blockade
the cutting off of an area to stop the coming and going of supplies or people
The besieging troops set up a @, hoping to starve the city into surrender.
trial
the action or process of testing or trying
It was a tedious process of @ and error, but eventually they succeeded.
providence
the quality or state of providing for future needs
With the usual @, Justin had brought enough food to last for the whole trip.
proponents
those who argue in favor of something
They were avid @ of extending suffrage to all adult citizens.
strife
bitter sometimes violent disagreement
He had seen enough of war and @, and was ready for a quiet life in the country.
contrary
exactly opposite to
@ to all expectations, the new contraption actually worked!
relinquish
to withdraw or retreat from; to let go of
Madison was correct in thinking that the U.S. could not @ its freedoms.
conflict
to be in opposition
Afraid that their interests would @, the two men decided to work separately.
established
put securely in place or caused to have a firm and lasting position
George Washington fought long and hard and @ a lasting peace for the colonies.
pledge
a promise or agreement that must be kept
Standing proudly under the flag, he made his @ of allegiance to the new country.
abstract
to consider apart from a particular instance
In the @, it was a good idea, but in reality it did not work very well.
eclipse
the total or partial hiding of one heavenly body by another
The earth was covered in a strange shadow during the solar @.
fleck
spot, streak
Margaret scrubbed hard, trying to remove the @ from the table.
tremulous
marked by or affected with trembling or tremors
With a shaking hand and @ voice, it was impossible to conceal his excitement.
drudgery
hard or dull work
Most of us would like very much to escape the @ of the work-a-day world.
chide
to express mild disapproval
He should not  @ himself with the loss, since it was not his fault.
emblem
a device, symbol, design, or figure used as an identifying mark
The @ of the United States of American is the bald eagle.
languish
to become weak, waste away
The revolutionaries seized the president, and left him to @ in a dark prison.
brash
reckless, rash; rudely bold
It was a @ and reckless assertion, one that he should not have made.
verge
brink, edge
He was on the @ of collapse, and only immediate medical care saved him.