Nelson-Denny Practice Test

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Enhance your vocabulary and reading comprehension skills with the Nelson-Denny test. Study with comprehensive flashcards and multiple-choice questions. Ensure your success with detailed explanations and insights!

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What is the opposite of "detain"?

Release
Restrict
Delay
Imprison

The correct answer is: Release

The term "detain" means to keep someone in custody or to prevent them from leaving. Therefore, the opposite action would involve allowing someone to go free. "Release" captures this idea perfectly, as it signifies the act of setting someone free from detention or confinement. This choice directly contrasts with the concept of detaining, which involves holding someone against their will. In comparison, "restrict" implies limiting someone's freedom or access, "delay" suggests postponing an action or event, and "imprison" denotes confining someone within a prison, which aligns with detaining rather than opposing it. Hence, "release" is the clear antonym of "detain."