Select the most appropriate synonym of the word in bold.
We’d better watch our step and not give him any excuse to harass us further.
Correct Answer :
intimidate
Solution :
The correct answer is intimidate.
Step-by-step Explanation:
1. Analyze the Context:
The sentence is: "We’d better watch our step and not give him any excuse to harass us further."
Here, "harass" means to subject someone to aggressive pressure, intimidation, or persistent annoyance. The context suggests a hostile, threatening, or uncomfortable situation where they need to be careful not to provoke the person.
2. Evaluate the Options:
- betray: to expose one's country, a group, or a person to danger by treacherously giving information to an enemy. This does not match the meaning of "harass".
- intimidate: to frighten or overawe someone, especially in order to make them do what one wants, or to threaten/subject them to pressure. This is the closest synonym to "harass" in this context.
- relish: to enjoy greatly. This is completely unrelated.
- soothe: to gently calm, which is the opposite of harass.
3. Conclusion:
Therefore, the most appropriate synonym for "harass" among the given options is intimidate.
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