To "manufacture" something means to make, to build, to create. To provide further help, "vend" means sell; "insist" means forcefully maintain something is right. 

"Rectify" means to fix or to correct. For example, one might write, "After the mother had yelled inappropriately at her child, she apologized, hoping to rectify the sitaution." So, "correct" is the correct answer.

To "dominate" means to conquer, or to "control."

To “terminate” means to finish, end, or conclude, so "end" is the correct answer. As for the other answer choices, “commence” means begin; "interject" means interrupt a conversation or other continuous communication with something one says; "linger" means remain in a place longer than expected; and “withhold” means hide or refuse to provide information.

“Optimize” means make something as good as it can possibly be, making “improve” the best synonym amongst the given answer choices. As for the other answer choices, “descend” means go down, “rupture” means break or burst; “inhibit” means slow down or prevent; and "explain" means provide details about something so someone else can better understand it.

For most people, "elect" and "election" are words related directly to the political process. We think of electing senators and presidents and speak of the next "election cycle." These meanings are not improper, but they are only a limited application of the more general meaning of "elect". To "elect" literally means to choose. When we elect a president, we choose that person. However, we can also say that we elect to do something or other. For example consider the sentence, "Peter elected to stay home instead of going out for dinner." This means that he chose to stay home. Thus, the best option provided here is "decide".

When we "probe" something, we investigate it. The noun "probe" describes a kind of scientific instrument used for investigating the details of some environment. Here, the word is used as a verb. The wrong answers each try to get you to think of things often associated with probing but are not correct. We think of probes being pushed into things, as when a probe might be pushed into a vein to test the blockage in a person's circulatory system. We also think of "probes" into legal matters when someone does something wrong. Likewise, most probings are insightful and thoughtful. Hence, "deduce" might seem to be correct as well. However, the best meaning provided here is "investigate." To say, "I will probe more deeply into the matter," means, "I will investigate the matter in further detail."

The word "degrade" comes from Latin roots meaning to go down a step. The "grade" portion of the word comes from "gradus," which means step. Something that is "gradual" is step by step, as opposed to sudden. The "de-" prefix means down or down from. It is seen in words like "descend" and "depressed." To "degrade someone" means to belittle or insult that person so as to treat him or her with disrespect. Thus, the best option here among those given is "humiliate."

You might think of the word "confine" as used in the expression "solitary confinement." This refers to a type of imprisonment that keeps someone alone in a cell for a period of time. Now, the word "confine" actually comes from Latin roots meaning within the boundaries. The "con-" prefix means with or (in this case) within. The "-fine" portion of the word is related to the English word "final", which means at the end. This comes from the Latin for "boundary." Now, when you confine something, you restrict it within given limits. Thus, you might confine your discussion so as to avoid topics that could cause an argument. Do not be tempted by the wrong answers "latch" or "fasten." While it is true that you can confine someone by placing that person in prison, these two options are too limited in their meaning. They do not describe the actual act of confining. They merely indicate the means by which you might keep someone confined.

To "acquire" something means to purchase or obtain it. Thus, you might say, "I acquired five new comic books today," or, "John acquired a whole set of the works of Thomas Aquinas." Thus, the best option among those provided is "purchase." When you acquire something like stocks in the stock market, you do indeed "invest" in them, but that does not really indicate the same thing as buying. It is a very particular kind of acquiring, so it is not a great synonym. Likewise, you might buy something at a retail store. Indeed, the word "retail" may even be used as a verb, as in, "The shirt retailed at $15;" however, this is not the same thing as the act of acquiring.