Correct Answer:
B. Incite
The question asks for the antonym of "QUELL." The word "quell" means to suppress, put an end to, or subdue something, often a feeling or a disturbance. Therefore, its antonym should mean to stir up, provoke, or encourage. Option B, "Incite," accurately captures this opposite meaning, as "incite" means to encourage or stir up violent or unlawful behavior or strong feelings.
- Option A, "Deny," means to refuse to admit or accept, which is not the opposite of quell.
- Option C, "Entire," means whole or complete, and is unrelated to the meaning of quell.
- Option D, "Reduce," means to make smaller or less in amount, which is not the direct opposite of suppressing or subduing.
Understanding the core meaning of "quell" as suppression is key to identifying "incite" as its direct antonym, representing the act of provoking or stimulating.