From the words lettered A to D below each of the following sentences, choose the word or group of words as it…

Analyze the question: The question asks for the word closest in meaning to "fortify" as used in the sentence: "He did all he could to fortify the building against attack."

Explain the concept: "Fortify" means to strengthen something, especially by adding defensive structures such as walls, barriers or reinforcements, so that it can resist attack. In synonym questions, you must pick the word that best fits the context, not just any word that loosely relates.

Examine the options:

• A. defend: means to protect from attack by acting (for example, fighting off attackers). It describes the action of resisting, not strengthening the building itself.
• B. secure: means to make safe and firm, to make something strong and protected so it cannot easily be breached. This matches "fortify" in the sense of making the building strong and safe against attack.
• C. shield: means to cover or protect something from harm. It suggests putting a barrier between a thing and danger, not strengthening the thing itself.
• D. support: means to hold up or give backing. It is more about bearing weight or giving assistance, so it does not capture protection against attack.

Which fits best? The sentence is about making the building strong enough to withstand an attack. "Fortify" is about strengthening the structure, and "secure" is the closest in meaning here. "Defend" is a tempting alternative, since it relates to attack, but it is about the act of fighting off an attack rather than strengthening the building beforehand.

Answer: B. secure

Exam tip: Remember the root of the word: fort means strong (think of a "fort"). "Fortify" = make strong. When two options seem close, ask which one describes making the thing itself strong or safe rather than the act of fighting or covering. Also, always test each option by substituting it into the sentence.