Select the most appropriate word to fill in the blank and make a meaningful sentence.

Searching frantically to find all the hidden jewels and cash, the burglars proceeded to ______ the entire house.

ransack

The most appropriate word to fill in the blank and make a meaningful sentence is:

☀ ransack

The sentence would read: "Searching frantically to find all the hidden jewels and cash, the burglars proceeded to ransack the entire house."

Explanation: The word "ransack" means to search thoroughly and often destructively, typically in order to steal or find something. It fits well in the context of burglars looking for hidden items in a frantic and aggressive manner. The other options don't convey the same sense:

• Pry: This means to force open or apart with a lever, which doesn't convey the idea of thorough searching.

• Seek: While "seek" means to look for, it doesn't capture the intensity or destructive aspect implied by the context.

• Poach: This means to cook by simmering or boiling, which doesn't fit the context of searching for hidden items.