"Dally" and "dawdle" both mean to delay. "Hasten" means to speed something or hurry. "Attenuate" means to weaken or constrict. "Stifle" means to prevent or restrain. "Stoke" means to fuel or feed. 

"Caulk" and "shutter" both mean to close or shut off. "Disjoin" means to become separated. "Impinge" means to trespass or encroach. "Inure" means to accustom or acclimatize. "Palliate" means to gloss over or cover up. 

The word “abridge” is related to “abbreviate,” which you likely know. Both terms in general mean to shorten from a longer form. The word “abridge” is used to describe the process or act of shortening a text. You can find abridged versions of long texts. Sometimes, these are used in classes to give students a general sense of the text even though they do not have time to read the whole book. The goal in abridging is to present the meaning of the text in spite of the shortening. Note that this can apply to any text, thus including things like movie scripts and poems.

Mar means to disfigure the appearance of something.

"Steep" and "marinate" both mean to bathe or drench. "Befuddle" means to confuse or baffle. "Substantiate" means to back up a statement or idea. "Waive" means to give up or let go. "Begrudge" means to envy or covet.

A good example where the word cleave is used is when you cleave a chemical bond, splitting a complex molecule into smaller molecules.  Thus, cleave means to split or divide.

"Jettison" means to eject or throw overboard. "Circumnavigate" means to go around or circle. "Anchor" means to hold securely. "Corrupt" means to defile or make impure. "Exculpate" means to forgive or dismiss guilt.

The word "dwell" is a verb that means to live in a particular place or state. The best answer is "house," which can also be used as a verb. When used as a verb, "live" shares the same meaning as "dwell." Considering the other choices, the word "finish" means to bring to an end, "locate" is a verb that means determine the place where something is, and "insult" means to say something that offends.

“Smite” means destroy, take vengeance upon, or strike down, so "destroy" is the answer choice closest in meaning to "smite." As for the other answer choices, “vend” means sell; “barter” means trade, particularly to try to buy something for less money than it is worth or to buy something using something other than money; “meander” means to move indirectly, from side-to-side, like a river; and "perpetrate" means commit, specifically in the context of committing crimes.

“Wane” means decline or diminish, so "diminish" is the correct answer. As for the other answer choices, “exasperate” means frustrate; “admonish” means scold or criticize; “hamper” means impede or stop the progress of; and “forsake” means abandon or disavow.