Select the synonym (word closest in meaning) of the verb phrase "to lash".

Introduction / Context:
This question tests your understanding of the verb to lash in its figurative sense. In English, to lash can mean to strike with a whip or to criticise severely. You must select the option that most closely matches this meaning rather than unrelated emotional or physical actions.

Given Data / Assumptions:

- Target verb phrase: to lash. - Options: to endear, to fondle, to chastise, to snuggle. - The expected meaning is either severe physical striking or harsh verbal criticism. - Only one option should fit this negative and forceful sense.

Concept / Approach:
To lash someone literally means to hit them with a whip or similar instrument. In a figurative sense, it can also mean to scold, reprimand, or criticise someone very strongly. The verb to chastise carries exactly this idea: to punish or criticise severely. The other options describe positive or affectionate actions and therefore cannot be synonyms of lash in this context.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall example usage such as The captain lashed the sailors for their disobedience or The coach lashed the team for poor performance, where lash suggests severe punishment or sharp criticism. Step 2: Examine to chastise, which means to rebuke or scold strongly and sometimes to punish. Step 3: Compare this meaning with the figurative sense of lash and notice the close match in tone and intensity. Step 4: Consider to endear, which means to make someone loved or liked, a positive emotional effect that is opposite in feeling to punishment. Step 5: Look at to fondle, which describes gentle, affectionate touching, and to snuggle, which means to settle closely and comfortably, both conveying warmth rather than severity. Step 6: Conclude that to chastise is the only option compatible with the harshness implied by to lash.

Verification / Alternative check:
Try using each option in the same sentence pattern. The teacher lashed the student for cheating and The teacher chastised the student for cheating have very similar meanings. However, The teacher endear ed the student, fondled the student, or snuggled the student for cheating either do not make sense or describe completely inappropriate behaviour. This quick comparison confirms that chastise is the correct synonym in this context.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
To endear means to make someone feel affection towards someone else, for example His kindness will endear him to his colleagues. This has nothing to do with whipping or harsh criticism. To fondle refers to gentle caressing, while to snuggle means to move into a comfortable close position, especially with affection. Both describe soft, positive actions and are therefore opposite in feeling to lash, which suggests severity and pain.

Common Pitfalls:
Some learners pay attention only to physical action verbs and may mistakenly think that any verb involving touch might match lash. However, semantic tone is crucial. Lash is harsh and punishing, while fondle and snuggle are soft and affectionate. A good habit is to group verbs by emotional tone and strength so that you can quickly see which word belongs with punishment and which belong with affection in synonym questions.

Final Answer:
to chastise is the correct synonym of to lash.