Select the correct option: The reforms, while ostensibly motivated by economic exigencies, were in effect a veiled attempt to dis…

Question

Select the correct option: The reforms, while ostensibly motivated by economic exigencies, were in effect a veiled attempt to dissent under the guise of austerity.

1. A. quell (Correct answer)
2. B. swell
3. C. rebut
4. D. impugn

Correct Answer

Option A — quell

Detailed Solution & Explanation

The correct answer is quell.

Key Points

• The sentence describes a veiled attempt aimed at dissent, so the missing verb must mean to suppress or put down.
• Quell means exactly that — to subdue or suppress opposition, as in *quell a rebellion*.
• The distractors fail on sense:
  • Swell — to grow larger, the opposite of what is intended
  • Rebut — to argue against a claim with evidence, which is open debate, not veiled suppression
  • Impugn — to call someone's honesty or motives into question
• Match the verb to its usual object: dissent and rebellion are *quelled*, arguments are *rebutted*, and motives are *impugned*.

Additional Information

• Verbs of suppression: quell, quash, subdue, stifle, suppress, squelch, curb, repress.
• Verbs of argument: rebut, refute, counter, contest, controvert — these concern open disagreement, not suppression.
• Verbs of attacking character: impugn, malign, calumniate, disparage, denigrate, vilify. Matching the verb to the object it normally takes is faster than translating each option.