The prime minister's speech was intended to ______ public fears regarding potential energy rationing.
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: D. allay
- Step 1: To 'allay' fears, suspicions, or worries means to diminish, put at rest, or soothe them. Political leaders deliver reassuring addresses to allay citizen anxiety during infrastructure crises. Answer: allay. Why not the others: "inflame sentiments" means to provoke, stir up, or exacerbate strong, passionate, or angry feelings; "agitate citizens" means to make someone troubled, nervous, or disturbed, increasing public anxiety; "provoke panic today" means to deliberately stimulate irrational fear or disorder among the populace.
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More Idiomatic Collocations and Dependent Prepositions questions
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