Select the synonym of the verb "rip" when it is used in the sense of tearing something so that it is badly damaged.

Introduction / Context:
This vocabulary question asks for a synonym of the verb "rip" in the sense of tearing material or surface so that it is damaged. Synonym questions test how accurately you understand subtle shades of meaning between verbs that may appear in reading passages, instructions, or descriptions. The word "rip" is common in everyday English, especially when talking about clothes, paper, or surfaces that have been torn. Knowing precise synonyms helps you understand and paraphrase such sentences effectively in exams and communication.

Given Data / Assumptions:

Target word: "rip" used as a verb meaning to tear something.
Options: cease, terminate, gash, sew.
We assume the physical sense of tearing, not informal slang uses like "rip off" meaning cheat.
Only one option accurately captures the idea of making a tear or deep cut in something.
We are working with standard dictionary meanings, not idiomatic phrases.

Concept / Approach:
The verb "rip" usually means to tear something quickly or violently, often leaving a long opening or damage in fabric, paper, or another surface. A good synonym will also convey the idea of cutting or tearing, not of stopping, finishing, or repairing. We first identify which options relate to tearing or cutting, then check which one matches the strength and direction of meaning of "rip". Another useful approach is to imagine short example sentences and substitute each option to see which one fits naturally.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that "rip" means to tear something, for example, "She ripped her shirt on a nail". Step 2: Evaluate option A, "cease". This means to stop doing something or to come to an end, which is unrelated to tearing. Step 3: Evaluate option B, "terminate". This also means to bring something to an end, such as a contract or a job, so it is again unrelated to physical tearing. Step 4: Evaluate option C, "gash". As a verb or noun, "gash" refers to making a long, deep cut or a serious tear in something. This is close in meaning to ripping fabric or skin. Step 5: Evaluate option D, "sew". This is the opposite activity, meaning to join fabric together with a needle and thread, which repairs or constructs instead of tearing. Step 6: Conclude that "gash" is the only option that shares the core idea of making a strong tear or cut.

Verification / Alternative check:
To verify, consider parallel sentences. "He ripped his arm on the sharp edge" can be expressed as "He gashed his arm on the sharp edge", and both convey the sense of a serious tear or cut. However, substituting "cease", "terminate", or "sew" would produce sentences that are either meaningless or opposite in sense. Dictionaries also define "gash" as a deep long cut in a body or surface, which pairs naturally with the idea of ripping. This confirms that "gash" is the closest synonym in the list provided.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option A, cease, is wrong because it describes stopping an action, not damaging material.
Option B, terminate, is wrong because it refers to ending a process or activity, such as employment, not tearing objects.
Option D, sew, is wrong because it describes joining material together, usually to fix or create clothing, which is the reverse of tearing or ripping.

Common Pitfalls:
A frequent mistake in synonym questions is to choose a word that feels generally negative or serious instead of focusing on the exact physical meaning. For example, a candidate may look at "terminate" and think of something strong or final, but that does not make it a synonym for ripping. Another pitfall is ignoring the part of speech. Here "rip" is a verb, so the answer should also work as a verb in similar sentence frames. Always place the candidate options into a simple sentence with the target word to test suitability before you decide.

Final Answer:
gash