(v.) to put out, extinguish, end

(n.) a violent attack; a sudden rush of something

(adj.) disobedient, rebellious

(n.) a large-scale disaster, misfortune, or failure

By the end of the war, the rebels had but a __________ of their former strength

(v.) to get ahead of, do better than, exceed

(adj.) cautious, careful, showing good sense

Anyone watching could see that it was our inexperience that caused us to _________________ the canoe.

Ancient astrologers believed that the stars could ____________ one's future.

In keeping with the jokes, pharmacisits will tell you that most doctors' handwritting is barely _____________.

(adj.) not usual, not typical, strange

(v.)to grow, thrive, be prosperous; to wave in the air
    (n.) a dramatic gesture; a fanfare of horns

(v.) to turn aside sharply; (n.) a sharp or sudden turn

After seemingly endless digressions, the speaker finally got to the _________________ of his argument.

Because career advancement is such a strong ______________, adults are usually eager and hard-working students.

The ______________ senator had engaged in filibusters to block the passage of many a bill

(v.) to become or make less; (n.) a lessening

______________ the tenants who fell on hard times and had not paid their rent in six months.

Pollutants _____________ the atmosphere of many of our nation's large cities.