Synonym question: select the word that is closest in meaning to "stranded"

Introduction / Context:
This vocabulary question asks for a synonym of the word "stranded". In English, "stranded" is often used for people or vehicles left without a way to move or return, and for ships stuck on a shore or sandbank, unable to move because of low water or other obstacles. Knowing this helps you pick the option that most closely matches this idea of being stuck or left helpless.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Target word: "stranded".
• Options: "to douse", "aground", "to swamp", and "to inundate".
• We must choose the word that can function as a close synonym in typical contexts where "stranded" is used.
• We assume the common contexts: stranded travellers, stranded vehicles, or ships stranded on a sandbank.

Concept / Approach:
In a physical sense, a ship that is "aground" is stuck on the ground under shallow water and cannot move. This is very close to being stranded at sea. More generally, "stranded" implies being left in a difficult position with no way to move or get help. The word "aground" specifically captures the idea of a vessel being stuck on the bottom, so it is a strong synonym in that domain. The other options focus on water related actions but do not convey the idea of being left stuck.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that "stranded" means left without a way out or stuck, as in "stranded passengers" or "a stranded ship". Step 2: Evaluate "to douse": this means to pour liquid over something or extinguish a fire with water; it is unrelated to being stuck. Step 3: Evaluate "aground": this describes a ship that has run onto the shore or seabed and is stuck there, closely matching the sense of a vessel being stranded. Step 4: Evaluate "to swamp": this means to flood or overwhelm, not to leave something stuck without movement. Step 5: Evaluate "to inundate": this also means to flood or overwhelm with water or work; again, it does not mean being left helplessly stuck. Step 6: Conclude that "aground" is the best synonym, especially in the context of ships or boats.

Verification / Alternative check:
Consider example uses. "The ferry ran aground during the storm" is very similar to saying "The ferry was stranded during the storm". For people, we might say "They were stranded at the station" but would not use "aground" for people. However, in the set of options provided, "aground" is the only word that shares the sense of being stuck in place. The other verbs describe actions involving water but not the condition of being left without escape.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option A: "To douse" focuses on pouring liquid or extinguishing and is unrelated to being stranded. Option C: "To swamp" suggests flooding or overwhelming, which may cause problems but does not itself mean stuck without movement. Option D: "To inundate" similarly means to flood or overwhelm and lacks the sense of helpless immobility that "stranded" carries.

Common Pitfalls:
Because several options are related to water, students sometimes choose them based on that association alone. However, semantic precision matters: only "aground" actually describes the condition of a vessel stuck on the ground and unable to move. Always look beyond general themes like water and focus on the exact idea expressed by the main word.

Final Answer:
The closest synonym of "stranded" in the given options is "aground", so option B is correct.