Question

Choose the word opposite in meaning to the given word.
HAMPER
A) Open
B) Release
C) Hold
D) Hasten

Answer 1

Hint: ‘Opposite words’ refer to two or more words that have distinct meanings which generally complement each other. For e.g. Front – Back, Die – Live, Good – Bad. Such words are called antonyms. Similarly, when two or more words have the same meaning, they are said to be synonyms. Some synonyms of the correct word are hurried, accelerate, hurtle, quicken etc.

Complete answer:
To solve this question, we must first know the meaning of the word ‘hamper’. It means to hinder or inhibit the movement or progress of something. Now let us check the options for a word that means the exact opposite of this.
Option A) Open – ‘Open’ refers to something that is not closed or blocked and allows access, passage or a view through empty space. For e.g. The cat leapt out of the open window. This word either means the same as ‘hinder’ or is the opposite. It is a word with a totally different meaning. Thus, this option is wrong.
Option B) Release – ‘Release’ means to set free or allow exit or escape from confinement. For e.g. The birds were released from their cages. This word is also not the opposite of ‘hamper’. Therefore, it is the wrong option.
Option C) Hold – ‘Hold’ means to grasp or carry or support with one’s hands. For e.g. Please hold that souvenir carefully, as it is fragile. This word has a very different meaning from ‘hamper’. It is also not the opposite. Therefore, this option is incorrect.
Option D) Hasten – ‘Hasten’ means to do something quickly or travel hurriedly. It also means to cause something to happen earlier than expected. For e.g. I hastened back to New Delhi. The meaning of this word is exactly the opposite to that of ‘hamper’.

Thus, the correct answer is Option (C) i.e, Hold.

Note: Some synonyms of the word HAMPER are; thwart, delay, retard, restrict, restrain etc. Some of its opposites are; help, facilitate, etc. The word ‘hamper’ as given in the question is a verb. But ‘hamper’ is also used as a noun, to refer to ‘a basket with a carrying handle, which is used for carrying food items to a picnic’. For e.g. We’ll take this hamper with us.