Question

Select the option which means the opposite of the given word:
Abandon
A) To yield without restraint
B) Keep
C) To leave complete and finally
D) Ensure

Answer 1

Hint: Antonyms are the words that are opposite in meaning to another. The root words for the word 'antonym' are the words 'anti' meaning 'against' or 'opposite' and 'onym' meaning 'name’. For instance: the antonym of ‘hot’ is ‘cold’.

Complete step by step answer:
The meaning of the word abandon is ‘give up completely or disclaim’. So, as per the question we have to find the word which is opposite in meaning to the word abandon.
Option A) To yield without restraint – is an incorrect answer because the meaning of ‘to yield without restraint’ is ‘give oneself over to natural impulses, usually without self-control’ and however, this is not opposite of abandon. Thus, this is an incorrect answer.
Option B) Keep – is the correct answer because the meaning of keep is ‘have or retain possession of’ and this is the opposite meaning of abandon, as the meaning of abandon is to give up. Thus, this is the correct answer as keep and abandon are opposite in meaning of each other.
Option C) To leave complete and finally – is an incorrect answer because ‘to leave complete and finally’ is the literal meaning of abandon not opposite of abandon. Thus, this is an incorrect answer.
Option D) Ensure – is an incorrect answer because the meaning of ensure is ‘make sure or make certain’ and ensure is not opposite of the word abandon. Thus, this is an incorrect answer.

So, the correct answer is “Option B ”.

Note:
Antonyms are the words that are opposite in meaning and synonyms are the words that have the same meaning. As the meaning of abandon is to leave. The remaining words that are given in the options are not opposite to the word abandon. Thus, we will not consider option C as the opposite meaning because Option C is a synonym of the word abandon.