This question asks us to identify the word that is different from the others in a given list of four words: Hinder, Arrest, Impede, and Steal. To find the odd word out, we need to understand the meaning of each word and see how they relate to each other.

Understanding the Meaning of Each Word

• Hinder: To create difficulties for someone or something, preventing them from achieving something. It means to obstruct or delay progress.
• Arrest: In the context of stopping or slowing something down, it means to stop the progress or movement of something. (It can also mean taking someone into custody, but the other words suggest the meaning related to stopping progress).
• Impede: To delay or prevent someone or something by obstructing them; hinder. This word is very similar in meaning to hinder.
• Steal: To take something from someone unlawfully or without permission.

Comparing the Meanings

Let's look at how the first three words, Hinder, Arrest, and Impede, are related:

• Hinder, Arrest (in the sense of stopping progress), and Impede all describe actions that slow down, block, or stop movement, progress, or action.
• They are synonyms or near-synonyms related to obstruction or prevention of movement/progress.

Now, let's look at the word Steal:

• Steal describes the act of taking property illegally.
• This action of taking something unlawfully is completely different in meaning from the actions of hindering, arresting (in the sense of stopping progress), or impeding, which are about obstructing or delaying.

Identifying the Odd Word Out

Based on the comparison of meanings:

Hinder, Arrest, and Impede share a common theme of obstruction, delay, or prevention of progress. Steal is about taking property illegally, which has no relation to the concept of obstruction or delay.

Therefore, the word that is different from the others is Steal.

Conclusion on the Odd Word

The words Hinder, Arrest, and Impede are related in meaning, all implying some form of obstruction or stopping of progress. The word Steal has a completely different meaning related to theft. Thus, Steal is the odd word out.

The final answer is Steal.

Revision Table: Understanding Word Meanings

Let's quickly review the core meanings:

This table clearly shows that Hinder, Arrest (in one sense), and Impede fall into one category of meaning (obstruction/stopping), while Steal falls into a completely different category (theft).

Additional Information on Synonyms

Understanding synonyms can help identify relationships between words. Words like 'obstruct', 'block', 'delay', and 'prevent' are synonyms for Hinder, Arrest (in the stopping sense), and Impede. Words related to 'Steal' include 'rob', 'burglarize', 'pilfer', and 'swipe'. These groups of synonyms highlight the distinct difference in meaning between Steal and the other three words.