In the following question, out of the four alternatives, select the word which is most opposite in meaning to the given word: Salve.

Introduction / Context:
This antonym question tests your understanding of the word salve, which is usually used in a medical or healing context. To answer correctly, you must know what salve refers to and then pick the word whose meaning stands in clear contrast to the idea of soothing or healing.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Target word: Salve.
• Options: Cerate, Liniment, Remedy, Blockage.
• Literal meaning: a salve is an ointment used to soothe, heal or protect the skin.
• Figurative meaning: something that soothes or relieves emotional pain or guilt.
• We must choose the word that is most opposite in meaning to a soothing or healing substance.

Concept / Approach:
Salve refers to a smooth, greasy preparation applied to wounds, burns or irritated skin to promote healing and give relief. Cerate and liniment are also types of topical medical preparations used for treatment. Remedy is any cure or treatment that removes or alleviates disease or pain. These three are all associated with healing, not with preventing relief. Blockage, on the other hand, suggests obstruction or something that prevents flow or healing, which stands opposed to the idea of a salve that eases and opens the way to recovery.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Recall: a salve is a soothing ointment or balm applied to the skin.Group the choices: Cerate, Liniment and Remedy all belong to the family of healing substances.Identify that the question asks for an opposite, not a similar word.Blockage refers to an obstruction, something that stops or hinders normal function, such as blood flow or healing.Therefore, Blockage is the option that best represents the opposite of a soothing and healing salve.

Verification / Alternative check:
Think in terms of effect: a salve improves, relieves or cures a problem on the skin. A blockage in a medical context prevents relief or causes pain by stopping fluids or blood from moving freely. In emotional or figurative usage, a salve brings comfort, whereas a blockage would represent something that prevents comfort or progress. Comparing these, blockage clearly provides a contrasting image to salve, while cerate, liniment and remedy reinforce the same idea of treatment and relief.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Cerate is a type of ointment made with wax, used on skin injuries, and is therefore very similar in function to a salve. Liniment is a liquid or semi liquid preparation applied to the skin to relieve pain or stiffness, again belonging to the same family. Remedy is a general word for something that cures or relieves a disease or problem. All three support the idea of healing, so they cannot be antonyms of salve.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes choose a related medical word because they are more familiar with it, forgetting that this particular question asks for the opposite meaning. In antonym questions, always read the question carefully and be sure whether you are looking for a similar word or an opposite one. Here, the presence of several healing related options is a deliberate trap. Recognising that salve promotes healing while blockage prevents normal functions helps you correctly identify blockage as the antonym.

Final Answer:
The antonym of “Salve” in this set of options is Blockage.