'To attempt to get power or get into a better position than other people using any methods you can': Since the death of the president, opposition parties and the army have been jockeying ____ power

He was accused of being involved in shady financial [deal].

The professor initiated a [stimulate] discussion between the students.

She takes pride in stating her political [convince].

Why is the media so [OCCUPY] with the love lives of politicians?

The party's rank and ____ are beginning to question the prime minister's choice of advisers

The journalist asked the politician a very loaded ____?

The French were completely [play] by the Russian team

'To be old and no longer working properly': This TV is totally clapped _____. I can't even get a picture.

'to please someone, esp. by praising that person in order to get him or her to agree to something': A company wishing to influence the government must butter ___ both parties in the House and the Senate.

He admits, [guard], that he does enjoy writing

The book will provide a [stimulate] to research in this very important area.

After he lost his job, he spent weeks moping ____ his house all day.