Correct option is A
The correct word for the given blank is ‘strengthen’.
(a) strengthen: make or become stronger.
(b) havoc: widespread destruction.
(c) mull: think about (a fact, proposal, or request) deeply and at length.
(d) palpable: (of a feeling or atmosphere) so intense as to seem almost tangible.
(e) rampant: (especially of something unwelcome) flourishing or spreading unchecked.