GRE Vocabulary Builder

Answer: Choice (A) is correct.

In the first half of the analogy, to obviate means to prevent or preclude. So, look for the answer choice that contains synonyms. In choice (B), to upbraid means to reprimand, not to flatter. In choice (C), to jettison means to discard, not to preserve or keep. In choice (D), to negate means to cancel out or contradict, not to reinforce or support. In choice (A), to petrify or to fossilize means to harden or to solidify.