Question

— words
a. brash
b. bolster
c. benign
d. bewilder
e. blunder
f. belligerent
g. benevolence
h. browbeat
j. burly
k. berate
l. bough
m. brig
— definition matching

1. to bully or intimidate somebody sternly
2. antagonistic
3. strong and with a broad sturdy frame
4. self - assertive in an aggressive or rude way
5. confuse or puzzle somebody completely
6. to give strong support or foundation to, reinforce
7. to criticize
8. neutral or harmless in its effect, influence or disposition; kind
9. a serious but unintentional mistake
10. branch
11. a part of a military building or naval ship that is used as a prison
12. kindness

Explanation:

1. "to bully or intimidate somebody sternly" matches "browbeat" (H).
2. "antagonistic" matches "belligerent" (F).
3. "strong and with a broad sturdy frame" matches "burly" (J).
4. "self - assertive in an aggressive or rude way" matches "brash" (A).
5. "confuse or puzzle somebody completely" matches "bewilder" (D).
6. "to give strong support or foundation to, reinforce" matches "bolster" (B).
7. "to criticize" matches "berate" (K).
8. "neutral or harmless in its effect, influence or disposition; kind" matches "benign" (C).
9. "a serious but unintentional mistake" matches "blunder" (E).
10. "branch" matches "bough" (L).
11. "a part of a military building or naval ship that is used as a prison" matches "brig" (M).
12. "kindness" matches "benevolence" (G).

Answer:

1. H. browbeat
2. F. belligerent
3. J. burly
4. A. brash
5. D. bewilder
6. B. bolster
7. K. berate
8. C. benign
9. E. blunder
10. L. bough
11. M. brig
12. G. benevolence