Question

Choose the alternative which best expresses the meaning of the word printed in italic bold in the sentence.
For New Delhi, it is time to re-examine its Pakistan policy and reduce the suspicion that it is trying to torpedo the talks.
a- Attack
b- Quiet down
c- Weaken
d- Refute

Answer 1

Hint: A synonym refers to a word that is closest in meaning to another word. ‘Torpedo’ is a verb that refers to attacking or destroying something.

Complete answer:
The word, ‘torpedo’ has been designed from the Latin word- Torpere, which means to be numb.
We know the meaning and the origin of the word, ‘torpedo’. Now, let’s look at its usage:
Example- The government has decided to spy on the neighbors to check whether they are trying to torpedo the parade. Here, we can comprehend that a government, X, has decided to spy on the neighbors to check whether they are trying to attack or ruin the parade.
Let’s examine the given options-
Option a- ‘Attack’ refers to charging or striking on someone. Example- The dog attacked the thief. ‘Attack’ is similar in meaning to ‘torpedo’. Hence, it is the correct option.
Option b- ‘Quiet down’ refers to reducing noise or sound. Example- The principal began to quiet down after a cup of tea. ‘Quiet down’ is different in meaning to ‘torpedo’. Hence, it is an incorrect option.
Option c- ‘Weaken’ refers to exhausting or destroying something. Example- My father decided to weaken the strength of the door. ‘Weaken’ is different in meaning to ‘torpedo’. Hence, it is an incorrect option.
Option d- ‘Refute’ refers to disapproving or giving the lie to something. Example- The judge refuted his statement. ‘Refute’ is different in meaning to ‘torpedo’. Hence, it is an incorrect option.
The correct answer is Option ‘a’.

Note:
Some commonly used synonyms of ‘torpedo’ are attack, destroy, ruin, etc. Some commonly used antonyms of ‘torpedo’ are defend, praise, shield, etc.