Question

read the excerpt from \sinners in the hands of an angry god.\ the devil is waiting for them, hell is gaping for them, the flames gather and flash about them, and would fain lay hold on them, and swallow them up; the fire pent up in their own hearts is struggling to break out; and they have no interest in any mediator, there are no means within reach that can be any security to them. in short, they have no refuge, nothing to take hold of. which word has a similar connotation to the word \swallow\ in this excerpt? devour taste invite betray

Explanation:

"Devour" has a similar connotation to "swallow" as both imply consuming or taking in something completely in a forceful or destructive way, which fits the menacing tone of the passage about sinners being consumed by hell - like forces. "Taste" is a milder, more exploratory action, "invite" is related to asking someone to come or participate, and "betray" means to be disloyal, none of which have the same violent - consuming connotation as "swallow".

Answer:

A. devour