Marvin felt stuck in his low paying job, but he had a bit of hope that someday things would open up and change for the better.
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curtail -
To stop, reduce or limit something.
Tripling the fine for speeding was successful in curtailing the number of traffic accidents caused by speeding.
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subside -
To become less intense, violent, or severe; to gradually decrease and go down to a lower level.
After the winds and rain of the hurricane finally subsided, people could see the damage that was left behind.
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derail -
To obstruct or divert from an expected or intended course.
The train was derailed by a fallen tree during the storm.
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dissuade -
To advise against a specific decision or behavior, and discourage someone from taking a particular action.
She couldn't take the stress of her work, but her friends tried to dissuade her from quitting her job without a backup plan.
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avert -
To avoid or dodge a difficult situation.
At the last minute he realized that the bridge was broken, and he stopped the car just in time, averting a disaster of potentially driving headlong into the river.
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pardon -
To forgive someone for a crime or wrongdoing, and end imprisonment or bad feelings.
The president decided to pardon the prisoner after reviewing the case.
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intervene -
To come between two people, groups, or events to prevent or change an outcome.
The teachers had to intervene when the students started arguing in the school yard.
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deter -
To prevent (or aim to prevent) the occurrence of something through fear of consequences.
A barking dog can deter burglars from breaking into a home.
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relinquish -
To voluntarily let go of something, such as a right, possession, or responsibility.
After years of running the company, he decided to relinquish control and pass the leadership to his successor.
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clog -
To become blocked or filled so that movement or activity is slowed or stopped.
Some dirt was clogging the sink, so that the water in the sink didn't drain properly.
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kibosh -
When an idea or plan is spoiled or stopped, often due to unforseen circumstances.
Keith was going to go to the museum, but his sudden illness put the kibosh on his plans.