Question:
Select the appropriate option to fill in the blank:
The mob was ________ to indulge in a series of acts of arson.
Select the appropriate option to fill in the blank:
The mob was ________ to indulge in a series of acts of arson.
The mob was ________ to indulge in a series of acts of arson.
Show Hint
Negative Semantic Collocation:
- Mob + Crime/Violence/Arson $\longrightarrow$ Instigated Incited.
- Positive/Creative acts $\longrightarrow$ Inspired Motivated.
- Mob + Crime/Violence/Arson $\longrightarrow$ Instigated Incited.
- Positive/Creative acts $\longrightarrow$ Inspired Motivated.
Updated On: Sep 4, 2026
- inspired
- instigated
- motivated
- animated
Show Solution
Verified By Collegedunia
The Correct Option is B
Solution and Explanation
Concept:
Semantic prosody and contextual collocation dictate word choice when describing illegal, violent, or destructive mob actions. Certain verbs share an overarching denotation of “spurring or prompting action”, but carry sharply polarized connotations:
- Positive/Noble actions are prompted by verbs like inspired or motivated.
- Unlawful, violent, or riotous actions (e.g., riots, rebellion, arson, violence) uniquely collocate with verbs having negative semantic prosody, specifically instigate or incite.
Step 1: Detailed Lexical Analysis of the Options:
- (A) Inspired: Filled with the urge or ability to do something creative, noble, or artistic; has an overwhelmingly positive connotation.
- (B) Instigated: Incited, provoked, or urged someone to commit an unlawful, harmful, or destructive action (e.g., “instigated a riot”, “instigated acts of arson”). Perfectly carries the required negative semantic prosody.
- (C) Motivated: Provided with a reason or enthusiasm to accomplish a goal; predominantly used for productive or neutral psychological drives.
- (D) Animated: Endowed with life, vigor, or spirited movement; descriptive of lively mannerisms rather than unlawful incitement.
Step 2: Contextual Fit:
“Arson” (the criminal act of deliberately setting fire to property) represents a severe violent crime. In standard English, an unruly crowd or mob committing arson is said to be instigated (or incited) by provocateurs.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The appropriate word is “instigated”, corresponding to Option (B).
Semantic prosody and contextual collocation dictate word choice when describing illegal, violent, or destructive mob actions. Certain verbs share an overarching denotation of “spurring or prompting action”, but carry sharply polarized connotations:
- Positive/Noble actions are prompted by verbs like inspired or motivated.
- Unlawful, violent, or riotous actions (e.g., riots, rebellion, arson, violence) uniquely collocate with verbs having negative semantic prosody, specifically instigate or incite.
Step 1: Detailed Lexical Analysis of the Options:
- (A) Inspired: Filled with the urge or ability to do something creative, noble, or artistic; has an overwhelmingly positive connotation.
- (B) Instigated: Incited, provoked, or urged someone to commit an unlawful, harmful, or destructive action (e.g., “instigated a riot”, “instigated acts of arson”). Perfectly carries the required negative semantic prosody.
- (C) Motivated: Provided with a reason or enthusiasm to accomplish a goal; predominantly used for productive or neutral psychological drives.
- (D) Animated: Endowed with life, vigor, or spirited movement; descriptive of lively mannerisms rather than unlawful incitement.
Step 2: Contextual Fit:
“Arson” (the criminal act of deliberately setting fire to property) represents a severe violent crime. In standard English, an unruly crowd or mob committing arson is said to be instigated (or incited) by provocateurs.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The appropriate word is “instigated”, corresponding to Option (B).
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