The word "tether" is most similar in meaning to which of the following?

Introduction / Context:
Vocabulary questions that ask for the most similar meaning, or synonym, test your understanding of how words are used in context. The word "tether" is often used in everyday English and in reading passages, especially when talking about tying or fastening animals or objects. This question requires you to choose the option whose meaning is closest to "tether" from a list that includes both related and unrelated words.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The target word is "tether".
• The options are Cord, Unleash, Remove, None of the above and Expand.
• We assume the usual verb and noun meanings of "tether" as used in standard English.
• Exactly one option should represent a word with similar meaning.

Concept / Approach:
"Tether" can function as both a noun and a verb. As a noun, it refers to a rope, chain or cord used to tie an animal or object. As a verb, it means to tie or fasten something with such a rope or chain. The underlying idea is a physical binding or tie. Of the options given, "Cord" is closest, because a cord is a piece of rope or string that can be used for tethering. The other options describe actions or concepts that are almost the opposite of tethering or unrelated to it.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall the typical usage: someone might tether a horse to a post, meaning they tie the horse using a rope or chain.Step 2: Understand that the core meaning involves a rope like object that restricts movement.Step 3: Examine option A, "Cord". A cord is a thin rope or strong string, which is exactly the kind of object used for tethering. This matches the noun sense of "tether".Step 4: Examine option B, "Unleash". This means to set free or release from a leash, which is almost the opposite of restricting movement.Step 5: Examine option C, "Remove". This is a very general verb that means to take something away; it does not capture the specific idea of tying or binding.Step 6: Examine option E, "Expand". This means to increase in size or range and has no relation to tying or restraining.Step 7: Since one option already fits well, "None of the above" cannot be correct. Therefore, "Cord" is the best synonym.

Verification / Alternative check:
An alternative way to verify is to think of dictionary style definitions. "Tether" is defined as a rope or chain used to tie an animal so that it can move only within a limited area, or as the act of tying with such a rope or chain. "Cord" is defined as a flexible string or rope made from twisted fibres. The connection is clear: you can use a cord as a tether. By contrast, definitions of "Unleash" and "Remove" do not involve ropes or tying but instead focus on freeing and taking away, which are conceptually different from binding. This confirms that "Cord" is the closest match.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
"Unleash" suggests freeing something from a leash or chain, which is the opposite action of tethering, since tethering restricts movement. "Remove" is too general and does not mean to tie or fasten. "Expand" refers to growth or enlargement, which is unrelated to the physical act of tying down. Because "Cord" already provides a clear and direct link to the meaning of "tether", the option "None of the above" is also incorrect.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes confuse words that appear together in similar contexts. For example, both "tether" and "unleash" can appear in sentences about animals, but they describe opposite actions, so choosing "Unleash" would be a mistake. Another pitfall is to think that abstract verbs like "Remove" or "Expand" might somehow match, without checking whether they actually describe tying or binding. The best strategy is always to recall or approximate a definition of the word and then compare that meaning directly with each option.

Final Answer:
The word that is most similar in meaning to "tether" is Cord.