Question

Direction:
Choose the option closest to the capitalized word. Word:
ANNIHILATE

• A. devastate
• B. delay
• C. investigate
• D. retaliate

Hint:

When finding synonyms, focus on the primary meaning of the word rather than associated actions or emotions that might occur in certain contexts.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the meaning of “Annihilate”
The word “annihilate” means to destroy completely, to wipe out, or to cause something to cease to exist entirely.
It often implies total destruction with nothing left behind.
Step 2: Evaluating the options
(1) devastate — Means to ruin or destroy something, often on a large scale.
This matches closely with the meaning of “annihilate.”
(2) delay — Means to postpone or slow down.
This has no connection to destruction.
(3) investigate — Means to examine carefully.
This is unrelated to destruction.
(4) retaliate — Means to take revenge.
While it could involve destruction, the core meaning is “responding to an attack,” not complete elimination.
Step 3: Conclusion
Since “devastate” is the closest in meaning to “annihilate,” Option 1 is correct.
\[ \boxed{\text{devastate}} \]