Select the most appropriate word to fill in the blank in the following sentence:-
The oppressive regime continued to _____ anyone who spoke out against its injustices.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → persecute
Complete sentence: The oppressive regime continued to persecute anyone who spoke out against its injustices. An oppressive regime harassing and punishing everyone who spoke against it is persecution, so persecute fits the sentence.
| Word | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| (1) prosecute | to bring a legal case against someone in a court (it looks like persecute, but it is a lawful process, and it does not carry the sense of cruel treatment that an oppressive regime and its injustices call for) | Shoplifters will be prosecuted. |
| (2) perpetuate | to make something continue, usually something bad (one perpetuates a practice or a myth, not a person) | Such films perpetuate old stereotypes. |
| (3) persecute (answer) | to treat people cruelly or unfairly over a long time, especially because of their beliefs or views | Many writers were persecuted for criticising the dictator. |
| (4) provoke | to make someone angry or to cause a reaction (the regime is punishing critics, not trying to anger them) | Do not provoke the dog by pulling its tail. |