Question

Choose the word opposite in meaning to the given word.

INTRUDE

a) Withhold
b) Withdraw
c) Accept
d) Surrender

Answer 1

Hint: Opposite words are words whose meanings are the complete opposite of a given word. They are also known as antonyms.

Complete answer:

We use the word intrude when we want to say that a person has placed oneself in a situation where he/she is not welcome. We use this word in the context of trespassing. The word intrude is derived from the Latin word intrudere.

Let us look at its usage.
Example - The teacher looked up as a knock sounded at the door. “ Excuse me, Ma’am”, said a student. “ I don’t mean to intrude but you are needed in the staffroom.”

Let us examine the options given to us.
Option ‘a’ withhold means to hold back a thing. This is a distractor as it isn’t the opposite in meaning to intrude. Therefore, it is an incorrect answer.

Option ‘b’ withdraw means to remove something from a particular place. It is the opposite in meaning to intrude. Therefore, it is the correct answer.

Option ‘c’ accept means to consent to receive or to undertake something. This is a distactor as it isn’t opposite in meaning to intrude. Therefore, it is an incorrect answer.

Option ‘d’ surrender means to stop resisting an enemy. This is a distractor as it isn’t the opposite in meaning to intrude. Therefore, it is an incorrect answer.

So, the correct answer is “Option b”.

Note: Withdraw means to remove something from a particular place or situation whereas withholding means to hold back something.