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Antonyms — Select the option that expresses the word most nearly opposite in meaning to ‘‘REPRESS’’ (advanced English vocabulary; control vs. release, with nuance and usage examples).

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Liberate

Explanation:


Given data

  • Target word: REPRESS
  • Options: Inhibit; Liberate; Curb; Quell


Concept/Approach
‘‘Repress’’ means to hold back, subdue, restrain, or keep under control (feelings, actions, groups).The true antonym is a term that means to free, release, or set loose. ‘‘Liberate’’ directly denotes setting free from restraint or oppression.


Step-by-step reasoning
Match sense: repress (hold down) → opposite must be (set free) = liberate.Check distractors: ‘‘Inhibit’’, ‘‘Curb’’, and ‘‘Quell’’ are near-synonyms of ‘‘repress’’ (all mean restrain/suppress); hence they cannot be opposites.


Verification/Alternative
Sentence flip: ‘‘The regime repressed dissent’’ ↔ ‘‘The reforms liberated dissent.’’ The polarity clearly reverses.


Common pitfalls
Confusing ‘‘inhibit/curb/quell’’ as opposites—these reinforce the same suppression idea as ‘‘repress’’.


Final Answer
Liberate

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