The verb "economize" means to cut costs, to try and save money. This is closest in meaning to "conserve" which means to save something, to keep something for later. Additionally, "hone" means to sharpen one's skills; "confine" means imprison, lock up, prevent from leaving; "detain" means hold, imprison; "deteriorate" means weaken over time.

The verb "hone" means to sharpen, particularly to sharpen one's skills and refine one's performance. Additionally, "innovate" means come up with new ideas and solutions; "pratter" means talk foolishly; "mollify" means calm, soothe, assuage; "impute" means attribute to, claim is responsible for or associated with.

The verb "embroider" means to sew or stitch cloth so as to decorate it. Additionally, "desist" means stop doing; "warble" means sing (like a bird); "acclaim" means widely praise; "bellow" means shout, yell. 

To "disburse" means to pay for the expense of, to "spend." Additionally, "depose" means take over power from; "query" means question, inquire about; "entreat" means urge, beg, plead.

The verb "render" means supply with, give to, provide for. It can also mean make manifest, cause to appear. The initial usage is less common in contemporary language, although certainly still in use. You will have likely heard it used in the context " . . . render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar's." Which is a very famous quote from the Bible which means "give to your ruler what you should."

To "exonerate" is to clear someone from accusations, blame, or guilt. To "liberate" someone is to free them; "exonerated" felons are liberated after their exoneration has already happened. To "negotiate" is to work together toward a mutually agreeable outcome. To "flee" is to run away. To "enervate" is to cause something to weaken or tire.

To "abdicate" is to resign or step down from a high position, usually a royal one. To "usurp" is to take over a leadership position by force. To "speculate" is to make conjectures, and to "arbitrate" is to judge or referee. To "cower" is to crouch and cringe in fear.

To "arbitrate" is to judge or referee. To "equivocate" is to use unclear and ambiguous language in order to mislead. To "evade" is to avoid or elude. To "verify" is to check that something is true or substantiate evidence. To "quarrel" is to bicker or disagree with verbally. To "equate" two things is to state they are equal or make them equivalent in some way.

To "vanquish" an enemy is to conquer or trounce that enemy. To "spar" is to practice physical fighting, usually boxing. To "clarify" and to "elucidate" both mean to make something clearer. To "reconnoiter" is to survey and scope out a region, particularly for military action.

To "impede" is to interfere with the progress of something.

Low tide and lack of wind impeded the boat’s ability to disengage itself from the sandbar.

To "halt" means to abruptly stop, so it is the best choice.