Select the synonym for the following word from the options given below:
CARESS
a. Torment
b. Uphold
c. Pat
d. Provide

Hint: Go through the options provided carefully and try to recall each of their meanings. Then the option which is the closest in meaning to the given word in question should be selected.

Complete answer: Synonyms are words or phrases that mean exactly or nearly the same as another word or phrase. For example- ‘sad’ and ‘depressed’.
 Two words that can be interchanged in a context are said to be synonymous relative to that context. In the given question, the word ‘caress’ refers to gentle affectionate stroking (or something resembling it).
Let us analyze the options given to us in this question:
Option (a.), 'torment', refers to unbearable physical pain.
Therefore, option (a.) is incorrect as its meaning is not synonymous to that of the given word ‘caress’.
Option (b.), ‘uphold', refers to ‘keep or maintain in unaltered condition; cause to remain or last’. Therefore, option (b.) is incorrect as its meaning is not synonymous to that of the given word ‘caress’.
Option (c.), ‘pat', refers to a light touch or stroke.
Therefore, option (c.) is correct as its meaning is synonymous to that of the given word ‘caress’.
Option (d.), ‘provide', refers to ‘give something useful or necessary to’.
Therefore, option (d.) is incorrect as its meaning is not synonymous to that of the given word ‘caress’.

Note: If you don’t know the definition of the given word and have only used it in some given context previously, then use the given word in a sentence. Substitute the given word with each word in the options and choose the word which does not conflict with the context provided by the given word.