Select the meaning of the underlined word in the sentence.
The drug’s purpose was to suppress the coughing instinct.
A.
Initiate
B.
Decrease
C.
Subdue
D.
Urge
The correct answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is C. Subdue.
Explanation:
In the sentence, “The drug’s purpose was to suppress the coughing instinct,” the underlined word “suppress” is used to convey the idea of reducing or controlling something.
Suppress means to put an end to something, usually by force or authority, and often involves restraining or holding something back. In this context, “suppress” implies that the drug is intended to control or reduce the instinct to cough. The other options are not as fitting for this context:
- Initiate (A) means to begin or start something. This does not align with the meaning of “suppress,” which involves reducing or controlling rather than starting.
- Decrease (B) means to make something smaller or less in amount. While this might seem similar, “decrease” does not fully capture the sense of control or restraint implied by “suppress.”
- Urge (D) means a strong desire or impulse to do something. This is the opposite of “suppress,” as it suggests encouraging rather than restraining.
Subdue (C), on the other hand, aligns well with the idea of “suppress” in this context. To subdue something means to overcome it, often by force or effort, and it carries the implication of bringing something under control or restraining it. Therefore, in the case of the drug’s purpose to “suppress” coughing, it means the drug is meant to control or reduce the coughing reflex, fitting the definition of “subdue” perfectly.