Replace the underlined word in the following sentence with a similar meaning word from the options given below:

The police investigation into the robbery at the ABC Mall, has revealed that the main electric supply had been sabotaged by the rebels.

subverted

The correct answer is Option (2) → subverted

• Sabotaged means deliberately destroyed, damaged, or obstructed (something), especially for political or military advantage.

• Subverted means to undermine the power and authority of (an established system or institution); in this context, it means deliberately undermining or destroying the functioning of the electric supply. This is the closest and most appropriate synonym for deliberate obstruction or destruction.

Other Options:

• Supported: Means to bear all or part of the weight of; or to give approval to. This is an antonym.

• Sugar coated: Means to make something difficult or unpleasant seem more attractive or acceptable. (Unrelated to destruction).

• Safeguarded: Means to protect from harm or damage. This is an antonym.