In the question below choose the option nearest in meaning to the underlined word or phrase:
Despite increasingly punitive laws against hemp smoking, it is still rising at an alarming rate.
- devastating
- examplary
- barbaric
-
severe
- satisfactory.
The correct answer is: D
Explanation
The word "punitive" refers to something relating to or inflicting punishment. In the given sentence, it mentions "increasingly punitive laws against hemp smoking," indicating that the laws are becoming stricter or more severe in terms of punishment for hemp smoking. Therefore, the option "D. severe" is the one nearest in meaning to "punitive" because it reflects the idea of strictness or harshness in the context of the laws against hemp smoking.