To complete the sentence "Insulation was fitted to _____ further heat loss from the building," we need a verb that accurately describes the purpose of insulation in this context. The correct option should convey the idea of stopping heat from escaping. Let's analyze each option:
- Guard: This verb means to protect or watch over, but it is not typically used in the context of stopping physical processes like heat loss.
- Protect: This word means to keep safe from harm, but it does not directly imply stopping heat from escaping, making it less suitable here.
- Save: While this means to preserve or conserve, it doesn't convey the action of stopping heat loss.
- Prevent: This verb means to stop something from happening, which exactly matches the intention of fitting insulation to stop heat loss.
The most appropriate verb is "prevent," resulting in the sentence: "Insulation was fitted to prevent further heat loss from the building."