Question

Choose the word which best expresses the meaning of the bold part of the sentence-
Hearing the complaints of the villagers, the father would come and box his ears, and cuff him.
A. Lock
B. Abuse
C. Scold
D. Hit

Answer 1

Hint: The italicized bold part of the sentence is ‘cuff’, it means to beat, strike with an open hand. In the given sentence, it is understood that the father would hear the complaints of the villagers, therefore his reaction of boxing his ears and cuff shows his reluctance towards the complaints. Look for a word that means the same as the meaning of the word ‘cuff’ mentioned here.

Complete answer:
Let us analyze all the given options individually in detail to know the correct answer.
A . Lock- The word lock means securing something, to make something unable to open, a device to secure possessions. Example- He locked the door immediately. This word doesn’t express the meaning of the word ‘cuff’; therefore, it is an incorrect option.

B. Abuse- The word abuse means to offend someone, to speak insultingly, to misuse somebody. Example- She is a victim of domestic abuse. This word doesn’t justify the meaning of the word ‘cuff’, therefore, it is an incorrect option.

C. Scold- The word scold means to find a fault and be angry with. Example- If you don’t complete your homework in time, the teacher will scold you. This word is not similar as the word ‘cuff’, therefore is an incorrect option.

D.Hit- The word ‘hit’ means to come against with an impact of collision, to succeed a strike. Example- He hit the car with a bat in rage. This word expresses the meaning of the word ‘cuff’ used in the given sentence; therefore, this is the correct option.

Hence, the correct answer is option D.

Note: The word ‘cuff’ also means the folded part of the sleeves of the shirt, a band worn about the wrist. But these meanings are irrelevant in the given sentence. Some more synonyms of the word with the sense of striking are knock, punch, slap. Some antonyms of the same word are praise.