Analogy — Choose the word that best completes the pair: Abduct : Kidnap :: Solicit : ?

Introduction / Context:
This is a verbal analogy. The first pair, “Abduct : Kidnap,” contains near-synonyms. To complete the second pair, we must select a word that has the same kind of relationship with “Solicit.”

Given Data / Assumptions:

• abduct ≈ kidnap (synonymous actions).
• solicit means to ask for or to request earnestly.

Concept / Approach:
When the relationship in the stem pair is synonymy, the missing term should be a close synonym of the prompt word in the second pair. Therefore, we look for a synonym of “solicit.”

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Substitute: “solicit = request” keeps the relationship parallel to “abduct = kidnap.”

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Ban: opposite idea (to prohibit), not “to ask for.”
• Squander: means waste; unrelated to asking.
• Allot: means distribute; different semantic field.
• None of these: incorrect because “Request” fits.

Common Pitfalls:
Confusing “solicit” (to request/ask) with “solicitous” (showing concern). The latter is an adjective and not the intended meaning here.

Final Answer:
Request