She ________ illness so that she did not have to go to school. His sickness ________ his strength. He told his wife that he had been ________in the office by unexpected callers. I can hardly express my ________ to you for your help. Some children are ________ ambition. If you want to write a book, you have to ________ it. fake/detain/diminish/labor over/devoid of/gratitude