capitulate - To give in or stop resisting something, often unwillingly.

parry - To ward off a weapon or attack, especially with a countermove

undermine - To weaken or damage something, especially gradually or secretly; to sabotage or erode the foundation or support.

dillydally - To waste time through aimless wandering or indecision

purify - To refine or clarify something to make it more genuine, perfect, or pure

taunt - To provoke or challenge someone with insulting remarks

fester - For negative feelings to get worse because they are not being dealt with

scan - To move your eyes over something rapidly in order to get an overview or to find specific information, or getting a machine to do this.

veer - To change direction suddenly

laud - To praise a person or their achievements highly, especially in a public context

hanker - To feel a strong desire to do or have something

optimize - To make the best and most effective use of a situation, opportunity, or resource.