

When I hit a punching bag, I am generating my own personal ______________________ by releasing my anger into an object.

Take an aspirin to __________________________ your headache.

scholarly

Our _______________________________ instructor was able to answer every question asked by our class, even though many were extremely difficult.

to shrivel up

Because I colored my hair so often, it began to ___________________ from the dye.

cranky

After being fired, Joshua behaved like a(n) ____________________________ toddler and threw a major tantrum.

to personify

Even though she was speaking at a regular volume, people were straining to listen to what the child was saying because of her __________________ voice.

The national flag is supposed to _________________________ the spirit of our country.

tiresome

small and sprightly, mischievous, fairylike

Playing the piano may seem ________________________ at first, but it gets easier with practice.