venture sift by and large decimate besiege swirl huddle strip scramble virulent swamp nuisance 1. The police are trying to ______ out the genuine warnings from all the hoax calls they have received . 2. A particularly _______ strain of flu has recently claimed a number of lives in the region . 3. There are a few small things that I don't like about my job , but _______ it's very enjoyable . 4. Everyone ________ round the fire to keep warm . 5. She tentatively ________ the opinion that the project would be too expensive to complete , but the boss ignored her. 6. He was ______ of his knighthood after he was convicted of stealing from the company . 7. Populations of endangered animals have been ________ . 8. She _________ up the steep hillside and over the rocks . 9. After the severe storms , insurance companies are expecting to be _________ with claims . 10. Rumours have ________ for years that he is on the point of retiring . 11. Peaceful demonstrations that do not cause a public __________ are a fundamental right in any truly democratic country. 12. When the pop star tried to leave her hotel , she was ________ by waiting journalists and fans .