Select the most appropriate ANTONYM of the underlined word.

Construction plays a central role in transforming the natural environment into the built environment, and many considerations and restrictions can apply before a project is given consent to proceed in terms of how it may influence the environment.

Interdiction

In the given sentence, the word "consent" is used to convey the idea of giving approval or permission for a project to proceed. An antonym is a word that has the opposite meaning of another word. In this context, the antonym of "consent" would be a word that represents the denial or refusal of permission.

Let's analyze the options:

Option 1: "Bickering" - This word refers to petty arguments or disputes, which isn't directly related to the context of giving or withholding permission.

Option 2: "Expulsion" - This word means the act of forcing someone or something out, usually from a place or group.

Option 3: "Directive" - This word refers to an authoritative instruction or order. While it's not directly opposite to "consent," it doesn't convey the intended meaning in this context.

Option 4: "Interdiction" - This word refers to the act of prohibiting or forbidding something. It aligns with the idea of withholding permission, making it a suitable antonym for "consent."