Each item in this section consists of a sentence with an underlined word followed by four options. Select the option that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word. He could not _muster_ courage to speak the trust before his friend.

The word 'muster' in the context of 'muster courage' means to gather, summon, or bring together a quality from within oneself to face a difficult situation [1]. In military and political contexts, it refers to assembling troops for inspection or uniting parts into a whole, such as when a party must 'muster a majority' [1][2]. Specifically, the phrasal verb 'muster up' is defined as gathering inner resources like bravery or strength. Synonyms for this usage include 'gather', 'summon', 'rally', and 'assemble'. The other options—'injure' (to harm), 'spoil' (to ruin), and 'maim' (to wound or cripple)—are semantically unrelated to the act of collecting or finding courage. Therefore, 'gather' is the nearest in meaning to 'muster' in the given sentence.

Sources

1. [1] Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 84: Coalition Government > MEANING > p. 593
2. [2] History , class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 15: The Marathas > Cavalry > p. 237