Choose the word that can best replace the underlined phrasal verb:
The sudden jump in hostel fees frightened off many students who had planned to apply.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → deterred
A phrasal verb is a verb joined with a small word such as up, out or together. The two words together have a new meaning.
Frighten off means to make someone afraid so that they stay away or do not go ahead. Its closest meaning is deterred. Example: The long queue frightened off many people who wanted to see the exhibition.
| Word | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| (1) attracted | to make someone want to come or take part | The free workshop attracted more than a hundred students. |
| (2) confused | to make someone unsure of what something means | The new timetable confused everyone on the first day. |
| (3) deterred (answer) | to make someone decide not to do something (same as frighten off) | The steep entry fee deterred many visitors from going to the fort. |
| (4) informed | to tell someone about something | The principal informed the parents about the new bus route. |