The most appropriate antonym of the given word DIVERGE is COLLECT.

• Diverge means to move away from each other or from a central point.
• Collect means to gather or bring together.

Therefore, the antonym of diverge must mean the opposite of moving away from each other. Of the above choices, only collect has the opposite meaning of diverge.

The other choices are not antonyms of diverge.

• Branch means to divide into two or more parts. This is not the opposite of diverge, as diverge refers to two or more things moving away from each other, whereas branch refers to one thing dividing into two or more parts.
• Divide means to separate into two or more parts. This is not the opposite of diverge, as diverge refers to two or more things moving away from each other, whereas divide refers to one thing separating into two or more parts.
• Stray means to wander away from a path or from the main group. This is not the opposite of diverge, as diverge refers to two or more things moving away from each other, whereas stray refers to one thing moving away from a path or from the main group.

Therefore, the correct answer is collect.