The French were completely [play] by the Russian team

Our personalities result from the complex [play] between our genes and our environment

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

'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

His father was able to pull some ____ to get him a good job with the company.

Several rioters were [force] removed from the town square.

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

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

'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.

The students lined up in single ____ outside the class.

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

The tabloid feature bizarre and [speculate] theories

'to become suddenly very successful or very well known': Jodie Foster made quite a ____ in the film 'Taxi Driver'.