Which term means protection or support?

• A. Ambivalent
• B. Aegis
• C. Apply
• D. Assent

Answer: (B)

Protection or support is conveyed by a term that signals being shielded or sponsored. Aegis comes from ancient Greek myth as Zeus and Athena’s shield, and in modern use it means protection or sponsorship, as in an organization operating under the aegis of a larger body. That direct sense of protection or support is why it fits the meaning so well. The other words don’t capture that idea: ambivalent = having mixed feelings, apply = to put to use or request, assent = agreement or consent. So the term that most clearly denotes protection or sponsorship is the one that references a protective shield and the backing of a higher authority.