ব্যাখ্যা
Correct Answer: (D) frighten
Synonym and antonym questions are a standard feature of NTRCA English vocabulary sections.
Meaning of 'intimidate':
— Intimidate (verb): to frighten or threaten someone, especially to make them do what you want
— It involves making someone feel afraid through a show of power, threats, or force
— Example: "The bully tried to intimidate the younger students."
— Synonyms: frighten, threaten, coerce, bully, terrorize, daunt, browbeat
Why 'frighten' is the best synonym:
— Both 'intimidate' and 'frighten' involve causing fear in someone
— 'Intimidate' is slightly stronger — implying deliberate coercion through fear
— 'Frighten' = to cause someone to feel fear — very close in meaning
Why other options are wrong:
✗ weaken: means to reduce strength — not related to fear or intimidation
✗ depress: means to make someone sad or less active — different meaning
✗ encourage: this is the ANTONYM of intimidate — means to give support or confidence
Antonym of intimidate: encourage, embolden, reassure
Source: Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary; Merriam-Webster Thesaurus; Past NTRCA Question Bank.