Verbal Analogy — Degree/intensity escalation: CRITICISE : FULMINATE :: ____

Introduction / Context:
“Fulminate” is a much stronger/more vehement form of criticizing. We need a pair where the second term is a much more intense form of the first.

Concept / Approach:
“Hurt : Torture” shows escalation in intensity of harm, paralleling the escalation from “criticise” to “fulminate”.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
They are opposites or unrelated in intensity/direction.

Final Answer:
Hurt : Torture