Select the option that is most opposite in meaning to the verb "horrify" in the context of causing an emotional reaction.

Introduction / Context:
This antonym question requires you to choose the word whose meaning is most opposite to "horrify". The word "horrify" describes causing intense fear, shock, or disgust in someone. To answer correctly, you must think of what emotional effect is directly contrary to that feeling of horror and identify which option expresses that opposite effect.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Target verb: "horrify".
• Options: affright, petrify, appall, soothe.
• We assume "horrify" means to fill someone with horror or great shock.
• We need the option that clearly reverses that effect by calming or comforting instead of frightening.

Concept / Approach:
"Horrify" is a strong negative emotional verb. A person is horrified when they see an accident, a frightening scene, or extremely bad behaviour. An antonym should therefore be a verb that reduces fear, anxiety, or upset and brings comfort or peace. Among the given options, three are near synonyms of "horrify", while one stands in clear contrast by describing calming action. That contrasting word is the correct antonym.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall the meaning of "horrify": to cause horror, shock, or great fear. Step 2: Look at "affright". This means to frighten or scare someone, which is similar to "horrify", not opposite. Step 3: Consider "petrify". In emotional contexts it means to make someone so frightened that they are unable to move, again a similar effect to horror. Step 4: Examine "appall". This means to greatly dismay or horrify, so it is almost a direct synonym. Step 5: Evaluate "soothe". This means to calm, comfort, or relieve pain or anxiety. This is exactly the opposite kind of effect from causing horror or fear.

Verification / Alternative check:
Use example sentences to compare. If a violent movie may horrify viewers, a gentle song may soothe them. If a terrible news report horrifies a child, a parent might try to soothe the child afterward. "Affright", "petrify", and "appall" are all used in situations where fear or shock increases, while "soothe" is used when fear or pain is reduced. Therefore, "soothe" stands as the clear antonym in this set.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
"Affright" means to frighten, so it produces a similar emotional reaction rather than an opposite one.

"Petrify" also intensifies fear, suggesting that someone is frozen in terror.

"Appall" is nearly interchangeable with "horrify" in many clauses, so it cannot be an antonym.

Common Pitfalls:
Candidates sometimes confuse synonyms with antonyms when several options have strong emotional meanings. A practical strategy is to check whether the word you are considering would appear in the same or in a contrasting sentence. If you can replace "horrify" with that word without changing the overall meaning, it is more likely a synonym. An antonym should allow you to describe a very different emotional outcome, such as calming instead of shocking. Here, only "soothe" clearly does that.

Final Answer:
The correct antonym of "horrify" is "soothe".