Which of the following pairs of homonyms can be used to fill in the blanks most suitably? The negotiator managed to ______ the tension in the room before it could ______ into a full-blown conflict.
A.elevate, alleviate
B.diffuse, defuse
C.alleviate, elevate
D.defuse, diffuse✓ Correct
Explanation
'Defuse' means to reduce tension, and 'diffuse' means to spread out. The negotiator 'defused' the tension before it could 'diffuse' (spread) into a full conflict.
💡 Practice unlimited SSC CHSL PYQs + AI-tracked progress on each topic. Sign up free →