This question asks us to identify a word that has the same relationship with "Dissipate" as "Vigilant" has with "Alert". This is a type of verbal reasoning question often found in aptitude tests, focusing on word relationships or analogies.

Analyzing the First Relationship: Alert and Vigilant

Let's examine the connection between the first two words: "Alert" and "Vigilant".

• Alert means quick to notice any unusual and potentially dangerous or difficult things.
• Vigilant means keeping careful watch for possible danger or difficulties.

The word "Vigilant" is a synonym of "Alert", or represents a more intense or continuous state of being alert. Both words relate to being watchful and aware of one's surroundings.

Applying the Relationship to Dissipate

Now, we need to find a word that has a similar relationship (synonymy or close meaning) with the third term, "Dissipate".

Dissipate means to waste or fritter away resources, especially money, time, or energy.

Let's look at the given options:

• Squander: This means to waste (something, especially money or time) in a reckless or foolish way.
• Economize: This means to spend less money than before; to be frugal or saving. This is the opposite of dissipate.
• Dearth: This means a scarcity or lack of something.
• Defect: This means a flaw or imperfection, or to abandon one's country or cause.

Identifying the Correct Match

Comparing "Dissipate" with the options, we can see that:

• "Squander" is a direct synonym for "Dissipate". Both words mean to waste something valuable carelessly.
• "Economize" is an antonym, meaning to save or be economical.
• "Dearth" and "Defect" are unrelated concepts.

Therefore, the word that relates to "Dissipate" in the same way "Vigilant" relates to "Alert" (i.e., as a synonym) is "Squander".

Conclusion

The analogy is: Alert is to Vigilant (synonyms) as Dissipate is to Squander (synonyms).