Select the synonym of the word "incinerate" from the following alternatives.

Introduction / Context:
This vocabulary question focuses on the verb "incinerate", a word often used in environmental science, waste management and news reports. Understanding it helps you read about topics like garbage disposal, pollution and industrial processes. The task is to choose the synonym, that is, the word closest in meaning to "incinerate".

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Target word: "incinerate".
• Options: parch, moderate, ignite, quench.
• We must pick the option nearest in meaning for standard English usage.
• Context suggests fire, burning or heat processes.

Concept / Approach:
"Incinerate" means to burn something completely until it is reduced to ashes, especially in a controlled facility called an incinerator. It is therefore closely connected to the idea of setting on fire and burning thoroughly. Among the options, "ignite" means to set something on fire or cause it to begin burning. While "ignite" focuses on the starting of the fire and "incinerate" on burning something up, they are the closest pair in meaning. The strategy is to recall these definitions and then exclude words that mean drying, calming, or extinguishing.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that "incinerate" = to burn something completely, often as a method of waste disposal. Step 2: Consider "parch". Parch means to dry out by heat or sun, as in "parched land". It does not necessarily imply burning to ashes. Step 3: Consider "moderate". This means to make something less extreme or reduce its intensity. It has no relation to fire. Step 4: Consider "ignite". Ignite means to set something on fire, to kindle or start burning. Step 5: Consider "quench". Quench means to extinguish or put out a fire, the opposite of lighting it. Step 6: Recognise that "ignite" is the only option associated positively with starting a fire, which is conceptually closest to incinerating something. Step 7: Conclude that "ignite" is the correct synonym for the purpose of this question.

Verification / Alternative check:
Dictionaries define "incinerate" as "destroy something, especially waste material, by burning". "Ignite" is defined as "to set fire to; to kindle". While "incinerate" emphasises the end result of reducing something to ashes, the key process still requires ignition and burning. In exam settings, "ignite" is accepted as the closest synonym among the given choices. The other three options point away from the burning process itself.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• parch: Refers mainly to drying out due to heat or lack of water. A parched field may be very dry but not necessarily burned.
• moderate: Means to lessen or control intensity, often used about temperature, opinions or behaviour, not burning.
• quench: Means to put out a fire or satisfy thirst. It is effectively opposite to starting or maintaining a fire.

Common Pitfalls:
Some candidates may be tempted by "parch" because it involves heat and dryness, but it stops short of the strong idea of burning to ash. Others might be misled into overthinking and searching for a perfect one-to-one meaning match. In exam questions, you often need to choose the "nearest" meaning present among the options, not an ideal theoretical match. Recognising that both incinerate and ignite are part of the burning process is enough to guide you to the correct answer.

Final Answer:
The synonym of "incinerate" among the options given is ignite.