SAT OwlQuestion bank / Words in Context
Medical researchers are testing whether a new drug can arrest the progression of macular degeneration, an eye disease that gradually destroys central vision. The drug does not repair damage that has already occurred, but in early trials, patients who took it lost vision far more slowly than patients who received a placebo.
As used in the text, what does the word "arrest" most nearly mean?
seize
stop
detain
notice
Show answer and explanation
Answer: B
The researchers want to know whether the drug can "arrest the progression" of a disease, meaning halt its advance. "Stop" fits that meaning.
Choices A and C reflect the meaning of "arrest" used for taking a person into custody, which does not apply to a disease.
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