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Question

Directions :Each item in this section consists of a sentence with an underlined word/words followed by four options. Select the option that is nearest in meaning  to the underlined word/words and mark your response in your Answer Sheet accordingly .

The police officer tried to intimidate the witness but in vain.

This question was previously asked in
NDA I 2017 GAT Previous Year Paper (23-Apr-2017)
The correct answer is

frighten

Understanding the Meaning of Intimidate

The question asks us to find the word that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word "intimidate" in the sentence: "The police officer tried to intimidate the witness but in vain."

To solve this, we need to understand what the word "intimidate" means in this context and then compare its meaning to the given options.

What Does 'Intimidate' Mean?

The word "intimidate" generally means to frighten or make someone feel nervous, especially so that they will do what you want or do not do what you do not want.

In the sentence, the police officer is trying to make the witness feel afraid or nervous. This is often done to pressure someone into giving a certain statement or staying silent.

Analyzing the Options for Intimidate

Let's look at the meanings of the given options:

  • inform: To give someone facts or information. This is about providing knowledge, not causing fear.
  • reward: To give something to someone in recognition of their service, effort, or achievement. This is a positive action, the opposite of causing fear or discomfort.
  • frighten: To make someone afraid or anxious. This directly matches the idea of causing fear or nervousness, which is central to the meaning of "intimidate".
  • persuade: To cause someone to do something through reasoning or argument. While persuasion involves influencing someone's actions, it typically relies on logic, appeals, or incentives, not fear.

Comparing Options to Intimidate

Comparing the options, "frighten" is the word that is closest in meaning to "intimidate" because both words describe the act of causing someone to feel fear or apprehension.

Finding the Nearest Meaning to Intimidate

Based on our analysis of the word "intimidate" and the given options, the word that is nearest in meaning is "frighten". The police officer tried to frighten the witness.

Revision Table: Word Meanings

Word Meaning
Intimidate To make someone feel nervous or afraid, especially so that they will do what you want.
Inform To give someone facts or information.
Reward To give something for effort or achievement.
Frighten To make someone afraid or anxious.
Persuade To cause someone to do something through reasoning or argument.

Additional Information on Vocabulary Building

Understanding vocabulary is crucial for language proficiency and excelling in exams. Here are some tips:

  • Learn words in context. The sentence provides valuable context for "intimidate".
  • Use a dictionary to find precise meanings, synonyms, and antonyms.
  • Practice using new words in your own sentences.
  • Review words regularly to reinforce your learning.
  • Group words by topic or by roots/affixes to see connections.

Regular practice with vocabulary helps you understand and use language more effectively, which is essential for reading comprehension and communication.

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