Phrasal Meaning – Choose the option that BEST captures the meaning of the highlighted expression. Sentence: Unable to endure the cruel ragging any longer, the new recruit bravely stood up to all his bullying seniors.

Introduction / Context:
The phrasal expression “stood up to” means to face, oppose, or resist someone or something intimidating. It emphasizes refusing to be cowed rather than necessarily winning a fight. In anti-bullying contexts, it typically conveys firm opposition, courage, and refusal to submit.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Target phrase: stood up to.
• Context: a recruit confronting bullying seniors.
• We need the closest single-word paraphrase.

Concept / Approach:
“Stood up to” centers on resistance and confrontation. It does not guarantee victory (“defeated”), nor does it always imply physical retaliation (“fought back”). The most general and accurate synonym is “resisted.”

Step-by-Step Solution:
1) Extract core sense: to oppose firmly and refuse to yield.2) Compare options: “resisted” (refused to give in), “fought back” (active counterattack), “challenged” (issued a challenge), “defeated” (won).3) Select the option that best fits broad usage: “resisted.”4) Confirm with context of bullying: resistance is the primary milestone.

Verification / Alternative check:
Substitution test: “bravely resisted all his bullying seniors” is natural and faithful to the original nuance.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• challenged: focuses on issuing a challenge, not sustained opposition.
• fought back: can be correct in some contexts, but narrower; it implies counter-aggression rather than firm refusal.
• defeated: claims victory, which the sentence does not state.

Common Pitfalls:
Assuming “stood up to” equals “defeated”; thinking resistance always means fighting physically.

Final Answer:
resisted